Living in the Moment

Photographers probably recognize this truth better than anyone: if you miss the moment, it is gone forever. As I work at the lakeside today, I am reminded how the continuous shift of the sun and clouds, the wind and the waves (whether dramatic or incredibly subtle) visually transform the mood of the landscape from moment to moment. The sounds of passing boat traffic and spontaneous birdsong — and the splashing of the neighbour's children as they swim — all work together to weave a complex symphony, with a melody and rhythm that never repeats from bar to bar. And what about our internal landscapes? Dreams, thoughts, opportunities and inspirations ebb and flow with their own unique undercurrents; if we are not present to recognize, greet and welcome them, I believe they will blithely continue on their way and leave us none the wiser.

Ironically, it takes longer than a moment to reflect on a previous moment, and in the process, we may be missing other moments that would have been equally inspirational. There are also many moments we are called to be active participants rather than passive observers: to create, to intervene, to build relationships and to shake things up… to change the moment.

Life is a balancing act. I believe that our ability to be aware of this duality — to respect the limitless elements that shape each moment, but still believing in our creative vocation as the human element in the equation and adding our own energy to the shaping process — is what allows us to be our most creative and productive selves.