Who we are & why we are

Welcome to the gallery site of Broken Light Collective. We are artists of all levels and abilities who are affected by mental illness. We create and we share our work for the therapeutic benefits to us, as well as others who may be struggling and feeling scared and alone. Together we can move from disconnected to collective.

Photo taken by first-time contributor listen to the babe, a woman who has suffered from anxiety since the age of seven. Her first depressive episode occurred when she was in her thirties. She has since had three major depressive episodes, with each episode lasting a few years. With the help of cognitive behavioral therapy, and a stubborn nature, she has resisted the downward pull.

About this photo: “This photo was taken somewhere down south in Thailand. I was recovering from a depressive episode, the most recent one and the most hurtful yet. I had taken to reading books on Buddhism to better understand and soothe the cycle of pain. The sight of monks often made me feel cheerful and I liked taking pictures of them. I suppose they represented hope. This photo of monks’ robes on a line was cheerful but in a different way. It reminded me that monks weren’t special, they were just like me; they took off their robes, showered, and put them on again. They had to work at it. Just like I had to work at it. Some days, you need to see that it’s hard for others too.”

Find more at listen to the babe.

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**Visit Broken Light’s main gallery here ▸ Now a 501(c)3 non-profit! Please donate here.

*Facebook & Twitter @BrokenLighCo & @DanielleHark. Follow for e-mail notifications.


7 responses to “Monk’s Robes”

  1. Hank shaw Avatar
    Hank shaw

    Very nice image and a great story behind it

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Jeanette Clawson Avatar

    Lovely sentiment well captured.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Mary Strong-Spaid Avatar

    It’s true. I hadn’t thought about this before.
    Not one of us can get around doing the laundry!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Britta Avatar

    oh I do love this. to me it’s a very soothing image.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. listentothebabe Avatar

    Thank you— for the likes and the kind words.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. bluebrightly Avatar

    I love your photo and explanation. Such an important insight, and a wonderful way for it to happen. Take care!

    Liked by 1 person

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