Oh boy, I’m so glad Ritva’s challenge is a quiet moment and not more than a moment! I left that joy behind when I was raising three boys and numerous dogs. I have since found solitude at my computer, when writing or processing pictures; when I’m walking with my camera, gazing at nature’s beauty or any kind of non-thinking down time reading or watching TV. I’ve started to turn off my cell phone ringer during these times. It can ruin just “being!”

Since this is a photography blog, let’s concentrate on walking with my camera. Dirt paths often lead to solitude. I walk slowly so I don’t miss a photo opportunity for the small things. As I walk, reality becomes distant.

Fog is a weather phenomena that urges me to stop, breathe and relax. I love walking through the mist. The thicker the better. Maybe it brings me into the mystery of a different existence.

Water, whether waves crashing on rocks or a serene lake, makes me stop, look and listen. At the ocean, I listen to the waves as they rush in and hit the shore. At the lake, I listen to nature if there are birds or even nothing but quiet. How relaxing are both experiences!

The beauty of flowers quiets my mind. How gorgeous they are in full bloom. I have to concentrate to get the macro images. This is a quieting experience for me since I’m taken away from reality.

Animals at the zoo also quiet my mind and body, especially when I see a flamingo sleeping–maybe in an awkward position!

Okay, I put that in just for fun. Let me close with a simple country scene that I can be in all day and not want to leave.

These days, it’s difficult to find quiet. When we find a quiet environment, can we quiet our minds? Thank you Ritva for helping us remember we do need to practice quiet mindfulness. When you respond to her challenge please remember to link to her original post and use the Lens-Artist tag.

Wow, did we have fun last week during our scavenger hunt. You sure kept me busy with your amazing and inventive responses, and I loved it. Egidio will be leading our challenge next week. Be sure to look for his wonderful post. In the meantime, stay safe and live in gratitude!

55 thoughts on “Lens Artists Challenge #364: Quiet Moment”

  1. There’s so much serenity to be found where you are Anne, all so good for the soul, and I would find it hard to leave your beautiful country scene in the last image too! 💛 xxx

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  7. Beautiful reflections for a beautiful gallery, Anne. The pretty path, the fog, water, and everything bring us all quiet moments. I can see why the country scene wants to keep you. I love those views and the peace they bring us.

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      1. I’ve got a very thick neck and very thin face, so one could be excused for saying I have a neck like a man (and broad shoulders to match).

        Both my Mother and myself do not like wearing skivvies or close-fitting necklines. Scooped necklines don’t look good either. I look best with an old-fashioned tailered button-down shirt and collar (to cover my thick neck????).

        I don’t look good with dangly earrings either. Better with plain studs. I did have two holes in my ear lobes, but the back one disappeared after an extended period of only wearing one stud.

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  15. Your question: When we find a quiet environment, can we quiet our minds? So hard with all that is going on around the world. Your images still speak of calm. The first to places, mist and paths I can totally relate to. Taking photos and concentration on ones topic be it flowers or the world we see around us is a great form of quiet time. Lovely post Anne.

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  16. Dear Anne
    It’s an effort to quieten our minds, and a quiet environment helps.
    The colour blue, as seen in your picture of the flower (Iris?), has a calming effect that can be measured (in blood pressure and heart rate).
    Thanks and cheers
    The Fab Four of Cley
    🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

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  18. I know just what you mean about how concentrating to get just the right image, especially with macros and other small details, can help to quiet the mind. By focusing (pun intended) on that task, other concerns are banished from our minds. And the results of your macro work are always so lovely!

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  21. I think most of us can relate to our cameras bringing us quiet time. It is often why we grab it and go out. Creative idea, Anne. I especially love the foggy scenes of the trees. For fog does speak to tranquility. And I agree I wouldn’t want to leave that field either. Lots to watch for, from wildlife, to sure direction, weather, and seasons.

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