Do you have any triggers that help you to take notice of the world around you?
Years ago, I was “into” photography. I took a couple of classes at college and I purchased an expensive camera. I loved how the world looked through the viewfinder – a slice of the environment around me. I enjoyed focusing in on just one aspect of the scene before me – maybe the way a tree branch bent or the way a flower stood out with bright colors from a monotone green and brown background. The world looks very different as viewed through a camera instead of just with my eyes. And through that difference I found a deeper sense of connection.
Unfortunately, developing film was cost prohibitive for me, so I didn’t pursue this passion. I put it aside and moved on to other things. Then, when I needed an image for the title bar of this blog, I decided it would be easier to take my own than to buy a professional shot and deal with copyright hassles.
So, I took out my old camera and two rolls of film. In this digital age, this piece of machinery feels ancient. Well, not too ancient – it does still run on a battery. But, it used to take great shots, so I was hoping it still would. I set off to a local park and nature trail. As it turns out, the old camera took a great shot. But, as well as taking the image, the same old camera reconnected me with that deeper love of photography.
Photography Forces You Take Notice
Now, I’m not so naive as to think that everyone wants to go out, hike, and take pictures. Some would find this utterly boring or frustrating. They may rather take images of people. By the same token, I find taking pictures of people to be boring and frustrating, and taking pictures of nature to be soul touching. No matter what you choice of subject, I believe there is a value to being at least a part time photographer.
In order to be a photographer, you have to decide what to take a picture of. Which means you have take particular notice of the world around you. No longer can you simply let life pass you by and let your eyes glaze over. Rather, you must take the time to focus on particular elements and how they fit into the picture you want to take. Whether those elements are members of your family, strangers on the street, or trees in a forest, being a photographer forces you to notice your immediate environment.
Inherent in noticing your immediate environment is being connected to that environment. If that environment is other people, you are participating in a community. Simply by being there, taking pictures, people will react to you differently. Some will pose, others will hide. But, you will still interact with them.
If that environment is a forest, you are more likely to notice the life around you. You may wonder at the fish in the pond, or the birds in the trees. You may appreciate the way the sun shines on the water, or peeks through the branches above you. Wherever you find yourself, you will be connected on some level.
Noticing The World Connects You To The World
Which, if you are like me, is not your usual state. My usual state is disconnected from the world around me. I move as if in a fog, not really noticing others and living in my head. I’m not saying there is something necessarily wrong with this, but on the other hand, I don’t feel particularly alive during those times.
But – that feeling of being connected, of being alive, is a goal to be achieved as often as possible. When I am in that place, I am open and loving to others. It’s easy to make a difference in small ways. I smile at the clerk at the register. I take time to hold the door for someone several steps away instead of just letting it drop. I make faces at babies and watch them smile. I let other drivers into traffic instead of speeding up and closing the gap. I’m nicer, friendlier, and more giving.
Although this state of mind is not one that always comes easily, I (re)discovered yesterday that I can enter this state of mind from behind a camera lens. The camera sets me apart from the world, but at the same time, it connects me to the world.
Photography Is Only One Way To Connect
Of course, taking photographs is not the only way to achieve this state of connection. For me, walking on the beach, meditating, listening to my almost-5-year-old niece, and petting my cat can also bring me to this state of connection. But, sometimes, taking pictures is a lot easier. I would like to suggest that the same may be true for you.
So, do what you know takes you to that place of connection. And if it is hard to find, consider the photography option. If you don’t have a camera, borrow one. If you already have one – great. Old fashioned film or digital, it doesn’t matter. It may be a new, easy, way that connects you to the world as well as it does me.
In the end, what matters is you take the time to let awareness of your world come to you instead of numbing out. Feel the connection; feel the life within you. Feel how much a difference being present in the moment makes and how much more hopeful it makes you. Then, carry that hope with you as long as possible and reach out to others. Spread the joy you feel and make your own ripples of improvement in the world.
