So I have been taking a lot of self portraits lately...like a lot! Why? Because I need to see myself. It's totally different than looking into the mirror. And it's different than having someone else take my photo. I can't really explain why...but it's helping me somehow. It's healing. Empowering. And it's bringing me peace. For a long time I did not like looking at myself. I just didn't like what I saw. And I only saw all the negative things.
But now my focus has changed. Now I see my strength...insight...wisdom. A woman within that is working really hard to love herself...despite her flaws.
Because our flaws are really character traits in disguise. Don't you think?
I guess it all depends on our perspective.
And thankfully, my perception is changing.
If you ever get a chance I challenge you to take some self portraits. Not just head shots...maybe your neck and jaw...or even your hands. A part of you. It does not have to be perfect or even in focus!
What do you think? Wanna give it a try?
You might just like what you see.
Oh yeah...this song *sigh* Brilliant. Beautiful. I don't care that he changed his name. They just don't make music like this anymore...oh lord, did I actually say that (big eye roll)!
Take a peek...I am blooming 365 days in 2010
33 comments:
ohhhhhh...
i might just take you up on that
challenge...it has been a long
time since i have even attempted
a self portrait...
and yours are wonderful...
i love when a photo
makes me want to get out my camera
and try something new.
thanks for the inspiration!!
:O)
You are a shining light in the world. Peace Train and The Wind were my favourite from that album :) I will try the portrait idea and post it on my blog. Thank you :)
Oh, I dunno what you see when you look at your photos, but I see someone truly beautiful, both inside and out.
I need to do just that, a self portrait. It takes a strong person to look at himself or her self. One is always blessed to look at oneself and see oneself.
Hey I love the bottom left portrait. The tones are beautiful as well as the texture of your hair and the lighting. Beautiful.
I took some self portraits last year, and it was a huge learning process, just like you said. the class I'm in now, has a week coming up where that will the focus and I'll try again, to see if I can like what the camera sees....
your post from yesterday is full and honest and heavy yet has wings aching to fly....and somehow, every word lodged in my heart and in my head with me softly saying.....me too
I adore Cat Stevens/Yusuf Islam. How appropriate to include a video of him in this post! He epitomizes the spiritual journey, the drive to be yourself no matter what.
You are beautiful my friend. I'm very happy to read you are loving what you see these days. You are a Masterpiece.
Very thought provoking words. I will have to challenge myself to take a self portrait. It is hard to make them not look..self centered. And yours are wonderful!...But I will try.
The photos speak for themselves... So Beautiful..
If you decide to do a self portrait...let me know, I would love to see! Thanks for all the wonderful comments today :) xoxo
What a beautiful post Caroline, thank you for your light and sharing it with the world.
With love and light,
Joanna
Beautiful mosaic of a beautiful subject! Just wonderful...
Thanks for the encouragement to photograph ourselves. When my camera comes home from the hospital, I will do this.
youre a brave and a beautiful one, to weigh your strength and weakness. you radiate inner peace and grace.
Your SPs are gorgeous. I need to be better about my own and get back into it. Thanks for the encouragement to do just that. :) Good luck.
beautiful sps and your evolution is very inspiring and a challenge to me
You go girl!!! Thanks for letting us into your journey.
Beautiful shots and I love Cat Stevens - I mean - Yusef too!
you are lovely and your self portraits are beautiful!
i am not ready for self portraits. working on some self improvements, and then maybe i will be ready. hopefully! someday! :)
How lovely- both you and that song...
:)
My favourite photos are two that I took of myself....in the bathroom mirror, no less. Perhaps it's because I can be completely myself. There are no inhibitions, no preconceived notions of who I am or am not.
Enjoy your exploration.
Your perspective is wonderful.
What beautiful pictures to accompany a blossoming spirit.
I got here through Short Zen Poems. I too love coffee, but am not a fan of sushi. I like your blog and will be back regularly. Pleased to make your acquaintance.
I don't know if I'm brave enough to do this. I don't like anything I see, but you said the same thing at first about yourself.
Beautiful music. This is Cat Stevens, isn't it?
Your self-portraits are gorgeous... just as you are! I am not liking photos of me these days. Not a bit. Not one tiny bit!
I should .. I am learning to love myself, but it has not yet progressed to loving photos of myself. It seems odd that I can see the beauty in everything .. except that one thing. So yes .. I will try to do this sometime this year.
At my age, I'm not liking what I see in the mirror but then, your post makes me realise that it's my perception of myself. I tried some self portraits last year but they became a little uncomfortable for me....maybe it's worth trying again.
I LOVE Cat Stevens! Thanks for the video with an inspiring message. xo
Ooooops....I meant to say that your self portrait photos are beautiful with a sensitive and caring touch. I'm sure it would be very empowering for you, Caroline.
you are beautiful inside and out.
: )
Caroline,
I love the introspective feel I get from these pictures. That all feels very much like you have described...seeing beyond the image, looking within. I really love the lower left image side image shot of you. For some reason, that one really touches me at my soul.
Caroline, I loved reading this post. I am at a stage right now where I am obsessed with taking self-portraits. Through the process I am discovering things about myself that I like too. I've never much liked looking at myself in a mirror either because I saw too many flaws and things I didn't like. Also, I don't like photos that others take of me. I don't feel like they capture the essence of who I am. It's a strange hobby but it is very insightful and helpful. I'm glad someone else is going through the same thing.
I'm even learning to be more confident without make-up and to like the lines around my eyes, even though I wish sometimes my skin was more youthful.
Love the photos and I feel the self-love!
Love Cat!
i am loving all your sp's lately. just beautiful.
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