soul intention

Flowers on her table, taken with the iPhone using the ShakeIt app.

I visited a friend the other day. We didn't meet in a restaurant for a time constrained lunch. I didn't swing by for ten minutes because I was in the neighborhood running an errand. I actually got into my car and drove with the sole intention of just bringing her lunch and catching up. 

And it was kind of awkward. Not between us, but within myself. Why am I here? Why am I not answering emails or editing or planning or school shopping or blogging or cleaning or organizing or you fill in the blank. I walked into her house. And even though I've known her for years, it struck me that I'd never seen her home in the light of day. With most of the neighborhood at work, things seemed quiet and peaceful, even a little surreal. We talked at her table, lounged on sofas, laughed. By the end of our visit, my feelings of mild anxiety were replaced by a total sense of calm. I drove away thinking that I couldn't remember feeling so unburdened even after checking multiple items off my to-do list. "Productivity" is sometimes lonely. I run from the bank, to the gas station, the grocery store, the office, the computer. Sometimes I'm so focused on tasks that even when I'm surrounded by people, I forget to look around and actually see them. Even though what I'm "working" so hard toward "acheiving" is a more fulfilled life. Maybe my fulfilled life is already here. Maybe it's just a lunch date with a friend away. In essence, maybe it's about taking a minute to look around and experience what's right in front of us. 

What makes you feel most connected? We'd love to see.

Comments

[giftsofthejourney (Elizabeth Harper)]

Lovely post and an excellent reminder that before I can feel connected to others I have to feel connected to myself. I go back to my own center best in nature, a walk, a run, or even just sitting on the porch watching the world and thinking.

I have to get still inside which can happen when my body is in motion, but only if it's not working on a task.

[Jennifer]

Going through toddlerdom has been filled with days of frustration because boundaries are being pushed, but sometimes I just give in and nap with my son. After waking recently, I noticed how beautiful the scene was:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cardboardsea/4872305202/

And life was perfect in that moment.

[Wayfaring Wanderer]

Being present really takes a conscious effort. The fact that we are photographers is in our favor because, contrary to what other people may think, we immerse ourselves in our surroundings when viewing from every angle.

But because we are human we lose sight of what our bodies really need from time to time. Relaxing is something I have an extremely hard time doing, so that's what I focused on this summer. I took time to rest when I felt like it and played when I had the energy.

I just got back from a great little trip to Charleston where I took time to just be. It was lovely.

http://www.wayfaringwanderer.com/2010/08/summer-vignette-folly-beach-sc.html

~WW

[Bettina]

For me, just about any time I have my camera in my hand, i feel connected. Of course, its not a living for me, its a hobby, and one that i just took up, and one that is totally new and full of learning:

Cliché yes, but nothing like stopping and enjoying a nice decaf soy latte, wrap your hands around the warm cup, stare off into the distance and just ahhhhhhhh

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bettina2/4883979937/

And when "enough is enough" there is no better place to unwind then the ocean, sometimes i picture does say it all!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bettina2/4884089847/

Great post, its funny how we can feel that anxiety, i too was in that exact situation, just going to "visit a friend at her house"..... life.

[Marcie]

Sometimes what makes me feel most 'connected' is when I'm most 'lost'. Out in the early morning fog and mist:
http://marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=1268

[Sarah]

My life is full of kiddos and laughing and noise..I have five of my own and own a preschool...so quiet is a rare thing for me. To breathe now and again ..and be present...I go here...to just sit and breathe in the pine scent and listen to nature..all alone..just me :)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cottagegardenstudios/4316316090/

[Jen at Cabin Fever]

What makes me feel connected is to take my camera and walk. Walk really slow. When I do that I see things I never notice and I feel as if I'm a part of what's around. Ok... maybe that's hard to understand... but I hope you can feel that way too!

http://www.cabinfeververmont.com => Check out this blog for my monthly photo assignment! "Sunshine"

http://www.nekphotography.blogspot.com => Photo Blog

[Jennifée]

Such gorgeous colour tones in that image!

I agree that being photographers works in our favour; I rarely feel more connected to the world around me than at the times, say, when I notice the symmetry of a bluebell,

http://www.flickr.com/photos/85057042@N00/4768446779/

or watch the sunlight through a glass of water

http://www.flickr.com/photos/85057042@N00/4753919501/ .

[Michel]

It is so nice to unplug and just connect. wonderful reminder. great timing too. it seems everyone in my life is running around with cut off chicken heads...

These days i've been connecting with myself. alone in quiet. in my new home saying my good-byes to the most amazing summer of my life.

http://www.wishfulthinkingblog.com/wishful-thinking/2010/8/14/morning-sun.html

[Christineellen]

Very nice post. It's true, why do we feel guilty doing simple things that bring us pleasure. Life can't be just about lists, errands and gettting things done. We need to remember to take care of our souls sometimes.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/christineellen/4902992764/

[cigi]

Lovely post and photo. I am most connected and in the moment when I am in the midst of a long, rambling walk and when I am taking photos. Combining the two is, for me, as good as it gets:

http://instamaticgratification.wordpress.com/2010/08/18/222365/

[Brooke]

"And it was kind of awkward." I get it. I had the day off work and decided to spend the afternoon with a friend who is a stay-at-home mom. We talked and did what is always normal but something felt "off".

I think being with people, the ones that make you smile, make you laugh... make you feel whole, is what it's all about. Be it family or friends, young or old, sharing time with someone I care about is always a good thing.

www.shutterboo.com

[Jayne Bramley]

I feel most connected when I slow down and spend quiet time in nature that is when I find the small treasures that otherwise I would have rushed by trying to get my next task done!!!
These are such delicate structures just sitting by the path so easliy overlooked and this is one of my most favourite photos I have taken in quite some time :)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14261878@N08/4872506254/

[Puna]

I was at the dr.'s office when I read this. It was a sport physical for my daughter...then lunch...then work...then back to the school for practice.

This was just what I need just then. I had my day stretched in front of me but it put everything in perspective.

[sarah]

great post, those simple moments are so beautiful. for me, amid all the rush and activity, I love cold mornings at the coffee shop with my daughter, drinking hot chocolate and talking quietly. http://www.flickr.com/photos/shorelinesphotography/4836994580/in/set-72157624472742764/

[Humbird]

I jokingly refer to photography as my 'rebound' relationship. Rebound with life.

For the last 15 years I have been 'in the public eye' as an "elected", decided it was time to re-engage with normalcy and my final term ends January 2011. I am working on projects, people, and decisions but I am slowly transitioning back into a private life. I spend time photographing the natural world because it keeps me grounded. I love reading SS because each essay/assignment or picture causes me to pause, further appreciate colors, people, landscape and various ways to capture and to be inspired. Thank you.

[Ma']

The quote I'm scribing on the bleached out piece of driftwood I'm painting for your birthday is -
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." Leonardo da Vinci

[Guess the Lighting]

A really nice blog. keep up the good work.
<a href="http://www.guessthelighting.com">GuessTheLighting.com</a>

[Guess the Lighting]

A really nice blog. keep up the good work.
www.GuessTheLighting.com

[littlepurplecow (Stephanie Roberts)]

Beautiful image and words, Maile. Now that I've spent time with you in-person, they mean even more to me.

[Valerie]

Ahhh. The bliss of combining words and photos...
http://journeyleaf.typepad.com/journeyleaf/2010/01/cairn.html