returning home

In my last post, I spoke about how I find editing my images to be a meditative process. In recent years, the concept of mindfulness as achieved a broader appeal and acceptance, although it is an ancient practice.

The art of mindfulness is turning our attention to the present. It is about being here and now rather than drifting into memories of the past or fantasies of the future. It does require practice and dedication to master the art of raising our self awareness.

I wanted to share with you a technique that I have been using lately to practice mindfulness. At first it is about being mindfully aware of what it going on around you - hearing and seeing our surroundings (as if for the first time). Then, gently draw your attention inwards, become aware of your physical space, and quietly observing the natural flow of breath.

One of the techniques suggested by Thich Bhat Hanh, Vietnamese Buddhist monk, peace activist and poet, that that on the inward breath mentally form the word "arriving", and on the outward breath mentally form the word "home". These words become a guide and when you try it you will notice that your breath starts to settle into a peaceful and calm rhythm.

... arriving ... home ... arriving ... home ...

You are then able to open your mind to observe the flow of thoughts, feelings and experiences in a calm and balanced way with greater clarity and presence.

What I love most about this exercise is that you can practice this technique anywhere: on public transport, doing the housework, driving in the car etc etc.

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Flying Solo Technique 082365 : We return home when we return to ourselves.

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writers block

It hasn't been the easiest of days but I had to keep my nose to the grindstone with a mountain of editing after a full weekend of shooting. I am so fortunate that there are aspects of my work that I find very meditative which is the state I achieve when editing images without disruption. With another three major events scheduled for this week, I know that I will have to keep on top of all the post production work.

Today is also the first day, that I am at a complete loss as to what to write, or what the theme of today's post should be about. And that is OK, a daily project like a 365 needs to have its own challenges from time to time. Inspiration will return, but until then I will share another free verse written during a more creative and inspired time.

Moonbeams and Sunbeams

Feel a feeling

See a sight

Riding a moonbeam on a sunny day -

Imagination stretched across the seas, from heaven to hell

Existence therein is only a part of the Reality I perceive

Within my brain

Blown away by a drug that's not cocaine.

Can you see past my shell?

A fragment lies on the beach, over there.

If you tread carefully so

Maybe you can catch me

Before a wave breaks upon the sunbeams

Beating down on a sandy shore.

A rose petal fallling down, burning brown

In the dying clay of my forsaken body.

But,

A temple of doom living in my head

Pounds out images that could quickly destroy

That fleeting feeling

Of slipping, sliding down

On a silver thread in a golden shower.

With a tormented sound

(my muscles are aching)

A bubble bursts from the bud of a rose

A mandala swirls,

Clouding an image already dying.

Gnarled and twisted the trees seem,

(Oh, how skeptical I must be!)

Where the birds are fighting to be free

to soar past eternity.

The dragons snapping at their heels

are enjoying cannibalistic envy.

(a portrayal of my destiny?)

The bubble bursts, setting a man free

diving into cool, cool waters

of a calm, potentially turbulent sea.

I watch all this from a mind's eye

Ready to escape

With a moonbeam in my pocket

and the sun shining from my eyes.

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Flying Solo Tip 080365 : When we struggle against the natural ebb and flow of life, we will surely drown.

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immersion

The weekend of tradition continued today. One of the great advantages of being a freelance photographer, is that you find yourself in new and different situations and get exposure to different cultures and traditions. I was totally immersed in Greek culture today, with a 5 hour shoot at a Greek christening.

I love the atmosphere of big scale celebrations and from my experience the Greeks know how to do it in style. No detail is left unattended. There is also no shortage of photo opportunities either.

I am so glad that I had caught up on all my editing from last week, as there is now another fresh batch from this weekend's events to be reviewed and "developed". However, they will all have to wait until tomorrow morning - I am totally exhausted.

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Flying Solo Tip 080365 : Immerse yourself in the cultures of others to appreciate and celebrate the richness of life.

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