Photography and Words, Rachel Byrne.
Notes on Success.
Our earth is an expression of the sum total of every human, animal and plant that has existed here. This is particularly evident in our human world – we are born, we make our mark, and then we leave. A prime example of leaving a very visible and physical impression would be someone like Thomas Edison; inventor of the light bulb. This invention completely changed the way we live. He died in 1931, but his impact has vividly superseded him. However, his legacy is often viewed through a very simplistic and physical lens of success. He was successful, but at a cost that is only fully apparent today.
Edison’s lightbulb can be observed through many lenses; the holy trinity of positive, negative and neutral. It was an incredible invention – a symbolic and monumental moment for the potential of science, electricity, humanity and the human brain. The light bulb benefits us all greatly, by giving us control over when our environment is bright. It has led to millions of other discoveries and inventions. As a photographer, I use studio lights almost every single day. If I was having open heart surgery, I’d much prefer a lightbulb to be the source of light over a soft and vulnerable, ambient candle flame. However, artificial light keeps us up late; it interrupts our circadian rhythm and it most likely causes us to work harder than is natural. (Maybe the reason for said open heart surgery?) Just imagine the amount of CO2 saved if we didn’t use lightbulbs or any kind of artificial light. Artificial light is central to life in our modern world, but is modern living really the source of our inner peace?
We give considerable weight to the physical mark we leave on the world. But I’m realising with age that to become the true master of our inner selves can be a more potent and honourable legacy – just as meaningful as what we physically build and leave behind. Often more.
We give considerable weight to the physical mark we leave on the world. But I’m realising with age, that to become the true master of our inner self can be a more potent and honourable legacy – just as meaningful as what we physically build and leave behind. Often more. Mastering one’s inner self can look like this; attempting to get to know ourself and our many blind spots. Becoming aware of our emotions and the things that are likely to trigger emotional reactions. Becoming fully responsible for the healing of our trauma. Learning to respectfully draw clear boundaries. Expanding our capacity to show love and understanding to ourself and others. Figuring out how to be respectful to people we find difficult to be around. Understanding and mastering our dark side. Remaining clear and calm during confrontation. Attempting to understand ourself and the world around us more. Being comfortable with being brutally honest with ourself to the point where we can realise and admit when we are in error (this is a particularly tough one, but strangely liberating).
Perfection is yesterday’s goal. Today’s quest is for harmony and equilibrium. Noticing and enjoying them when they are in front of me.
It can often involve some amount of pain to arrive at this point, but to become more skilled at any one of the above is to truly begin to make the world a better place. Mastering one’s inner self is not as obvious or as visibly noticeable as inventing a lightbulb, or building a company, but to develop this type of relationship with one’s self is incredibly powerful in its impact on our understanding of who we are, our sense of peace, and on the world around us.
The older I become, the more I turn my attention towards myself; closely and neutrally observing everything from my behaviour patterns to questioning the wider implications of my goals, and the true motivations behind my pursuits. I have found that close observation and being brutally honest yet empathetic towards myself, are powerful tools. Perfection is yesterday’s goal. Today’s quest is for harmony and equilibrium. Noticing and enjoying them when they are in front of me.
Growing older is a process of clarification if we allow it.
Best,
Rachel
