Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Slow Returning

I didn't realize how much time it would take me to settle back into the daily routines of home after my trip to South Africa.  I thought I'd arrive back on Wednesday and be back into doing again on Thursday.  Perhaps I packed so much into the three weeks I was in South Africa that it has taken me six weeks to feel that I am home again.

And how do I choose which images to share from the hundreds of photographs I made?  What is it I want to remember?

The weekend at the Buddhist Retreat Center teaching photography as meditation?


Or the days with the special people of Woza Moya Project?





Or the walks on the beach?

Or the weekend in the Game Reserve with dear friends?


Or the weekend of training the first South African SoulCollage® Facilitators? Or my 30th wedding anniversary which my husband and I celebrated by having lunch at the hotel in Umhlanga Rocks where we had our wedding reception? Or tea with special friends we hadn't seen in years? There are so many magical experiences that I don't want to forget.  And photographs can't always show what you saw because what we see is so influenced by our emotions and our memories.  Sometimes you just have to breathe in the experience and hope that your body remembers the feelings.

There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged 
to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.
Nelson Mandela

5 comments:

Gwen said...

It sounds like such a wonderful trip, and true, deep congratulations on your anniversary!

Jeri said...

Beautiful photos, Catherine! I can so relate to your words here. I just got home after several weeks of busy work travel, and am feeling like it will take me a while to get back into the creative spirit again. Sometimes you just can't rush the recovery, you just have to give yourself time to renew.

Joanne Huffman said...

Welcome back home. I love the photos you have chosen (looking forward to more). I think that the need for transition time increases in proportion to the importance of the trip and experience. Give yourself as much time as you need. And, belated Happy Anniversary.

Steph said...

HI Catherine I just found your blog and I am totally in sync with your work..I've also been interested in Soul Collage and am hoping there is an opportunity for me to take one..
Keep well..
Steph

SueC said...

Welcome back, Catherine! I once heard a story of travelers who decided to pause for a while "to let our souls catch up with our bodies." Perhaps you needed such time as well...