The Depth of Me

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“The voyage of discovery is not in seeking new landscape but in having new eyes”  – Marcel Proust 

I always love a good philosophical photo challenge and this week’s WordPress Photo Challenge “Depth” happens to just fit the bill. The host of this week’s challenge Ben Huberman discusses the many different angles and perceptions of depth whether it be in the depth of field, the depth of color or texture or the depth of someone close to you. I felt that depth also offers a reason to look deep within oneself and examine what we see.

Through the practice of yoga, I’ve really began exploring the issue of “self” and “self-reflection”. I’ve learned a lot through the power of using my breath and the strength and flexibility not only of my physical but also my mental self. I truly believe that this self-examination into the depth of my soul has made me a much more balanced, peaceful person that helps me be a better person, mom, spouse, friend and writer.

As personal as it can be, taking time to look deep within our souls can be quite healing. Not only does it bring about long known revelations about who we truly are, it also evoles into some kind of acceptance and peace. I believe everyone has something they can personally work on to make them truer to themselves. For me, it is trying to use all my positive energy for good and not let my type-A personality frazzle me. It is taking time to slow down and stop and smell the roses in life. Relax. Breathe. Embrace. And enjoy each and every moment.

Photography and writing is a way for me to express myself and reflect on my life. If I use the approach of diving deep down within my photo collection and digging out the pictures that most describe my heart and soul, here they are.

Adventure

The top of the Annapurna Pass in Nepal
First sight of the Taj Mahal
Getting henna in Morocco
Climbing the Andes in Patagonia
Night Safari in South Africa
Taking a swim in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland
Hiking the Inca Trail
First ever dive in the Great Barrier Reef
Reaching Torres del Paine in Chile
Hiking up to the Great Wall of China
Climbing off piste to ski a bowl in Taos
Climbing a volcano in Guatemala
Monkey love in Honduras
My Dad and I skiing in Taos New Mexico. 2012
On top of Mount Jaillaico (16,899 feet/5,152 m)

Love and Compassion

Fasika’s seven-year-old son smiles for the camera.
Traditional weaver at island monastery in Bahir Dar. We gave her a polaroid picture of herself and she loved it.
Vendor at island monastery in Bahir Dar
Me with the children of Mosebo village.
Children watching us leave Mosebo village as the downpour arrives.
Ethiopian child we met outside the Black Lion Hospital in Addis Ababa.
Lovely smiling sisters.
Here is a 40-something year old mother holding her 10th child. She delivered this one at home like all the rest. She is at the Lie and Wait house with her 15-year-old daughter who was having complications. Otherwise her daughter would have delivered at home like she did.
Selling Coconuts in Honduras
Woman begging outside the church walls in Guatemala.
Maria, selling her handmade textiles outside a Spanish language school in Xela, Guatemala
Family in an unauthorized slum. Delhi, India
Sister Love in La Ceiba
Playmates in Honduras
Girl in red in Roatan, Honduras
Two young girls pose for me during a visit to one of Delhi’s many unauthorized slums.
The two newest rangers.

 

There are so many layers to our inner being. Sometimes we all have to stop and take a look deep down inside to discover who we truly are. To discover the depth of oneself and realize that “hey I have turned out alright so far.”

This post was inspired by the Weekly Photo Challenge: Depth. To view more entries, click here. 

 

 

 

 

28 thoughts on “The Depth of Me”

  1. Alison and Don – Occupation: being/living/experiencing/travelling. In our sixties, with apparently no other authentic option, my husband Don and I sold our apartment and car, sold or gave away all our stuff and set off to discover the world. And ourselves. We started in Italy in 2011 and from there have travelled to Spain, India, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South America, Egypt, Japan, etc. - you can see the blog archive. We travelled full-time for nearly six years, and then re-established a home in Vancouver. We now travel 2-3 months per year. We are interested in how the world works, how life works, how the creation of experience works, how the mind works. As we travel and both "choose" our course, and at the same time just let it unfold, we discover the "mechanics" of life, the astounding creativity of life, and a continual need to return to trust and presence. Opening the heart, and acceptance of what is, as it is, are keystones for us both. Interests: In no particular order: travel, photography, figure skating (as a fan), acceptance, authenticity, walking/hiking, joy, creativity, being human, adventure, presence, NOW. Same for Don except replace figure skating with Formula One motor racing.
    Alison and Don on said:

    Wonderful evocative photographs.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you!!! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  2. Nice thoughts on depth. Humans truly are multi-faceted creatures. I love your pictures too!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! I appreciate your comment. 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Amy! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  4. Love seeing the range of photos from different destinations. Well done for Thorong La Pass – higher than I seem to be able to cope with. Seeing the photo to the base of the Towers in Patagonia – went I went there all I could see was the base of the Towers – the cloud was a little lower than in your photo.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Wonderful! It is fun seeing photos on another blog of a place you’ve been to. I loved Nepal. I was fine with the altitude but it effects everyone differently and even each person differently on a given day. 🙂

      Reply ↓
  5. tatteredpassport – Perth. Western Australia – I stumbled over this for a while. How do I explain to you who I am? Do I tell you what I do for a living, do I tell you who I think I am, do I tell you what I want out of life? So I guess I kind of found and lost myself while traveling. Travel to me is exciting and relaxing, it helps me put my life into perspective, travel lifts me and also keeps grounded.
    tatteredpassport on said:

    Absolutely beautiful images and real “Depth” to your article. I really liked this one.

    One Life, One Search,
    Peace Out,
    Shane.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! So glad you enjoyed! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  6. anotherday2paradise – Durban South Africa and Florida USA – I enjoy writing about absolutely anything, and started blogging with WordPress in 2012. This was my 'Hammock Lady' blog, and I really enjoyed sharing my travels here: http://adinparadise.wordpress.com/ In November 2013, I decided it was time for a change of scenery, so I started my blog afresh, and here it is. I love to travel, and have been fortunate enough to do two round-the-world trips and visit more than forty countries so far. This year we visited our 7th continent, Antarctica. I enjoy photographing wildlife, especially in my backyard in Florida. I was born and brought up in England. My husband and I emigrated to South Africa in 1970. We now live in Florida, USA. I have a son and a daughter and five gorgeous grandchildren currently aged between 6 and 21 years. I'm so happy that you've taken the time to visit my blog, and would love for you to join me on my travels. Sylvia.
    anotherday2paradise on said:

    Fantastic post for the challenge, Nicole. I love the photos of you with your dad. What great adventures you have together. Loved seeing all the sweet children who are such an important part of your life’s work, and then of course, your beautiful family. Thanks for sharing the depth of yourself. 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sylvia! I appreciate it!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  8. macmsue – I’m a sister, wife, mother, grandmother, auntie and friend. I prefer to be outside and am interested in photography, nature and different cultures. I believe everything on this earth has a right to be here but some things and some people would be happiest if their space was far away from mine. (Flies and biting bugs take note!) I don’t like housework and think dust is Nature’s way of saying, “This is my space, I was here first.”
    macmsue on said:

    You certainly have some stunning photos and have captured beautiful personalities.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much!

      Reply ↓

  9. Perfect approach to the challenge of ‘depth’. Beautifully written Nicole.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks LuAnn! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Oh thanks Andrew! Very nice comment! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks!

      Reply ↓

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    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks!

      Reply ↓

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