As I was reading in Simple Abundance this morning (yes, there's that book again!), I was struck by the concept of the habit of being. As opposed to the habit of doing, constant movement on the "to do" list, or the habit of brooding, focusing on the past or the future. The habit of being, just existing in the moment. Such a simple concept, yet one I am constantly re-learning. I keep turning back to this idea of late - of being in the moment, conscious of the now. There must be something to that.
So this morning, this image from our Bath hotel room jumped out at me. Seeing the beauty of light and dark, the monochromatic composition that presented itself. No other reason to take this photo, than to capture an observation of the moment. And yet, it pleases me. Brings me some peace and stillness, even now. My eyes wander over the details brought out by the light and the shadows. Marvel at the beauty of the simplicity and the artfulness of the composition that the designer created in this space.
A reminder that along with the habit of being, you gain the habit of seeing. A good habit to have, as an artist.
See? Lists are bad, I always knew there was a reason why I just couldn't do them, so much better to live in random chaos and enjoy whatever you just happen to accomplish :) Love the photo.
ReplyDeleteFor me, the habit of being is one of the most difficult things to get to grips with whilst being the one thing I most want to master. I've found though that recently, since taking up photography, I spend more and more time in the present. It's tightly tied into the habit of seeing.
ReplyDeleteGreat food for thought.... I picked up a copy of Simple Abundance, waiting for the first of the year to start reading it.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful capture, and it is wonderful that you are regaining connection with simply just being.
ReplyDeleteI needed this post today. I'm going off a very busy period at work and am just starting a two week vacation. Because I've been away from home for so long I decided to vacation at home, but I'm struggling with not having anything to "do" it is driving me crazy.
ReplyDeleteJust this morning I picked Simple Abundance up off my book shelf and began reading...
ReplyDeleteDue to health issues I have been forced to confront this very issue. Learning that it is okay to just "be" and not having to "do" all the time. That who you are is more important than what you do. Sounds easy. Ha! It has been a struggle. Getting clearer over time. Has turned out to be my path toward inner peace. ;)
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, and beautiful shot.
ReplyDeleteperfect! that settled on me just now for it was just what I needed to remember
ReplyDelete~ the habit of being
:)
Tough to do - we keep getting in the way!
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of cultivating a habit of being. It's harder that it would seem to be at first.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful image you shared, the play of light and shadow is really special.
Gosh, what a simple post expressing a profound idea. I really have to think about the habit of brooding." I never thought about the past and future like that. Glad I found your blog on CED.
ReplyDeleteI have the book Simple Abundance. My daughter gave it to me a few years ago. What a lovely book.
ReplyDeleteI am re-teaching myself this habit every day---why is is such a hard habit to learn? We are all always doing doing doing. I am slowly learning to breathe instead. I love the details in this photo---I would die to have this woodwork in my house!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Kat! Why is it so difficult to just "Be"? We're all so busy doing, going, getting we find it difficult to just be in the moment! Sounds like an excellent book to read!
ReplyDeleteGreat photo too!
love Simple Abundance, just dug my copy out a couple of weeks ago, looking for inspiration for the holidays. I came across a quote, can't remember from who, that "we are human beings, not human doers." I try to remember that every day, but even now, as I sit and drink my morning tea, I'm busy "doing" in my mind, running through errands etc.
ReplyDelete