Recently we spent some time up on the Kapiti Coast. The weather was perfect and once the heat began to ebb from the day we went to explore the walk along the Waikanae river that is accessed from the Otaihanga Domain.
When we had young children and when my mother lived near this spot we spent many happy times there.
The Domain is a very large flat grassy area which is perfect for ball games and for children running and playing. It is circled by many leafy trees such Weeping Willows which provide shade and opportunities to climb. It also has the benefit of being a more sheltered spot from our trade mark winds. Many people picnic there. And I see from the link to Otaihanga Domain that there is now a very impressive children’s playground.
The river forms the boundary on one side of the Domain and allows for paddling and dabbling and swimming if there is enough water in the river.
Across a suspension bridge is a path to the left which leads to the beach or other branches which can lead to places we have yet to explore.
To the beach. Kapiti Island in the distance.
My eye was drawn to the light on the water as we crossed over the bridge.
And then as we moved down the river pathway.
A Pukeko family were drawn to the water to dabble casting their own effects on the water and the light playing on it.
I felt freed from the many pressing challenges that have been part of my daily life for a long time as I watched the light and its interplay with the water. It is impossible to know what the exact dynamics were but that added to the mystery which attracts. And if it was the water playing with the light or the light playing with the water it did not matter in the least as the flow of both was so soothing and relaxing.
This quote from artist James Turrell, that popped into my email inbox minutes before I began to write this post, has added an even more interesting dynamic for me to reflect on deeply.
I mean, light is a substance that is, in fact a thing, but we don’t attribute thing-ness to it. We use light to illuminate other things, something we read, sculpture, painting. And it gladly does this. But the most interesting thing to find is that light is aware that we are looking at it, so that it behaves differently when we are watching it and when we’re not, which imbues it with consciousness. – James Turrell
ordinarygoodness 
What a peaceful area, and I’m not at all surprised that you came across more birds! The pukekos look very happy.
It is a lovely area to relax in. There was a large flock of seagulls having a bath in the river further downstream and they were certainly altering the light on the water.
What a lovely area. Light on water is always magical but I have never thought of light being imbued with consciousness. Intriguing.
I think this belief is based on quantum physics and I am pretty sure some conventional science people are sure that the simply act of observing anything alters the thing. Mind bending stuff.
I’ve just been reading about the electromagnetic field emitted by our hearts ( shown on machinery that measures this) so we touch others from our hearts as the field reaches out a way from us. The heart has 10,000 of its own neurons in our brains too. I love neuroscience and all these learnings.
Wow, that is amazing. So much to discover and learn.
Life long learning is a good thing….but so much to learn about as you say.
Love your photos, Lyn, and the words that you added at the end. Very interesting thoughts about consciousness, I am still pondering them. I have been reading about the law of attraction recently so this is quite relevant!
Thanks Jo. The light was great that evening. There are some impressive books out there now about quantum physics and the ever expanding universe.