Imagine tiny imps, the worry gremlins, weaving webs of doubt in your sunny mind. They tie your stomach into knots and steal your breath, leaving you gasping like a beached fish. But fear not, for within you lies the power to banish these gremlins, not with a mighty sword, but with a gentle shift in focus. Dan Millman, a wise wordsmith who spins magic with his pen, shared this simple yet powerful secret. Close your eyes and see three tiny questions shimmering like fireflies in the night:
- Am I breathing? Breathe in, slow and deep, then exhale completely. Feel your breath become your anchor, tethering you to the present moment where fear cannot touch you.
- Am I relaxed? Release the tension that binds you. Let your shoulders slump and unfurl your clenched fists, like setting a butterfly free. Feel the ground beneath your feet, a steady foundation amidst the swirling thoughts.
- Am I moving with grace? (If you're walking, that is). Let your steps be a whisper of serenity, each footfall a gentle brushstroke painting the canvas of the moment.
The beauty lies in this focus. These three questions become three spotlights, pushing the drama-loving gremlins into the forgotten shadows. It's like turning the stage lights on the leading role, leaving the backstage monsters powerless. This magic trick isn't a one-person show. It works wonders on both sides of the camera lens. When photographing nervous subjects, these questions transform into calming whispers, guiding them towards a place of quiet presence. Suddenly, their genuine smiles emerge from within, capturing a beauty that transcends any posed expression. For those seeking a deeper journey on the path to inner peace, I wholeheartedly recommend two books that were my guiding lighthouses: Dan Millman's "Way of the Peaceful Warrior" and "No Ordinary Moments." The first one, I must confess, was a turning point, a gentle nudge that set me on the path to self-discovery. So, the next time the worry gremlins come knocking, remember these three tiny questions. They might just be the key to unlocking a world of peaceful presence, not just for yourself, but for those around you. And who knows, you might even discover a touch of photographic magic along the way.
NEAL LLOYD
