Red Ridge Farms, Dayton, Oregon

I am not a Buddhist, but I love learning about Buddhism. It gives me guidance in how to live here and now and resonates well with contemplative photography.

I first got a taste of Zen Buddhism in the classic book and my favourite of all time, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig. Then, another influential book, The Zen of Seeing by artist Frederick Franck, showed me how the art of drawing (or any art) can be a contemplative practice. Today, Susan Piver’s Open Heart Project teaches me about meditation and Buddhism.

Currently, I’m reading a book called Discover Zen by David Fontana. I’ve been writing down all the words that come up to describe or point to Zen, a word that is really indefinable.

“The Zen state is created by a frame of mind rather than by anything intrinsic to the activity itself. We are more likely to attain it when we are absorbed in a pleasurable activity.” ~ David Fontana

Zen is …

wordless, reality, ordinary daily life, a practice, free of illusions, presence, contact, our true nature, the nature of existence, unfolding, unity, heart, attention, awareness, enlightenment, flow, non-attachment, a frame of mind[/box]

What would you add?

Many of these words can be applied to photography. And, there are many benefits to developing a practice such as contemplative photography to help us experience this frame of mind. These include appreciation for the life we are living, feeling a sense of connection or belonging, and seeing the world more clearly.

I would love to know how contemplative photography helps you experience life differently. How so? Or if you have a different practice, what is it? Give me an example in the comments below.

** Books mentioned have Amazon or Bookshop affiliate links, meaning I make a few cents if you purchase through my link. I only recommend books that I’ve read.