Quiet and Calm

Even in the lazy days of summer there seems to be moments where I definitely feel that there’s no rest for the weary. From staycations to vacations, kids to conferences, work to play, this July has been more jammed-packed than any December I’ve ever known. I know I’m not alone.

It’s right about now, about ½ way through summer when many moms especially are waiving their white flags. I surrender! When are things going to let up? What happened to ‘me-time’? 

Never fear. There is a way to calm the body and mind even when the heat is on. Grab your camera and use it for the greater good. After taking a few deep cleansing breaths (never underestimate the power of breathing) let your lens guide you to the quiet beauty that lies in wait for you to discover it. Shoot something, anything that sooths your soul and softens your body. Let the peace of the subject matter hold your attention and seep into your being as you enjoy a little change of perspective.

Life is what we choose to make it. Let’s see the kind of images that remind you to you slow down a bit and stop to smell the roses (or daisies or magnolias).

Now, exhale.

Comments

[elk]

a spot to breath...


http://www.redorgray.com/2009/07/white-by-redorgray-on-flickr.html

[Leah]

Gosh, I needed to hear this too. I have had a few pics lately, though, that have had that effect. I manage to just sit for a second and see things in a different way.

http://flickr.com/gp/lakeline/08h4j4

[Puna]

What wonderful advice. Especially today. Breathing now.

http://lifesignatures.org/wordpress/2009/07/july-30-a-piano-without-a-player/

[Alicia]

As a teacher... and not yet a mom, I'm a little the opposite of you, Tracey :) Summer time is me time!! But I am still finding tranquility, calmness, and peace... and hoping that my discoveries can be pulled back into the next school year, so that when I'm ready to wave my white flag, I have something to fall back on.

http://aliandsethinthecity.blogspot.com/2009/07/painting.html

http://www.beaphotograph.com/2009/07/i-heart-blur/

[mary]

A walk along the beach at sunrise is the perfect "me" moment:

http://inasoftlight.blogspot.com/2009/07/waiting-for-gift-from-sea.html

[spread your wings]

i love it when i'm not walking so fast that i fail to notice the beauty around me. when i slow down i see things i may have stepped right over on another day. This feather is only about 2" long.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/autumnsun/3771157078/in/photostream/

[lifeineden]

I am SO ready for school to start again. It has been tough keeping my 6-yr-old busy. But yesterday we walked to the store, and he brought his camera. I almost didn't bring mine, but he insisted. I'm so glad he did.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/32837589@N07/3771191090/

[GayleV]

I love nature images for their calm feel. Here is a recent favorite:
http://momandcamera.blogspot.com/2009/07/by-morning-light.html

[KristineNoel]

For me the "me" time is away from my office, house projects, and spent just in amazement of the joy and simplicty of quiet "kid" moments.

http://kristinenoel.com/?p=152

[Trude]

So true. I'm in love with this recent photo, simply because its of the flowers that are right next to the front stoop, I walk by them every day but finally stopped and took a moment to really enjoy them!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/trudem/3748328632/

[Tracy]

I found this to be rather soothing: http://www.flickr.com/photos/31417716@N00/3770492267/

[Claudia@ DipityRoad]

For me one of the sweetest enjoyments is walking early in the morning at our local Farmers Market. Its a summer time event that when i miss it ... i REALLY miss it.

http://www.dipityroad.com/

Life is really the JOURNEY-- a senendipitous road -- even better!!

TTFN~~Claudia ♥

[Kate Baumert]

http://happyinthehamptons.blogspot.com/2009/07/thursdays-are-exciting.html


=D

[georgia]

thanks for this reminder, tracey.
it's just what i needed.

here's my slow down shot.
{at the bottom of the post}
http://itsjusthowiseethings.blogspot.com/2009/07/hello.html

[Amanda Mae]

breathe. aw. so. needed.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/maecreative/3610499077/

my photo. peace. calm.

[georgia]

oh, and if neglected to say what a beautiful shot this is.

[shelli - mama of letters]

This photo makes me feel calm and light:

http://www.mamaofletters.com/Site/The_Focal_Point/Entries/2009/6/15_Hosta.html

[hi kooky]

I happened to use my camera (aka Calgon) to take me away yesterday!

http://hikooky.blogspot.com/2009/07/pictures.html

[Szilvia]

It's funny how one of the images that calms me the most these days are of my two best friends -the three of us always try to remind ourselves and eachother to slow down and that life indeed is what we make of it.

They are my rocks and my source of inspiration and evolution, and I'll share them with you today. =)

The image is at the bottom of the post:
http://szilvias.blogspot.com/2009/05/reunion.html

[jenica]

i don't often get a chance to be completely alone, but i can escape to my garden for a quick recharge:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/onelittleone/3731143838/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/onelittleone/3730348167/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/onelittleone/3731143376/

xoxo

[Jenny Rebecca]

Took this yesterday, but bought for the same reason. A bit of calm and beauty to have around.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fanglord2/3769442451/

[cindy]

sounds good to me. thanks for the reminder! here's mine
http://www.flickr.com/photos/71443419@N00/3719985163/in/set-72157606314113720/

[Heather]

In coming back from Chicago, one of the things I realized was that the calmest thing for me was taking the time to step away from the photography that I love. I've napped (well sort of) with my toddler nearly every day this week and giggling with him across the pillow is just the thing. Love the softness in your image and the cropping---you have a way of choosing a focal point that I always love.

[Chris]

I'm finding myself look for little moments to stop and breathe more and more each day. I think I'm ready for the boys to be back in school! This was taken during one of those moments...http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeroldssis/3773649856/

[Liz//Tipping Point Photo]

I almost forgot to breathe yesterday.

Then I went to the dog beach. And took my Lensbaby (*swoon!*).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tippingpointphoto/sets/72157621878411122/

Next thing I know we've been there for an hour. My dog is wet, tired, and happy. And so am I.

[Holly]

taking in the moment

http://themares.blogspot.com/2009/07/shutter-sisters-slow-down.html

[kristin]

i like the rhythm of summer days
& rituals like laundry on the line.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14811117@N02/3773192172/

[kosenrufu mama]

here my breath...
http://esterdaphne.blogspot.com/2009/07/bellezza-di-cuore.html

[food product photography singapore]

take a breath too..feel it