When we were kids, we would frequently have family picnics. We’d get together with our big family and spend a whole day in nature - eating, napping, running around like bear cubs, doing theatrical improv, playing the guitar and singing, laughing, and sharing our food with passing strangers. At the end of the day, as we’d get ready to head back home, every single one of us would have to participate in the cleaning process. On my father’s strict orders, the surroundings had to be spotlessly cleaned before anyone could leave. He’d even make us pick up the garbage left behind by other families. My father would not tolerate even a tiny toothpick be left on the grounds. That was the kind of love and respect he had for nature and that’s how he taught us to be. Therefore, I am not surprised when I see his breathtaking photographs of the landscapes and mountains of Armenia. His love for nature shines through his art.
Even though he hasn’t told me this, I know that my father privately thinks walking among the mountains as the equivalent of his spiritual practice; it is his devotion to God. He regularly bathes his soul with the wisdom of the astonishing Armenian landscapes, the intoxicating fragrance of the thyme, and the life sustaining energy in the atmosphere. That is what he wants to do, that is what he does, and that is what’s bestowed upon him by the universe.
Happy 70th birthday dear father. Your mind is timeless and more brilliant than ever. The more time you spend contemplating nature, the more time life gives you to do whatever else you want to do; and you selflessly give that time back to your people by contributing diligently to the growth and well-being of the future generations. You do that with heartache and passion; you do it without expecting anything in return. Your heart is open to everyone therefore your heart is full of vitality. Wild flowers grow from the depths of your heart.
You’re a singular example to your students, your children, and your grandchildren. Their love for you is as big as the limitless sky. They are fortunate to have a mighty grandfather who is full of life, who is loving and kind, intelligent and creative, and has so much love and connection to the surrounding environment. That’s the best example that anyone could be for their grandchildren.
I suppose, you could not do all that you do without the universe obediently co-conspiring with you – giving you the way. But why does it open-up to you so effortlessly? Because you innately understand your basic inseparability with the universe, and because of that, you are able to command the air, the water, the earth, the fire, the ether and shape them to your will.
Thank you for all that you give us. You are a remarkable human and It’s because of you that your grandchildren shall one day walk among the mountains of their fatherland and religiously bathe their souls with the wisdom of the Armenian landscapes.
God bless you dad.
Opmerkingen