Seeing with Open Eyes: A Tale of Gratitude and Photography

October 17, 2023

As I ventured through my home, I made intriguing discoveries that would aid me in meeting the course's ongoing practices of mindful photography. It felt as though there was a reciprocal interaction, almost as if different aspects of my surroundings were beckoning me. This sensation was profound. On my part, I emanated a sense of openness - sourced from the belief that if I truly needed something in the present moment, it would find me and reveal itself to me. However, my mind grappled with the possibility of such a phenomenon. It whispered doubts that things wouldn't just appear out of nowhere, that I wouldn't find anything useful, and that I would be left waiting in darkness for an extended period without any glimmer of light or solution. But my commitment was unwavering. I decided to set aside all preconceived notions and approach the course and what it whispered and demanded of me as if I knew nothing previously.

In this mindset, I embarked on the journey of mindfulness photography. I entered a new inner space where everything could be possible. I was willing to look at and discover the potential of things. It was a space where the ideas that visited me were fresh and optimistic, resonating with simplicity, creativity, beauty, possibility, openness, courage, and compassion. I had the sense that my higher self spoke to me through the spirits of the things around me, and through the feelings in my heart—feelings of love, pleasure, joy, innocence, and possibility.

The fundamental attitudes of mindfulness, such as a beginner's mind, curiosity, acceptance, and trust became more than just concepts. They transformed into the very lenses through which I started to view the world around me. I began to recognize the world's duality—light and dark, contrasts and opposites. These were not to be feared or ignored but celebrated and appreciated as part of life's intricate tapestry.

My newfound connection with these attitudes shaped my mindfulness photography. I slowed down to truly see the play of light and shadow. I appreciated the simplicity in the most complex scenes, finding a sense of calm in the chaos. I let go of judgments and preconceived notions, allowing my intuition and imagination to guide my lens.

The Look Again framework resonated with my newfound approach. It encouraged me to see not only with my eyes but with my heart and soul. I embraced the holistic approach to photography and tapped into the inquisitive part of me, exploring the depths of intention and identity, unleashing my imagination, intuition, and insight. It was an invitation to see the world with new eyes.

As I reflect on this journey, I find myself deeply grateful for the shift in perspective that mindfulness photography has brought into my life. It has enabled me to see the beauty in contrasts, appreciate opposites, and embrace the light and dark, not just in my photos but in other aspects of my life. My commitment remains strong, and I look forward to a future where I continue to explore the possibilities, always guided by the spirits of creativity, compassion, and joy.

In the following sections, let's discuss the photographic experiences and the images that capture the essence of light and dark, contrasts, and opposites in your mindfulness photography journey.