Present – not as in gift, but as in being in the moment. How often are we really and truly present in our every day lives? Aware of the world around us, aware of ourselves. Not often enough, I would have to say, for me. And yet, when I am present, amazing things happen. I discover more about myself. I see the beauty around me. I see different ways to interact with others. It’s as if the world opens up as a new and wonderful place to be.
So positive, and yet so hard. One of the things that I love about photography is that it ties you to the present moment. There is nothing beyond the image you see in front of you at the moment you press the shutter button. You can’t be thinking of the photo you captured yesterday, or tomorrow, when you capture the one of today. When I first saw these seed pods, while looking for pretty leaves, I thought they were ugly. But then I went back, and studied them with my camera, and discovered their hidden beauty.
Life can be found only in the present moment. The past is gone, the future is not yet here, and if we do not go back to ourselves in the present moment, we cannot be in touch with life.” — Thick Nhat Hanh
To live life, see the beauty in life, we have to be present. A thought I will carry with me today.
My friend Jenny, a life coach, asked me if I wanted to share my experience in Italy and how it’s changed me with her readers. I’m writing a series of articles for her newsletter and blog, about how my time in Italy has helped me to find my passion and purpose, and how I think you can apply the lessons I’ve learned to your life. If you are interested in reading the first article, visit her blog at Rising Sun Coaching.
(By the way, does anyone know that type of tree this seed pod is from?)
Very inspiring post and I love the photo. I can only imagine what an impact your stay in Italy must have had on you, you've clearly embraced it with all your might and allowed new experiences into your life, the best way to live life to the full 🙂
Great point…a photograph really does freeze that moment and we are encouraged to stop and soak it all in… sometimes we have to remember to slow down!
Wonderful post, Kat. When I retired I had to rethink my priorities and spent a lot of time the second year identifying how I wanted to spend my time. It was so helpful, and now I rarely feel that I am misusing my time. Just recently I decided I need to do another rethink about scheduling and your post was very helpful. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
Great article Kat. And you're obviously using your own special creative time to wonderful purpose.
Amen Sister. I do think photos can lie about the Moment but that is a Story for another time…
Great Kat… I HIGHLY recommend the following PBS documentary detailing a few days in the life of National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore.
My whole family enjoyed it.
http://www.pbs.org/atcloserange/
Great article… very interesting to see how change can impact our very own creativity!
Great post and loved your article. Can hardly wait to read the rest of them. Very good advice. 🙂
Can I mention the past as well? A photo can remind me of things that I have forgotten. I am so glad I have a few photos of certain events that I will always cherish. The way my dad cradled my kids the adoration was mutual! Thanks for reminding me to take photos of the present, cuz so quickly it becomes the past.
PS, Loved the article! Keep 'em comin.
I don't, but it sure is neat!
Wonderful post.
Ah, yes, staying in the present moment is a constant stuggle, but worth it! I've read Eckhart Tolle and I'm getting better and find that when I am able to do it, I remember those moments the best. I agree about photography and have stated that on my website – it's a great vehicle to stay in the moment and I feel it can be a spiritual practice. Beautiful image!!
That's a chestnut, my friend! Now I'm off to read your fabulous article. You really are an inspiration, you know.