Picture Perfect Stories
Let’s create stories. A friend of mine can’t believe I don’t have any pictures to share from my Backpack Adventures. My friend travels extensively with one motto:
No pictures. No proof.
I admire their ability to capture a perfect picture. Although I have traveled more than most, I have no pictures and no proof. I only have stories and memories.
I stopped taking pictures on a memorable morning in Arches National Park. We arrived before dawn to enjoy a sunrise meditation. With my chair set in the perfect spot to enjoy the sunrise, I closed my eyes and experienced peaceful bliss.
About 15 minutes before the sun was scheduled to break the horizon, dozens of photographers appeared out of nowhere and engulfed me on all sides. They knocked me down and pushed for position.
Perfect Picture? Yes.
Perfect Experience? No chance!
Perfect Picture? Yes.
Perfect Experience? No chance!
The first time I gazed upon the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, I seemed to be the only person looking forward. Hundreds of people in the crowd had their backs towards the architectural beauty. I kept turning around thinking I was missing something.
I scanned the skyline – until I finally noticed their cameras weren’t seeking the perfect picture. They were seeking the perfect selfie.
When did the viewfinders of our cameras become more interesting than reality?
I’m tired of seeing crowds more focused on capturing the perfect picture instead of living the perfect experience. I seek stories more than selfies. If a picture is worth a thousand words, I want ALL your words. Tell me your story and share your experience.
I had lunch with a friend who had just returned from a 10-day trip to another country. I was eager to hear about their experience. They handed me their phone and told me to swipe.
Am I foolish for wanting more than pictures?
I want to experience life through more than my eyes. I want to know what you felt and how you were changed by your travel experiences. I want to know about the people you met and the ideas you shared. I want to know what moved you.
Close your eyes and imagine a warm summer night in Boston. A crowd of 300,000 people sprawl out on the lush green grass of the Esplanade, a park stretching along the Charles River. It’s the 4th of July and the crowd is ready to celebrate. I smell hotdogs and popcorn and beer.
The sounds of laughter and chatter are hushed as the conductor of the Boston Pops raises their baton. The crowd gasps with delight as the rousing orchestra plays the first of many patriotic notes.
There are soaring waltzes that make me want to twirl, stirring scores that set my heart racing, and, of course, iconic American tunes that bring tears to my eyes. The crowd sways in unison with faces lit by the warm glow of the stage lights.
In a quieter moment, a young soloist takes center stage and sings a tale of love and resilience as the sun begins to set under the colorful summer sky. Romance fills the air, but the seat beside me is empty. My love is taking pictures and is nowhere to be found.
Before the first boom of the fireworks explode overhead, my love returns only temporarily to show me the perfect picture of a couple in a loving silhouette against the backdrop of the setting sun.
Irony is a cruel messenger.
Healing, Learning, Growing
I see now my unplanned Backpack Adventures are an opportunity to heal old wounds, learn, and grow forward.
Traveling outside of familiar routines Is an opportunity to challenge old beliefs and developed new patterns. Extreme picture taking and never taking another picture are both equally foolish. It’s time to put an end to my picture taking boycott.
I stumbled across a “Scenic Insta Tour” for people who want to take pictures in beautiful places for the purpose of posting on Instagram. I signed up.
Although I still want great stories, conversation, and imagination, It’s time for a new experience.
Let’s create stories together –with maybe a few not-so-perfect pictures. It’s time to let go of the past and find balance.
