Embracing the Imperfections of Purity

We often say white is the absence of color, or praise the “pure white” of a traditional wedding gown or cumulus clouds. Looking at this image of a horseman and the steed upon which he is dependent for transport in the harsh Himalayan region where he lives and works, my initial thoughts were remembering the purity of his connection with the horse. Their bond is evident in the touching of their foreheads. Their quiet, co-dependent strength emanated powerfully within this one elegant gesture.

All of which led me to think about purity and love. We might think of “pure love” in the same way we think of “pure white.” But a white cloud or dress when lit by different sources can display shades of alabaster, or the infinite hues of primary colors red, blue, green, and yellow that manifest themselves in pink, purple, orange, gold, aqua, evergreen, amber, gray, brown, and more.

So too, does pure love hold within its familiar curved frame many shades and shadows. The love between this man and this horse, like love relationships between any two people, is a spectrum of experiences. Within the two heads touching and the colors on display, the spirit of the season is culminated. There is celebration, there is the suggestion of love at the highest level, there is a message of enlightenment and there is room for growth, for discovery.