In his excellent book, The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows, John Koenig creates words by using combinations and fragments of Greek words to convey specific emotions. One such word is kairosclerosis: "the moment you look around and realize that you're currently happy - consciously trying to savor the feeling - which prompts your intellect to identify it, pick it apart, and put it in context, where it will slowly dissolve until it's little more than an aftertaste."
As a visual storyteller and lover of nature and words, I consciously try to capture and savor moments that resonate with me and others, ideally becoming more than a dissolving aftertaste. But I also enjoy picking the moment apart, and putting it in context.
"Awake the Morning" is an ongoing collection of sunrises I've savored around Lake Tahoe.
Sunrises represent an awakening, not just from sleep, but emotionally as well - a choice to approach a brand new day with more vitality, contribution, and awareness than yesterday.
For some people, like Nicola (pictured above, seemingly oblivious of the frigid water), it’s a moment of clarity and grace.
For most people, it’s a fresh start to get on with it and bring the morning to life.
“There was always a million sparkles on the water... like that mountain lake. It was so clear, Jenny, it looked like there were two skies one on top of the other.” ~ Forrest Gump
As the morning comes to life, we can’t help but feel an intense connection with nature and a deep sense of gratitude.
“Welcome every morning with a smile… Today will never happen again.
Don't waste it with a false start or no start at all.” ~ Og Mandino
Running with Koenig's method, a word that better describes the feeling I get when I witness something mysterious and beautiful with camera in hand, is kairokoinonia.
The Greek word for sublime or opportune moment is kairos + the Greek word for sharing or contribution is koinonia.
The great lesson here is to never go too long without experiencing a sunrise. Let the joy sneak up on you. Savor the moment and go with that splendor into the day.
***
I’m Michael Kennedy, Olympic Valley, CA resident, married to Nicola Kennedy (in photo above). I’m a writer, photographer, lover of nature, and property caretaker. I just want to say thanks for your attention - I appreciate it in such a noisy world. If you enjoyed it, please share with others. It means a lot to me and it helps others see the story.
If you're interested in owning any photos in my gallery, call or text me at 530.608.9150 with inquiries. My email: michael.kennedy999@gmail.com.
Comments