So..I’ve been asking myself..and am asking you too. What is it about a daily ‘practice’ that works? How is it that doing the same thing day after day..can change your mind and your life? How is it that it helps you find peace and ground and center? And how is it that within that daily ritual and routine.. you find the strength to speak your true voice?
When not thinking straight..when thoughts and endless questions are swirling and twirling and dancing inside – I turn myself upside down. I breathe. I trust my body. The answers come as I return myself to earth. To what supports and carries me.
When questioning and second-guessing and believing that I have nothing to say..nothing to offer – I sit myself down at my computer. I let my fingers do the walking. I trust in their knowing something that I do not. That they will guide me.
And when the world is looking hopeless and dark and grey..and that today is the same day as the day that was yesterday – I pick up my camera. I let the lens do the seeing…believing that it will lead me…that it knows better than me where to look and find the extraordinary in that everyday ordinary.
Over and over – I return to my ‘practice’…to the space that is comforting and familiar…and where I can simply be. How or why it works – I don’t quite know. But that – if it works for me..it could work for you too??
9 comments:
Marcie
Thank you so much for your inspiring and thoughtful post. I have so many days like that - with nothing to say and the dreariness of the day - and that's when I do what you do but you have helped me to see why I write and take photographs. And that I should make them a daily practice. You are extraordinary, that's for sure!!!!
Growing up I took piano lessons and had to practice at least 30 minutes a day. There were times when I wasn't progressing, but my skills stayed at least steady. Once I stopped practicing as an adult my fingers didn't respond as well and my mind couldn't process the notes as well. Without that daily practice I lost my skills.
I think most habits are like this - you need to keep moving forward not only to improve but to keep even with your skill level. For me, this is why I need daily practice - and not just occasional practice.
I'm still working on my daily practice and a certain routine. There are still many "disturbances" in my life, but I think I'm eventually getting there. I'm working on it. However, what I know is that when I pick up the camera I'm in my "zone" where I'm happy and feel creative and just - me.
so encouraging and true in so many ways. The camera can be such an extended part of life !
My daily practice is taking a nap. I have done so for 16 years.
I began out of necessity, resenting the time lost. I continue out of desire, knowing the benefits naps bring to me and those I love.
I have recently added a new daily practice: morning and afternoon breaks--15 minutes of lying on the bed, reading--with the timer on.
Getting enough rest is probably the
single-most important factor promoting creativity, joy and love in my life.
Marcie, so well said, once again.
When we were going through an extremely difficult time (over the span of 2 1/2 years) I continued my daily walk with my dog Andy... and I believe it was those walks that pulled me through each day... they kept me from giving in... giving up....
Thank you for helping me recognize the importance of daily practice...
it's been truly inspiring!
Daily practice can be a blessing. So comforting to find yourself whatever happens in that one subject you practice your daily task in.
Photography comforts me, a stunnes me as well every day anew.
i have read and reread your post, marcie with great thought and consideration ...
thank you so much for putting these questions forward and for offering such inspiration ...
each and every comment has been so interesting and enlightening ...
there are so many things we do daily, but often don't really consider how centering they can be ... like i do love to sweep the step ... and love to sweep the snow ... every season, i guess ... simple, but gratifying and somehow centering ...
thanks, marcie ~ blessings to you ~
xo
prairiegirl
Yes, I think giving ourselves a structure to work within allows our creativity the freedom to come out, to breathe, to flow.
it gives it a priority in life that is so easily lost without this daily practice.
love this...
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