“All My Mistakes Have Become Masterpieces…”

Wow, just heard this song by Teitur this afternoon on the radio and loved the lyrics! Had to share them…and some thoughts… (Lyrics, artist, and radio links below) “All My Mistakes Have Become Masterpieces.” Hmmm…How would it change things if you entertained the thought that what you perceive as mistakes are actually the beginning of masterpieces? On those days when you’re looking at your photography, discouraged or frustrated, feeling like you’ve lost your touch or can’t seem to get the image on paper to be what you see in your head… Or when you feel stuck in your life, looking back at where you might have made different decisions… What if those “mistakes” were actually what got you to a whole new reality, that wouldn’t have ever happened if you didn’t make them? You stumble on a new way of printing things, and a look that appeals to you and is unique… because you couldn’t get the traditional color that you usually expect to see… You meet a new person that ends up inspiring, energizing, and opening up new opportunities for you, because you, discouraged, drowned your sorrows at a coffee house after missing an ad for a job that you were certain would have solved your life problems… The next time you make a “mistake,” or find yourself discouraged and listing all of the missteps you’ve taken in your life, try telling yourself a version of your life story that paints the future as masterpiece, rather than a disaster. Remember the times that you thought you had blown it…and then good things happened that couldn’t have if you had continued in the same way. Actually, I think just living your life as best you can, staying in the game in a positive manner… that alone is a masterpiece! Surrendering, staying in the moment, maintaining hope, acting on your inner truth… yes, there is no mistake there. Mistakes do become masterpieces. It can happen. It does happen. Let it. Heidi OK, the great lyrics: "All my mistakes have become masterpieces" Who is to say who wins or who loses I sing to myself at the end of the day When I know what the blues is All my mistakes have become masterpieces I was born in the goodness of grace Because of faith, because of courage Because of forgiveness All my mistakes have become masterpieces There comes a time You must stay in the moment While your heart's still bleeding There comes a time When you must walk away Though your heart's still beating Who is to say who wins or who loses I sing to myself at the end of the day When I know what the blues is All my mistakes have become masterpieces ----- Teitur, from the CD Stay Under the Stars Heard on KCRW Eclectic 24, an independent radio station out of Santa Monica, California. You can stream it on your computer! Enjoy...

Patience…As the new year unfolds

“Be quiet now and wait.
It may be that the ocean one,
the one we desire so to move into and become
desires us out here on land a little longer,
going our sundry roads to the shore.”
- Rumi

“Christmas Morning, Hammonasset”

When a new year starts, our tendency is to feel that we should “get back to business” “get serious” “do all the things that we put off during the holidays” We become impatient with ourselves feeling we’re not accomplishing things fast enough Already not achieving goals as the new year speeds away Perhaps there are things in our lives that need attention that we would do well to bring back into our consciousness and address But when you were talking about your new year’s resolutions did you vow to listen to your inner voice? Did you reflect on what it would look like to honor yourself, to act on your desire to be that person you know you truly are? Breathe deeply. Try not to rush. The new year is but a date on a calendar. Your life is a constant flow… Do not stand on the bank. Jump in the river with me. As you begin the year of 2010, be patient with yourself. In your life, in your work, in your art Be silent now. Say fewer and fewer praise poems. Let yourself become living poetry. - Heidi (Non-italicized lines from Rumi poems) “Pieces of a Broken Cup,” “Soul Houses”

We all start somewhere…David Bowie’s demo recording, 1969

I was listening to mvyradio this morning as I was working, and a cut by David Bowie caught my attention. It was a version of “Space Oddity” I had never heard before…acoustic…and very personal. Before he even started playing, you heard him quietly say “I’m a little nervous.”

What? David Bowie nervous?

Turns out it was a demo from 1969, when he was first recording. Having to convince radio stations to play his music.

The DJ commented on the song after playing it. She, too was touched by the vulnerability in his voice, and shared my thoughts:

We forget that all talented people have to start somewhere….

That we all have our moments (often more or longer than we’d like) of vulnerability, insecurity, nervousness about our art.

I need to hear about other artist’s challenges, struggles, insecurity…as well as seeing how they persevere, trust their talent, and carry on with their work.

It gives me support in doing the same.

Too often we’re shown the obvious successes, and led to believe that that’s the only story…while in reality, we know that’s only part of the story. We want the highs, of course, but we also want to know that others know the lows are a part of it too. And then the successes become even more thrilling.

There’s a beauty in David Bowie’s vulnerabilty, and in the sound of his voice as he shares that he’s nervous. It makes his singing and talent even more beautiful to me.

Coincidentally, I also found this article today about David Bowie’s first fan fan letter and his response. Same beginner’s vulnerability.

May we all retain that pure innocence of simply enjoying our art, and appreciating someone else’s recognition and pleasure in it too.

Announcing The37th Frame Contributor Access

Announcing The37th Frame Contributor Access.

For photographers looking for a place to show and write about their work, this website looks interesting….Just found out about it, so haven’t submitted anything…but I will.

Let me know your experience of it if you decide to submit too!

Enjoy…

Warm Wishes from Heidi…

“I wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness
the astonishing light of your own being.”
~ Hafi

Warmest wishes to you in this season of hope and love… Life is full of changes…In fact, Life IS change. May you look back on the past year and find the beauty that was constant. May  you pause today, now and breathe in the goodness of the present moment And may you step into the New Year with great anticipation of the magic to come. My deepest heartfelt wishes that your life’s changes may contribute to amazing inner and outer riches expand your possibilities and deepen and uplift your soul. - Heidi

“Inner Path of Photography” November 21, 2009, Houston, Texas

Welcome to an opportunity to take the short version of my seminar, “The Inner Path of Photography,”November 21, from 1:00 – 4:00 pm in Houston, Texas.

This is a unique class that I’ve developed integrating my experience as a photographer, contemplative psychotherapist, and life coach. Combining meditation, inner reflection, and on the spot photographing, it will give you an experience of mystical, creative inspiration, personal support, and improve your ability for true personal expression through your camera.

“The Inner Path of Photography”  – Saturday seminar
Saturday, November 21, 2009
1:00 – 4:00 pm
1123 Jackson Blvd, Houston, 77006
Fee: $45.00 (pre-registered by Thursday, November 19)
$55.00 at the door, if space available

Description:

In the tradition of the famous photographer Minor White, this class is for those who want to explore more deeply the intuitive, mystical part of photography, and through this process, improve their photography as well as discover more about themselves.

Instead of worrying about aperture, using the right lens, or having correct composition, you’ll begin to learn about resonance, inner knowing, how you make choices, and what keeps you from “taking the shot”…in photography and in life.

Apply what you learn to your photographic process and become a better photographer; apply it to your life process and create a better life. All that is required for this intro class is your curiosity, openness, and a camera.

To register for “Introduction to the Inner Path of Photography”, please click here.
(This is a link to PayPal. If you would prefer to use check or cash, please register here and we can make arrangements.)

Notes:

This short version is offered monthly (sorry, no Houston December class, I’ll be teaching out of town). “Inner Path of Photography – Intensive Seminar” will begin again in January, with dates of January 12, 19, and 26,  2010.

If you’ve already taken one of my Inner Path of Photography seminars, still feel free to come to this one on the 21st. Each class is different, and customized to those who participate, so you will still learn new things and continue to build on what we’ve already done together.

If you are new to the concept, have no fear You’ll enjoy the freedom of a new way of approaching your photography, and the pleasure of affirming your unique way of being in the world.

The Inner Path of Photography – intensive seminar, starts September 8th

Hi…well, the intro class is over, and now it’s time for the big stuff!

4  Tuesdays in September…nine  hours of learning, exploring, and becoming even more adept at listening to your inner voice, matching it with your outer vision, and creating the images and life that bring you joy and satisfaction.

I’m really enjoying sharing my expertise that integrates my background in photography, psychotherapy, and meditative and healing arts; let me share the magic with you.

SEPTEMBER, 2009

“THE INNER PATH OF PHOTOGRAPHY”
Intensive Seminar

September 8, 15, 22, 29, 2009 (4 Tuesdays), 6:15 pm – 8:30 pm
Houston, TX (Montrose area, location upon registration)
Fee: $150.00

“Each artist going in his own direction at some time walks on water.”

- Minor White, Photographer

What is the inner experience of photography? Deep, spiritual, rarely discussed…it is what seduces us and send us out to shoot again and again. We yearn for the taste of the sacred…and through our cameras discover it, the world, and ourselves.

This class is for those who want to explore more deeply the intuitive, mystical part of their photography practice, work with personal blocks to full creative expression, as well as learn more about themselves and life challenges and choices.

Drawing on the tradition of the photographer Minor White, and using techniques and philosophies from Zen, psychology, and other contemplative and healing practices, we’ll come to understand more fully this silent experience, apply it to our art, and enhance the quality of both our photography and life.

Attention, resonance, the “still point”…choices, perfectionism, the “click,”…openness to experience, making art vs. being in the flow, embracing the creative process: these are some of the tools that we’ll explore as you build your inner photography practice and improve your outer resulting images.

As you more deeply understand and work with your inner artistic process, you’ll also see how life parallels art, and through this increased awareness,  learn how to more easily dance with  your own life challenges and decisions.

Class includes lecture, exposure to diverse photographic expressions & philosophy, meditative and other experiential,  outside applications (homework), shooting and sharing of photographs.

***Click here to register  online ****

OR

Contact Heidi at heidi@straubephoto.com or 713.521.1676

I love teaching Inner Path Photography!

Hey, thanks to all who participated in the “Introduction to the Inner Path of Photography” workshop yesterday…We really covered a lot, didn’t we? Inside and out, spiritually and tangibly.

Good insights, good photographs too…and some nice perspectives to apply to our lives, whether shooting photographs or not.

I remembered how much I love to teach what I believe in and that inspires me…and also how much I learn from participants at the same time.

Loved affirming that we all share similar challenges as photographers:  wanting  perfectionism, finding our own muse, avoiding the “shoulds” of others; recognizing the “shoulds” of our own inner slave driver and allowing ourselves to play!

And beginning the discussion of how to work with those challenges, and get back to the joy we felt when we first discovered our new love affair.

“M”: thanks for the “I want to go to bed with my camera again!” sentiment…It captures so beautifully what we’re all yearning for and love to feel when the that photographic/inner spirit passion connects.

Yesterday was inspiring, supportive, and full of camaraderie. That’s what I love about photographers…most are grooving on the joy of life, and enjoy sharing their discoveries and feeling.

Now I’ll get ready for the September intensive….So many ideas, so little time!

(See “Inner Path classes” tab on this blog; also you can find description here on my transformational life counseling site.)

What Happened? Follow up to “Photographer’s Anxiety: Making Choices”

I realized this morning that I posted some of the photographs that I finally printed after my anxiety jag (see postings on August 18), but didn’t share how I actually got to those images.

Curious? Have been in the same situation yourself? Here’s a short recap, to the best of my recollection:

I did go make myself lunch. Food is always good for me, it’s grounding, makes me take a break, away from my brain. Also I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten anxious, depressed, tired, etc. and then after spending far too much time psycho-analyzing myself and trying to figure out why I’m feeling bad (what am I supposed to learn from this? what am I blocking? what is this issue? etc etc)….I realize that I haven’t eaten and 90% of the mental distress is because I haven’t eaten and my body’s out of balance. Hungry body = Heidi’s wacko brain, emotions out of balance.

I’m not suggesting food as the answer to all inner angst, of course…but sometimes the basics (healthy food, sleep, exercise, and yes…sex!) go a long way as a first line of healing.

OK, so I’m well fed and happier.

Went back to the computer to browse the images again. Decided that I wanted to print images from my Martha’s Vineyard trip, because I haven’t spent much time with them, it’s been almost 2 months now, I already started a blog that I posted very little to,  and people keep asking me where my MV pictures are.

Plus some “icing on the cake” motivation is that I’d like to do some work in Martha’s Vineyard this fall or next spring/summer, things like retreats, workshops, Inner Path of Photography classes…and it would be nice to have something simple and visual to jazz up my project proposals and use in marketing.

Great, a decision has been made! Martha’s Vineyard it is.

But which images? I was there for 7 days, and have a folder for each day with about 100 images each. Here we go again.

So what did I do? I went with the energy, with my curiosity, with what turns me on.

As I browsed through the images, I realized that there were some that I thought I “should” print…because the woman I rented my cottage from would like to have those that I took of her place, because people who’ve never been to the Cape and Islands have never seen the type of houses/architecture that is there and I could show them that…on and on…all of the reasons to do what will make other people happy.

Yes, I would still like to do that. But as I mentioned before, I want to do fine art prints, and the images above felt like snapshots…I could print those out on my little HP printer in minutes, or throw them up onto a Google website, and people would be happy.

Some could eventually be printed as fine art prints…but they weren’t where my energy was drawn to, so I passed.

I’ve been very intrigued with beach photos in the past year, especially taking them at the end of the day in near darkness, or on rainy or foggy days. Remembered that I had some nice foggy shots, so went searching for them.

And finally found ones that felt good to look at, remember the experience, and want to express the magic, charm, joy, mysticism in them.

I’ve posted some of the results. Some rolled easily off the printer; others took more work at printing skills that I am learning.

I’ll post more as I work through them…

But the point I want to share here is that my decision making became clearer, and my anxiety decreased when I got in alignment with what personally gave me energy. Not what would give others energy, what I “should” print, or what was technically the best, most impressive image.

I followed my curiosity and willingness to be different. I printed what made me feel expansive. I allowed myself to re-engage with the feelings I had when I was shooting, and to celebrate the whole experience through feeling, printing, completing.

I also threw away my need for each image to be the ultimate shot. There were  some images that I wasn’t sure I liked, that felt potentially “boring,” but that were still calling to me. I played with them anyway, realizing the gift of my photo group that evening: What better place to take images I was unsure of and see what others made of them? I basked in the enjoyment of printing what I loved, and in the richness of anticipating the group support and creative exchange.

So that’s my story. More angst and anxiety to come, I’m sure…but getting back in the flow was great…and I’m still riding the wave

P.S. Photo group was great…lots of discussion, interesting work by all, great camaraderie, pizza, and wine!

And more…

State Beach, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. This is the first image of a triptych of waves...I haven't figured out how to put the three together for a final image yet...hmm, sounds like another Photoshop lesson needed...there's always something...

Leaving the Vineyard…last piece of land seen from the ferry…