“Mindfulness is paying full attention to what is going on in you and outside you, moment by moment, without judgment. It means you observe your thoughts, feelings, and the sensations of taste, touch, smell, sight and sound. You are also fully aware of your surroundings.” (Healthdirect).

Journaling, breathing, mindfulness apps are just some ways to practice mindfulness; yes they work and are great. But, sometimes they can feel a little clinical and prescribed – “here I go doing my mindfulness, aren’t I a good girl”

Recently I found another mindfulness tool, without even realising it. During our dog walks (bush and beach) I have always loved taking amateur photos (with my phone camera) of the surroundings. It turns out it is me being mindful (go me!) There is even a fancy name for it – macro photography. I don’t really use the macro function, I just get close up pictures. I’ll say it again I’m an amateur photographer. This process is all about looking around me, being aware of my surroundings and taking the photo. The results is a calm and relaxed me.

By looking through the lens of my phone camera I am paying full attention and being fully aware of my surroundings, I am appreciating the beauty of our environment and my brain is in a neutral gear, instead of racing in high gear and thinking.

Have you tried macro photography for mindfulness? What other non-standard techniques work for you?