A New Lens

Exploring the old with fresh eyes

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Another morning, another beach walk.  I’m always drawn to the same beach, a familiar stretch of sand and sea that has become my happy place.  Yet, despite the routine of returning to this beloved spot day after day, each sunrise brings with it a new and captivating scene.

If I’m lucky, I’ll be the first local to witness the sun rise, or watch a graceful flock of swans, gliding across the sky above me.  Sometimes I’ll be magnetised by a huge clump of driftwood, wondering whether I’d be able to carry it back to the car. There’s always something different to discover and marvel at.

I also love the magic of witnessing the same place with a fresh pair of eyes, a reminder that beauty can be found in the smallest of moments.  As I get older, I certainly make more of a conscious effort to look at nature with a more curious mind.  My local beach has become more than just a stretch of coastline, it’s a constant source of inspiration and wonder.  For me it’s my very own canvas, waiting to be explored and appreciated.  

I’m not sure what I’d do without my camera though.  I’m addicted to capturing those fleeting moments, each photograph a testament to the ever changing beauty along my stretch of coastline.  Today, I took a moment before the rest of the world woke up, to appreciate how lucky I am to have my very own beach all to myself, well at 7am in the morning I do.

I could have walked for hours along the same shoreline. But weekend errands are calling. It’s ok, I’ll be back again tomorrow, same place but with fresh eyes.

If you’re in the journaling mood, please help yourself to the following few prompts, they’ve been created because I was inspired yet again my happy place - the beach…

1. Write about a moment of unexpected beauty or serendipity you’ve witnessed in nature.  How did it make you feel? When was the last time you visited that place?

2. Explore the concept of finding beauty in the ordinary.  Describe a mundane scene or object that took on a new meaning when viewed with fresh eyes.

3. Reflect on the cyclical nature of the seasons.  How does witnessing the changing seasons impact your own sense of growth and renewal.  With spring only around the corner, what is it about this season that brings you joy?

Until the next time

Take care and stay safe xxx