Embracing Solitude
Embracing Solitude
As photographers, sometimes we look for certain vibes, settings and composition to shoot what we have in mind. Or to match a certain collection or series. More often than not, we are blessed to have a scene simply presented to us. Whether we have manifested that blessing and presentation by our divine power and by being present and aware is another, but good question. To start to Descend into our Being.
Beauty is a mystery
As the first piece in The Way of the Mystic series was shot in South-Korea, the setting for the scene of this second piece was closer to home: The dunes in Soestduinen. Sounds far less exotic and mysterious than the slopes of Hallasan on Jeju Island, but the environment is equally beautiful. In a very different way. The same area where I shot the La Luna edition. Truly, beauty is everywhere.
Like there is beauty in being alone. As being alone doesn’t equal feeling lonely, to me spending time in solitude is a power. Maybe even more a necessity. As much as I love my family, the missus, relatives, friends and you, I need that time in my own space.
The urban hermit
That does not mean spending time in a cave. That space can vary from sitting at a chosen view point, to having a drink or meal by myself while reading or writing. From enjoying a short travel or holiday, to a small walk.
It not only recharges, but also gives me time & space to embrace who I am. Light & shadow. Not being bombarded with impressions of what I should do, what to change and who I should aspire to be, in the eyes of someone else. Spending time in solitude is good for everyone, but also character related. Some simply have that need more. Like me.
It is part of my being and also very much belongs to the Element or Phase of Water. I am very much a ‘Water type’. Aspects as wisdom & flow, darkness & depth. As water flows to the lowest places. So also connected to fear. To overcome fear you have to be willing to face it. Not outrace it. As it will surely catch up, you need to learn to embrace it. Just like Solitude…
* Update: Embracing Solitude editions listed on Mallow