Photography & Creativity For Mindfulness
Meditation and mindfulness. In the traditional sense, it ultimately boils down to remaining present. This is typically achieved with an ongoing practice of sitting still and quietly observing your thoughts.
Some folks find their groove with it all, clearly reaping the rewards and benefits that it brings. Others, however, not so much. I’d firmly place myself in the camp of said others.
What I can do, though, is directly focus my attention on a creative activity or pursuit. I know a lot of photographers and artists lean in on this form of flow state.
“Popularized by positive psychologists Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and Jeanne Nakamura, flow state describes a feeling where, under the right conditions, you become fully immersed in whatever you are doing.”
Photography + flow state = mindfulness
From planning your trip and exploring your location or subject to immersing yourself in the editing process, photography offers the perfect mindfulness opportunity.
Half the time, you don’t even realise it’s happening. Regardless, the more you practice, the more space you free up in an otherwise intense barrage of thoughts.
“When was the last time you actually felt the texture of a wall, breathed in the smell of a woodland or just sat and truly listened to the sound of the sea or birdsong? Mindful Photography encourages you to do this and make a lasting and meaningful change in your life. When the senses are more engaged, you can start to take more notice and slow down.”
With the current pace of life snowballing into chaos, slowing down and spending time on your hobbies is more important than ever before. The added bonus with photography, you’ll double up your endorphins just by being outside and getting your steps in. Additionally, if you throw a bit of nature into the mix, you’re feelings and emotions certainly won’t be complaining.
Mental health
With mindfulness, be it sitting and focusing on the breath, or diving into a creative passion, comes a subtle, yet noticeable boost in mood.
Again, I’ve heard many photographers discussing their practice as an essential ingredient in their overall well-being. Pure, calming and tranquil. It’s therapy.
“Creative outlets not only help to reduce feelings of stress and loneliness but can improve your mood and even affect how your brain works. And they’re fun!”
As your work develops (quite literally if you’re using film), you end up bumping into plenty of like-minded folks online. Meaningful connections help to nurture your enthusiasm and purpose. This, of course, will also benefit your mental health.
Turn it into a thing
Once you find your feet with a chosen creative outlet, make it a thing. Make it your thing. Find your people, share your work and engage with your community.
A healthy level of obsession comes highly recommended. If you can reach the point where you’re infinitely passionate about what you do, it’s hard to think of anything else. From a personal point of view, this helps keep the volume of your thoughts at a manageable level.
“While creativity without expectation is essential, it can also lead to community — a core component of self-care.”
Lots of the photographers I follow and admire display this type of enthusiasm and dedication. They’ve made their practice their thing. It’s a pure joy to see and/or listen to.
Whether you’re a complete newbie, an amateur or a pro, own what you do. Call yourself an artist or photographer, and shout it from the top of a mountain. You are what you practice.
Creative meditation
If, like me, traditional meditation isn’t quite working for you, immersive flow states in creativity are a perfect alternative. It works with any hobby that you enjoy.
The more you enjoy it, the more you do of it. The more you do of it, the more you focus on it. The more you focus on it, the calmer the mind becomes. It’s a win/win situation with the added inclusion of purpose and passion.
