In the picture below, Denise G and Harry are taking turns playing Zen Camera. In this mindfulness activity, the photographer (Denise G), carefully leads her camera (Harry) around this area. Because the terrain is often rocky, it's an activity that builds trust. The "camera's" eyes stay closed, while the photographer walks the "camera" around until the "photographer" has found something interesting. When ready, the photographer gently squeezes the "camera" hand and the "camera" opens it's eyes. This entire activity is done in silence.
After the darkness of closed eyes, even the dull, lifeless brown of the end of winter comes alive. There is so much to notice. Small buds beginning to appear on the tips of branches. Tiny blades of grass beginning to emerge from the soil. Birds busily chirping as they scamper to build heir nests. It's an activity that allows us to take a moment and notice what often goes unnoticed.
We will be doing this again in the rainforest and comparing our experiences. One of the things that I enjoy most about this exercise is that it's a way to share and receive beauty and a reminder that these gifts of beauty that we "give" each other in these exercises are simple and non-materialistic.
We will be doing this again in the rainforest and comparing our experiences. One of the things that I enjoy most about this exercise is that it's a way to share and receive beauty and a reminder that these gifts of beauty that we "give" each other in these exercises are simple and non-materialistic.
Marjai and Kelsey (below).
