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.
what is real in breathe.
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!!!