Through a Glass Darkly is a metaphor for a distorted point of view of oneself and life on this side of death, but certain events can open the veil and allow one a slightly clearer vantage point. For me that event came in the form of a prolonged illness. As illness reduced the functionality of my physical form - suffering became acute - yet beautiful. Over the next several years, I didn't ask “Why me?” Instead, an intense sense of limited time made me want to know “Who am I really at my core?” and "How does my essence relate to others, the planet, and even the universe?” As months ticked by, an inner aliveness came to the forefront of my consciousness and a deeper discovery of my true essence began to emerge. At one point my physical weakness sent me to my bed for weeks, it was then I realized I was becoming a whisper of a human - a living ghost. With these feelings, I started contemplating the Japanese concept of Wabi-Sabi of blurred edges and combining that with a series of self-portraits. I wasn’t interested in relating my physical form to the viewer, instead I wanted the viewer to (as much as possible) get a glimpse of my essence or soul. As I began to make this series, the places where these essence portraits were taken was essential to the concept. I didn’t choose places based just on aesthetics, instead the settings were chosen based on a personal connection to that place either through memory or spiritual significance. As this photographic study took shape, I saw myself as a transcending blur between the physical and spiritual worlds; an intertwining of me, the world surrounding me, and beyond. I believe this connection is fundamental to all life and yet is mysterious and often elusive. Some call such experiences an awakening, an opening of a higher level of conscience, others call it salvation, others think of this as transcending. Whatever vocabulary one has in attempting to convey this mystery, I believe this connection is fundamental to the wellness of all life. Although we may struggle finding the words to express and convey such murmurations of the soul, I believe it is important to share. Sharing helps us and others find connection to one another; which, in turn, helps us to be at peace with ourselves, whatever higher source of life one believes in, other humans, and all forms of life on this planet and beyond.