"Slow down and enjoy life.
It's not only the scenery you miss by going too fast--you also miss the sense of where you are going and why." -- Eddie Cantor
If you've already taken Soul Focus: Finding Peace Through Photography, then you already know that the journey we began together was deeply meaningful. You also know that the two-week course went by far too quickly! Soul Focus 2 is a continuation of our studies, inside and out. As we've learned, mindfulness can lead to a deeper, more creative photography practice.
Join me for the second leg of our artistic journey, where we will build upon what we've learned so far and, more importantly, explore brand-new resources for inner peace and mindful photography.
Soul Focus 2, like its predecessor, is about giving yourself the gift of quiet, contemplative time each day to focus on what is good, what is true, and what is beautiful.
It's about noticing more, appreciating more, savoring more.
It's about entering a gentle, sacred space of creativity.
It's about discovering what you can create with your camera when you embrace a more peaceful state of mind.
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?
- 14 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.
Course Overview
Soul Focus 2 will run from Monday, January 25 through Sunday, February 7, 2021.
Together, through a combination of beautiful art, inspirational writing, music, poetry, and (of course) photography, we will explore the following themes in-depth:
Day 1: Introduction / Reflect
Day 2: Untangle / Release
Day 3: Disconnect / Disappear
Day 4: Wander / Explore
Day 5: Receive / Embrace
Day 6: Stretch / Experiment
Day 7: Deepen / Immerse
Day 8: Sense / Resonate
Day 9: Radiate / Illuminate
Day 10: Soothe / Nourish
Day 11: Sharpen / Realign
Day 12: Elevate / Uplift
Day 13: Rest / Just Be
Day 14: Conclusion / Curate
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 feedback with the other class members.
- Highly recommended but not essential: Completion of the first course, Soul Focus: Finding Peace through Photography
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take Soul Focus: Finding Peace through Photography before I can take this course?
No, but it would certainly help. This is a continuation of our studies and some of the exercises will use skills that we've already learned in that first course.
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?
No, not in the "obligation" sense of the word. Each lesson is more of an inspiration or series of prompts to help you reflect and create, whenever you find the time to do so.
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 don't even know how to express how enjoyable I have found this class to be. I appreciate so much the opportunity to broaden my perspective on everything. Sometimes I feel like I just now woke up and I'm finally seeing the things that I just didn't know to appreciate, and I'm only scratching the surface of possibility. I will carry these refreshing concepts with me as I look for opportunities to photograph the world around me. Your blend of spirit and photography is what keeps me coming back for more classes. I love my newest hobby and I'm loving the meditative approach. I know that I will gladly take this class again."-- Phyllis J., Illinois
"I can't say enough about how wonderful this course has been...so perfectly timed! I look forward to reading the day's prompt in the morning, and I carry it with me all day. Your words and photos always put me in a wonderful mood, which is great, because my days tend to be pretty hectic. I'm going to miss this class a lot."-- Sue K., Colorado
"This course has been a blessing in countless ways. I have LOVED it! " -- Kathleen D., New Jersey
"Thank you again for this class. It's put me back in touch with teachings and practices that, for whatever reasons, slipped away from me over the last few years." -- Sharon S., Oregon
Registration
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P.S. Another other questions? Drop me a line at [email protected]