Waiting at the waterfront

orange dinghy and its reflection

Last Saturday I went out with a friend for dinner. I was a bit early and waited for him on a small bridge over one of the numerous canals of Amsterdam. It was a bit out of the city centre so it was not a very old or quaint environment, but there still was plenty to see.

reflection in water

I let my gaze wonder across the water and the waterfront and all the colours and reflections made me look longer and feel quieter inside or was it the other way around?

yellow marsh-marigold

Anyway, I felt my mind resting on what I was seeing, enjoying the moment and appreciating the everyday magic of it all.

yellow reflection in water

During dinner I showed my friend the photos, proof so to speak of what I had seen and he was surprised at what I had noticed. He said that most people would just walk past it and that is exactly what contemplative photography is about: about slowing down, opening my eyes and being available at what is there right in front of me. It's a moment of mindfulness.

colourful flowers on the bridge