A Photo Geeks ups and downs through words and images.
There are few things that bring me calm as much as being left alone to take a few pictures. Whether it’s in the city, the suburbs, the countryside, or by the water. Being left alone to do my thing is the best gift you can give me. Thanks to my understanding wife, I had the chance to experience that today. Below is an image I feel, best describes the peaceful mood.
This image reminds me of how fragile time is. Life goes by so fast, and we rarely stop to appreciate the countless moments that have enhanced how we approached things. How we choose to treat people. Today, a brief encounter with a family at the hospital reminded me that intimate moments can remind you of the person you are and choose to be. Seize those moments and place them in a memory bank to be recalled when needed. Simply put, every now and then, we all need reminders of who we really are.
I often wish for the days of not overthinking every situation or decision. To not want anything I don’t already have or do not want. I want to have a superpower ability that helps me remain calm and react with restraint in even the most tension-filled moments. While I’ve read the books and attended the lectures. I still remember my grade school report card noting my lack of self-control in the otherwise satisfactory conduct section.
I am sitting at the bar, writing reviews of recently released records that are absolute bangers and enjoying a robust cup of coffee. Meanwhile. after a brief battle with anxiety. I’m enjoying a calm moment after snapping this image. Being one of the many whose happiness and fulfillment depends on copious amounts of coffee, I am suddenly writing with a more focused and fluid focus. Fully realizing that coffee, music and the written word often anchor my happiness. Here’s to the good things.
As I was exiting the historically riveting, yet soul crushing Smithsonian Museum of African History and Culture. I stopped to take this image of what I considered a moving moment. A row of people who had just exited the exhibition I had. People who had completely disconnected themselves from living in a moment and gone back to their worlds of social media and technology. Is this where we’re headed or have already arrived? Whether you’re old or familiar with a time when we weren’t as plugged in, yet tuned off. I recently watched as a woman walked into traffic without looking up from her phone. Only reacting when a car screeched to a halt in order not to hit her. Her reaction, “How dare you…” seemed indicative of the current mindset many carry around, troubled me. Not to come off like an old curmudgeon (Which I am.) shaking his fist at the sky. But, wake the fuck up.
As mentioned in a previous post, “Things to Come.” I hope to add some flavor to the blog by including contributing editorials and pieces that hopefully add spice to the recipe. The first offering came from James Phoenix, who offered an idea that struck a chord with me, as it was a subject close to my heart, as someone with my tattoo history and a family with its share of tattoo stories as artists and enthusiasts. Before posting, I’d like to thank James for his time, contribution, and remarkable enthusiasm.
Exploring the Psychological and Emotional Impact of Tattoos
With tattoos gaining popularity in recent times, it’s no surprise that they’ve garnered significant attention among researchers and psychologists to understand their role in human lives.
Historically, tattoos were known to hold personal meaning, represent various cultural nuances, and be part of religious practices. However, what does it mean to get a tattoo in the modern world?
This article explores the connection between tattoos and the human mind and the positive impact this artistic expression has on multiple lives.
Artistic ways of self-expression have been intertwined with body modifications like tattoos and piercings for centuries. But did you know that they may also impact mental health?
The human psyche involves many woven stories of self-identity, personal experiences, and culture, and body modifications serve as a strong form of visually communicating the emotions and values specific to every individual. While the psychology behind getting tattoos and piercings is complex, they certainly hold symbolic meaning.
So, whether someone gets an intricate full-sleeve tattoo or adorns stretched earlobes with various ear weight styles, it can hold personal, spiritual, and emotional meaning to them.
While there are so many types of body modifications, tattoos are among the most popular, especially in this modern era, especially because of their newfound recognition as a form of ink therapy that symbolizes the transformative process of getting tattooed.
These are the positive influences of this process:
Your inner thoughts, personal stories, and feelings need to be heard. There may be instances where someone struggles to communicate verbally their point of view, and that’s when tattoos become a unique way of expressing their emotions without using any words. Since it provides an indirect way to communicate your own narrative, it leads to a feeling of liberation and instills a sense of relief.
Many of us struggle with accepting ourselves, and we use tattoos as a way to love ourselves and find peace within. Whether you get a tattoo that reflects personal growth, signifies a struggle you’ve overcome, or marks a major milestone in your life, it’s all part of your identity, and embracing it in the form of a tattoo is a constant reminder and a boost to your self-esteem.
Several individuals use the process of tattooing as a healing ritual to learn and push their spiritual boundaries. Getting tattooed requires a lot of patience and perseverance because it’s a lengthy process that involves enduring pain and nervousness. Being present in the moment and teaching your body tolerance is a form of practicing mindfulness, resilience, and strength.
Once you start getting tattoos, you innately become part of the tattoo community, which surprisingly is quite close-knit and has a strong sense of belonging. It’s an opportunity to build connections, speak your truth, and realize you’re not alone. This breaks down self-isolating habits that leave many feeling lonely as they continue with mental health struggles.
People who have visible scars struggle with body image issues and self-confidence. Tattoos offer a way for these individuals to turn their flaws into beautiful works of art. Getting scars tattooed doesn’t just help their sense of self but also helps them heal emotionally as they positively redefine their relationship with these imperfections.
Parting Thoughts
While some get tattoos for aesthetic appeal, using the human body as a canvas has a more powerful meaning to others. It can be an excellent tool for self-expression and discovery that helps you unlock your healing journey so you can evolve and grow as a person.
James Phoenix (Author and Contributing Editor)
The majority of this weekend and every weekend is spent in Baltimore or Washington DC. With so much more to explore and enjoy anytime soon. Chances are we won’t run out of things to do anytime soon. While Belvedere, Maryland. Our Sunday had a calmer tone, as me spent much of the early afternoon on the relatively sleepy Potomac River. Despite the very hard sun, I manged to find some shade and get some nice shots. We finally agreed on what to eat on Thanksgiving and got most of our food shopping done. Happy Holidays.
Earlier today while enjoying breakfast at at Washington DC’s Union Market. I conversed with a stranger, recommending one of the booths for their outstanding pastrami sandwich. (Yeah, I know I shouldn’t be eating pastrami for breakfast. But I’m from New York City. So here’s my get out of food jail card.) I haven’t been very social and conversations with complete strangers have become something of the past. Considering his reaction to my recommendation and the smile that came with it. I went away feeling good.When I ran into him again as we were heading to our car. He approached me with that same smile telling me that he took my recommendation and thoroughly enjoyed it. That small exchange made me feel like my old self again. The person who made friends with a smile and a wink. A tip of the proverbial hat. I miss that guy.
As I sit hear in the window enjoying the rain. I look forward to the weekend in hopes that the ever changing weather will relent to our wishes that it be bright, sunny and welcome to all that respect its beauty. I remind us all, including myself, to enjoy every moment, place and the people who improve your life with their mere presence.
When we’re young, we can’t wait to grow up. Then as we grow up, and inevitably grow older. We often reflect on our youth, wishing we could go back, or get some sort of redo. When recently watching a classic movie from my teens “The Breakfast Club.” Alley Sheedy’s character Allison laments “When you grow up. Your heart dies.” As an older person, I can’t help but feel the disconnection between generations and how we often discount, or completely write off the impact that each have, and continue to contribute on a daily basis. When we learn to become better listeners, I’m sure we can reconnect, share, and learn from one another. I captured the images below years ago while in downtown New York City. I refer to them when I feel an absence of balance and understanding. Reminding myself that, no matter how old I get in numbers. I should always remain open minded and young at heart.
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