Still Life with Eckhart Tolle

Written by Mike Ross
Still Life with Eckhart Tolle
Still Life with Eckhart Tolle

Eckhart Tolle wrote a book called stillness speaks, it’s about stillness (obviously), life, and in its own way it’s about still life photography. So since we’re having a blizzard today, I decided to look into his theories and see if I could discover some stillness with a still life.

My first thought was that taking a photo of a needle and thread is stupid, it’s not creative and it’s certainly not art. Then I remember E.T. saying: “All artists, whether they know it or not create from a place of inner stillness, a place of no mind.” Oh.

My second thought was that I needed to find a way to make this interesting, and I was having some problems because of thought one. But E.T. said: “Stillness is where creativity and solutions to problems are found.” So I think that meant to tighten up my tripod.

I was really trying to make this work but was getting more frustrated by the minute. To this E.T. said: “Suffering is necessary until you realize it is unnecessary.” That’s slightly confusing but probably true.

Later, I went through all the photos to see if there was one worth keeping, and I started having some crazy thoughts; the needle and the damage done, the needle and the spoon, and the fact that I’ve never been to the Space Needle in Seattle.

So once again I looked to E.T. for help, to which he said: “Here is a new spiritual practice for you: don’t take your thoughts too seriously.”

Right then, now if I can just sit still until it stops snowing I can go out and get some great winter shots. I will look at things in the most unserious way I can, maybe even shooting only JPEG, but I doubt it.

27 thoughts on “Still Life with Eckhart Tolle”

  4. You nailed this one, Mike (or rather threaded it) and I’m glad your mind went to still life photography! Why didn’t I think of that? I had to chuckle reading your creative process as it meandered toward the space needle! Glad you could link up with Sunday Stills! Your image is sublime!

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  5. Pingback: Sunday Stills: In Your World of #Blue – Second Wind Leisure Perspectives

  9. I found another tag on your blog, Mike. I watched this post earlier but didn’t write. Your mind works in such a complicated way. I’m not sure I’m thinking at all when I shoot still lifes.

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