"The world is holy. We are holy. All life is holy.
Daily prayers are delivered on the lips of breaking waves, the whisperings of grasses, the shimmering of leaves."
-- Terry Tempest Williams
I've always had an eagerness to learn, to grow, to evolve as a person. I feel that it's one of our most important purposes on this earth: To never stop learning new things and to utilize those lessons to improve our selves and the world around us. I know that might sound "lofty" but personally, I think we should always be aiming for higher and higher ground. That's why I created the Soul Focus courses...
To notice more, and truly see.
To experience more, and wisely spend our time.
To create more goodness in the world, sharing what we've learned.
Join me for the third leg of our Soul Focus journey, where we will build upon what we've learned so far and, more importantly, explore brand-new resources for inner peace, daily mindfulness, and more creative photography. Let's deepen our mindful photography practice together.
Course Overview
The next session of this course will run from Monday, February 15 through Sunday, February 28, 2021.
Together, through a combination of beautiful art, inspirational writing, music, poetry, and most importantly, photographic practice, we will explore the following themes in-depth:
Lesson 1: Abundance
Lesson 2: Absence
Lesson 3: Attunement
Lesson 4: Permanence and Impermanence
Lesson 5: Instinct
[First Weekend: Rest, recharge, catch up in our online classroom]
Lesson 6: Wonder
Lesson 7: Acceptance
Lesson 8: Aspiration
Lesson 9: Purpose
Lesson 10: Renewal
[Final Weekend: Review and wrap up lessons in our online classroom]
What You'll Need:
- A digital camera or a smart phone (it doesn't matter what type).
- Access to a computer where you can upload your photographs.
- A Facebook account, so you can join our private group for the class, post your own photos, and give/receive comments with the other class members.
What this course is and isn't...
- This course is my own personal collection of inspirational resources that I will share with you, so that you, too, can perhaps find more peacefulness, more mindfulness, and more creativity in your daily life.
- This course is not about religion, although it will have a healthy dose of spirituality. In other words: It will help you get in touch with ways to creatively express yourself that are elevating, healing, freeing.
- This course is not a substitute for professional therapy if you are seriously depressed. At its core, it is a photography course that can encourage new pathways to creativity.
- This course is a gift from me to you. A gift that won't take up any space on your kitchen counter, but can fill you up with a deep sense of peacefulness and a renewed sense of creativity.
What's included in this course?
- 10 days of gentle letters (via email) from me to you, packed with all of my favorite inspirational resources for mindfulness, inner peace, and creativity, helping you to establish a calming photography practice that quiets your mind in these often-loud times
- A beautiful, downloadable "book" of all the lessons (PDF file) for you to keep and delve back into whenever you need to reclaim a sense of calm creativity
- Daily photo prompts that encourage creativity, reflection, mindfulness, and gratitude
- Private Facebook classroom to make new friends and share your inspirations
- Optional Instagram participation
- NEW in 2021: Soul Focus Book Club! You can opt to read the selected book along with your fellow students and share your thoughts in our online classroom! If you'd rather skip the book and just read what others have to say, that's fine, too. Either way, journaling is recommended so you can jot down your favorite insights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to take Soul Focus: Finding Peace through Photography or Soul Focus 2: Delving Deeper into Mindful Photography before I can take this course?
No, but it would be very helpful, so you can better build on what you learn. This is a continuation of our studies and some of the exercises will use skills that we've already learned in the first two Soul Focus courses. If you cannot take the first and second Soul Focus courses, drop me a note at [email protected] so we can discuss if Soul Focus 3 alone would work for you.
What if I'm going on vacation during part of the course? Should I wait to take it another time?
If you'll have internet access while on your vacation, then I recommend that you take the course this time around. There are no deadlines, and the lessons should help you to relax more fully into your vacation! :) This course runs only once per year.
What level photographer is this course intended for?
This course is for anyone who enjoys photography (beginner to advanced).
Will there be any assignments?
Not in the "obligation" sense of the word. Each lesson is filled with inspirations and a series of prompts to help you reflect and create, whenever you find the time to do so. The more thought you can give to the lessons, the better your experience will be.
Do I really need to join the Facebook classroom?
No, but you will get so much more out of the course if you can share the lessons and creative work with the other students in our private classroom. It's a beautiful and supportive community. You can also choose to share on Instagram.
What if I have a full-time job?
That's fine, and it's one of the best parts of participating in an online course instead of a traditional course in a classroom. If you miss a day or two due to a heavy work schedule, just catch up whenever you can. This is basically a self-paced course, so you will get out of it what you can put into it.
How do I pay for this course?
You can securely pay with PayPal at the bottom of this page. If you don't have a PayPal account, it's free to open one and easy to sign up.
What if I'm not located in the United States?
I'm happy to welcome students from around the world, and since it's an online course, there is no specific time for you to be "in class." Previous sessions of my photography e-courses have included students from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia.
PayPal will convert any foreign currency to U.S. dollars.
Do I need to buy anything?
No. Suggested texts will be recommended to you, but you can find them at the library (which I fully recommend) or preview their contents online when available through Amazon.
Will refunds be offered?
(I'm including this just for legal reasons--nobody's ever requested a refund for any of my online courses. In fact, quite the opposite: I've been told on more than one occasion that my courses were worth more than the prices paid.) Due to the digital nature of this course, I cannot offer refunds, so please ask me any questions or let me know any of your concerns before you register, by emailing me at [email protected].
Kind words from Soul Focus students
"I signed up for this class because it's January, which for me means turning inward to create both more peace and more direction for the year ahead. And because when I first explored photography the classes I took with Joy were the best guide to creating images that express what's in my heart and soul. Joy, your classes have taught me SO much. I feel like there's a bit of your spirit in everything I've posted in these classes. And while the guidance has been wonderful, I appreciate even more your holistic and mindful approach to life in general. Taking your classes has truly enriched my life." -- Amy K., California
"I have taken countless classes with Joy (every one she has taught, some even 2-3 times!), and each time emerge refreshed. I took this class to learn to slow down and appreciate the little things, and return to the photography that brings me so much joy. I have to thank you all for inspiring me, and bringing back the joy into photography, and I thank Joy for encouraging me to return. I was in a photo funk, feeling overwhelmed with everything, and that my photos were not good enough. Your positive feedback and your wonderful photos have motivated me to get back in the groove. Thanks to all of you. I needed this class more than I knew." -- Meredith R., New Jersey
Registration
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P.S. Another other questions? Drop me a line at [email protected]