WE ARE JOURNEY.

JOURNEY 1.2

Embracing the Power of Journey (with our cameras)

In the pursuit of inner peace and self-awareness, the practice of meditation has long been a guiding light for individuals seeking to cultivate a calm and focused mind. Traditionally, meditation has been associated with closed eyes, as it allows practitioners to turn their attention inward and detach from external distractions. However, an alternative approach known as eyes open meditation has gained recognition for its unique benefits and the potential for deeper integration into daily life. But what happens when we integrate the practice of photography into these meditative journeys? How does the camera amplify our experience and open portals to new realms of self-discovery and visual exploration?

Photography as Meditation or PM for short is a transformative practice that encourages us to bring mindfulness into our everyday moments and integrate them into all aspects of our lives. 

Suddenly, our journey becomes infused with visual exploration—a means of capturing and immortalizing the essence of our experience. The camera becomes an extension of our mindfulness, allowing us to frame moments of beauty, serendipitous encounters, and insights that unfold along the path. It becomes a tool for deepening our presence and cultivating a visual mindfulness. As we move through space, consciously engage our senses, we attune ourselves to the rich tapestry of sensations unfolding around us. The cool breeze brushing against our skin, the symphony of birds serenading our ears, the scent of blooming flowers, all become invitations to deepen our connection with the world and experience its profound beauty.

Photography acts as a conduit, magnifying the benefits of walking meditation and eyes open meditation. It serves as a bridge between the external world and our internal experience, capturing the interplay between light and shadow, the vibrant colors of nature, and the subtleties that often go unnoticed. Through the lens of our camera, we witness the world with fresh eyes—an invitation to explore, discover, and create.

As we embark on this dual journey of walking meditation and photography, we realize that the path itself becomes a metaphor for life—a metaphor for our personal journey from point A to point B. We have clarity about our starting point, where we stand at this moment, and we may have a destination in mind—an envisioned point B. But within the realm of mindfulness and photography, there is a beautiful paradox. We discover that our true destination is not a fixed point, but rather an ever-shifting and expanding possibility—point X.

Point X represents the unexpected treasures we encounter along the way—the moments of awe and wonder, the connections forged, the insights gained, and the personal growth experienced. It is a realm of infinite possibilities, where our journey becomes a portal into the depths of self-discovery and creative expression. The integration of walking meditation and photography invites us to step into this realm, embracing the uncertainty and embracing the magic of the unknown.

By embracing the practice of photography, we infuse our journey with intention, curiosity, and a heightened sense of awareness. The camera becomes a constant companion, encouraging us to pay attention to the details, the play of light and shadow, and the subtle nuances that shape our experience. It becomes a tool for reframing our perspective, capturing the beauty that resides in the ordinary, and unveiling the hidden gems that await our discovery.

In this integration of walking meditation and photography, we find ourselves fully present, attuned to the rhythm of our breath, the sensations of our bodies and the unfolding moments of our surroundings. We become keen observers, not only of the external world but also of the thoughts, emotions, and sensations that arise within us. The act of capturing a photograph becomes a mindful pause—an invitation to pause, breathe, and truly see.

Through photography, we learn to cultivate a deep sense of gratitude for the present moment. As we frame the beauty around us, we shift our focus from expectations and judgments to a profound appreciation for the intricacies of life. We become attuned to the interplay of light and shadow, recognizing that both are essential for creating depth and contrast. Similarly, we begin to acknowledge the interplay of our own light and shadow—the aspects of ourselves that we embrace and those we often shy away from.

Just as photography captures the interplay of light and shadow, it becomes a mirror reflecting our own journey of self-acceptance and self-discovery. As renowned Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung once said, "Knowing your own darkness is the best method for dealing with the darknesses of other people." Through the lens of photography, we learn to embrace our shadows, acknowledging their presence without judgment. We recognize that within the realm of creativity and self-expression, our shadows can become powerful sources of inspiration and growth.

The integration of walking meditation, photography, and the exploration of our personal journey opens us to the depths of our subconscious. It becomes a transformative process of self-inquiry—a way to explore the uncharted territories of our inner landscape. Just as we wander through the external world with a curious eye, we also wander through the labyrinth of our own thoughts, emotions, and memories.

So, let us embark on this multidimensional journey with open hearts and curious minds. Let us walk with intention, photograph with presence, and embrace the quantum possibilities that lie before us. Through the integration of walking meditation, eyes open meditation, and photography, we open portals to new realms of self-discovery, visual exploration, and personal growth. We become the creators of our own unique tapestry, weaving together the threads of mindfulness, movement, and visual expression. And in doing so, we uncover the infinite beauty and wisdom that resides within and around us. Our footsteps become a rhythmic dance, synchronizing with the pulse of life itself. With each click of the shutter, we capture not only images but fragments of our own essence—moments frozen in time, representing our unique perspective and the depths of our emotions.

- We Are Journey