Key Concepts: Richard McSweeney, meditation, mental vacation, Champs-Élysées, Paris, Anne Frank, Blondi, photos, power of meditation, relaxation, peace, serenity

Come away on a mental vacation with Richard McSweeney and enjoy a moment as he meditates on two famous photos. You can use your mind to get away by meditating on other photos, natural landscapes or even objects. Let the power of mediation bring you peace, relaxation and yes even better health.

A Meditation on two Photographs in an Antique Shop Window

Have you ever found yourself stopping in front of an antique shop, gazing at an old photograph or painting?

I don't know how it has come about to be, but suddenly I am finding myself walking down some narrow quiet street in Paris, just off the Champs-Élysées. The sun is shining with a lovely warm breeze playing with the leaves in nearby trees, and the waters of a fountain. I happen upon a quaint old antique shop called "La Chanson de Vivre".

Two framed old black and white photographs standing next to each other on a shelf are gazing out at me. One is of a beautiful young girl, and the other of a noble dog. I know these two visitors from the past.

And in their gazing are they saying to me, "Meditate on us, and come to know what life for any one in any place and time can be."

And in mediation am I now finding myself.

Anne Frank was born into a particular family of a particular religious belief, and who with finding themselves in the wrong place and at the wrong time were looked upon as a threat to society.

Blondi was born into a well-favoured litter, and given as a gift to a politically very powerful man, who showed a tremendous affection for her.

The girl loved to write, and from her thirteenth birthday onwards she kept a diary. But no sooner had she begun to write, than her whole world was turned upside down.

The dog was his favourite companion; went with him nearly everywhere. But more often than not, in his mountain hideaway, she would be found patiently waiting for his return.

The young woman was confined in a hideaway behind a bookcase for almost two years; day and night living in fear of being found.
 
Betrayed!

Away from the back room; imprisoned and sent by train to a realm of hell.

Misinformed!

Away from the mountain retreat; confined to a bunker beneath a shattered city.

Died in early March 1945 by orders from on high--within days of that odious realm being liberated. And Anne believing that her entire family were no more of this world.

Died on the 30th April 1945 by orders of her beloved master--within hours of that stuffy bunker being given the light of day. And Blondi not knowing that her four lovely puppies would also be given over to the same fate as she.

A full life denied that special girl for she being born into a particular family, in a particular place, and at a particular time.

A full life denied that faithful dog for she being given as a gift to the most powerful man in the world at that time.

Anne would have loved Blondi (and her puppies); Blondi Anne, for they were of an innocence and beauty that is common to those who love from the heart. And Adolf, not knowing otherwise, might have been pleased to see how these two friends got on so well together. And Anne too, not knowing any better, would have been very happy to see how well he took care of his dog.

Wondering why life is as it is...

Oh, I find it strange living on this planet; so many difficult things to try and figure out. Incongruities are everywhere within and about me to be found.

And, I am now with having to take my leave of these two still-gazing-at-me old photographs; taking my leave of the "La Chanson de Vivre" antique shop, and returning instead to the wide open spaces of the Champs-Élysées.

Richard McSweeney living on the beautiful isle of Eire (Ireland) is a happy practitioner of the ancient art of self-originating artistry; delighting in giving written shape and form to the integrity of the individual voice. Visit his website.