quote: viola davis.

human life is about a culmination of moments and
99 percent of those are quiet
but powerful.
{viola davis}

{morning read/walk on the beach}

quote: henry david thoreau

you must live in the present,
launch yourself on every wave,
find your eternity in each moment.
{henry david thoreau}

photography and being present

continuing on from monday's post, a little food for thought: what does being "fully present" mean for all of us photo-happy individuals, snapping away at sunsets and flowers? does true presence in a moment mean it must be seen first person, and not through the lens? or is dedicated photography a different way of being present?

i don't presume to have an answer to that question, especially not for others. for myself, though, i think it might involve a combination of the two. sometimes, it's more than okay to document the little things that make life special and unique. and other times, it's even better to put away the camera and marvel at this world, firsthand.

quote: thich nhat hanh.

if we are not fully ourselves,
truly present in the moment,
we miss everything.
{thich nhat hanh}

i struggle with this one sometimes often. when you are in a long-distance relationship, there is always a part of you that is somewhere else, thinking of someone who is not presently with you. that corner of your mind that is permanently listening for the phone, making sure i don't miss a call, a text, an email. {this is likely to get worse as i dive into being a lawyer, because everyone knows that lawyers are "constantly available."} i wish i could say i will do better at this, but i'm not sure a blanket statement like that will accomplish anything. so instead, perhaps i will try to be better at specific moments. i will be fully present at dinner with my parents. i will avoid skimming pinterest while a friend tells me about their day. i will put away the technology on the evenings boyfriend and i get to be together in person. small pockets of intentional presence, to balance the constant blur. that, i think i can do.

focus, defined.

definitions of focus, adapted from merriam-webster online

• a point of convergence of a beam of particles or rays
• adjustment for distinct vision; also, the area that may be seen distinctly or resolved into a clear image
• a center of activity, attraction or attention; also, a point of concentration
• directed attention
• a state or condition permitting clear perception or understanding