In the Moment

I changed my routine this week and I think for the better. Rather than toil at everything to do with photography from sunrise to sunset, I've set aside an hour or two every day, just for me. Late last week the northwest breezes were brisk and the air was dry, and I tucked myself away on the second floor deck in the lee of the roof to enjoy the warmth of the sun and read a good book. For an hour I basked in a comfortable chair, watching the new spring foliage move rhythmically with the wind out of the corner of my eye. I finished one book and started another as one day became two and then three.

Yesterday I moved this hour of R&R to the beach and what had been a single hour grew to two. The beaches here aren't crowded yet - that will come soon enough - and those who are on the beach are savoring every moment just as I am. I arrived just before 3:00 p.m. and reluctantly departed about 5:00 p.m. still wanting more of my book, the sea-breeze, and my colorful companions.

There was a family of four nearby - Mom was napping, Dad was reading and the two boys were entertaining themselves either digging their way to China or skidding across the shoreline on their boogie boards. A gay couple, obviously new to the sea, took pictures of each other standing in the waves that were lapping the shore. A tall beautiful single woman wearing a bikini, yet wrapped in a shawl ambled, along the beach lost in thought. A middle aged couple gingerly walked into the water holding hands - giggling and providing each other moral support before they plunged into the chilly sea. Three college-age guys played lacrosse near the dunes, and a single woman walked westward along the water's edge under a bright red umbrella, appearing to have not a care in the world.

© 2011 Claudia Ward, Painter's Filter applied in Photoshop Elements

I always thought I was fairly good at relaxing, fully appreciating the time I had off from work and making the most of my surroundings and the moment I was in, but I can honestly say I'm mastering it now. I'm pleasantly surprised by everything I find my senses appreciating at any point in time, whether it's the sweet smell of privet in bloom, the first light of dawn, the sight of cirrus clouds gliding across the sky, the feeling of cool crisp cotton sheets as I slip into bed, the weight of grandmother's silver in my hand, the taste of homemade chicken soup, or the smile on my husband's face each morning when he wakes. I truly find myself unintentionally relishing every moment and it's immensely gratifying.

 

Comments

[Claudia]

Thanks Ally.

[ally]

this is a very nice posting-