Being able to connect with the Silence is an important skill which helps enable us to express our unique voice. I meet many people who say to me that they struggle with being able to pre-visualise their photographs; or struggle with making their images speak more about who they are and what they want to say through their images.

When one’s mind is cluttered and filled with everyday worries…. plans… memories…. questions…. work… family…etc… there isn’t space for the clarity of one’s true essence to flow through to create images which speak one’s unique voice. To practice clearing the mind of  ‘stuff’ is an important skill to enable oneself to connect with a scene or environment wholly and totally; so one is immersed in being totally present with oneself in that environment or circumstance. Daily meditation helps with this skill, and can be drawn upon when photographing or creating images.

Daily practice of meditation requires self-discipline, but I find that is truly worthwhile, and I would suggest trying it for a month or so….just to see the results for yourself.

Starting Meditation for the first time.

If you are not accustomed to meditating here are a few tips to start.

1. Practice first thing in the morning.
2. Have a quiet environment where you have expressed to other members in your home that you require 15 minutes to yourself without interruptions.
3. Sit comfortably somewhere. A chair is fine..or even using your bed head as a back rest. If you choose to sit on the ground or floor, ensure you are sitting on a small cushion or pillow to ensure your spine is in a comfortable position and your pelvis is tilted slightly forwards and not rounded outwards at the base.
4. Close your eyes and draw your awareness to your breathing and make an intention for your practice and perhaps give gratitude for something in your life.
5. Inhale and exhale deeply and slowly 3 times, then just witness you natural breathing.
6. Thoughts will ALWAYS come through. Just let them waft through your mind by not continuing the dialogue with yourself. For example – if you think “What am I going to have for breakfast?”…. don’t answer yourself…. just witness the thought and just bring your awareness back to your breathing.
7. After about 10 minutes take 3 deep inhale and exhaling breaths, gently open your eyes and stand to continue your day.

Meditation is a very powerful tool for clearing the mind and connecting with the essence of oneself and the Universe. There are spaces where the Silence reveals insights which guide us to express our unique voice; and for photographers – this is imperative. As artists – it is also our responsibility.

….so for those who have not embarked upon meditation before, I encourage you to begin with an open heart and try for just a short time every day. Once you have practiced this for a month or so…. you can develop and deepen your practice further and I will post some more tips and techniques for this in future posts.