Although I’ve been walking as a spiritual practice for 23 years, taking photographs during my walks is a relatively new addition – less than a year, in fact.
In the past, I witnessed so many amazing transitory events from garter snake “mating balls” to hundreds of mice rushing single file through a series of tiny tunnels in the grass. I saw insects and plants I had never noticed before, but could not identify upon returning home because I’d forgotten a distinguishing characteristic. I thought perhaps a camera could help in this regard – and it has.
I love getting up close and personal with nature, so most of my pictures are of flora because plants tend to stay still (unless the day is especially windy). But what I began to find when I came home and looked through the photos were insects within the frame. I was oblivious to these bugs while I was shooting the photographs.
I soon began to expect to see a creature on every flower and was rarely disappointed. I found that most bugs were so involved in their business that they cared very little if a camera was two inches from their eyes. I encountered tiny surprises everywhere I looked.
Creation is extraordinary. The common housefly joins a metallic rainbow body to stained glass wings. Even the most diminutive flower being trampled underfoot can reveal a complex array of unexpected colors and patterns when examined closely.
I encourage you to open your eyes in a new way. Expect the unexpected. Wonder awaits.
Sondra Sula's Blog: The Nature of Spirituality 