Many moons ago, I came across a book about mindful photography… I’ve been thinking about my obsession with photography… yesterday for example, after heavy rain, 
I blissed out capturing the beauty of these darlings in my garden.
I went in search of the book and stumbled across this group in the UK
https://mindfulphotography.org.uk
On their website, they share:
Mindful Photography, sometimes known as contemplative photography, allows you to take some time out and nurture awareness of yourself and your surroundings.
In a world with its throttle stuck on full speed, there’s something magically rebellious about going slow and immersing yourself in the beauty of flowers.
Just being in proximity of plants or a beautiful bunch of flowers has been shown to reduce stress, speed healing, enhance concentration, and improve mood.
Mindful Photography, sometimes known as contemplative photography, allows you to take some time out and nurture awareness of yourself and your surroundings.
In a world with its throttle stuck on full speed, there’s something magically rebellious about going slow and immersing yourself in the beauty of a bloom.
Just being in proximity of plants or a beautiful bunch of flowers has been shown to reduce stress, speed healing, enhance concentration, and improve mood.
I was reminded today that in December 2013, I purchased a web domain, www.mindspaphotography.com, also inspired by a term I invented: phototherapy—a short therapy to develop mindfulness and capture moments of beauty. I didn’t expand the idea formally, but I have kept photography as a happy hobby.
The feedback I received from a lady saying my photos were like mind therapy inspired me to get the domain mindtherapyphotography.com. Again, I realized it wasn’t an idea I wanted to progress formally. I now share my photos on social media posts in the hope they spark joy, and also have albums in Flickr (needing updating!) https://www.flickr.com/photos/112083323@N04/albums/
Many of my floral photos and memories inspire my floral paintings, which bring moments of magic and mindfulness to people’s lives worldwide.
Next time you feel overwhelmed or need a mental and emotional boost, consider savoring the beauty of a flower. Your photos don’t need to be in focus, and you don’t need to share them with the world; simply cherish the fleeting beauty and long-term health benefits flowers bring.
Growing up, I was always an overthinker and perfectionist. Later, after I went to design school to study interior architecture, I was encouraged to change things up and create from my heart. which is how and why I learned to paint fast and intuitively.
With this large botanical painting, I relied on instinct to guide me through. I hardly used any calculated thought (other than deciding on a complementary color scheme and some compositional thoughts); I just let my brush lead the way. If you asked me to explain why I did this or that in the painting, I would probably say… “It just felt right.”
I find this way of painting deeply absorbing and much more enjoyable than laboring over a single painting month after month. This is when I am fully in the flow.
Flow activities are those that captivate your attention and immerse you in the present moment. These activities can vary from person to person, but they typically involve a balance between challenge and skill. Whether it’s painting, playing an instrument, writing, or even cooking, find activities that make you lose track of time. When you are absorbed in a flow activity, your mind becomes fully engaged, leading to enhanced creativity and productivity. I have certainly found this to be true.
Magenta is the color of universal harmony and emotional balance. It contains red’s passion, power, and energy, restrained by violet’s introspection and quiet energy. It promotes compassion, kindness, and cooperation. The color magenta is a color of cheerfulness, happiness, contentment, and appreciation. Perfectly complemented by jubilant and peaceful greens, this beauty glows.
The painting was named in memory of a group of men friends who used to call me ‘pot plant’ because of the floral dresses I would wear (and still do!)
This painting was inspired by the beauty of blooms, real and imagined. I painted this piece just for me. Why? Because it made me happy. And guess what? It made others happy, too. Would she look great in your home?
Flower Girl, Cassandra Gaisford, 2023 https://shop.thejoyfulartist.co.nz/product/the-flower-girl/
Flower Power: How Extraordinary Beauty Can Change Your Life
Who doesn’t love flowers?
Beautiful photography blends with the timeless wisdom of 13th-century Persian poet, and mystic, Rumi, to inspire, delight, and heal.
Aesthetically, we know that flowers enrich our lives and symbolize our emotions, yet they also have the power to restore and replenish us on a mental, physical, and spiritual level.
Whether you’d love a gorgeous book to grace your coffee table or waiting room, a place to retreat to when you need a lift, or you’d love to purchase this book as a gift for someone you love, “Flower Power” will provide lasting benefits and a greater sense of appreciation for one of nature’s most stunning and diverse wonders.
In “Flower Power: How Extraordinary Beauty Can Change Your Life”, Amazon #1 bestselling author, of “Stress Less. Love Life More: How to Stop Worrying, Reduce Anxiety, Eliminate Negative Thinking and Find Happiness” and “Bounce: Overcoming Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy”, Cassandra Gaisford (BCA, Dip Psych) shares one of the simplest and most profound ways to boost happiness and joy.
Drawing upon her love of flowers and favorite inspirational words, personal photographs and professional success as an award-winning artist, and holistic therapist, discover how extraordinary beauty can change your life.
“Simply Stunning.”
“Exquisite.”
Feeling blocked, depressed or demotivated? There are so many reasons why you should follow your joy. If you need some motivation, look no further than this book.
Cassie dreams of being an artist but is discouraged by her family. After her parents’ divorce she has to move house. Painting flowers helps her feel happy. She paints in secret, never allowing her dreams to die. She waters the call of her heart. One day, when she is a grown-up she discovers that her childhood dreams have become her living realities. She became The Joyful Artist who paints like a child.
This is a classic, empowering book that every child, teenager and adult should have the joy of reading.
With a unique combination of beautifully simple stories, comforting words, and powerful uplifting messages, Cassandra Gaisford has been delighting young children, teenagers and adults for over fifty years.
Creator of the delightfully beautiful, The Little Princess, Cassandra cuts to the heart of the lesson we all need to hear, over and over again, helping us learn to follow our hearts, be courageous, happy, and empowered.
This inspiring biographical story and personal development guide for girls, boys, men and women has themes on self-love, self-esteem, resilience and overcoming obstacles.
Be inspired by this journey to transformation and self-acceptance, and self-belief as she learns to overcome the vagaries of adult behaviour. Her personal odyssey culminates in a voyage of self-belief, passion, and purpose.
https://mybook.to/DancingFieldsofFlowers
AUDIO and PAPERBACK COMING SOON!
another heart-warming story that is a great read for young and old
Once again Cassandra has done what she does so well: spread joy through her magic with words that provide such wonderful visualisation. The reader could be forgiven for taking time out from reading to do a little dance as this is how well this book tells its story. Yes, it is not all bright and brilliant but those wee dark spots are treated so well that the reader can relate to Cassie and move through the process back to light, bright and happy with her. Definitely another heart-warming story that is a great read for young and old. Now it is time to go for another dance through the flowers of my garden……………..
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ABOUT CASSANDRA
I am an artist, storyteller, intuitive guide, mentor and Reiki master. All my creations are infused with positive energy , inspiration, and light. I believe in magic and the power of beauty, joy, love, purpose, and creativity to transform your life. My greatest joy is helping your realize your dreams. That makes my soul sing!
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