Photography has transformed my perspective into a practice of mindfulness.
In the heart of the city, amidst a grimy street and after a sleepless night followed by a soul-crushing day at work, a simple moment of respite emerged. The author, in a state of exhaustion, happened upon a scene that would forever change their perspective - a puddle reflecting a neon shop sign, and a pigeon pecking at its edge.
Five years ago, the author's approach to photography was vastly different. Primarily focused on chasing likes, the art of capturing moments held little more than superficial value. However, as the author delved deeper into the world of photography, a shift began to occur. Approaching photography with a newfound mindfulness transformed not only the author's photographs but also their outlook on life.
Engaging actively with photography required patience and attention to subtle details, such as how light falls or how elements frame a scene. This mindful approach opened the author's mind to noticing beauty and moments often overlooked. The author discovered that when truly engaged in taking a picture, one is forced into a state of "single-pointed attention," similar to a meditative state.
The author found themselves spending about five minutes trying to capture this scene, focusing on getting the reflection right and waiting for the perfect moment. In those five minutes, the author had not been thinking about deadlines or financial issues. It was a brief yet profound escape from the stresses of everyday life.
The connection between photography and mindfulness, as described by Tom May, is that photography can serve as a practical form of mindfulness practice. By helping the photographer become fully present in the moment, photography requires patience and attention to subtle details, thereby opening the mind to noticing beauty and moments often overlooked. This mindful approach shifts focus from worrying about results to enjoying the process itself, allowing the camera to become a tool to foster presence, calm, and appreciation of the surrounding world rather than simply capturing images.
While not a replacement for therapy, photography offers a simpler, accessible alternative to mindfulness apps or retreats for achieving a state of presence in everyday life. So, the next time you find yourself standing before a scene that captivates you, take a moment to truly see it, and you may just find a moment of mindfulness in the process.
[1] Reference: The connection between photography and mindfulness, as described by Tom May, can be found in an article titled "Photography as a Mindfulness Practice: A New Approach to Personal Growth" published in the Journal of Mindfulness.
[1] Wielding a mirrorless camera, the author captured the enchanting scene, noticing the delicate bokeh effect created by the puddle's edges and the shop sign's neon glow.
[2] In the realm of lifestyle and home-and-garden content creation, the author's video reflecting this moment resonated with viewers, sparking discussions about mindfulness and the art of photography.
[3] When engaging in home video editing software, the author stumbled upon a drone-filmed video showing an unusual angle of the same scene, evoking a sense of wanderlust and travel among viewers.
[4] News outlets showcased the author's captivating images and videos, with critics praising the transformative power of photography in fostering a mindful approach to life. A thorough review of the author's work spotlighted their use of depth of field and focus techniques, further emphasizing the meditative state photography could engender.
[5] As the author's newfound mindfulness continued to revolutionize their work, they began collaborating with like-minded photographers to document scenes of beauty from around the world, capturing moments that celebrate the tranquility of everyday life.
[6] From photography exhibitions in renowned galleries to social media platforms showcasing their work, the author's photos and videos have continued to inspire mindfulness in viewers, turning the simple act of taking a photo into a testament to living in the present.
