Photography and Mental Health

 The Art of being Present

a photographer alone in the snow 

with his camera

and wild animals

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zvXcJMXqN8

 

Winter approaches closer

Winter arrives, beauty of nature persists

WHAT DO WE SEE?

 

What do we see in this image?

How many elements can we distinguish?

 “If you are not willing to see

A moment with leaves

THE LEAF

HEADING OUT 

TO THE DRIVERS DOOR

SPOTTED THE LEAF ON THE LEFT

The Dance of the Clouds continues

 Beautiful Clouds - 

Just out of sight is a string of. birds - 

sitting on a high wire, 

HALLOWEEN SKY

To Clear or Not to Clear ?

Early this am, the sky was conflicted

light rain, occasionally

 Good things come in 3's right?

 third quote from dr. Hawkins

"... all of our fears have been based on falsehood.

 Another inspiring quote from

Dr. Hawkins:

In this interconnected universe, 

Walking and Photographing as part of My mental health routine

Photography & mental health
 Some photos on my Sunday mental health walk

beautiful clouds and harbor scene

Dog guiding some young ladies 

as they practice their exercise 

Early on a Sunday morning, I went for a walk along the shore.

I was uplifted by the image of the clouds and the scene of the harbor.

I stepped out of my comfort zone to ask the young ladies for permission to take their photo.

I felt good.

I used my favorite camera an OM Solutions camera and my "normal" lens a 24-80 mm f2.8.

You don't need a fancy camera thou ...

same images can be captured with a camera phone.

I am reading an interesting book. Dr. Hawkins, in his book, "Power vs Force: the Hidden Determinants of human behavior."  presents many valuable nuggets for us to reflect: on.

one quote that struck me is

 Have you ever felt stressed?

Ever felt that it was difficult to be present ... to be mindful?

To recharge your energy?

The mind cannot be emptied ... it is part of consciousness and works 

24 hours 7 days a week on 2 levels, Conscous and subconscious.

© Ralph M. Ferraro, 2023 taken on my phone during a walk

When I find it difficult to be present, to be conscious

difficult to focus on stillness after 6 deep breathes, 

I find visualization to be very helpful.

it facilitates my  becoming  present - relaxed - open 

the Visualization helps me to release stress and reenergize my spirit.

Early morning Walk

 Early Morning Walk

Love is in the air

 Love is in the air

As of 1 Feb we are 13 days from the day we are told to honor a person who is our love. We are 352 days from the last day of hearts … valentine day.

 

How would we answer the question 

“Who is number one in our life?”

Does the rat race drive your boat?

Competition ~ production

 

Lately I have heard a lot of discussion about chasing the money – there have been articles about burn out. In the past they labeled the advancement to burn out as participating in the rat race.

 

Does competition ~ production ~ piece work drive your boat?