Mindfulness and mental wellbeing are the focus of a photography exhibition which opens in North Yorkshire this week.
A range of beautiful images taken by members of Bright Sparks, a mindful photography group based in Easingwold and supported by our Trust, will be unveiled on March 8.
Rebecca Rowan, who runs the group, said: “Mindful photography is all about slowing down, taking notice of your surroundings and enjoying the moment.
“By focussing on that one sense of looking, all other senses become heightened; you hear the birds or the wind in the trees and really smell cut grass.
“People can get so much out of it. Not only can it help with your wellbeing, but it can also help build up your resilience. Who knew taking photos could do so much good?”
Wellbeing support through photography
Rebecca, founder of Mindful Photography UK, launched Bright Sparks last September following a grant from the Community Mental Health Transformation programme.
The grant was awarded to encourage and support local people with mental health challenges to live well and engage with their communities. The result is the new exhibition.
“It has been such a rewarding project. The way it has evolved has been totally organic, and everyone involved really seems to be getting an awful lot out of it,” said Rebecca.
“I often hear of people who want to relax but are not sure how. This is where mindful photography comes in, because it is a way of gently making connections with nature.
“It is something you can try at any age, and all you need is a device like a phone. It is a life-long skill, something to share with friends and family. Everyone can benefit.”
Art of mindfulness
The results of months of specialist workshops will be unveiled at the opening of the Bright Sparks exhibition this Friday at Easingwold Library, which is just off Market Square.
The exhibition will then run for the whole of March, and anyone with an interest in photography, mindfulness, wellbeing or nature is invited to make a visit.
One of the group members praised the course and said: “I feel empowered by therapeutic photography, because it stops me feeling controlled by my anxiety and thoughts.
“It gets me out of my head and feels like a secret power I can use when I need it.”
- The official opening of the Bright Sparks exhibition will be held on Friday, 8 March from 6.30-8pm at Easingwold Library. All welcome. Please email Rebecca at rebecca@mindfulphotography.org.uk to let her know if you are attending, so that refreshments can be organised.
Quotes from members of the Bright Sparks group about the course
- “I love how photography can transform how things appear, depending upon perspective, and that empowers me to feel that I can change how things around me feel or appear.”
- “It’s very accessible to a lot of people. It gives everyone a chance to spend time alone whilst being part of the group, so it feels less socially intense and allows time to think/focus.”
- “It can involve light exercise and is frequently empowering. The sense of achievement and benefits are often felt quickly, and you can continue doing it outside of the group, giving a greater sense of autonomy.”
- “I definitely feel a lot more positive towards myself. I think that sharing experiences through photography gave me a feeling/permission to feel self-compassion.”
- “I noticed I managed to get things done out of the class. I took more photos and even discussed mindful photography and the topic with other people. The topics we were given created a more creative, observational intention in my life.”
- I” felt more acceptance for my creative self, this made me feel empowered in itself as I feel I had influences from school of being told I wasn’t good at art.”
- “I loved to see the interpretations of others and share in our discussions. Hearing the wisdom of other people took my feelings of being overwhelmed away, so there was more space and expanse to be open.”
- “The sessions have given me a route that I haven’t tried before, to express my feelings and who I am – with a calmer, clearer mindset. This is a way of looking for connection through photography and meaning. I am more present.”
