Creative Commons Photo by David Stanley on Flickr

“Live like a river flows, surprised by its own unfolding.” ~ John O’Donohue, Conamara Blues (paid link)

One thing I’ve discovered over the years is that it’s good to have a plan, but it’s also okay to let it go. “Live like a river flows”, as the poet John O’Donohue said. Set out in a certain direction, but be aware that obstacles and opportunities will arise and that detours may be necessary. The river in you will always take you in the right direction. It is your inner self, and always connects you to your source – your essence, what is most important about you that needs to be offered to the whole. The river is not the chaos of life, what pulls you in different directions. That is the shore calling you away from what’s important. The river is the part of you that runs underneath the chaos.

How do you find it? 

Photography is a tool I use to connect to my river. And, I’ve discovered that helping others use that tool to expand their self-awareness is part of my mission. This year, I launched my first six-week online photography workshop, Photo By Design, with 13 other brave souls. What an amazing experience it was. Everyone participated with enthusiasm and a willingness to challenge themselves. This online experience will be offered again in mid-January.

Next year, I will offer several in-person, weekend workshops in contemplative photography. The first will be April 27-29 at Bethany Spring Retreat Center (The Merton Institute) in Kentucky.
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This is the way my river is flowing. How about yours? 

Over the next few months, this website and especially the blog, will refocus on this practice of contemplative photography. I hope that you’ll stick with me and share how you’re flowing and evolving.