shall we dance

i tried to do the 365 photo-a-day project in 2009. i gave up in january. one of the reasons i gave up was because i was just not finding things to photograph. it was snowy, i was staying close to home, and i felt like i had seen and photographed everything around me already.

fast forward to today. i never have that problem. i take atlas on the same walk sometimes two, three times a day, and i can find (many) things to photograph every single time.

i was thinking about why this is so.

there are probably a couple of reasons, but one of them is my shiva nata practice, which i started that summer. really, the whole point of the practice is to open your mind to the unlimited possibilities that exist. unlimited possibilities for photos! how exactly did this connection not occur to me until now?

it reminded me that i had so much fun teaching shiva nata at patty's retreat. everyone really enjoyed it. and it made me realize just how much i want to share this practice with people, especially people who are looking for ideas or inspiration or help getting unstuck creatively. my brain is busy thinking about ways to do this - probably sometime in the new year.

in the meantime, i do think shiva nata is the most fabulous thing ever, so i thought i'd throw out a fun idea. if you happen to live in or around portland (i live in hillsboro) and want to try it sometime this month or next, leave me a comment or send me an email. i have the time and space and it's fun for me, so i would be happy to introduce shiva nata to you so you can see if it's for you. (if you practice already and want to practice with someone else, that's always fun too.)

Comments

[Tracy]

The shiva nata is VERY intriguing! I was vaguely aware of it before but seeing video clip of it--it looks like fun and great way to channel energy! It does look a bit like dancing... and I have ten left feet, so to speak... LOL! But if I can do yoga, anything is possible, right?! ;o) I am delighted you have found a path that helps your unleash your creativity! Thank you for sharing... ((HUGS))

[margie]

today i took time to watch a demo. interesting and yet i somehow see myself with both arms wrapped around my neck, tangled and strangled. this must take some practice.

[elizabeth @ retinal perspectives]

@margie: the beauty of the practice is that getting it wrong means you're getting it right (i.e. scrambly brain! wheeee!).

@tracy: hee. absolutely. i could probably say the same thing. ;)

[Liss]

Having an open mind and belief in one self is very powerful. I am glad you have found something you love doing and teaching others. It sounds like it is really working for you.

I've missed you view of the world, you really are inspiring E.

[jaime]

This sounds so intriguing!
Oh, I wish I lived closer to you...I would have been so in!