How To Use Photography As A Mindfulness Tool
Have you ever picked up a camera and felt completely in the moment, immersed in the present and the beauty around you?
I am not asking you to ’go! click photos’’! But maybe, if you read through, it will be something you would want to do, especially if you are on a mindfulness journey!
I love to slow down! My past weeks were a lot of mental rush and that made me realize to slow down and stay present in the moment. Something I usually practice mindfully, but miss amid chaos (At times)!
My theory for life is as simple as this — Our minds race with thoughts of the past or future; we seldom think of the present. And that’s where you lean on mindfulness practice — being fully aware without judgment or distraction.
Photography is one of my mediums to cultivate mindfulness (Writing tops, always!). I enjoy the process and love what I capture. My reason for clicking without judgment is, the belief that Photography is far more than capturing images; it’s about slowing down, taking a deep breath, and connecting to the world. With a mindful approach to photography, I improve my craft and reap the benefits of mindfulness through reduced stress and increased creativity.
Why do I treat it as a Meditative Approach?
Whenever I capture something, I observe my surroundings externally and internally. I become metaphysically aware of the details of my surroundings. This leads to me fully getting into myself at the moment, releasing distractions and worries.
Whenever my mind overthinks, I pick up my camera! I then practice “freestyle” photography. Shoot anything. Look at the light. Find texture. Discover hidden details.
Does anything mean anything to you? Does anything connect to you?
I love lights at different hours of the day. They make things around appear amazing for a photography subject. Take for instance the sunlight seeping in through the window. Sunlight itself is soft, setting up a contrast on surfaces. Sunlight on church windows or old architectural, colonial houses, cast the most beautiful light, highlighting the textures of the glass. Details like abandoned cobwebs, and the dust texture in the air. (No wonder this type of light inspired Dutch Masters like Rembrandt.). I love to turn my camera towards this type of light and lose myself and my worries.
Looking back at these photos, I am often surprised at the beauty I have captured.
This is one way I cultivate mindfulness and improve my mental health and creativity.
Take some time to slow down this weekend and observe your surroundings. You can surely capture visually appealing and emotionally significant images.
Here is my Tip if you are starting today: Engage in mindful observation. Observe your surroundings and look for colours, textures, and shapes. Try to capture the essence of what you are seeing.
Nothing needs to be perfect; it’s the act that matters. Also, I am not a pro photographer, but I enjoy the process and love some of my captures.
