Zen Backyard

Carolina Wren

It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera…they are made with the eye, heart, and head.

Henri Cartier-Bresson

I have begun to think, even though I am fairly new to photography, that photographs might be the most effective medium for me to communicate how I see the world. Indeed, I have written extensively on topics related to perception, sensual living, and my belief that we can find the miraculous in everyday life—in nature, in daily activities, as well as in other people—as long as eye, heart, and head are aligned. 

Yet, no matter how much I read and write about these particular topics—about finding the miraculous in everyday life, in particular—I cannot shake the feeling that words somehow fail me. That language is not enough. Or, perhaps, it is too much. (Michele from My Inspired Life recently published a beautiful post on this subject.)

But I am learning, I think. For one, I am learning that photography aligns eye, heart, and head better than any other activity I’ve tried. While I think most tasks that are inherently creative and that require full sensory engagement, or calm attentiveness (what might properly be termed, “zen habits”), are effective to this end, I am finding that photography is especially good for me. That is, the moment I grab my camera and step outside to look (and listen) for birds and other wildlife, my mind stops. Or, I enter another state of mind: I become part of the silence.

I am also learning that (at least some of) my photographs express what I may fail to say in words about the miraculous in everyday life. 

When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.

Ansel Adams

Perhaps, a good piece of advice to follow.