Entering Obscurity #1

by Elizabeth Tillar

Title

Entering Obscurity #1

Artist

Elizabeth Tillar

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Photograph - Photograph

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"She had been inclined in this peculiar way since childhood although it took her many years to uncover its origin. Yet she was still rather young when it became clear that her unsought avocation was her real destiny. A steady stream of individuals had crossed her path in search of something she possessed. They all sensed in her a gift, which often felt more like a curse, and were drawn to it like a bee to nectar. She specialized in empathy, Einfuhlung; sure, she had other remedies at her disposal, yet taking on an illness through compassion was second nature to her and still the best approach she knew. She had been 'twice-born', as they say in ancient Indian lore. Having nearly died at twelve from a searing fever, she was refashioned in the blinding light of ultra-consciousness. For twenty years the gift lay dormant, awaiting her emergence into adulthood. Then, around age thirty-two, she met a monk who had left his chosen path; he recognized her spiritual bent and pointed her in a direction that would eventually prove quite fruitful. But, first, she had much to do to prepare herself for the work that lay ahead.

Even while still honing her skills, she never turned anyone away. The brokenness of life was her teacher, each meeting an 'assignment' undertaken with fortitude. Some were arduous and painful; others less so, but there was always the necessity of self-emptying. She read voraciously, studied the great masters, endeavored to rid herself of selfish motives, and corrected her mistakes assiduously as she learned her craft. Few, if any, ever realized what was happening; they often thought they were helping her instead, and indeed they did, for in mutuality lies healing. She wanted to work incognito; it facilitated the healing process to be as unobtrusive as she could possibly be. As long as transformation occurred, she was gratified, seeking nothing more than that in the end.

Some of the villagers thought her merely eccentric. She lived on the edge of town near the grove of trees that shaded her from the glances of the idly curious. She had little need of companionship as time went by; except for the occasional company of beleaguered strangers, she passed her days in contented solitude. Then, one day, someone appeared who shattered her accustomed expectations. He was deeply sick and burdened by the pain of repeated treatments; so world-weary was he that she had to delve deep into herself to find a point of departure that might serve him well. He was the challenge of a lifetime, and she resolved to meet the exigencies of their fortuitous meeting. It would test her ingenuity and patience to the precipitous edge of what she could endure...."

-- Elizabeth Tillar, 'Entering Obscurity to Open the Peacock's Iridescent Eyes': A Novella (2016)

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July 4th, 2016

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