Dear Friends,
There seems to be so many things to worry about these days, and it can be difficult to turn off these thoughts and connect with the good in the world.
One method that has been used to unplug for centuries is meditation.
I love the beautiful scenery here.
“Meditation is a simple practice available to all, which can reduce stress, increase calmness and clarity and promote happiness. Learning how to meditate is straightforward, and the benefits can come quickly.” Take a look — this article from The New York Times gives an overview of how to practice mindful meditation:
“Basic mindfulness meditation is the practice of paying attention to the present moment with an accepting, nonjudgmental disposition. The goal isn’t to stop thinking, or to empty the mind. Rather, the point is to pay close attention to your physical sensations, thoughts and emotions in order to see them more clearly, without making so many assumptions, or making up stories.”
We all need a break from our minds occasionally and one of the best ways we know, as photographers, is to just pick up the camera and go out with the intent of “just being”. So much of what is taught in mindful meditation can be applied to photography: “The intention should be to bring a more compassionate, calm and accepting approach to whatever happens.”
That means simply being mindful of where we are, what is around, how we feel, and then taking a shot. It is important to not judge or worry about how good the shot is (how instagramable it is), and instead focus on the time and place of the shot. The impact that mindful photography has on our minds is a triple win – you get outside physically, outside your head mentally, and you get a shot to remember.
Try it – it can work wonders.
The SeeingHappy Team
