The Inner Path of Photography

We yearn for the taste of the sacred…and through our cameras discover it, the world, and ourselves.

Category: Poetry and Photography

“Prayer” (after Matisse)

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“The essential is to live in a state of mind
that is close to prayer.”

(Heidi)

 

Image: “Love as Prayer”
©2016 Heidi Straube, Istanbul, Turkey
First postings of the Istanbul Collection

Photographer’s Note:
I recently watched the film “A Model for Matisse,” an inspiring and loving documentary about the relationship between Henri Matisse and the woman who inspired him to create what Matisse proclaimed the masterpiece of his life’s work — The Chapel of the Rosary in the French Mediterranean village of Vence.

There were some who thought Matisse should stay away from creating his art in the religious world — Pablo Picasso was one. Picasso thought Matisse to be incorrect to build a chapel when he wasn’t a “believer.”

In a passionate letter to Picasso, Matisse wrote that he saw the chapel as a work of art. Sharing his deep feelings about religion, the sacred experience, and the source of his own art, he wrote:

“The essential is to work in a state of mind that is close to prayer.”

How beautiful, this expression of creating from the soul and heart.
And how precious to live our lives from this place.

May your day be filled with the sacred space, inspired from your own way of prayer.

“Flying” (+ slideshow, more)

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I want to fly
he said,

And so he did.

As we each can
In our own unique way.

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Images: “Skaters Fly” – Lee & Joe Jamail Skatepark, Houston, TX
© Heidi Straube 2016
Enjoy a short 2-minute slide show –  more images, 2 styles music here…

More Photo poems:

 “Mermaid”
“Surrender”
“Play”
“I Wish That For You Too” mini-meditation/audio: “Comfort”

I provide transformational experiences for those who desire the deep feeling of congruence with inner spirit, and joyfully want to live and create that truth in the outer world.

Using photography, contemplative practices, and psychotherapy perspectives,
I teach, coach, counsel, and inspire you to claim your life and your art.

Please join me,
Heidi

Photographer, Transformational Psychotherapist, Creative/Spiritual Muse.

“Sweet Caress”

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Quelle que soit la durée de votre séjour sur cette petite planète,
et quoi qui’l vous advienne
le plus important c’est que vous puissiez – de temps en temps –
sentir la caresse exquise de la vie.

However long your stay on this small planet lasts
and whatever happens during it,
the most important thing is that – from time to time –
you feel life’s sweet caress.

© Heidi Straube, Eastham, MA, Cape Cod, 2016
Quote: © William Boyd, “Sweet Caress” 2015

More…
The Photo-Poem Collection
Contemplate

My studio…today.

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May your day be full of
wide open spaces

Allowing your  heart to expand
your soul to dream

and your mind to create
your deepest desires.

“Timeless Drive, New Mexico”
© Heidi Straube 2015

Photographer’s Note:

Driving from Houston to New Mexico last week, I asked Google to give me a new route from Amarillo to Taos. The route turned out to be nearly 4 hours of wide open grasslands and desert –  a random truck 2 hours in – one town of 145 people to pass through – no cell connection – total silence except for the wind when I got out of the car to make photographs.

Meditative. Awe inspiring. A little scary if I allowed myself the “I’m all alone out here and what if something (bad) happens?” game.  A perfect way to see where my mind goes when it has nothing to distract.

I enjoyed being in the moment, breathing, allowing the beauty of my surroundings, relaxing into the pleasure of experiencing something new, unknown, unplanned.

The timelessness of forward motion holding the very real experience that, in this very moment, all is perfect.