Recently I participated in a Miksang workshop, “Opening the Good Eye”, headed by gifted photographer April Siegfried. We practiced a style of meditation designed specifically for photographers: the Miksang system of contemplative photography.

The only way I can describe the method is with a few brush stokes whereby I might convey what it is like. You give your mind’s eye the entire stage. Sit alone somewhere. Close your eyes. Wait for mental clutter to recede. It helps me to concentrate on my breathing.

You gain the sense that this is the only place you want to be.

When there’s a pause free of mental chatter, turn your head to face another direction, and open your eyes. Colors and edges take on presences of their own. Gradually your eyes find a subject that may be nothing in and of itself but, in terms of color, texture, line, or lighting, it reaches out, as if asking to be photographed.

For the “yellow” exercise, I photographed this fire hydrant featuring a chain. I’d never looked at a fire hydrant quite that way before.

For more information about Miksang: http://www.miksang.com