"Will you read to me?" she asked.
This morning, while visiting Not So Random Stuff, I was inspired to try something today — live mindfully through the camera lens. It also reminded of a similar project that Angie did a few weeks ago.
The idea is to photograph {and cherish} the simple things in life that happen on a daily basis…things we often take for granted.
I took many photos today, but they’re not post-worthy. I’m not being too hard on myself – let’s just call it my practice session. I’m going to have a do-over sometime soon, and then I’ll post my photos properly.
All was not lost. Because of being mindfully aware of trying to catch moments with the camera, I feel like the whole day was full of living mindfully. Some moments that I was more mindful of than usual:
- The boy and his legos, and his creative genius.
- The little girl and her singing. She’s constantly singing about whatever she’s doing.
- Having more patience to calmly referee arguments between the kids.
- Stealing a moment on this chair and starting a new book.
- The boy being kind and patient with his sister.
- The girl being kind and patient with her brother.
- Sitting down to dinner as a family.
Have you ever tried photographing the whole day? Do you think it would make you more mindful of your activities?
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
(Smiling warmly) I’m thrilled that you were inspired to live mindfully with your camera. It is something I think everyone should do as often as possible! (Though I am a bit camera-crazy, lol).
I love what you came away with, sounds like a lovely day
I’ve never tried to do that but it sounds like a wonderful idea. I’ve been thinking a lot about photography lately because I’d love to get some really stellar shots of Bella (the dog), but she’s so skittish around new people that it would take FOREVER to get her adjusted to a photographer (who would have to be female, patient, and a dog lover). To me it seems like it might just be easier to take up photography myself and this post has inspired me!
I have done that. It was a lot of pictures!
I was thinking of you this week when I played scattegories (sp?) with the girls one night and the following night played baseball with josh and my husband. I was proud of myself and wanted to thank you for the living mindfully posts.
Photography in general is one of my mindful practices. I almost always makes me slow down, stop and and really see what’s happening around me. And if it doesn’t at the time I do have those moments when I look at them later.
@ Ang~
Your photographs are beautiful, no wonder you’re camera-crazy.
@ PP~
My guess is that it takes a certain kind of person to be a pet photographer, as it takes a certain kind of person to specialize with children. Good luck with that!
@ Denise~
You’re welcome. I’m always surprised when I hear that I’ve inspired someone. Most of the time, I feel like I’m barely keeping it together! Thanks for sharing that.
@ FIMBY~
It sounds like a pasttime worth pursuing — that, and you’re really good at it. I like seeing the images that you capture. When I only had one child, I took more photos. Now that there are two….I take far less photos.
this is a beautiful post! thank you. just a few moments ago i thought i would start taking pictures of everything useful and beautiful in my home. not all at once, of course. to go along with the quote i adore, have nothing in my home that isn’t beautiful or useful, i’m sure you’ve heard that one. photographing the day. lovely.
I totally love the idea of living mindfully through a camera lens. I’ve never done that before but I’m gonna give it a try. Thanks K!
@ Jamie~
I love that quote, too and totally agree with that philosophy. I think you should go for it!
@ Sami~
I’d love to see what your day looks like — another beautiful day in paradise, perhaps? ; )
Thanks so much for sharing this, and I’m so glad I was able to inspire you (and hopefully lots others) on how simple slowing down can be. I am keeping that camera close by this week to continue on in my process of seeing. I’m sure it’ll be a great week!
Ahh, actually we’ve had so much rain in the last 3 days it’s more like another very soggy day in London!
@ Gina~
Well, it was your post that inspired me — so thank you.
@ Sami~
Aww. That stinks! Are our seasons reversed? Are you having winter or summer now?
What a great idea to show yourself that you are being more mindful than you would otherwise see. I LOVE the picture of the kiddos reading - so cute!