It's The Journey...
I'm sure you've heard people wax lyrical about the difficulties of Life. That the destination is not the only thing worth thinking about.. but that its in the 'journey' that we find fulfillment and growth.
You know, I think they might just be onto something in some sense. Of course, the destination is important, otherwise we wouldn't need Google Maps! But, I think the point 'they' are making is that we get so caught up in the end result or goal, that we don't remember how we got there.
In our rat-race world, we run at a frenetic pace, juggling the plates of job, family, and things. We are at the mercy of our smartphones and our Insta feed. Meanwhile, our kids are growing up and we're so caught up in what we are being 'fed' that we totally miss it. I speak from hard personal experience in this one.
But now I am thankful every day that I have learned to step through life now paying more attention to the people in my life and the world that happens around me. I try to be more present, to not be a slave of my phone or Netflix and instead focus on the things in life that are 'life-giving.'
So, what's this got to do with photography?
Well, last weekend, I decided to go in search of the Belvoir Oak, the oldest oak tree in Northern Ireland (some 500 years!) Lately I've been inspired as I see other photographers discover the beauty of the woodlands and so I set myself a task of finding some really old trees. When I discovered the story of the Belvoir Oak, and that it was only a 45 minute drive from home, I couldn't resist going to check it out.
So armed with Google Maps, and a video off YouTube, I set off. Parking beside the Bowling Club on the Belvoir Road, I walked off into Belvoir Woods. Some twenty minutes later, I was standing in the middle of thick brush trying to spot said Oak. Nothing looked like it did in the video because years had passed since it was shot and the area around the Oak was completely overgrown.
It took me some time and walking in circles to eventually find the old Oak and the good news is that there were loads of fresh shoots growing off it. But no matter how hard I tried, I could not get a photograph that anyone would look at and say... "Oh look, that's the Belvoir Oak!"
As I stood in the middle of nowhere (I'd not seen a human being for over 20mins at this stage) I was disheveled, warm and sore. This wasn't made easier by wearing a backpack full of camera gear!
But then the thought occurred to me. I was standing in complete silence. I stopped and just took a few cleansing breaths. This is what I am always banging on about here. Slow down, and just be in the moment. It was beautiful. I was totally disconnected from distractions or noises. I didn't have great images, but I had this moment in time.
I settled into it as I realised that the 'journey' in this instance was more important that the images. It was then, as I slowed my pace and became more aware of what was around me, I began to notice things.
One thing I realised as I walked was that in my new way of thinking about my photography I had made some good choices. I bought a smaller kit bag, and reduced my carry. I realised that I was bringing things along that I didn't need. Actually as I write this, I've just thought of further changes I can make.
As I walked away from Belvoir Woods, I felt alive. I felt at peace and truly content, even though I didn't get the shot of the century of the Belvoir Oak. But I'd learned a valuable lesson that it seems I need to 'keep' learning.... that of slowing down and appreciating what I have around me.
Maybe Life seems like a fast-moving train that is out of your control. All it takes is a minute to realise that you have the power to stop at make a different choice. That's only the first step of course, and the journey each of us is on is different, but I hope that you take that step. If I can be of any help, please reach out. I can be contacted through the contact form on the Home page.
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