what is real (september 15)
you are doing it.
all of it.
you are stumbling
and laughing
and learning
and opening your heart more each day.
you are finding a rhythm.
you are remembering to breathe deeply
and sit inside truth and feelings and hope.
you are exactly where you need to be.
*****
::what is real:: is a mirror self-portrait photo + a few words series that began in july of 2010. the series started the first night jon and i slept for a few hours at the tree house while ellie was in the PICU. when i was by myself in that room for a few minutes, i turned and saw my reflection in the mirror in the room and had an urge to document the real face of that moment in my journey. looking back, i realize i wanted to feel seen by someone, and it turned out that being seen by myself was like a hand i could hold.
as i continue to take these photos, i have noticed that the act of taking them feels like a meditation practice. before i take the photo, i stand in front of the mirror and think about what is real in this moment and let my face relax to wherever that truth lies. then i snap.
i document the series over on flickr but share them here from time to time.
Reader Comments (4)
Big heavy, relieved and satisfied sigh here. Can you hear it? I know you can feel it, yes I do. Xoxox
beautiful. And as much as I probably shouldn't say this...this picture makes me want to tell you a bad joke just to hear you laugh. HUGE exes and ohs to you, my friend.
you are beautiful.
I just looked at your flikr photo journey from the beginning. how wonderfu!!! i have tried to do the self portrait challenge a few times and i haven't been able to work past the negative talk in my head. i am still working on that. in the meantime, thanks for the inspiration to try it again. you are beautiful..tired, happy, sad, frustrated, and full of love!! awesome!!!