Zen Walk With Camera

This week I started working on an 8 week online photography class called Touching the Divine: A Spiritual Approach to Photography. As soon as I read about this class I immediately signed up. It felt like perfect timing and the perfect inspiration for me at this time.

On Tuesday we had an introductory Zoom meeting with our course instructor, photographer, Douglas Beasley. It was fun to see a few familiar faces from the local photography community and meet students from around the country and the world.

Each week there are numerous readings and assignments to complete. One of the assignments this week was to sit in meditation for at least 15 minutes, then pick up your camera and take a mindful walk making photographs during your walk. The idea was to focus more on walking mindfully than on making “good” images.

It was more challenging than I imagined. As I walked along a path that I frequently walk in the neighborhood I noticed that I was thinking a lot rather than simply being present and observing. Even when I sit and meditate I frequently notice thoughts drifting through my mind. This is a normal part of meditation practice often called “monkey mind.” My practice is to simply notice that I’m thinking and let the thoughts go as gently as I can without judgment. Somehow it was harder to let go of thinking as I walked. I had all of this background chatter going on… “Am I being mindful? How do I decide to make a photograph? If I take two photos of the same thing from different angles have I lost my mindfulness?

Finally I relaxed into the rhythm of walking slowly and observing the natural and built objects around me. When I came back from my walk and downloaded my photos to the computer I was surprised at what I saw on my walk that I had never really seen before, even though I walk this path several times a week.

I noticed that the city of Plymouth crews have been marking ash trees in the park area along the path. Sadly I believe that all of the trees with orange splats of paint will be removed soon because of emerald ash borers.

This week, with the class beginning and my reaching the end of the second week post COVID vaccine, I feel like

Life is Suddenly Speeding Up

Along with starting the class, we had our daughter and her partner over for dinner (first time in almost a year). I drove into Minneapolis to get a haircut, stopped to pick up some photos from a friend that I plan to scan for her, and went shopping to replace some pots and pans that no longer function well.

I also want to get outside to do some yard work and plant my container gardens. And I’m helping Jon with some work downstairs. And our other daughter, her husband, and their kids are coming over Saturday for lunch and board games.

Whew!

The gift from the pandemic that I want to bring forward is to NOT fill up my life so full that is feels like I’m speeding down a freeway all the time. So, though, this week has been full and I am loving it, next week I begin being more mindful about how much I schedule so that I can feel the spaciousness of open time.

Bringing forward the blessings

I know this time of pandemic has been incredibly difficult for many people. Families with young children, those who lost their jobs or are facing economic uncertainty, people who lost loved ones during this time, individuals who live alone and in isolation, and front line workers in healthcare and other necessary services have endured much hardship.

But I and many of my friends have commented about how having more unscheduled time and doing less eating out, shopping, etc., has been a blessing. Though I look forward to interacting with family members and friends in person, I also want to hold on to the things I have learned during this time.

Here are a few of the things I’ve learned:

I need far fewer things than I thought I did.
Eating out less often is not really a hardship. In fact even though we haven’t eaten out since the pandemic began, I don’t really miss it AND I think we are eating a much healthier diet.
I value real connections with friends and family, not necessarily doing something “exciting” with them. Sitting around and talking is a gift. Laughing and playing together is a gift.
Life is beautiful in my own back yard.

What have you learned during the past year? Are there things you want to bring forward even after the pandemic ends? Maybe today would be a good day for a Zen walk?

May you walk in beauty.

Note: Please do not think that the pandemic is over yet. Despite many people being vaccinated, the illness still affects far too many. Please wear a mask when in public indoor spaces and respect the needs of others. Together we can help create a path forward.