THE LITTLE BOOK OF CONTEMPLATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY: by Howard J Zehr

THE LITTLE BOOK OF CONTEMPLATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY:

Seeing with Wonder, Respect, and Humility

Author:  Howard J Zehr
Publisher:  Good Books
Publication Date:  March 2005

Fascinating look at photography as a newway of seeing from restorative justice pioneer and accomplished photographer, Howard Zehr. Ignoring the rules absorbed over time, embracing wonder and openness in seeing one's world and self. "Instead of Descartes' stance of doubt..approach life and the world in an attitude of wonder...begins with appreciation rather than suspicion...an openness to possibilities."

Encouraged to become aware of light and shadow; pattern and placement; in composing and in spiritual insights. Journalling the journey of discovery with one's camera as companion.

Zehr's own notes and quotes from various sources inspirit the reader to look anew at the familiar, remaining receptive to what the space is offering. Receive from it. A helpful chart offers definition in comparing typical photography perspective as 'taking' vs photography as 'receiving'. Focus on final product vs process; expose' vs revelation; aggression vs respect. All challenging to personal thought regarding the act of photographing and effects on the results of the act.

Each chapter of informed discussion is followed with purposeful exercises to implement and explore the theme discussed. I anticipate more amazing learning by experimenting with his practical activities. Reflecting on the results is the valued takeaway.

Zehr admits, "I have written this book in part to encourage myself to slow down, to heighten my imagination, to renew myself while I gain a new view of the creation and the creator."
The same influencing reasons I chose to read the book. I was not disappointed.

Highly recommended. For information. For inspiration.

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Review: Four ELements - Reflections on Nature author John O'Donohue

Always a challenge to contemplative thinking, Irish poet and philosopher, John O'Donohue, brings spiritual understanding using concepts of air, water, fire, stone.. 
I appreciated his exploring aspects of air as applicably descriptive of Ruach Ha'kodesh - Holy Spirit ~ the breath of God.

O'Donohue's quote from a 13th century portion of a Persian prayer poem continues its resonance in me ~ 

"Be a full bucket pulled up the dark way 
Of a well, then lifted out into light." 

While not in agreement with every theological thought, there is much to enjoy in the exploration...


Four Elements: Reflections on Nature
author: John O'Donohue
publisher: Harmony Oct 11.11

"From the beloved author of the bestselling To Bless the Space Between Us and Anam Cara comes a new work that shares his insights on nature and the ancient wisdom of this earth.

John O'Donohue won hundreds of thousands of admirers with his now classic work on Celtic spirituality Anam Cara. Unfortunately he died suddenly at age fifty-two just as his book of blessings, To Bless the Space Between Us, was being published. The loss of his powerfully wise and lyrical voice has been profoundly missed, but his many readers are given a special opportunity to revisit John in a new book based on a series of papers he wrote on the elements of water, stone, air, and fire, now published here for the first time. O'Donohue's readers know him as both a spiritual guide and a poet, and in this work he exhibits both qualities, sharing his Celtic heritage and his love for his native landscape in the west of Ireland. As O'Donohue explores a range of themes relating to the way we live our lives today, he reveals how the energy and rhythm of the natural world—its innocence and creativity, its power and splendor—hold profound lessons for us all. With a foreword written by his beloved brother, Pat, this illuminating book is an inspired reflection on the ancient wisdom of the earth." [Goodreads]

Review: Echoes of Memory author John O'Donohue

Echoes of Memory
author John O'Donohue
Three Rivers Press Jan 25.11

Echoes of Memory ~
Irish philosopher, John O’Donohue’s first published book was one of poetry. Artistic word crafting seems to be his forte with this work being a beautiful introduction. Ninety one entries divided into four sections, each beginning with an introductory quote of another writer. Gaelic and English flow seamlessly in O’Donohue’s writing, sometimes interpreted, other times not. Descriptive depths of his familiarity with Ireland’s Conamara countryside, Celtic spirituality, tiding sea, cottage firesides, relationships, all creatively expressed through O’Donohue’s perspectives. 

This volume contains the well known ‘Beannacht’ dedicated simply ‘for Josie, my mother’

“...May the nourishment of the earth be yours,
may the clarity of light be yours,
may the fluency of the ocean be yours,
...And so may a slow 
wind work these words
of love around you,
an invisible cloak
to mind your life.”

For your enjoyment, a beautiful recitation of this poetic blessing, enhanced with the lovely Irish accents of the author himself, is available on youtube.