The practices of photography, yoga and meditation are all rooted in witnessing and experiencing the present moment. Each is influenced by our perceptions and calls us to hone a focused vision - whether in witnessing our body/mind in yoga and meditation, or in perceiving the object of our attention in photography.
In this workshop, John Canan and Machelle Lee will synthesize these practices into one fluid, artful experience, weaving in themes of the season of spring, personal perspective, self-expression and feeling connected in our body, mind and with natural world.
The day will begin with meditative experiences around attention and points of view that will lead into a gentle, accessible and deeply mediative practice of Yin Yoga led by Machelle Lee. Yin Yoga is practiced entirely on the floor and uniquely serves joints and fascia. Yin Yoga's simple repertoire offers relief to tissues in the low back, spine, hips and sacrum. Themes of vision, imagination, nourishment, and connection will be visited throughout the practice to soothe the nervous system and naturally draw the mind inward into a calm, relaxed, and meditative state.
John Canan will then lead you through mindful meditation and breath awareness while mentoring you in photographic techniques. The day will move from the yoga mat and meditation cushion into the Brunswick Downtown, C&O Canal Tow Path and Potomac River banks where your photographs will bring clarity to the story you want to tell through images. There will be intentional pauses built into the day for self introspection and quiet time with nature as we each learn to recognize the simple moments with a fresh clear lens of appreciation.
This workshop is completely accessible to those who may be new to yoga, meditation, or photography as well as to those who are quite experienced with any or all of these modalities.
Please bring:
- Notebook/journal
- Pen/pencil
- Camera/phone camera
- Water bottle and snacks, if needed
- Dress for the weather outside that day.
- This workshop will meet in rain or shine!
John Canan is a naturalist, photographer, education or writer who helps families, businesses and communities tell inspiring stories through photographs and digital images. In each workshop John leads, he draws upon 40+ years of mindfulness practice and experience making the content accessible and relevant in a way that fosters a sense of connection for participants that they may utilize in everyday life beyond the scope of the class . John’s work and consulting is frequent utilized to support the efforts of professional services, non-profit organizations and stewards of our natural resources to promote, educate and foster a sense of connection between people and the natural world. See some of John’s work at www.cananphoto.com.
Cost - $60