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Showing posts from November, 2023

Authorized to Be Me: Embracing Inner-Authority through Mindful Photography

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  In the whimsical world of self-discovery and mindful photography, I find myself donning the hat of a "Mindful Photography Facilitator". After completing the Look Again Mindful Photography Facilitator program, my mind has become a canvas where new ideas, like vibrant blossoms, paint the landscape of my thoughts. As I embark on this creative journey, I'm learning that there are no limits to the mind. It's a space where my thoughts converse with other inspiring minds, and even with the divine. The mind, when given the freedom to speak to another, or to God Himself, can mold itself into anything my heart desires. Recently, someone asked me, "What do you love to do?" An easy and open-minded puzzling question, right? :))) I woke up today initially feeling shut off from the world around me. However, after a few hours of intentional breathing, non-reactivity, and letting the energy flow where it needs to, a new vista opens up in front of my mind's vision, and ...

Bridging the Gap: Navigating Dreams and Connection Through Mindful Photography

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  As I sit down to reflect on the journey of the past eight weeks in mindful photography with the Look Again community, a profound realization strikes me – the immense value I find in alignment, community, and connection. Surprisingly, these elements appear to outweigh the importance of offering mindful photography services at this moment in my life. It's a shift in perspective, a recognition of a deep-seated need to simply be among "My people". This introspection prompts me to ponder the gap that seems to have grown between my current state and the vision I initially set out to achieve. What is this feeling of separation from my dream, my mission, my community? How do I respond to it, and how do I position myself in relation to it? In exploring these questions, I find solace in the realization that the value of connection and community is paramount. It's not just about the services I offer but about the shared passion for mindful photography. It's about being sur...

In Search of Vital Harmony: A Journey into Mindful Photography

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  "I feel electricity.” a line from a movie I love - Billy Elliot - I deeply recommend it - captures a sentiment that resonates within me. Sometimes, I feel the electric warmth coursing through my entire being when I create or offer something uniquely my own, something that resonates with the essence of my soul. It's a sensation that makes me truly live life to the fullest, tuning into a vital force that brings a sense of completeness and heightened clarity. Why do I take pictures? Because I love to. And love heals - another great line, I forgot where from. I love to capture beauty and share it. I'm curious what kind of beauty do you see around you, hear, touch? Tell me about yourself – who you are, what moves you, what makes you feel alive, electric, as if your entire body is inhabited by life and, at the same time, as if you no longer exist, and your body is elevated by life, flowing smoothly and naturally. Drawing inspiration from the film Billy Elliot, a movie that dee...

Nourishing the Soul Through Intentional Retreat Into My Inner World

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  In a world filled with external and internal distractions, the risk of losing oneself amid the chaos is ever-present. The constant pursuit of desires, judgments, and preferences can lead to a scattered existence. It is within this context that mindful photography emerges as a powerful practice, offering a refuge from the tumultuous currents of both the outer and inner worlds. Mindful Photography as a Retreat: A Pause for Clarity and Regeneration For me mindful photography is more than a visual art form; it is a gateway to inner tranquility and self-discovery. Amid the chaos of thoughts, desires, and emotions, engaging in mindful photography provides a sanctuary—a pause to breathe deeply, calm the senses, and retreat inward. It's a deliberate act of stepping into the silent expanse within, where I can observe the unfolding of the internal and external landscapes with lucidity. This intentional retreat is akin to creating a haven of calm and nourishment. Through the lens, I capture...

My Water Story: Capturing the Subtle Beauty and Profound Reflections

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This week I felt challenged during a certain practice - how to capture the intangible essence of water within my home. Initially, my mind was blank, and I questioned how to visually express the colorless presence of water. But I decided to look closely at the water around me, moving through my home, looking where water resides (plants, bath, water can, my body) and gradually, I felt the dormant muscle of creativity coming to life. I realized that inspiration emerges irrespective of time constraints. Sometimes it unfolds gradually, and at other times, it arrives instantly. The key is to remain open and move gently through space, embracing the fluidity of creativity. This practice serves as a powerful reminder that creativity and solutions are always within reach, waiting to be discovered if one remains patient and receptive. Reflecting on this water exercise also stirred deeper reflections on my life's journey. It was as if murky waters had cleared away, and I could now see the clea...

Observing Nature, Observing Ourselves: A Mindful Lens

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In my ongoing journey of exploring mindfulness through photography, this week has been a fascinating convergence of two powerful practices - the 'Mountain Meditation' and the 'Sitting Spot' in nature, along with a special focus on observing leaves and nature's transformation. As I embarked on these exercises, I discovered how they seamlessly intertwined with one another, guiding me to a deeper understanding of both the external world and my inner self. Observing & Feeling: The mountain meditation has become the cornerstone of my practice. It allowed me to become a steady observer, grounded, stable, and connected, as I breathed deeply and peacefully. It provided me with the ability to witness the ever-changing elements of weather, seasons, and the natural world. From the top of the mountain, I stepped on the ground in a garden, where golden leaves were gently falling to the ground. These leaves, once part of a tree's canopy, were now returning to the earth to...