Make Light Real

Neil October 1st, 2007

“Those who excel are those who maximize each moment’s creative potential — for these masters of living, presence to the day-to-day learning process is akin to that purity of focus others dream of achieving in rare climactic moments when everything is on the line.”

What a better description could a wedding photojournalist look for to describe his job. I am sent to an important day in the life of a person to show each moment’s creative potential and connection to the love, support and encouragement they have recieved their whole life. The moment’s are not the limit, as I have thought before — but as I see more clearly — the limit is within my ability to connect each moment to the Tao. Joshua Waitzkin writes of his search for a way into THE ZONE of awareness and conectedness as overcoming his own personal strength. In his Chess competitions or his early martial art’s competitions he relied upon his deep well of personal energy and ability to intensely focus. Drawing solely upon these skills, he could win - but only once. He would be so wiped out from the complete exertion that he couldn’t recover or continue.

My personal parallel in the visual arts is the germ of an idea that I often go into a shoot with. The idea gives me a creative burst to accomplish something, guide something or make something. But I risk being ruined by my creativity if my plans are disrupted, or I am not able to meet my expectations (imagination). I am also limited by my imagination, instead of opening to possibility.

“…perhaps even more critical in solitary pursuits such as writing, painting, scholarly thinking, or learning. In the absense of continual external reinforcement, we must be our own monitor, and quality of presence is often the best gauge. We cannot expect to touch excellence if “going through the motions” is the norm of our lives. On the other hand, if deep, fluid presence becomes second nature, the life, art and learning take on a richness that will continually surprise and delight. Those who excel are those who maximize each moment’s creative potential–for these masters of living, presence to the day-to-day learning process is akin to that purity of focus others dream of achieving…”

Don’t just be a dreamer

Read on this week as we follow Josh’s path to create a reliable path to THE ZONE

• Inspiration , Mind Like Water , Philosophy , Quotes , The Zone , learning