Discover Mindful Photography
With Kokoro Grove, mindful photography is a way to bridge the serenity of nature with the creativity of self expression. Combining this with the gentle practise of forest bathing, you may well discover a much deeper subconscious and reflective art, full of beautiful hidden meanings, just waiting to be discovered.
It is not about expensive equipment, or even prior experience - just your mobile phone is good enough, and an openness to see the world through fresh eyes. You may be exploring tranquil forest trails or perhaps finding the stillness in a single flower, either way, your camera becomes a tool for presence and reflection, capturing the moment so that you may revisit time and time again. Mindful photography with forest bathing becomes a journey of awareness and creativity, where each photograph becomes a moment of connection with the natural world and yourself.
It's not about technical perfection!
Rather than focusing solely on the perfect technical shot, or waiting for the best artistic outcome, mindful photography encourages you to to slow down, to take a breath and observe your surroundings with curiosity. It is all about becoming aware of what your other senses are telling you too, so that when you capture the moments as they unfold naturally, with added layers of sound and scent, or perhaps how the air felt on your skin, and registering how that moment felt for you at that time, you will find yourself exploring the beauty in the ordinary and find inspiration in the present moment. It's a way to experience photography not just as an art form or even a quick snap, but as a meditative and grounding practice.
Mindful Photography is the art of using your camera to foster awareness, presence, and connection with the world around you.
Through mindful photography, you can develop a deeper connection with your environment by embracing the process of truly seeing.
Instead of rushing to capture the perfect shot, you focus on the experience of being in the moment, giving your mind and body a rest from the stresses of the day. By taking a moment to notice how the light plays through the trees, or the subtle patterns of shadows, to explore the unique textures found in nature, your mind will stop buzzing with to-do lists or thoughts about the past or worries of the future.
'It's just you and the natural world, in this slice of time, a moment of connection that can be profoundly healing.'
Skip Armstrong, 2024, Photography as a tool for relaxation.