I’ve never been good at meditating. Or I haven’t practiced enough to figure out what works for me, I guess. I know that the idea of a “mindfulness meditation” or some kind of “mindfulness” practice is really intriguing to me. I am the kind of person that is forever stuck in her own damn head and can’t get out. I’m stuck on my own thoughts and feelings and emotions and how I’m reacting mentally or emotionally and not physically.
So I’ve tried some mindfulness activities of sitting and focusing on my body. I try to feel my physical body and how my emotions are affecting me physically without adding judgement. Let me tell you, it’s hard. So I gave up like I do with most meditation practices because I just couldn’t get into it “right” and got too frustrated.
I tried to look at mindfulness in a different way. I wanted to explore photography or art as a mindfulness practice but for some reason the idea wasn’t clicking right in my head every time I thought about it.
And then…it clicked…
Mindfulness equals observation.
It’s about getting out of my own head and into the world around me.
It’s about not thinking or even feeling, it’s about observing.
What part of me is a better observer than the photographer side?
I’ve used this idea for longer than I realized what it was and putting a name to it makes it feel more…spiritual, more important. I’ve practiced mindfulness with my son almost everyday. I look for those moments and faces and spaces in time that need to be captured so I can remember them when he grows up. While I have my phone in my hand, ready to snap a picture, it oddly keeps me more present for him and our time together. I’m ready to expand this practice and create art and photographs and observe more of the world around me again.
Join me for #MindfulMondayPractice
Focus.
Slow down.
Feeling anxious, tired, stressed, sad…even good emotions like happiness or excitement? Take a moment every so often on every Monday and be mindful.
Take a breath, look around you.
What catches your eye? What is beautiful to you? What is horrifying? What is meaningful? What is inspiring? What is ugly?
Where is the light hitting just the right angle? Where are the shadows and darkness making a statement? Where is there a shape that just oozes movement without any motion?
Capture it. Capture it all.
Upload your images it to Instagram or Twitter and use the hashtag #MindfulMondayPractice
You can also tag me in your posts, so be sure to follow me on Instagram and Twitter
Share: Do you have any other mindfulness or meditation practices you utilize for your wellness? If not join on in! Share your instagram or twitter name in the comments below so others can follow you.
ps- if I get enough of you participating, I would love to start sharing some of your photos here on the blog so spread the word!
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