In my last blog,
The
Setting, the Shutter, and the Power ofResolution, I talked about my 2015
New Year’s resolution. It's about translating 35mm film photography to my new
digital SLR camera. The blog is more than that though; my story is a metaphor
that unveils the face of opportunity when we are faced with the challenges
associated with living with chronic pain and illness.
A Universal Language
Most of you reading this blog know I am a writer of
self-help books. If you
have read any of the four books in the
Broken Body, Wounded
Spirit: Balancing the See-Saw of Chronic Pain series, co-authored with Jeff
Miller, PhD, you know each day offers an exercise or a tidbit of information to
inspire new ways for managing daily challenges. Each day begins with a picture
chosen to convey a feeling on the topic at hand. They are positioned to do one
of two things, reflect on our own treasured moments, or provoke us into action.
A photojournalist knows the impact images have on him or her personally and in
the hearts and minds of everyone who sees them. The language spoken through
photography is universal.
“A picture held us captive. And we could not get outside
it,
for it lay in our language and language seemed to repeat it
to us inexorably.”
― Ludwig Wittgenstein, Philosophical Investigations
The Influence of a Title
Titling a picture seems like such a simple thing. However,
it has a powerful impact on how the photo speaks to us and it provides infinite
possibilities for bringing life into focus. While my title may be different
from yours, it still reflects a personal journey and allows us to explore our
feelings. You don’t have to be a photographer to do this.
Exercise:
Find a favorite photo, name it, and then write
a few words about the feelings it brings to surface. You might not remember the
date, or even the circumstances surrounding the photo, but you will remember
how it made you feel.
The power of photos is evident; they have become a visual
experience that is shared across social media. When our emotions erupt, we find
camaraderie as human beings. We can share our journey, photographer or not, the
connections are universal.
Looking Beyond Clouds
 |
| The Embodiment of a Pain Advocate. |
This picture is from Broken Body, Wounded Spirit:
Balancing the SeeSaw of Chronic Pain,
Winter Devotions. I chose this
particular photo for day sixteen, "Advocating for Pain” to represent
several things. Living with chronic pain and illness can cloud our judgment. It
can bring about tumultuous feelings, and sometimes cast a shadow over our desires.
But, it’s more than that to me. This picture also represents a ray of light in
the darkness, the promise of a bright sky, and treetops that lift our spirit
upwards. For me, the telephone lines represent the connection and power we have
to make a difference through advocacy. So, ad hoc, after the fact, I shall name
this picture, “The Embodiment of a Pain Advocate.”
What would you name it, and why?
Unchain Your Imagination
Experts tell us the power of a photo transcends all
generations. So, next time you come across a shared photograph think outside
the box. Take a moment; be flexible in your thinking.
Years ago in an effort to raise my endorphins through
laughter, I began a photo journal of animals. I saved them for my personal
enjoyment and I named them something that would spark the laughter that became
buried by pain and illness. I resurrected my inner goofiness through laughter
and photographs.
We are born with an imagination and when we use it wisely,
we loosen the grip chronic illness can create. Unchain your imagination. Share
the creativity that lives within you.
~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~
"Adversity is only an obstacle if we fail to see
opportunity."
Celeste Cooper, RN
Learn
more about what you can do to help your body function to its potential in the
books you can find here on Celeste's
blog.
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