The Journey

Along the contemplation journey, sometimes the wandering leads me to places I never wish to go. But growth comes from these corners.

The choices made steer me to some form of enlightenment about myself or my situation, if I choose to persevere on the path of self-betterment.

The koi and the legend surrounding it symbolizes this perseverance towards enlightenment. In this composition, the figure releases them (My being pisces influenced the number of kois in this depiction), marking the start of the journey.

The single tear rolling down the figure’s face expresses the price this journey will demand of a person. The issues and comforts one would need to pry from white-knuckled grasp can be excruciating but necessary.

The Bird of Paradise, planted on either side of the arched entryway, signifies the celebration of embarking on this journey.

No matter how difficult this journey promises to be, to usher in a new era of one’s self, this road needs to be traveled to fully know one’s self and the place one holds in this world.