Pat Mingarelli
[Originally published as How To Slow Down and Put Away the Distractions]
Finding it Tough To Slow Down
Sometimes we need to slow down and put away the distractions in order to let our minds be free. When our minds are free, we can better create and connect with God.
Much of the time, our minds live in one of two modes: the “conformity mode” or the “getting things done” mode. Often our brains are in both modes at once. Unfortunately, either one of these life modes can fill our days and not leave us enough time for such modes as the “free to think” mode or the “creative” mode. We may find it difficult to slow down, put away the distractions, and find a way out.
Good Things Keep Us from Slowing Down
So many things in life can keep us in one of those two modes. A lot of those things are good things. Work, family, and serving others frequently keep us in the conformity and/or the getting things done mode. And when it comes to work, family, and serving others, spending time in these two modes is often essential.
Our work keeps us in these modes because we have certain standards to maintain, and we have things we need to accomplish. With our family, there is always a regular pattern to life that keeps us in conformity mode. And of course, with family, there are always things we need to get done. Such is the nature of work and family, and that’s often good, but we also need time to take a break.
But where can we go so our minds can take a break and be free?
Many people have found that creative arts are a great way to escape the mundane things in our lives. The creative arts give us an excellent pathway out of the conformity and get-things-done modes. Within the creative arts, our minds find an escape that allows us to slow down and think about things in a way that life doesn’t usually allow time for. The creative arts also allow us the opportunity to better connect with God our Creator.
Created to Create
One way I like to connect with my Creator is by photographing the beautiful details that He has created.
The Bible tells us in Genesis chapter 1 that God created us in His image. Part of being made in God’s image is that we have a desire to create, just as God created and creates. As each one of us creates with the gifts God has given us, we have an opportunity to connect with Him. God is the first artist, and as we practice a creative art, we connect with the original creative artist.
And as you know, my favorite creative art is nature photography and nature photography provides its own unique pathway into the free-to-think mode and creative mode.
Photography and Freedom
When I walk in nature with my camera and with God, my mind experiences a freedom that it experiences nowhere else. I see the things around me in a completely different way, and in my heart, I find a special peace. Many of the things that bother me in life seem to fade away when I photograph nature. For me, there’s nothing like spending time with God doing what I love. It gives me the occasion to slow down and put away the distractions so that I can connect with my Creator while I create as He has created me to create.
With autumn now upon us, I look forward to spending some time outside with God, photographing the wonders of this time of year, and I encourage you to do the same. Take some time to enjoy the beautiful fall colors, cooler weather, and the wonderful light that the low sun gives us. It will provide you the perfect opportunity to slow down and put away distractions so that you can connect with your Creator while you create in the way He has created you to create.
