Finding Focus Through Yoga and Photography: A Journey to Presence
In my last Newsletter I mentioned one of my hobbies Beyond my Yoga is Photography and finding beauty in wavering my yoga practices in my daily life. The art of focus and presence can often feel elusive. Yet, through the practices of yoga and photography, we can cultivate a deeper connection to the present moment. Both disciplines teach us to slow down, observe, and appreciate the beauty in our surroundings and within ourselves. Let’s explore how yoga and photography intertwine to help us find focus and embrace presence, guided by some timeless yogic wisdom.
Photo: From the North Sea Observatory, Chapel Point ~ Jules Wilkin
The Essence of Focus in Yoga
Yoga, a practice rooted in mindfulness and breath, offers profound insights into finding focus. One of the key aspects of yoga is the concept of Dharana, which means concentration. Patanjali, the ancient sage and author of the Yoga Sutras, describes Dharana as the practice of fixing the mind on a single point or task.
"Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self." – Bhagavad Gita
This quote from the Bhagavad Gita encapsulates the essence of yoga as a path to self-discovery and inner focus. By turning inward and focusing on our breath and movements, we learn to quiet the mind and find stillness amidst chaos.
Photography as a Tool for Presence
Photography, much like yoga, requires a keen sense of observation and a mindful approach. When you look through the lens of a camera, you are compelled to be present, to see the world as it is, and to capture moments that are fleeting yet beautiful. This act of seeing and capturing can be deeply meditative.
A Few Tips for Integrating Yoga and Photography
1. Start with Breathwork: Before you begin your photography session, take a few minutes to practice deep breathing or pranayama. This will help centre your mind and bring you into the present moment.
2. Set an Intention: In yoga, setting an intention for your practice can guide your focus. Similarly, set an intention for your photography. It could be to capture the beauty of nature, the joy in people’s faces, or the play of light and shadow.
3. Mindful Observation: Practice mindful observation as you move through your environment. Notice the colours, textures, and shapes. Let your observations guide your photography.
4. Practice Patience: Both yoga and photography require patience. Allow yourself to be in the moment without rushing. Wait for the right light, the perfect angle, or the genuine expression.
5. Reflect and Appreciate: After your photography session, take a moment to reflect on what you captured. Appreciate the moments of beauty and presence that you witnessed and documented.
Yoga and photography are more than just practices; they are pathways to a more focused and present life. By embracing the principles of yoga, we can enhance our ability to see the world with clarity and intention, both on and off the mat. And through the lens of a camera, we can capture the fleeting moments of beauty that remind us of the magic of the present moment.
"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." – Abraham Lincoln
May your journey with yoga and photography bring you deeper focus, presence, and appreciation for the life that unfolds around you every day.
Here are a few of my Photos from the exhibition ‘Lincolnshire Through the Lens 2024’
