Nature is an infinitely deep well of inspiration for the contemplative photographer. Everyday, every moment in fact, offers a new and surprising revelation for hearts that are open and eyes that are clearly focused on what is before them.
You might also discover special and individual wells within the landscape that you can return to time and time again to quench your soul's thirst. The crab apple tree a few feet behind my house is one of my personal wells as you no doubt have come to realize this winter.
One of the vows monks take when they enter the monastery is one of stability...staying put in one place. Now, with my wanderlust that is one vow I would have a great deal of difficulty with at this stage in my life but Winter offers this "monk in the world" a taste of that stability. I stay put, hunker down, and feel immense contentment with the near at hand...like my crab apple tree.
This particular morning it's branches were etched with a silver light that, frankly, took my breath away. It only lasted a few minutes. I was fortunate to have seen it at all. The sun at this time for year melts things quickly but I'm in the habit of checking out the tree several times a day. For a few minutes I was able to take in the beauty and wonder of this sight. Tomorrow, even this afternoon, the tree will present a whole different message...a new source of inspiration. I don't think I will ever tire of returning to this well so, in my own way, I practice the monastic devotion to stability at least for the winter months. Do you have a special well of inspiration?
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