"Sitting Amidst the Storm"

The Weekly Read #3, "Sitting Amidst the Storm"

Good day, Readers.  This week has been a hectic, jam packed seven days.  I am currently sitting at the desk in my room surrounded by cardboard boxes, my halfway packed studio in front of me, and my Mom behind me in my bed playing Zelda.  We are in the middle of moving to our new house, and my Mom is in town for a few days.  

Today, we did a photoshoot at the library for Read a Book.  Our new friend, Mia, is an actor and met us a half hour early so I could take some headshots for her.  Jarrett showed up a half hour after, and we took some digitals for his model book.  These played as a nice warm up and allowed me to dial in the camera settings for the weather today.  I wanted to practice using only the sun for my source of light.  No flashes or reflectors.  I didn’t fully plan on taking this au naturale approach, but while we were shooting the first product shots, a cop came up to us asking for permit papers. *It scared the snakes out of my boots, but I played it cool* He mentioned the fact that we were holding a reflector (even though we weren’t using it), and so we decided to just stash it in my car and keep going.  #NinjaPhotographerMode.  We had to be especially sneaky because the library is next door to the police department.  Each spot around the area was quick, and we busted through the shoot in an hour. After the outdoor shots, we quietly entered the library and snuck some videos and photos around the building.  I drank from the water fountain while taking pictures to mask the sound of the camera shutter. #UltimateNinjaPhotographerSpyMode

Now you may be wondering where the title of this Weekly Read is coming from… Well I’ll tell you.  While today’s shoot was successful and the two hour drive to pick up my Mom was successful, I don’t think they would’ve been as enjoyable if I didn’t find a moment to slow down this morning.  As I was waking up to go on my daily run, I felt a sense of anxiety and stress about the amount of tasks I have to do over these next couple of days.  I started to think about how if I got to [insert place] by [insert time] then I would only have [insert barely enough time] to do that task and get to the next task.  I was worrying about the reality of the schedule I had built and if I could get everything done. Thinking..Spiraling..Thinking.. 

Then, I found a sense of peace!

A sudden shift of perspective shone a light in the tunnel of this mountain of anxiety that was building in my head, showing me the way out.  I just had to get present.  It was a realization that came when my mind fell into the task of putting on my shoes and stretching for my run.  I had entered the present moment, forgotten all the future tasks I had for the day, and just participated in that moment, fully.  This brief, but fresh feeling of peace sent shock waves to my mind and rang the bells of clarity.  I understood that this state of presence was going to be the best way to handle the full plate in front of me.  Taking every bite with full attention! Feeling my feet on the ground, the chair on my butt, and smelling the smells of the rooms around me.

So as I continue these next few crazy days, this level of attention is my main focus and intention.  These moments are moments I know I will reminisce on for the rest of my life and I want to be fully here for them.  The “Good Ol’ Days” if you will.  I also know that my mood is much brighter and flexible when I am present.  Then, I can be a better friend and human being to be around.  And that’s important.  

So, in conclusion, if you find yourself in a whirlpool of anxiety, overwhelming feelings, and stress: Get Present. It’s what all the cool kids are doing.  And if you have read this far, thank you, and please remember: READ. A. BOOK.