Wednesday, October 26, 2011

The Rhythm of the World



When the world seems a little more than just frayed around the edges, it helps to have a reminder of its inherent goodness, and to be carried away once again by its rhythmic beauty. Yesterday, my friend, Jeff (often referred to as JB), sent a reminder in the form of a video link that knocked my socks off. It's the trailer for a series by the BBC called, "Human Planet." It's an astonishing view of life and the best 3:33 I've spent in a long time. I'm betting you'll feel the same. If you've already seen it, perhaps you'll find it worth another look. The link takes you directly to the video where you can watch it on an expanded screen in HD. You won't be disappointed. Really. I think I can even promise this.




The same stream of life
that runs through my veins
runs through the world
and dances in rhythmic measure.


It is the same life
that shoots in joy
through the dust of the earth
into numberless blades of grass,
and breaks into tumultuous waves
of leaves and flowers.


It is the same life that is rocked
in the ocean cradle
of birth and death,
in ebb and flow.


My limbs are made glorious
by the touch of this world of life;
and my pride is from
the life throb of ages
dancing in my blood this moment.

~ Rabindranath Tagore, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature for 1913


http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=2HiUMlOz4UQ&vq






Photographs by Timothy Allen. On his website, you'll find a link to a slide show of many more beautiful images from this series, plus some interesting advice about following your "enthusiasm."

http://www.humanplanet.com/timothyallen/2011/03/thank-you


26 comments:

  1. Oh I have seen this series and it is absolutely wonderful! Stunning photography and amazing how adaptable and clever the human race can be. time well spent. :)

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  2. Hello Teresa:
    Absolutely amazing. Wonderful photography and so thoughtfully and carefully edited to provide a series of outstanding contrasts. And, yes, it does all help to restore one's faith in humanity.

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  3. Hi Rita, I love how you are always game for trying my links and such. I appreciate it, and your enthusiasm for life is contagious! Big Hug!

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  4. I love documentaries; they're often the best thing on TV! I'll be watching for this series to appear on TV.

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  5. I have seen it and wow was it stunning
    - about to watch Frozen Planet tonight- new BBC series which promises to be amazing also.

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  6. Gorgeous video. It's a good reminder that there are still lots of humans living in harmony with nature, and in places where nature is pretty harsh. Will they inherit the earth after those of us in the most developed areas use up the available resources? Or will they disappear, too? Dark thoughts after such a beautiful piece.

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  7. Jane and Lance, It's so beautiful, isn't it? a stunning look at life around the globe.

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  8. Ms. SPARROW, I agree. I'm a documentary watcher, too.



    AVRIL, Frozen Planet sounds intriguing, as well. Thanks for visiting.


    NANCY, It always amazes me to see the resiliency of humans around the globe under what we see as harsh conditions.

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  9. Wow! Did this ever get my attention!! What a beautiful video...I'll definitely want to watch this when it's aired. Thanks so much for posting about it.

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  10. Cheryl, Isn't it an amazing video? Good to hear from you!

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  11. You are always finding wonderful things to share with your readers. Thank you for this! :-)

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  12. Ah, the oneness of it all--what great poetry.

    I tried to watch the video, but my connection is such that I watch for 15 seconds and wait for 30. It looks great and hopefully some day I'll find it on DVD.

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  13. Well, thank you, DJan, I'm glad you liked it. It was just too good not to post.



    Rubye Jack, That buffering thing can be a pain in the you-know-what. Yes, the Tagore is perfect, isn't it?

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  14. Ok, I'm hooked. This is really fascinating and I can't wait to see it.
    I'm a photographer and this is what I live for...Seeing places that I will never, in my lifetime, have the opportunity to see.
    Thanks for the heads up...

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  15. farmlady, Fascinating stuff, isn't it? Some of the most beautiful images I've ever seen. You're most welcome!

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  16. Human Planet was indeed a wonderful series - and there is more where that came from as the BBC last night launched a spectacular new wildlife series called "Frozen Planet". Keep a look out for it when it crosses the pond.

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  17. I can well imagine how wonderful it will be. I certainly shall keep my eyes open for it. Thanks!

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  18. While we examine the painted bodies and piercings, I wonder what they think of us in our seed corn hats and jeans.

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  19. Thank you for posting this. The thread of commonality runs through all humans but our geography is so diverse. It comes down to "Play with the hand you got dealt." And people do. I watched this last night but didn't comment and then saw it again this morning. I can't find the words to describe it. Where do you think that waterfall is located? Amazing.

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  20. Steve, Certainly we must look odd to them, and I can see why. :)



    Manzanita, The waterfall is Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall in the world, It's in Africa on the Zambezi River. It's also considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. There's another youtube video of this particular spot and they describe how these men were taught to fish there by their grandfathers, a place where they are safe from predatory animals. Takes your breath away, doesn't it?

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  21. Fabulous. The human connection to the planet is intricate and rapidly becoming a lesser known part of our spiritual existence. It is refreshing to look at the relationship we can have rather than the one we generally do have. I learn so much from you. Thanks.

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  22. "...the relationship we can have rather than the one we do have." Yes, Perfect, Bill.

    And I from you. Thank you.

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  23. Oh thank you for this wonderful link. The poem too . Thank you.

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  24. I'm Going Off At A Tangent A Wee Bit.....But It Makes Me So Sad That the BBC is constantly under government threat here in Britain When you consider the Quality Of So Much Of Their Programming.

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  25. JOAN, You are most welcome.



    TONY, Not a tangent at all. We have the same situation here with PBS. It's constantly under threat of extinction due to a more conservative element at the helm, and it's a shame as the programming there is far superior to what's on the mainstream channels.

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