The Third Leg
March 21, 2013 
In the darkest hours - I began to write. At first – it was a way in which I might record and remember. And then - very quickly – it became something else. I filled countless pages with my deepest fears..and wildest imaginings. My dreams...my hopes...my imaginary visions.
Whatever feelings I'd cultivated on my mat...channeled their way through my body manifesting themselves in words on a page. I gave myself permission to let go of perfection...to spill open...to make mistakes…to be messy. I allowed myself a safe space wherein I might express my innermost thoughts on an inhale...and on that all-important exhale - release.
It wasn't long before my personal journaling became a daily habit and that all-important necesssary third leg of this self-sustaining supporting triad of practices.
In 2007 - without any attachment to outcome or destination - I began this Daily Practice photoblog. I promised myself - one photo...one image for each new day. In 2010 - I began writing and accompanying those daily images with a few words. Nothing but - simple reflections...stories..observations...quiet meditations.
And sometime..somewhere - it happened. Within the daily discipline of these three practices - yoga + photography + writing - I found that I'd not only discovered the beginnings of my voice..but also the courage to express it.
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Sharing with you my practice and process - this is the 5th part of my unfolding story.
And - to those of you who are wondering - this is what spring is looking like here. This year. Right now. Today.
Reader Comments (24)
marcie, your practice remains my pleasure. the words to this picture made me weepish...if there is such a word.
What a super interesting and intimate retrospective on how you got into writing and photo blogging and have merged them to the art form we are allowed to enjoy almost daily.
And I'm so glad you did!
And with every word and step on your journey you have inspired us to stay on the road with you.......day in day out.....and I for one am full of gratitude for your courage and commitment......beautiful.....
Just beautiful...the image and your story. So glad to be a part of it!
And it's a very good thing.
Beautiful photo, wonderful story.
What a beautiful post, Marcie, and what a wonderful journey you are on.
I am truly so glad that you are here.
Marcie - reading your story has been so very powerful - the journey you have made and how you found the three disciplines that gave you your voice. And this has to rank as one of my all-time favorite images. Such a unique composition - giving all that space to the mirror-like water with its abstract reflections and just a tiny, tiny hint to the swimming swan and horizon beyond. Such confidence in your abilities - to make that choice to such wonderful effect.
Goosebumps! I got goosebumps reading this. Wow. Thank you for sharing your story...stories... this week. Very moving. So inspiring. It's doing some kind of soul work in me! :) Thank you ...thank you!
One cannot get wild and free without an initial discipline. Thanks for reflecting on your process; beautiful photo.
Love the reflections, not the usual type, which makes them all the more interesting.
This is a gorgeous photograph.
What a beautiful story...I'm so glad I discovered your writing because it's always a very pleasant part of my day to see your posts and images!
Marcie, you are an inspiration to us all, I love the journey you've found yourself and the commitment and motivation it takes to make it a daily practice.
Another beautiful example of the power of pactice.... commiting and showing up, day in and day out. You have accomplished some amazing things and it's all documented right here.
keep shining your light, singing your unique song, one photo, one sentence, one breath at a time Marcie... you are such an inspiration!
Cadrage original et très audacieux qui me convient très bien !
Marcie - you have created a unique style of blogging and one that is always a pleasure to view.
perfect framing
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. When we let life evolve, with commitment and discipline but without a tight grip, we find ourselves. I think the freedom to explore in mid to late life, without the pressure of making a living, reveals depths and gifts only glimpsed at before. I see this is you, myself, and some other photographers. I imagine it happens in other disciplines. What a joy!
such beauty...
That takes such serious dedication. I admire your ability to take a photo each day. Photography is my one true passion, but I have many days, many gaps of days and weeks where I need to take a breather. Such a beautiful practice, which no doubt helps you stay balanced and grounded.
Oh, and this beauty you have captured! The shadows of the trees. Soft and lovely.
gorgeous way of framing this, nicely done! :)