About two weeks ago, I met up with a photography friend who introduced me to the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku – where you immerse yourself in nature not to go anywhere in particular, but simply to notice. It’s something you can do anywhere, no special holiday or vacation trips required. Just you and the art of paying attention.
I’ve been really thinking about this lately. Making small pockets of time to simply notice what is around me. Not having to be anywhere in particular, not guided by a GPS, just the act of noticing. I wanted to share some images that I captured of just that – stepping away from my desk and immersing myself in my surroundings.
Noticing ripples and texture and movement.
Wondering the stories that this driftwood must hold. The journey it must have been on to land right here with me.
Noticing how the camellias are in full bloom, which almost seem like a delicate defiance. They have the courage, the audacity, to bloom in winter.
Photography teaches us that what we focus on expands. Where we point our lens matters. What we choose to illuminate with our attention becomes our reality.
As you move through your busy days in this season, I hope that you can take some time and immerse yourself in your surroundings to simply notice. What we see shapes who we become. Let the simple act of noticing remind you what matters most.
~Azzari
A timely reminder and a gorgeous set of photos. Thanks, Azzari.
A simple but powerful message. Your images are lovely.