Mindfulness In Motion

Photos taken on my daily evening walk here in our coastal village in Portugal

Everything, everywhere, all at once. All is in constant motion.

Change seems inevitable, the earth keeps spinning, and each second is fleeting. But even amidst the overwhelm of this ever-changing world, a profound serenity can be achieved. For me, this is the core of photography — elevating awareness to the level of art.

Taking pictures is one of the ways I calm my mind and spirit. My goal with each shot is to freeze the ephemeral life force that is all around us. The quiet of nature, a ray of light, or even just a shadow can sometimes provide this serenity. Even in these seemingly still moments, though, motion is hinted at. I am reminded of the rule of impermanence by the way a flower sways and dances in response to the wind, and by the quality and angle of shadow and light, which reveal a certain time of day.

The ever-changing nature of existence is available in every situation. A sudden burst of activity, whether it's the arrival of a passerby, an element of nature, or something else entirely, can transform an otherwise motionless scene into a dramatic moment. I am constantly on the lookout for these ephemeral moments through my lens. The goal of each shot is to freeze a fleeting moment bending under inertia.

I devote myself wholeheartedly to this spiritual practice. Through photography, I am able to forge a more profound connection with the world, appreciate the transient, and convey that appreciation to others. It's an adventure into the unknown, into discovering the poetry of mindfulness in motion and find calm amidst chaos.

With love.
Marcus McDougald
❤️‍🔥🌞