Wandering is simply spending some time walking as therapy, silencing
your cell phone and exploring an area near you. There is more to it, of
course (look up The Wander Society online). But for now, here is a
simple checklist.
Solvitur Ambulando
As I’ve stated previously, it’s
been a shitty year and not a lot to show for it. In fact, I have lost
so much. There are times too, that I have been bored or uninspired with
my hobbies, including photography. Most of the time, however, I just
pick up the camera and go. Go out, anywhere. Shoot anything to make
myself feel better. The camera and the process is therapy to me. It
relieves me of stress and helps me create. Photography helps me to focus
(see what I did there?) on what’s in front of me and allows for a
pleasant distraction. It reduces frustration and anxiety.
self-portrait 5m after waking
I am a big fan of photo walks. No agenda, no direction. I just wander with an open eye for something, anything of personal interest and capture it. Stretch, walk, breathe and relax.
I’ve
also discovered interacting with people to be therapeutic too. It
sounds counter-intuitive, I know, but it works for me. I feed off their
personalities and passions. Even their presence is energizing. Ever sit
in a coffee shop and feel the buzz? Me too.
Getting out and
talking to strangers on the street breaks down my walls and theirs. I’ve
been doing quite a lot of portrait photography with my HOT project. These beautiful faces make me smile. See? Therapy.
Communicating
with like-minded people is a huge positivity boost. Photographers are
isolated and protective by nature (why?) so this could be more stressful
at first…but the payoff is amazing. Who else but we, can understand and
support one another? I am really excited about my new photography group coming soon.
One
of the best things about photography is again, focusing on details.
Distract yourself by focusing on the boring, mundane, everyday details
that can deliver the best images and make for the best subjects.
Anything and everything all of a sudden becomes interesting. Beauty in the details. Forest through the trees.
I
lean heavily on photography when doubt, depression and frustration kick
in. I give them a kick back when I grab my camera and go.
I love to hike and trail run but every now and then I’ll throw in some geocaching. It’s a modern day treasure hunt using a GPS device to discover hidden caches. These caches contain anything from trinkets to simple log books for you to document your find.
Geocaching will take you off the trails and on a scavenger hunt so it’s important to carry essentials to make it safe and fun.
Hydrate! You could be out searching for hours so stay hydrated.
Pack a lightweight kit with bandages, ointments, balms. All the above in case you get some cuts and scrapes. Don’t forget insect spray or sunscreen.
Pocketknife, or a multi tool will come in handy. For all those “just-in-case” moments.
Explore More
At Oxley Nature center 36.224700,-95.903046
At Oxley Nature center 36.224700,-95.903046
Here’s my brand new website for a brand new life. I am re-thinking everything and doing it for me this time. You’re welcome to join me on this misadventure.
Warning: website will include vague references, fuckery, drunk realizations, epic statements, sober realizations, shenanigans and maybe even my top secret gorp recipe. I dunno.
Playlist: Feeling Good
Location: 36* N, 95* W
Here’s my brand new website for a brand new life. I am re-thinking
everything and doing it for me this time. You’re welcome to join me on
this misadventure.
Warning: website will include vague references,
fuckery, drunk realizations, epic statements, sober realizations,
shenanigans and maybe even my top secret gorp recipe. I dunno.
Location: 36* N, 95* W
