An Afternoon Stroll

"The truth about the matter seems to be that if you can't see where you are, right in your own backyard, then you can't see anywhere." --- Michael Wood, Miksang Instructor

I have just spent another afternoon with a slow and deliberate walk-around the office and guesthouse premises and came up with these photos. The past two weeks in Herat have been clouded with an atmosphere of "heightened alert," meaning, among other things, movements are restricted to essential activities (mostly work-related) only. For me and my photography, this meant I could not go out to the bazaars and do street shooting. I could not go to the interesting places in Herat that I haven't been to and photograph them. Deep inside I was cursing myself. Unconsciously I was holding on to the myth that one has to be "out there" for excellent photos to be produced.

Then I came across "Miksang" (http://www.miksang.net). Miksang as defined in this site, is a Tibetan word that means "Good Eye." Miksang is a kind of contemplative photography that has its foundation from the Dharma Art Teachings on the nature of perception. The articles and photo galleries presented were all strong reminders to me about what photography is really all about. Producing photos is not about being "out there" but rather being "in here," being ever mindful and aware of the moment as it presents itself. Photography is about seeing.

Encouraged and motivated by this rediscovery, I ventured out into our "backyard," which happens to be one of the areas were we can freely move without the need for a security clearance. This series of photos is a product of my second attempt at "exercising the eye" in the hope that one day my eye will be come adept at seeing and not just looking.

Jasper L. Llanderal
Herat, Afghanistan

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