unbound

i am currently taking a class through the abbey of the arts called eyes of the heart, photography as contemplative practice. yesterday while i was out walking with my camera, a cedar tree caught my eye because of the interesting lumps and bumps in its trunk. as i drew nearer, however, i saw that the unusual formations had been caused by barbed wire that had been wrapped around her years ago. i was grieved to the core, and received this image as a stark reminder of the cruelty and suffering that exists in this world. i could not get the image out of my mind, and longed to see it transformed in some way. this morning, while looking again at the photograph, i saw a figure in the bark - it looked like a woman dancing, as one released from bondage. i offer this mandala in the hope that one day all who are in bondage (in whatever form that takes) will be released from their suffering.