PAINFUL THINKING

linaji

PAINFUL THINKING

sometimes we just do not choose to stop thinking thoughts that cause us deep pain and saddness. I know this to be true. One day after much help from the desire that was great in my heart to be relieved of such painful choices, I finally saw the light after many years of searching for my truth.
When I came to understand that my own choice of thoughts made me feel either good or bad I began to be conscious of my thinking and started to take full responsibility for my thoughts. What freedom I have discovered in taking responsibility for my happiness. I do not have to depend on people places or things to make a choice of a thought that feels a little better or a little worse or continue to think exactly what is causing my own pain.

It is a daily practice and I am not perfect at it. Infact I can go for a few days with thoughts that are quite painful. But you know.. it beats years of it!!
Years to months to days to weeks to hours to minutes to NOW..
I am shooting for IMMEDIATE GRATIFACATION.. TEE HEE…

PAINFUL THINKING belongs to the following groups:

Core [C.O.R.E], JPG Cast-Offs, Solo Exhibition, Soul reflections, The Healing Journey and Vibration in Art and Verse - VAVoom! Available for sale as

Greeting Cards, Canvas Prints, Framed Prints and Posters

PAINFUL THINKING by linaji
PAINFUL THINKING by linaji
  • DevineDayDreams

    DevineDayDreams

    What a wonderful image! Well captured!

  • linaji replied

    thanks so much .. appreciate your comment Daisy:=}

  • mrscarlotta

    mrscarlotta

    FREAKIN BRILLIANT GORGEOUS XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

  • linaji replied

    You are so dang wonderful Ms. CP!!! axoxoxoxo

  • ArcadiaTempest

    ArcadiaTempest

    Oh my …..........his life breathes out of the lines on his face…....the texture of this, tones you have used are deliciously amazing to me….........You have made this a stand out!!! XXXX

  • linaji replied

    Wow thank you very much!! there is a personal understanding to this piece..xox

  • coppertrees

    coppertrees

    Fantastic Linaji

  • linaji replied

    Oh thanks so much Vickie!

  • tuffcookie

    tuffcookie

    wow this is an amazing image hun! love all the details and depth. His face reflects his life!! xxxxxx beautifully captured sweets

  • linaji replied

    thanks so much TC..appreciate your comment.

  • H M Bascom

    H M Bascom

    The path to enlightenment is long and filled with stumbling blocks. Thank you for a beautiful narrative and a wonderful photograph. You help put it all in perspective.

  • linaji replied

    Amen Helen.. thank you very much!

  • Erhan OZBIYIK

    Erhan OZBIYIK

    AS I say always !!!
    Teacher !!!
    Great work , just perfect !!!

    Great Hugs Linaji :)

  • linaji replied

    Taken my bro huggies!! thanks so much!!

  • calves

    calves

    I don’t have words Lina…
    this aches in my soul…Well captured!!!

  • linaji replied

    Oh Claudia.. this is so very kind to say.. thank you very much.xox

  • silverstrummer -  David Everitt

    silverstrummer...

    Brilliant image such a soul missing out on lifes riches such a hard life shows with his lines. He must be “The Story Teller” you have definately made him stand out! – David :>))

  • linaji replied

    David.. peace.. you really see.. xoxo

  • Marion  Cullen

    Marion Cullen

    Lina, you personal insights never fail to move and enlighten me. It is such a pleasure to walk some of your journey with you.

  • linaji replied

    Marion.. I really do appreciate you.. I am so pleased you understand. thank you.

  • calves

    calves

    wise words too…

  • linaji replied

    BIG HUG..(((HUG)))

  • joak

    joak

    stunnin work pal love it!

  • linaji replied

    WELL..NOW.. I am tickled PINK!! XOX

  • Mel  Spittall

    Mel Spittall

    This is seriously brilliant Lina….the image is just…..i can’t find the words…..the depth is just beautiful…..it speaks to me even without the words….once again i must say u r one AMAZING woman!!!! thank you xoxoxo

  • linaji replied

    Mel.. been sittin on this one..thanks for this most loving comment. really do appreciate you..xox

  • DanaMS

    DanaMS

    oh Linaji… this is incredibly intense image… great words with that… I am learning.. to smile again, to be positive, to hold to all what’s good and find a joy even in those tiny things like a pound of chocolates before PMS, lol!!! It’s so hard sometimes.. and I let them go.. tears that clean my heart from dust of despair and bring light of hope… xoxox

  • linaji replied

    Dana.. what is so amazing is that your so much younger than me getting this truth eons before I did. You see there is only evolution and expansion.. and you are a perfect example of our never ending journey.. but next life… I am catchin up to YOU!!! TEE HEE..XOXOXOXOOXO

  • MyheART

    MyheART

    excellent capture and so true words although difficult at times to achieve….you can feel this:)

  • linaji replied

    OH MY..SISTER IN ARMS.. I so know what you mean.. it is daily for me.. Just last week I spent almost 2 weeks in anger and resentment against the govenment and the world and and and.. It was miserable.. then.. one day.. I said Ok.. Ok.. Universe.. since there is no death and I have eternity to work on myself.. I can just take it easy.. and so it has been better.. but like I said.. years to months.. ya know.. we know.. Love YOU!

  • colorblind

    colorblind

    you can really feel this piece
    nice indeed
    fav…..

  • linaji replied

    thanks so much Colorblind!

  • Mary Ann Reilly

    Mary Ann Reilly

    compelling image and sidebar.

  • linaji replied

    Hello Ms. MaryAnn.. xox

  • Erika .

    Erika .

    Wow amazing image and I love your message….
    “When I came to understand that my own choice of thoughts made me feel either good or bad I began to be conscious of my thinking and started to take full responsibility for my thoughts.”
    I think you just taught me something really valuable today. Thank you so much for sharing this. It’s definitely made me think about my own thoughts.

  • linaji replied

    I feel blessed.. you have given me what I am learning back.. just share and those who feel the truth in their lives will take a piece and eat it up!! teehee.. thanks so much erika15!!

  • Catherine  Howell

    Catherine Howell

    There is a lot of pain and sadness…And misery in this man’s face. Oh, and lonliness…

  • linaji replied

    yes.. I know him he lives in India..

  • Catherine  Howell

    Catherine Howell

    “loneliness”

  • blamo

    blamo

    Ouch …........ you can feel the pain …........

  • linaji replied

    time to run…. get the blood moving!!! tee hee

  • Keith Reesor

    Keith Reesor

    Very emotional capture Linaji!! :)

  • linaji replied

    yes Keith.. it was quite a moment I remember..xox

  • WayoftheWarrior

    WayoftheWarrior

    WOW

  • linaji replied

    SMILE..X

  • Lior Goldenberg

    Lior Goldenberg

    The image and the commentary are both so powerful and deep… well done!

  • linaji replied

    LIOR.. I really appreciate that beautiful blue head every time I see you here.. thank you so much.:=}

  • Care

    Care

    Great image here linaji!!..and yet again the wisdom in your words helps me gain footing on my path…thankyou! : ) xo

  • linaji replied

    XOXO SO GOOD TO HAVE YOU HOME!

  • Karen  Tillotson

    Karen Tillotson

    So well captured….so much power in the commentary…yes indeed, we choose….we always have that freedom….to CHOOSE. Beautiful work!

  • linaji replied

    HI Karen.. I appreciate your comment!

  • tkrosevear

    tkrosevear

    BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • linaji replied

    Say Sis!! thanks!

  • Susan Kimball

    Susan Kimball

    wonderful image!

  • linaji replied

    Thanks Susan!!

  • clarkey

    clarkey

    You’ve captured this man’s pain and despair so well, Lina, I can feel it very deeply. And, yet, despite his pain, there is great strength in his face, a determination to survive, to continue. I wish him well, I feel he will survive, no matter what. Your words about your discovery are enlightening, and they will provide a light for those who are open to learning, to making their own discoveries. A very sensitive shot, and beautifully written prose.

  • linaji replied

    Clarkey.. this is such a wonderful comment.. thank you. His feelings were so sad and I asked to take his picture. He lives in greece and India.

  • Joanne  Bradley

    Joanne Bradley

    What a poignant capture and a feeling that we all have gone through at certain times of our life. However, I truly agree with you Linaji, that we must take control and responsibility for our state of mind. Living a life in anger, fear, sadness, or grief, harms our psyche and makes us a prisoner of our emotions. Better to let go and move on and be in the driver’s seat! Really a sad thought provoking image….

  • linaji replied

    Thank you so very much Joanne.. this means alot to me.. you been here for all my time and I know it is because you are open and honest in how you feel that I still have a lush connection with you and your work!! xoxo

  • JenLand

    JenLand

    Lina, this is an amazingly, beautifully painful image and simply brilliant writing. And all so true. Yes, it takes a lot of practice to consistently strive for better feeling, to learn to choose to feel better. Sometimes I feel like with 2 or 3 steps forward, I fall back one. But that’s still one or 2 that have moved closer to consistent contentment. :o) LOVE this!!

  • linaji replied

    Exactly Jen.. but the amazing part is we are continuing the process cause we know there is the payoff.. more moments of relief to joy.. and that is worth the work.. Thank you so much for your imput.. means alot to me..xo

  • Farras Abdelnour

    Farras Abdelnour

    this is intense! makes one curious about the stream of thoughts running through the subject’s mind

  • linaji replied

    Dang.. did I have to cry and show you my tears before you put me on your watchlist???? tee hee.. I know your lady love keeps you mighty busy.. I miss her… andy new shots soon of our girl? xox

  • nkbellani

    nkbellani

    Choices, as always, make us what we are…IMHO…a most wonderfully humane illustration of a most common human emotion…pain…

  • linaji replied

    Kumarji .. what is IMHO? and thanks so much..

  • cathrinedp

    cathrinedp

    what a powerful image!! Very very special

  • linaji replied

    Oh Cathrine! Cheers..thanks so much!

  • RuthFroehlinger

    RuthFroehlinger

    I know exactly what you mean, Linaji. Happiness is a choice (read that on RB somewhere). I too, have gone through this process and have come to realise that my thoughts of pain and negetivity all take place in my mind and it is all a matter of choice. I have read so many books concerning positive thinking etc. and for a long time I thought that I understood it all, but my heart didn’t. But now, I know, my heart is not capable of untruths, negativity, darkness – it is ALL my mind. Actually, I have been trying to write about it – as a reply to ‘A day of today’. Thanks for your words. Concerning the image – the pain is etchted deeply….... It is really good. .

  • linaji replied

    Ruth!!!! You make a profound point.. I love it!! I thought that I understood it all, but my heart didn’t. But now, I know, my heart is not capable of untruths, negativity, darkness – it is ALL my mind.
    brilliant
    Thank you for being part of my life here… I am always so eager to see you!

  • tracyxkeema

    tracyxkeema

    the pain of life, the harshness of it all, brilliantly captured x

  • lucin

    lucin

    Masterful portrait, linaji. I have never seen a better. The treatment really works! You have made the painful thinking palatable! How I needed this lesson today. Thanks, Love.

  • jenseyes

    jenseyes

    gorgeous

  • roy skogvold

    roy skogvold

    interesting work. the slight distortion make you wonder if you see it true a reflection. He certainly has seen life and life wears you slowly down to the bone.
    Great work Lina
    ...roy

  • linaji replied

    You are genius~! exactly! xoxoxo

  • Liis

    Liis

    Firstly, this picture is wonderful! Secondly, the description is very good. I have read books how to control thinking and it really works. We are able to choose the way we feel. It’s the truth.

  • linaji replied

    Wow missed a great comment.. thank you so much Lils!! were are you!

  • Gregory John O'Flaherty

    Gregory John O...

    Great character shot, wonderful portrait…. Great commentary….. now just to remember I know that and stop dwelling on the past….

  • linaji replied

    Yes.. we love to help one another with gentle reminders.. the quality of our day right now is all we got baby.. xoxo

  • pinkyjain

    pinkyjain

    Such a powerful portrait, intense & beautiful, sad, strong, incredible

  • linaji replied

    Such a wonderful comment my dear Pinkyjain.. thanks ever so much!!

  • TeriLee

    TeriLee

    INTENSELY POWERFUL IMAGE! Your words I could not agree more with, wow…how many hours have we spent talking about exactly this huh? Love you and your thoughts! :)xoxoxoxo

  • linaji replied

    YOU AREA SOMETIMES…
    my daughter
    my mother
    my friend
    my girlfriend
    my teacher
    my student
    Let me say.. I love my life with you… so very much.xoxox

  • aspectsoftmk

    aspectsoftmk

    powerful in every aspect…creating the feeling…great work lina….how was the party saturday???..thought of you and sent you smiles.xoxox

  • linaji replied

    My Two T’s.. one after the other.. So much appreciation coming to you my dear dear friend. Saturday was absolutely perfect. I am having a ball.. but really really need to talk to you re: wed lunchen.. gonna stuff chx breast..need help.. xoxo

  • nkbellani

    nkbellani

    Oh…I’m still in the queue…

  • linaji replied

    KUMARJI.. YOU ARE LOVED.

  • aspectsoftmk

    aspectsoftmk

    i will be available tomorrow…not early …i will mail you ok..we will do chicken talk..:)))xox

  • linaji replied

    Excellent..xoxoxoxoxoxo

  • navybrat

    navybrat

    STUNNING!!!!
    truly a masterful portrait!!!
    and such a beautiful matching narrative!!
    love ya friend!!

  • linaji replied

    xoxoxoxo thanks so much Jotham.. you da BOMB Bro!

  • Anne  McGinn

    Anne McGinn

    this is so amazing in many ways – i love your writing and agree with 100% about taking responsibility for one’s thoughts….. sometimes people, perhaps like the man in this image, had other things happen to him that made it impossible for him to think well. Mental illness takes control of the brain and denies you the freedom to choose your thoughts. Poor man …. this image is touching, I feel his pain…. well done…

  • linaji replied

    Anne.. so wonderful to have your input.. really appreciate you taking the time to let me know your take and feelings.. thank you.

  • Anji Johnston

    Anji Johnston

    What a fantastic capture ~ so much emotion. I love the words you have chosen to accompany this piece, I too try and live by the same philosophy everyday.

  • linaji replied

    Anji.. this is such a wonderful way to feel a bit better.. just choosing to think a tiny bit better than what seems to be..
    Thanks so much for your input and taking the time here..

  • kjgordon

    kjgordon

    very powerful….....

  • billyboy

    billyboy

    You won’t believe what I just did… I opened a Word doc under this picture so I could look at it while writing. That’s something they should deal with on RB cause with some pictures you can’t just take a look, turn a way, and jot down what you’ve retained. Some pictures have such depth that they need to be savored while expressing what they’re doing to you… like this one.

    I understand your message cause we’ve talked about it, and it makes me happy that you’ve mastered it to the extent you’re ready to share it with us and reach as many people as you can. That’s why you knew you needed the right image. You couldn’t get the message across unless we understood the pain. I don’t know where you shot this… I get the feeling he’s in a prison. Natural daylight bathing his face and surroundings with what we would normally embrace being free. But he is not. Looks like a long suffering prisoner… but I feel there’s more to his suffering than the physical confinement inflicted on him. His matted hair shows he no longer cares about his cleanliness or appearance. His skin is pallid and loose as if preoccupation excludes nutrition… and the deep set lines in his face show us he’s been frowning for many, many years. That the deep set expression has been worked over and over every day of every week, month and year through painful thought.

    But I’ve seen lots of pictures of the mental suffrance of man… so what sets this apart and draws me into your message so deeply? OK, first of all your processing makes sure that we feel every deep wrinkle and touch every single grey hair, and that we follow the deep furrow of his eyebrows leading us up to his mottled and knotted forehead. So, amazing job making us FEEL pain of thought. But something draws me to the earrings and I had to think on it a bit… it’s like at one point in his life his thoughts were channeled to style and gratification from his peers, like he was part of a movement and he felt secure. Somehow it seems those thoughts became channeled to despair… not a result of a single event, but of a long string of wrong choices over many years, and dwelling on the consequences of each one.

    It’s amazing to me how you managed to impact such a degree of emotion into this. I feel his pain like we all have at some point… to the extent that we’re ready to listen to how you are learning to manage it. This is how religions are developed. Baby, you are on the way to illustrating your own bible. Awesome emotion, amazing art.
    You’ve SO blown me away with this.

    Now to copy/paste…then clickk the Fav button!!

  • linaji replied

    You won’t believe what I just did…. I opened a word document so I could read and reply to this most amazing piece of poetry …
    What I know is.. your perception of me is so very kind and thoughtful. I am happy you feel I can reach anyone. All my work and all my knowledge comes from wandering down the road we all learn from.. LIFE!! lolol

    The whole shot was taken in natural light and he was telling me a very sad love story. His feelings were not fresh however as he seemed to carry this very painful old story around like it is his walking waking prison indeed. He has matted hair because I suppose it is part of what he tries to convey when he is smiling, which most of the time means he has had a few tokes and a few drinks, a free man! Oh my! He loved to say how much he loved to be free!

    You are right when you say this man is suffering extensively, but not by any physical prison as you observed. If you notice his veins in his face extend out to his world at large and so it goes… how one thinks.. And so it shall be. I am glad I got to find a way though experimenting with my tools of PS, how to convey this message.

    I did over exaggerate his wrinkles but not by much! What I find so amazing from your observation is that he did have a rather lavish life. (your earring observation) It is simple now but he did make quite a bit of money in his time. I imagine the same Billy, that as with most of us it is not one thing that brings down the house of cards but many things one after the other.. Oh.. like Law, Law of Attraction. That which is liken to itself is drawn.

    I used over 20 layers for this.. and did not know where I was going for quite some time, then I stopped and looked at the original pic and remembered the man. I think my art will always come from my own shots. When I finally take a PS class in the fall I will play with stock shots for studies.. but it is the shot that always wins out for me, my own shots.
    I am btw..NOT DEVELOPING A RELIGION!!!! How you slipped that in is is so damn cute.. Fear of a set of laws that sound too easy to be true? As how you think.. so shall your life be? Not a religion but a formula of what makes the Universe tick and expand eternally.

    When I chose this shot I did not know a thing, in other words, I had no preconceived notion of what this was going to convey… no purpose…NONE.. As is with all my work. I just take a shot and start to flow… and then the image starts to talk to me. … So I do not know how to do a series unless a series calls me.

    I am sticking to this, until I feel I can do otherwise, otherwise, I might get a little nervous and for me …for the first time in my life, I found something that comes to me as naturally as being in love comes to me.. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh. heART… you just can’t beat it!!!
    Now… copy/paste and hope you don’t fall asleep reading this!!! lololo
    PS.. thank you for the FAV!!

  • jacqleen

    jacqleen

    Besides the Fact that YOUR post and treatment here is just SUPERB….but You Also Have Captured the EXPRESSION and the FEELING here so PERFECTLY…...WOW….just STUNNING!!!! xx

  • linaji replied

    My goodness.. I am so humbled after visiting your PF.. thanks so much Jacqleen..

  • ambient-1

    ambient-1

    Wonder work linaji! Words and image! Kudos!

  • linaji replied

    wow missed a sweeeet comment.. thanks from long ago to the now of a smile!!

  • Jerri Johnson

    Jerri Johnson

    So brutally honest…this photo makes a huge impact on the viewer. Wonderful p-processing!!

  • linaji replied

    Jerri.. hope all is well.. I see I missed much here one of my favs.. just checking in using this piece to do so with all the greats like you my dear!! xxx

  • Casey Herman

    Casey Herman

    OK, so many comments in just 1 day … maybe that’s why your haunting image hasn’t featured so far. I’m guessing it will, soon though!! Goodonya!

  • linaji replied

    Hi Casey.. you were right!! below.. just checking in and thanks from long ago to NOW!

  • nkbellani

    nkbellani

    IMHO means “In My Humble Opinion…” ok luv, sweetheart, ........?

  • Adam Bykowski

    Adam Bykowski

    I saw this show up in the lower right corner of my bubble page and it grabbed me. The postition of his head looking down like that and his expression told me that you captured something special. You caught the essence of his soul in this image. Very well done.

  • linaji replied

    This is a while ago Adam.. but it gave me an opportunity to see the beauty you capture in your work.. thank you for stopping in!

  • Farras Abdelnour

    Farras Abdelnour

    well, dear, i could not possibly allow myself to be the reason for the tears of a woman. having said that, i m actually off to new york next weekend, and i sure will be photographing “my lady” :-) will keep you posted.

    xoxox

  • Ushna Sardar

    Ushna Sardar

    great work linaji! xo

  • linaji replied

    TOTALLY HONORED.. MS. SARDAR ji!! smile…xox

  • Shanina Conway

    Shanina Conway

    Fabulous work Lina and a wonderful story…great work hon;)

  • linaji replied

    Hi Shanina.. thanks so much always an honor when you stop in!!! xo

  • Lucindawind

    Lucindawind

    wow excellent capture! sad to see isnt it !

  • linaji replied

    xoxo thanks so much…

  • Ciska

    Ciska

    What a fantastic character with so much emotion and your story is soooo sooooo true, I have been there, and it’s getting so much easier, I actually switch off while painting, I get into a world of my own, my spiritual side, and can be there for hrs….without my knowledge, till the dogs bark or the phone rings…

  • linaji replied

    you must excuse my late reply Ciska.. this comment was so wonderful.. thanks so much for your visit!!

  • dmarie

    dmarie

    awesome capture…true emotion…just when you think you have it bad, you see someone that is worse off… well done :-)

  • KatsEye

    KatsEye

    Wow what some powerful words. But it is very true. You captured the true emoting. Excellent.

  • Katya Lavorovna

    Katya Lavorovna

    Wonderful image – and words. I can relate so very much. I’ve been there. I am there.

  • Heloisa Castro

    Heloisa Castro

    great capture

  • Nicole Goggins

    Nicole Goggins

    great portrait! i like your (HDR?) processing here, quiet fitting for the type of portrait, it’s certainly does help actuate the characteristics in his face and the sadness. well done :-)

  • linaji replied

    Omg.. Nicole.. your work is staggering AMAAAAZING.. sorry I missed this comment.. would you mind checking out our group…
    VAVoom would love your HDR work!! and you!

  • Scott  d'Almeida

    Scott d'Almeida

    wonderful image

  • Karin  Taylor

    Karin Taylorcommunity helper

    ah, very thought provoking linaji!
    wonderfully captured :)

  • Antanas

    Antanas

    great job

  • helene ruiz

    helene ruiz

    wow! what a portrait…..

  • VintageXposure

    VintageXposure

    nicely said, terrific emotion/details/capture.

  • Junior Mclean

    Junior Mclean

    very nice!!

  • Sharon Mau

    Sharon Mau

    This page is a good read!!!

    I resonate with your wonderful essay and insightful commentary on a spiritual level.
    Happiness is a choice. We create our own reality and that which we focus on we give power to.
    Your image is thought provoking and saturated with emotion. It is a powerful portrait!!

  • * RoyAllenHunt *

    * RoyAllenHunt *

    ”....I can go for a few days with thoughts that are quite painful. But you know.. it beats years of it!!
    Years to months to days to weeks to hours to minutes to NOW.” Brilliant photo and brilliantly thought out words. I love the dialog between you and billiboy.

    Thank you to you and the hosts of Freedom in Words for featuring Bridges.

  • DanaMS
  • Margaret Harris

    Margaret Harris

    I really liked what you said about our choices in life and I think your photograph says a lot….Thankyou!!

  • Lois  Bryan

    Lois Bryan

    incredible, incredible image … and your words … oh, honey … how very, very true!!! I live it as well … it’s sooooo easy sometimes … and sooooo hard sometimes. But it does work!!!! Bless your heart … I’m glad you’ve found the secret, too!!!!!!!!

  • BarbaraManis

    BarbaraManis

    This is such an incredibly intense and emotional capture. Love your words too. I try to live by those words and actions also. Thank you for sharing!

  • Béla Török

    Béla Török

    Brilliant work, Lina!

  • billfox256

    billfox256

    What thoughts and memories are hidden behind that time worn face! This is really a great photo. Bill

  • gabryshak

    gabryshak

    thank you for sharing your heART

    click on sign to see features!
    ♥t

  • Ryan Jones

    Ryan Jones

    This is a very moving image. I think we can all recognize this place. It’s beautiful to be there…for where it allows us to go.

    Thank you for the inspiring accompaniment of words. Linaji, all of your work clearly serves something greater. Congratulations on making a way for that “something greater” to shine through. Very glad to have found your site.

  • linaji replied

    I am so taken in by your kind comment as well as your bio and work. It truly is a pleasure to meet you Ry and thanks for the inspired piece right off the bat!!

  • Pamela B

    Pamela B

    Always wise words of wisdom from you Lina. Such an emotive, beautifully sad image which brings reflection and gratitude to my heart. Thank you for all you do for all of us.

  • NordicBlackbird

    NordicBlackbird

    that is brilliant work, lina! Congrats on your features!!!
    xoxoxo

  • megrag53

    megrag53

    nice image, Linaji.

    What shall we say?
    Shall we stay
    in a place in time
    where we are victims?
    Shall we make excuses ?
    In the darkness.
    Or shall we make plans?
    Shall we take
    the road less travelled
    finding our way?
    looking ahead
    Into the light.
    Life is hard sometimes.
    Rejoice in hardships conquered
    Knowing they make us stronger.
    What is joy without sadness?
    Pleasure without pain?.
    It’s not how many times you fall
    but how many times you get up.

    Thanks Linaji
    I seem to always find inspiration in your work.

  • Rachel Williams

    Rachel Williams

    The impact of this photo is tremendous .It makes me think.

  • valzart

    valzart

    Aww this is enchanting sweetheART soul searching stuff! love it! ;} happy hippy hugglez

  • Seth  Weaver

    Seth Weaver

    What a marvelous face that seems etched with every mile of his journey through life.”Life is what you make it and you can make it worth the try”...an old song lyric.

  • Robert Armstrong

    Robert Armstrong

    Absolutely fantastic capture! Excellent work!

  • linaji replied

    Wow Robert I am so pleased you like!! thanks so much!

  • x- pose Klaus Wanjek

    x- pose Klaus ...

    Very strong, intensive work!!!

  • linaji replied

    Hello wonderful x-pose thanks so very much!!

  • Lindsay Berman

    Lindsay Berman

    wonderful image. As it has been written and lived by many before us, the true enlightenment is just to “be” in the now.

  • linaji replied

    for me the practice is light hearted finally.. I forgive myself easy these days.. and stay in the emotional journey.. you know …
    either it feels good or it does not!! your intense simply structured (jam packed) poems remind me thus.

  • RosaCobos

    RosaCobos

    It was hardship.
    Contained in any face line,
    overflowing the consecuence of feelings.
    It was thoughts flooding and myself witnessing.
    No more thoughts to these ones.
    They appear, and feed my ego.
    My essence….
    revolting consequence….too
    of printed consequences….of living.
    No owning any of them,
    behind, musing elements of hunger.
    The earings tinkle in my left brain,
    alerting my shadow form of being.
    Powder …..unthinkable joy,
    of a mere breathing.
    When hunger is biting my core.
    Rosa (such a good portrait, Lina….love the treatment, heavy dusted, hard to the limits. Love)

  • Spraven

    Spraven

    Wow, it took me long to get here, lol

    I Love this shot friend, And whatever you done to it,
    It’s f*ing awesome!!!!

  • joyousmoon

    joyousmoon

    Beautifully emotional! Congratulations on your feature!

  • linaji replied

    Gosh eons have passed but I wanted to thank you Pam!

  • John Fish

    John Fish

    wonderful portrait. I’m so glad I read this the first thing this morning. I tend to feel victimized at time and forget that I am the one choosing to think what I’m thinking. there is so much freedom in that. I can still choose to focus on pain and sadness, but as soon as I realize that it is my choice then I can’t blame the world and be a victim because it is my own choice. Thank you so much

  • linaji replied

    John you just made my morning too!! Such a day by day minuet my minuet process.. I like to share cause I remind my self once again.. that I am only one thought away from relief!!

  • wigs

    wigs

    very emotional image…makes me stop and think and appreciate what I have….

  • Unseen

    Unseen

    Painful repercussions are evident in this magnificently poignant portrait. I have been viewing this for a few days now and each time see something else that adds to the enormity of the pain. There are no words needed. One can perceive everything very simply and relate to the intensity of his gentleman’s pain emphatically. Congratulations Linaji for your feature, but more importantly well done for drawing our attention to the plight of many people in this gentleman’s situation. Wonderful work! I hope you are well? Thinking of you!Sx

  • linaji replied

    Well I will be… Just amazed.. I am so glad I did not see this comment untill today. For it has made my day and when i find I need your bight shining self the most.. I appreciate you and the comment you made is simply incredible .. I am honored little birdie.. that you dropped by.. xox

  • fullcirclemandalas

    fullcirclemand...

    having lived with clinical depression for all my 48 years of life, I know that it is my mind that creates the thought I then choose to listen to… or not… unfortunately with me, its a brain injury with no cure and so I have had to learn to live with the thoughts that run rampant through my mind… but there are so many tools to help one learn to live and love and enjoy the fleeting beauty that is life – and this is one that you have given us, both in words and image – for what is art, or creativity, but the soul speaking to the world – THIS IS ME!
    simply the best way to heal is to create…
    thank you for allowing us into this mans grief and pain so that we know we are NEVER alone:) blessed be:)

  • Tainia Finlay

    Tainia Finlay

    Gosh I was bowled over by the image and your utterly honest heartfelt words in describing this man and your ability to choose your state of happiness … then I started reading the responses and am even more blown away!

    You have touched hearts and opened a sunbeam for many.

    Congratulations on your very well deserved accolades. Outstanding.

  • linaji replied

    Wow Tainia.. thank you for this.. and it was such a pleasure to go through some of your work this morning.. now that I have a mo’!

  • Steven  Sandner

    Steven Sandner

    Brilliant portrait!

  • brigusser

    brigusser

    Truly amazing…..

  • walela

    walela

    This is so wonderful and so true!

  • Wayne Cook

    Wayne Cook

    Could not have been better captured nor titled….great statement…

  • Colleen Farrell

    Colleen Farrell

    Wonderful portrait-so expressive! Great description, too-I wholeheartedly agree. :)

  • digitalmidge

    digitalmidge

    This is one of the best things I’ve ever seen..

  • Hans Kawitzki

    Hans Kawitzki

    A very sad and emotional image I wonder what this man has gone through in his life time and by judging his face he still seems to be young

  • linaji replied

    Hans.. I appreciate your words and your view. This is such an exciting time for me and to have you here just thrills me!

  • -Lilith-

    -Lilith-

    Well, everything is already said… A wonderful image. This face speaks!

  • Devalyn Marshall

    Devalyn Marshall

    WOW! Beautifully shot!

  • Veroniquedidi

    Veroniquedidi

    Very powerful!

  • kenspics

    kenspics

    BRILLIANT image and text linaji!!!
    The depth of his pain… etched upon his face ….for all to see…... yet such power and strength of character as well!! Some can hide their pain and despair well for awhile, but always …the face…the look,....and the eyes never lie. I rejoice in your discovery that you can choose happiness over sadness. It seems so “easy”... but I know for a fact that this is an ongoing art that requires practice as you mention. Bless you in your choices!!! Thank you for sharing!!!!

  • linaji replied

    Sweet Sweet Ken.. you bet this is all ongoing.. today I thought I would literally pass out from my painful thinking.. so I got to moving around and writing the pain out then went to work and found great joy there.. I value your comment Ken and you in my life. xoxo

  • arteology

    arteology

    very intense and love the words you wrote

  • kenspics

    kenspics

    Have do share this with you!!!

    Maybe you have other plans. . . ================================

    I woke up early today, excited over all
    I get to do before the clock strikes midnight.
    I have responsibilities to fulfill today.
    I am important.
    My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.

    Today I can complain because the weather is rainy, OR…
    I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.

    Today I can feel sad that I don’t have more money, OR…
    I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan
    my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.

    Today I can grumble about my health, OR…
    I can rejoice that I am alive.

    Today I can lament over all that my parents didn’t give me
    when I was growing up, OR…
    I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.

    Today I can cry because roses have thorns, OR…
    I can celebrate that thorns have roses.

    Today I can mourn my lack of friends, OR…
    I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new
    relationships.

    Today I can whine because I have to go to work, OR…
    I can shout for joy because I have a job to go to.

    Today I can complain because I have to go to school, OR…
    eagerly open my mind and fill it with new tidbits of knowledge.

    Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework,
    OR…
    I can feel honored because the Lord has provided shelter
    for my mind, body, and soul.

    Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped.
    And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.
    What today will be like is up to me.

    I get to choose what kind of day I will have!

    Have a GREAT DAY my friend

    OR…

    maybe you have other plans.


    Author Unknown

  • linaji replied

    KEN!!! CAN YOU FORGIVE ME???? I JUST SAW THIS FOR THE FIRST TIME.. AND I AM DEEPLY DEEPLY TOUCHED!! thank you so much my friend.. you are aaaaaaamazing .. just what I needed to day.. perhaps that is why I did not see till now.. this is wonderful Youa re wonderful.. and I think your sending this to me is AWWWWWSOME.. OH.KEN.. YOU ARE SUCH A CO-CREATOR IN MY LIFE HERE!!~ my God I so Love you!!! xoxoxoxoxo

  • veritasunsaid

    veritasunsaid

    HOW HAVE I NOT SEEN THIS BEFORE!!!
    LOVE it!!!
    Incredible capture with equally incredible words
    im in awe

  • linaji replied

    Hi Veritasunsaid.. I am so sorry..for some reason from Ken..above you and I have known him since I been bubbleing .. and now downwards… i have not sen this wonderful comment. I just got though reading some of your amazing and soulful pieces ..infact I featured one.. So sorry.. i am not this lax but I know I was away for a bit so perhaps that is when I got lost.. thanks so much!!

  • JuliaWright

    JuliaWright

    Great work

  • linaji replied

    Julia.. I am thanking you from miles down the line!! but thanks!

  • Maureen Maliha

    Maureen Maliha

    Terrific

  • Barbara  Brown

    Barbara Brown

    Wonderful!! There is so much to contemplate in this image!! So many stories to tell

  • dvande1

    dvande1

    very moving indeed!

  • linaji replied

    thanks so much Dvande!!

  • A. JILL GAEBEL

    A. JILL GAEBEL

    I guess, after scrolling and scrolling past all the wonderful comments you’ve gotten, you don’t need to be told what a supurb portrait you have in this. It is supurb, though. And, I like what you’ve said with it. It’s a Truth.

  • vadim19

    vadim19

    Brilliant work! Very emotional!

  • genaro1

    genaro1

    Very nice work

  • MarianaEwa

    MarianaEwa

    Absolute brilliant Lina. It looks so real. Fabulous work.

  • shadyuk

    shadyuk

    Stunning Portrait !

  • Prasad

    Prasad

    Exceptional!!!

  • Robyn Bohlen

    Robyn Bohlen

    ok…WOW…as I was slowly rolling my way down to this box to let you know how much I loved this image, I was even more blown away by the depth of the comments left by your friends here….Truly amazing that one picture and the prose along side it can reach down and clearly grab your heart like it has to everyone above me…..and now mine…I usually photograph things that don’t look back at me….(no portraits I mean ;) I came to say hello to you this morning while I’m sipping my coffee and was totally captivated. Glad I saw this in the morning ( I think someone else noted that somewhere up there…lol…) but it’s true. Once the day gets going…things get crazy busy sometimes and I might have missed this…you know..not stopped and lingered here. I’m so glad I did..
    It’s really an amazing piece… really good work, linaji xxx

  • tuffcookie

    tuffcookie

    3 casue i’ve alwasy loved it :)

  • colorblind

    colorblind

    i finally was able to create the label for featured pieces
    AND YOUR PIECE WAS ONE OF THEM THAT WAS FEATURED
    SOME TIME AGO….

  • ForestGirl

    ForestGirl

    Brilliant shot ..reminds me alot of so many people around here … the hair, the face … a story that does not need to be told by words as it is written on his face … bloody awesome!

  • Tridib Ghosh

    Tridib Ghosh

    AWESOME Linaji!

  • Tridib Ghosh

    Tridib Ghosh

    Loved the HD!

  • DKart

    DKart

    What an AMAZING portrait :)

  • attentionlapse

    attentionlapse

    optimism makes me sick. good picture though

  • csujit61

    csujit61

    fine piece of art, great !!!

  • Stephen Thomas

    Stephen Thomas

    Great candid portrait!

  • RonnieGinnever

    RonnieGinnever

    Wow, this is excellent – so much feeling and compassion!

  • Larry Llewellyn

    Larry Llewellyn

    S P E L L B I N D I N G … Instant fav!

  • Meeli Sonn

    Meeli Sonn

    Great

  • Elizarose

    Elizarose

    Amazing work!

  • photosbyflood

    photosbyflood

    This is an exceptional image and the words that go along with it really tell a good story/. Sometimes the choices we make have become so ingrained its like second nature and it becomes our comfort zone. Thank you for these thoughts. Patrick

  • CanyonWind

    CanyonWind

    Superb shot and words. You are getting blessed.
    POP’s

  • Crowmanic

    Crowmanic

    A powerful example of where not to go … There is a man who lives on and around the streets of Adelaide, who I’d swear was this man’s twin!! ... I would often cross paths with him when I worked for several years in the CBD … as an aside, your photograph reminded of a similar piece I’d done some time ago

    I have meetings and conversations with folks who live such as these guys reflect, way too often. Few of us do the best we can to make their lives a little less tragic … thanks for the sharing

  • linaji replied

    Crow.. I see I never pressed reply.. hope you came back and got my appreciation for this image!

  • linaji

    linaji

    Wow fantastic work Crow!! your story touches my heart.. thanks so much for sharing your experience. I just feel we all are doing what we will and for that is enough. Life is never finished and never done and I believe this so strongly that when I see people like this Me too.. find it easy to converse and allow for their journey.. Really amazing work Crow. xx

  • imageofpix4u

    imageofpix4u

    Beautiful,Soulful. I have trouble shooting the urban street scene, esp people. I could never draw faces correctly, until I discovered I had a block about SEEING people’s faces. This shot reminds me of a songs lyrics (The Pilgrim Chapter 33)
    “See him wasted on the side walk, in his jacket and his jeans, wearing yesterdays misfortunes like a smile.” “Once he had a future full of money love and dreams,,,that he spent like they were going out of style. He’s a poet and a preacher and a problem when he’s stoned” ’ He’s a walking contradiction, partly truth and partly fiction, taking every wrong direction on his lonely way back home.” If you’ve never heard the song,,,it is worth a listen. The shot is perfect.
    Oh and congratulations on the feature.

  • linaji replied

    Alex.. I am so sorry I missed this thrilling comment by you. I love your direction with your suggested music and will go find and take a listen. I so appreciate the time you took to write me and express what my work made you feel and think about.. Thrilling is a word I use sparingly.. thank you much.

  • C J Lewis

    C J Lewis

    Linaji this is a wonderful portrait shot … very strong and you have captured this man’s inner reflection so very well … fabulous work :)

  • linaji replied

    Oh darling CJ.. you are my heart of hearts!! I so appreciate you!

  • AlexandraG

    AlexandraG

    Amazing Capture my friend so well done xx

  • linaji replied

    Having you here Alexandra and critiquing my work thrills me to no end.. much appreciation to you .. x

  • Rachael Comisari

    Rachael Comisari

    Power of Now perhaps?

  • linaji replied

    Rachael.. I saw Echart Tolle in India for 7 days..only 100 people at this gathering.. one of his last.. Yes and now I am teaching the Law of Attraction… most of my works and some of my poems are about the law that for me has become the culmination of all my teachings since a child. I am more fluid and joyous knowing I can choose to think a better feeling thought at any time of my day.. in the NOW.!!

  • Rachael Comisari

    Rachael Comisari

    Just finished reading ‘by the river piedra I sat down & wept’ by paulo coelho … If ur into Tolle U would love it linaji! :)

  • Barbara  Brown

    Barbara Brown

    Wow! You have captured the soul! there is so much character and untold stories here.

  • Jan Timmons

    Jan Timmons

    Ah, moments of joy, in the now. A sensitive portrayal here, in your art and through your words, Lina. Lovely of you to share both!

  • Mui-Ling Teh

    Mui-Ling Teh

    The emotions are well conveyed. Some emotional scars do not go away; but does not mean we can’t search for the light.

  • linaji replied

    thank you and yes I do agree!!

  • Danica Radman - Tazzina

    Danica Radman ...

    this photo deserves long comment
    too much in it + breathtaking text
    love you, be bach on this
    wow – let me not correct Bach here, he does belong … so very much
    :)

  • linaji replied

    Love you Tazz.. your such an amazing Soul.. just having you here makes me so happy.. your words inspiring and generous!

  • TheWanderingBoo

    TheWanderingBoo

    wonderful image

  • Neophytos

    Neophytos

    Everything that is possible to express on a sensitive image like your Masterpiece lina ,has already been done ,and beautifully done so too ! ..but the most sensitive thought belongs to you ,for seeing the image in the first place ..Bravo !!

  • Roddy Atkinson

    Roddy Atkinson

    Excellent capture and treatment, powerful portrait work!

  • linaji replied

    thanks so much Roddy!!!

  • Ingz

    Ingz

    my goodness Linaji…this is so powerful in every way xxx

  • Brae Lebren

    Brae Lebren

    wow wow wow… this guy is about to jump out of my computer screen it’s so real. great capture!!

  • Sinisa Saratlic

    Sinisa Saratlic

    Love this shot, Brilliant !

  • Andrea Ida Rausch

    Andrea Ida Rausch

    Yes, it is an impressing portrait, tells so much!
    About the responsibility of our own thinking, I want to add this:
    Quote:
    “The optimist is not much more right or wrong than the pessimist, but his life is much more joyful!”

  • linaji replied

    I shall add to the side bar… tis a lovely quote as are YOU!! I am going out but am so excited Andrea.. this day feels so good!! thanks for adding this to my world!! Hugs!

  • Andrea Ida Rausch

    Andrea Ida Rausch

    Here are some backhugs, Lina Dear!
    Well…....it is a quote of …I don’t remember whom…..but it is not “origin Andrea”, haha
    Have fun, wherever you are going!

  • Moshe Cohen

    Moshe Cohen

    Very powerful and emotive work Lina,
    and yes, we can control our thoughts.
    We have the choice to feel good.
    That doesn’t mean we can allways feel good,
    bad things can happen, and it’s OK to feel bad sometimes,
    as long as we know it’s temporary situation, and we will feel good again.

  • lianne

    lianne

    This is so stunning Lina – so moving. What amazing depth you’ve captured in this image. Powerful – as is your writing.

  • Moshe Cohen

    Moshe Cohen

    This is very powerfull and emotive portrait, but what makes it really outstanding is the narritive, foundemental truth.

  • Nascha

    Nascha

    Always profound Lina. We definitely can choose painful or happy thinking. I have some extremely negative friends which I tend to avoid as I cannot handle their negative thinking and the way it tries to suck me into the void of despair. I often have experiments on myself with my thoughts and my reactions to my thoughts…..a sublime day when I found I could create my own nirvana through my thought patterns. xxxx

  • Adrena87

    Adrena87

    Powerful brilliance in image and writing… Bravo, linaji!!!!

  • Tenee Attoh

    Tenee Attoh

    You are so truly talented and gifted wonderful work achieved, stay blessed :)

  • RakeshSyal

    RakeshSyal

    JUST OUTSTANDING, I am speechless, wow!

  • linaji replied

    Coming from you I am very please Rakesh Syal Ji..

  • ellcot

    ellcot

    GREAT work of art! and the words are full of compassion and hope. Thank you for sharing this wonderful work!

  • linaji replied

    wow that is such a wonderful comment Ellcot!

  • LINDA JONES

    LINDA JONES

    This piece moves me..I LOVE it

  • RajeevKashyap

    RajeevKashyap

    Fabulous Work

  • Dave  Corn

    Dave Corn

    Strong, moving, and Most Excellent Photography…..very compelling words too!!

  • BLYTHART

    BLYTHART

    I don’t think life has been kind to this man. Wonderful photo.

  • lukasz79

    lukasz79

    Summarizes what I felt for weeks now… excellent photo but the writing is what put it down. We control our thoughts and the beating of some of ‘em can be that visual (as the pic).... very inspirational philosophy n health. TY.

  • rodeorose

    rodeorose

    I even enjoy the way you think….mastering the inner surf I call it sometimes. Love your work.

  • Banin Jafar

    Banin Jafar

    Oh my God, this is sooo beautiful linaji!!!!!

  • warmsoul

    warmsoul

    Great capture of emotion. Love the tones and the texture.

  • Alexander King

    Alexander King

    wow i love this … like reading a book.

  • Christie  Moses

    Christie Moses

    Truly powerful image and words. You speak truth and wisdom in your words. I like to beleive we indeed have a choice in the thoughts we think. After all, they are our thoughts aren’t they? Anyhow, when I start feeling painful thoughts coming on I start writing and purge my soul so to speak and then they start to recede. I Love this Lina :) xoxox

  • linaji replied

    Arn’t we LuckY??? to write and to tell our soul it is heard. This week was very special for me this way. xxxx

  • Katri Lumi

    Katri Lumi

    Beautiful!!!

  • linaji replied

    Katri.. thanks so much

  • David  Hibberd

    David Hibberd

    If ever a picture was worth a thousand words, this is it. Bravo!

  • linaji replied

    Wow David!! much thanks for your view and wonderful words!!

  • Oldrooz

    Oldrooz

    Brilliant capture, oozes emotion and character.

  • Danceintherain

    Danceintherain

    Wow … this thinking really does look painful.
    Amazing capture. * Coy *

  • Satyriasis73

    Satyriasis73

    amazing capture. reminds me of a man i knew growing up. powerful image. words are perfect. =)

  • DebraLee Wiseberg

    DebraLee Wiseberg

    Outstanding work!

    Debra

  • Rebeladdict

    Rebeladdict

    Perfect.. In this very moment, PERFECT!! xoxo

  • May Lattanzio

    May Lattanzio

    Drop dead gorgeous. I just love this.

  • Alex Gardiner

    Alex Gardiner

    I see the image,it is very creative. More than the image though ,I see your tremendous insight . You state your thoughts now very clearly and simply, that is what will get through to us. Thank you for shortcutting the route for all of us and from now on my thoughts will be positive and although I love everything around me and enjoy all of life at the moment; your advice ,your thoughts will be the icing on the cake for me. Thankyou “Here’s tay yea—There’s nane like yea”
    Alex

  • jmcJMC

    jmcJMC

    you have it ,spot on,

  • restlessd

    restlessd

    WOW! (just a tiny word) but WOW – your words with this image are so thought provoking. Congratulations on the discovery of this new way of thinking… If only we could learn when we were younger… If only we could teach this to our children in a way that they could understand it.
    I guess, only living can truly teach us to let go of our allowance of others controlling how we feel and react. As you say, it is a daily effort to be conscious of our thinking and to start to take full responsibility for our thoughts
    WOW again, see what your one image and your words have done? They have made me think. . . Thank you!!!!
    ♥Rhonda

  • linaji replied

    Rhonda.. I am so late in reply..but I am honored and thank you so much for this amazing comment. You said it all right back to me and I appreciate this everytime I read, write or hear ….relief! Empowering to know we own it all!!

  • Junior Mclean

    Junior Mclean

    interesting effect

  • linaji replied

    thanks so much Junior!

  • Silvijo Selman

    Silvijo Selman

    excellent :)

  • linaji replied

    Hi Silvijo..thanks so much!

  • saseoche

    saseoche

    This an awesome and amazing work my friend i love it very well done!

  • Paulette x

    Paulette x

    Excellent capture and edit :)

  • Sherri Nicholas

    Sherri Nicholas

    Linaji..I think these are wonderful works and you certainly picked up the horror and pain of these poor men and that kind of life, what so often comes from war and other things in life. It made me so sad, I could feel their pain..and I really mean felt their pain..who knows these 2 men may have been a doctor attorney but something went wrong on journey of life.so dear Linaji…you did one heck of a job..I am originally from Chicago and I once drove thru Maxwell st..and saw
    all these people laying on the street others in boxes..oh how sad it was..I will never forget it..just like I will never forget these great photos..Sherri

  • WorldizaHustle

    WorldizaHustle

    Wow! This is amazing.

  • Andy Mueller

    Andy Mueller 26 days ago

    That is an INCREDIBLE image! WOW …. Provokes emotion!

  • Jean M. Laffitau

    Jean M. Laffitau 1 day ago

    Strong and excellent image!

  • Scott  d'Almeida

    Scott d'Almeida 1 day ago

    outstanding

  • madworld

    madworld 1 day ago

    Absolutely beautiful image, his face is incredible and so well lived in. Nice work

  • Paulette x

    Paulette x 1 day ago

    Wow excellent capture and textures :)

  • MauRícia Fotosdamau

    MauRícia Fotos... 1 day ago

    Nice work!

  • Cherubtree

    Cherubtree about 22 hours ago

    Love your words, so true! This illustrates this so well..you are a Master at this Lina!xoxo

  • JudyBJ

    JudyBJ less than a minute ago

    wonderful character portrait and very emotional

Add your comment

You need to login or signup to add your comment to this work.