Feeling Overwhelmed? Here are 3 Well-being Photo Practices for this Autumn
If you have been feeling overwhelmed or stress lately, I might know the answer for that. And it is simpler than you think.
In this article, we'll explore how you can sync with nature and release resistance with the help of photography.
Weather Details
Before I will give you the photo practices, I want to share with you my most important learnings after Weather Details, a photography project I did in between 2020-2021 to document the changes in nature during the 4 seasons:
As humans, we are intrinsically linked with the natural world. Our existence is in sync with the rhythms and cycles of nature.
The ever-changing seasons in nature mirror the subtle shifts within us.
The turning of the seasons exerts a profound influence on our mental and physical well-being.
In the embrace of autumn, we find an invitation to pause, turn our attention inward, and collect the vital energy needed for inner growth. It's a season that encourages us to reflect and rejuvenate.
In the autumn, the more we strive for productivity and achievement, the stronger the resistance we may encounter from the external world. In this dance with productivity, autumn reminds us that it is the time to simply gather all our work we have already done, not push ourselves to create more.
If you do not agree with me, that is totally fine. I did not believe these things before either. Or let’s say that I was just too busy with my everyday life and felt that I never had time to explore these things in too much detail. But one day, in 2020, I decided to make time for it.
My idea: create a photography project about nature’s cycles! This is how Weather Details came to life. I used these photography practices that I will share with you today. I must say that after this project, I was never the same! And I mean it. More about this on my Instagram account.
Now let’s focus on the how photography can help you in your own journey. I propose to you these photo practices because I tried them and they worked for me:
1. Nature Photo Walk - Capture & Let go
As you embark on this journey, remember that photography is not just about capturing visuals; it's about connection. This photo-practice supports a more direct connection with nature and, in turn, with yourself. Here's how you can make the most of this practice:
Choose a Peaceful Location: Find a serene spot in nature, whether it's a park, forest, or even your own backyard. The key is to be surrounded by the beauty of autumn.
Focus on the details: As you wander, pay attention to the signs of seasonal transition. The changing coluors of leaves, the crispness of the air, or the falling of leaves can be your subjects.
Reflect and Let Go: Autumn is a season of reflection, much like your nature walk. Contemplate the concept of death and endings as you witness leaves falling from trees. Take a picture that portrays what you want to let go of this year. This symbolic act can help you let go of what no longer serves you, making room for new beginnings, hopes, and dreams.
2. Photo Archive Journey - De-Clutter & Reflect
As the year comes to a close, it's the perfect time to look back on the moments you've captured in the last 12 months. Here's how you can create a Yearly Photo Archive that not only brings joy but also helps you practice gratitude:
Review Your Photos: Go through the photos you've taken over the past year. Relive the moments, both big and small. It's a journey through time that can bring a mix of emotions. Allow yourself to feel them but do not get attached too long. They are about your past.
Let Go of the Unnecessary: Just as trees shed their leaves, it's essential to let go of what no longer serves you. Delete photos that hold no sentimental value or clutter your digital space.
Print and Cherish: Select the cherished photos that hold special memories or evoke strong emotions. Printing them out and creating a physical photo album can be a heartwarming experience, especially for the Christmas time. It's a tangible way to connect with your past and relive those moments.
3. Autumn Mood Photo-Journaling
As you already know, autumn is a season of transition, and it can be the perfect time for reflection and self-discovery. By using photography to document your moods and emotions, you can gain a better understanding of yourself and your inner landscape.
To do this, set aside some time each day to take a photo that reflects your current mood or emotion. You can do this by taking a self-portrait, capturing a scene that evokes your emotions, or using symbolic objects or imagery to represent your feelings.
Over time, you can create a visual journal of your emotional journey. This can be a powerful tool for understanding yourself better and developing self-awareness. It can also help you to identify patterns in your emotions and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
