Notes and Images from a Small Island (Practice 11 Day 8)

Today in my practice is all about dwelling in my favourite spot – along the shores of Loch Cill Chriosd.  Dwelling, for me, is not just about spending time or paying attention.  It is about feeling comfortable, such that I am able to attenuate conscious thought in favour of awareness and a non-conscious state.  Through entering this creative flow, that I call dwelling, I increase the potential for being aware of Being.

The weather has been glorious on Skye for the past few days and the last vestiges of summer colours remain on the loch alongside the more autumnal signs and hues that the seasons are changing.  The blue skies and sunshine overhead combine to produce a colour palette and light rarely seen on Skye this year.

I decide to work with intentional camera movement and use a tripod to enable the use of slow shutter speeds.  All my images are single exposures.  As I walk around the head of the loch, I see some green leaves.  I had taken this patch of reeds early in the season and am keen to be able to compare appearance and colours throughout the year.  I use a gentle upwards movement following the stems of the reeds.

I walk down to what I call the beach area.  It is a sandy and rocky spot where sheep drink and sleep.  The recent hot weather means that the water level is much lower than normal allowing me closer access to the reeds, although it is a slippery path, I tread, because of the algae underfoot.  Although the reeds are still green, there are also patches of autumnal colours such as yellows and oranges.  There are some beautiful reflections as the water moves gently in the breeze.

There are also patches of reeds that appear to have been blown over in the wind or have simply fractured as their stems dry out.  There are areas of algae making for a stagnant scene in sheltered spots.

As I walk over the rocks on the shore, a route often not available when water levels are high, the reeds appear more dried out and have a sharpness to their appearance.

As I sit on a bank above the loch the autumnal colours are clear to see.

I hope to spend more time and longer days on the shores of Loch Cill Chriosd as I enjoy an extended and concentrated period of practice as I begin the final year of my PhD.