To photograph is to live

The presence of self, Meditating through photos

The Buddhist tradition emphasises the importance of Mindfulness. To be present in one’s moment is to be aware of our being. Yet this idea of being present isn’t unique to Buddhism alone. All of the major religions, dogmas, beliefs, whatever you may want to call them, all emphasise the importance of “presence”.

Islam encourages us to look around at our surroundings, to “ponder” over the beauty and unification of creation. To “reflect” is to know the purpose of one’s existence.

Mindfulness or the presence of one’s self is also one of the core foundations of improvement in one’s mental health. Cognitive behaviour Therapy (CBT) often used during counselling sessions for depression and other mental health conditions encourages the use of being in touch with one’s feelings. It does this by encouraging the recognition of thoughts that are facts rather than those which are fiction.

It isn’t then surprising to find how photography fits in with Mindfulness. Photography encourages the presence of the mind. It encourages us to be present in the moment, to visualise, and to see beyond the general gaze of a passerby. To see is to become one with the view. Whether it is looking through the viewfinder of a camera or at the back of ground glass it is that moment of presence that removes the distractions, it makes us one. It is this time that unites us with the image that we aim to take.

Taking images of landscapes, or streets, whatever we choose, are the ones that make us. Or perhaps it is us that become part of the composition. It is for this reason, I often take refuge in photography from whatever may be happening in life. This can be challenging still, for many who may struggle with so much more in life, poor health, ageing, work and family commitments all play their own part in the distractions around mindfulness. Just like one tries to bring their attention back to breathing when meditating, it is often the same focus by bringing our concentration back to our projects. To stay in the moment of our photoshoot, the creativity that gives us peace and makes us one with our surroundings, is what helps us to grow. Perhaps it is what keeps us sane and we need to bring our attention back to what we love. Photography.