Making yourself find the beauty in the world is an excellent piece of advice. When my dad was receiving cancer treatment a few years back, my mum used to keep a “One Good Thing” notebook where she would make sure to note down one positive experience every day - something sweet or funny my niece did, a friendly interaction with the supermarket staff… it’s a similar exercise although less related to the creative, I think.
Just looking at those photographs is a joyful experience. I imagine posting them on instagram was a positive for other people, not just you. I was listening to Undefeated by Frank Turner as I browsed through and it was an oddly emotional experience. Thank you.
I appreciate you sharing all of this, Lou. Your mum sounds like a wise woman. Happiness is hard sometimes. Joy can be much harder. That's okay. But I find ritual helps you focus through the misery. I suppose it's not unlike some religions that help you be more present. We all need to be more present in our lives, especially as we get older and the obstacles to everyday life multiply. Did your father make a recovery, my friend?
What a great idea! It reminded me of this practice I used to have for a period of time when I would write 1 haiku per day. And I don't even remember when or how I stopped... Maybe I could revive it again. Or maybe I'll try with photos, which might help me with my nonexistent photography skills and just sounds fun. Thank you for sharing.
Lovely piece — and such a good reminder of how to interact with the world. I spent a few years taking and Insta-posting 3-4 photos a day, as a similar discipline for keeping my eyes open. Drifted from it. Must find a new version.
Yes, as I mentioned, I also drifted. There are too many responsibilities in life to be beholden to Mark Zuckerberg, I guess you'd say. But I'm still looking, still looking...
This is a beautiful post - and those are beautiful photos! When I used to take a lot of photos, I was often struck by how seeing a seemingly 'mundane' view through a viewfinder made me realise how beautiful it was - eg: https://www.flickr.com/photos/andreamann/albums/72157594234919376/ Your post may well inspire me to get back into it :)
Andrea, these photos are STUNNING. I mean, they're truly beautiful. Wait, "when I used to take a lot of photos"...were these personal and why did you stop?!
Thank you Cole! Yes, just personal photos using a little digital camera, just for fun (it was dating a photographer that got me into it - classic 'shadow artist' behaviour, haha). I think I stopped gradually, unwittingly, rather than deliberately, and it was mostly because of the improving iPhone?! ie I found myself taking photos with my phone - everyday/necessary ones and more 'photo' photos... and then I guess that in turn dwindled to just became everyday/necessary photos. I need to get my old Canon IXUS out! :D
Thank you for sharing this ritual. It'd definitely inspired me to do the same again. I've gone through many periods where I notice things more, or do seek them. Maybe it's the seasons for me. Now spring is springing here I may be more inspired, though there is plenty of wintery beauty too. Thanks for sharing those photos too - I definitely recognise a few places!
I found winter an especially inspiring time in the UK because it meant fireplaces and sunny skies behind bare trees and people's breath hovering everywhere. But it also drove me to explore more, finding those obscure museums tucked into passageways or a pine forest full of branch houses kids made. I obviously miss the UK, Harvey.
Yep get this. I did it when strange things were happening in my life not to mention moves it brought a whole new dimension to my life which could be shared. My Baby Eyes Paris blog was the result.
Thank you! I think we often equate beauty with grand statements, when in fact we are surrounded by fabulous sights, sounds and sensations. If we step back a little, there is a certain beauty to be found in even the ugliest places, or so I am beginning to believe. As the world becomes darker and more chaotic it's important to document these moments, to remind ourselves - and others - of what exists if we are prepared to open not just our eyes, but our hearts and minds also.
Seeing this brings me peace, joy, and pure awe. There's so much beauty in our everyday world. It's on us to recognize it and celebrate it exactly how you capture it in your extraordinary photos.
Thanks, Robin, I'm going to try. Please be sure to participate and/or spread the word when you catch a moment of your own that makes you pause. Who knows, maybe we'll motivate a few people to see things differently. I mean, I know I needed that help and still struggle with this practice as the world seems to darken. I can't be alone.
Lovely photographs. I don’t do it every day but I do take what I believe are beautiful photos from time to time (generally with more people than in your pictures) then upload them to my “Moodmint” app to put me in a good mood to start off the day.
A wonderful idea Cole! There is definitely an innate sense of spirituality embedded in this experiment. It was very fascinating to read your journey as you did this. I'll give it a try surely. Looking forward to reading more of your work!
Loved your photos. Going to do this! I’ve often noticed how much more abundant my life feels when I’m on vacation or exploring a new city, because I notice and take photos of everything! I’ve actually been thinking of how I can bring that same awareness, gratitude and enrichment to my life all the time. Thanks for this :)
I hope it helps in some small way, Cassidy. I have the same problem with how I experience holidays/vacations and how I experience everyday life. How do we bring that level of "being present" to the average day? It's difficult, but I think practice overcomes it.
Making yourself find the beauty in the world is an excellent piece of advice. When my dad was receiving cancer treatment a few years back, my mum used to keep a “One Good Thing” notebook where she would make sure to note down one positive experience every day - something sweet or funny my niece did, a friendly interaction with the supermarket staff… it’s a similar exercise although less related to the creative, I think.
Just looking at those photographs is a joyful experience. I imagine posting them on instagram was a positive for other people, not just you. I was listening to Undefeated by Frank Turner as I browsed through and it was an oddly emotional experience. Thank you.
I appreciate you sharing all of this, Lou. Your mum sounds like a wise woman. Happiness is hard sometimes. Joy can be much harder. That's okay. But I find ritual helps you focus through the misery. I suppose it's not unlike some religions that help you be more present. We all need to be more present in our lives, especially as we get older and the obstacles to everyday life multiply. Did your father make a recovery, my friend?
Yes, he’s currently in remission and doing really well. Thank you for asking.
I'm glad to hear it!
I love this idea of a one good thing notebook.
What a great idea! It reminded me of this practice I used to have for a period of time when I would write 1 haiku per day. And I don't even remember when or how I stopped... Maybe I could revive it again. Or maybe I'll try with photos, which might help me with my nonexistent photography skills and just sounds fun. Thank you for sharing.
A haiku a day sounds like a lovely practice.
Lovely piece — and such a good reminder of how to interact with the world. I spent a few years taking and Insta-posting 3-4 photos a day, as a similar discipline for keeping my eyes open. Drifted from it. Must find a new version.
Yes, as I mentioned, I also drifted. There are too many responsibilities in life to be beholden to Mark Zuckerberg, I guess you'd say. But I'm still looking, still looking...
Used to really enjoy your photos. A return would be great!
“I could choose to believe that in every day, in all things, no matter how dark and ugly, there are shards of beauty if I look for them.” -Anna White
This is a beautiful post - and those are beautiful photos! When I used to take a lot of photos, I was often struck by how seeing a seemingly 'mundane' view through a viewfinder made me realise how beautiful it was - eg: https://www.flickr.com/photos/andreamann/albums/72157594234919376/ Your post may well inspire me to get back into it :)
Andrea, these photos are STUNNING. I mean, they're truly beautiful. Wait, "when I used to take a lot of photos"...were these personal and why did you stop?!
Thank you Cole! Yes, just personal photos using a little digital camera, just for fun (it was dating a photographer that got me into it - classic 'shadow artist' behaviour, haha). I think I stopped gradually, unwittingly, rather than deliberately, and it was mostly because of the improving iPhone?! ie I found myself taking photos with my phone - everyday/necessary ones and more 'photo' photos... and then I guess that in turn dwindled to just became everyday/necessary photos. I need to get my old Canon IXUS out! :D
your photos are beautiful.
Ahh thank you! :)
Thank you for sharing this ritual. It'd definitely inspired me to do the same again. I've gone through many periods where I notice things more, or do seek them. Maybe it's the seasons for me. Now spring is springing here I may be more inspired, though there is plenty of wintery beauty too. Thanks for sharing those photos too - I definitely recognise a few places!
I found winter an especially inspiring time in the UK because it meant fireplaces and sunny skies behind bare trees and people's breath hovering everywhere. But it also drove me to explore more, finding those obscure museums tucked into passageways or a pine forest full of branch houses kids made. I obviously miss the UK, Harvey.
Yep get this. I did it when strange things were happening in my life not to mention moves it brought a whole new dimension to my life which could be shared. My Baby Eyes Paris blog was the result.
I'm glad to hear it worked for you, too!
These photos still something in me. Very good indeed!
Thanks, Alison!
Thank you! I think we often equate beauty with grand statements, when in fact we are surrounded by fabulous sights, sounds and sensations. If we step back a little, there is a certain beauty to be found in even the ugliest places, or so I am beginning to believe. As the world becomes darker and more chaotic it's important to document these moments, to remind ourselves - and others - of what exists if we are prepared to open not just our eyes, but our hearts and minds also.
I'm so glad to hear this piece spoke to you, Remanon. I won't deny that I've been inspired and motivated by such reactions.
Seeing this brings me peace, joy, and pure awe. There's so much beauty in our everyday world. It's on us to recognize it and celebrate it exactly how you capture it in your extraordinary photos.
Thanks, Robin, I'm going to try. Please be sure to participate and/or spread the word when you catch a moment of your own that makes you pause. Who knows, maybe we'll motivate a few people to see things differently. I mean, I know I needed that help and still struggle with this practice as the world seems to darken. I can't be alone.
Lovely photographs. I don’t do it every day but I do take what I believe are beautiful photos from time to time (generally with more people than in your pictures) then upload them to my “Moodmint” app to put me in a good mood to start off the day.
That sounds like a lovely practice. Be sure to share one or two of your favorites here, so I can consider them for this project.
A wonderful idea Cole! There is definitely an innate sense of spirituality embedded in this experiment. It was very fascinating to read your journey as you did this. I'll give it a try surely. Looking forward to reading more of your work!
I'm glad to hear it resonated with you, Yashraj!
1. I do this too!
2. Gorgeous photos!
3. I used to nurse at the Maudsley in Camberwell, close to Peckham and Dulwich--that's was quite a conjunction of cultures back then.
Thanks for sharing :)
I love the collision of cultures you find there. It's so vibrant. My youngest son was born at King's College right there!
And my mum was a nurse there (at Kings) in the 1960s. Only time /place she ever saw a ghost!
I loved every one of the photos, and they gave me a very pleasurable few minutes this foggy Sunday morning. Thank you.
Thank you for saying so, Barbara. Glad I could add to your morning!
Loved your photos. Going to do this! I’ve often noticed how much more abundant my life feels when I’m on vacation or exploring a new city, because I notice and take photos of everything! I’ve actually been thinking of how I can bring that same awareness, gratitude and enrichment to my life all the time. Thanks for this :)
I hope it helps in some small way, Cassidy. I have the same problem with how I experience holidays/vacations and how I experience everyday life. How do we bring that level of "being present" to the average day? It's difficult, but I think practice overcomes it.
Hi Cole. Thank you for this terrific and inspiring post. Your photos are awesome.
Your post reminds me of the play “Every Brilliant Thing” by Duncan MacMillan. Have you read or saw? If not, definitely seek it out. You will love it.
I haven't read this play, but I'll try to find it now. Thank you for the tip, Johnny.
Hi Cole. I think I have a PDF of it. If you send me an email to jclark@vstheatre.org, I will track down and happily send your way. Cheers.