Introspective Lenses 4 Life

A photograph is to the eyes, what words are to an experience.
Perspective. Perception. Interpretation.

History, geography, and archaeology captured my early teen interests, piquing an in-borne inquisitiveness. I perceive that my desire to travel and root out my family history was a natural derivative of these knowledge-provoking curiosities.

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Standing. Walls through weathering ages,
hand-laid stones tell stories for sages.

Her watery legends whispering
o’er mist-laden Loch Ness are speaking.

Retreating. Eerie voices are heard.
Remember the battles of Urquhart.

In May 2024, I visited the shores of Loch Ness with excitement. Unbeknownst to me, my reasons would affect my perspective from solely experiencing a place of magical lore by catapulting me into a dose of reality. It happened quickly and unexpectedly, as does life, without warning.

Standing still, physically and introspectively, on land with a family connection through my mother’s Lord of the Isles heritage something changed within. While aware of my McDonald family’s footprint in the annals of Highland history, this was now part of reality, and I grappled with the significance and effects of 1411 here on the shores of Loch Ness.

Was the monster watching, or was this the monster – my perspective, perception, and interpretation which dictate my reality and truth?

Within myself, a place of seeking to understand who I am and how I identify with the world around me exists for introspection and interpretation. With my mind retreating therein, my heart longed to immerse myself.

My senses were on high alert as I sought to take in every stone, sight, smell, and imaginings of the warring factions at Urquhart Castle.

Looking through a windowless window
into the misty past, I swallow.

Images of battle. Sorely vexed.
I perceive shields and swords. Fear. Perplexed.

Shields, swords, fear and perplexing situations: symbolic representations of life’s uncertainties and struggles, the battles we wage within and without, at least for me.

Everyone has internal walls built up over time, a product of teachings and experiences. The stones contributing to these defensive barriers, perspective, perception, and interpretations are guarded until life’s happenings and choices create weathering effects and influential experiences.

What causes these moments?
What has been my preparation?
How do I respond?
Defence, Offence, Retreat?

Seeing through the arsenal of lenses I possess, whether nurtured or adapted, is like changing to a zoom or wide-angle lens on my Canon DSL. Photography lenses and guidelines/rules exist for a reason while providing unlimited opportunities for self-expression. The most pleasing outcomes depend upon angle, lighting, shadow, and timing.

My lenses, which for their scope are far beyond any other, positioned within, seek to capture photographs within my soul, revising past versions of actuality, appreciation, and understanding. This is when symbols emerge for me.

Loch Ness, in particular, the remains of Urquhart Castle along a stretch of coastline bathed in its misty morning shroud, unveiled a different perspective when switching to the lens with the widest angle possible.

Taking my time, standing still, to appreciate the craftsmanship from the outside/in and inside/out permitted me to adjust my perceptions. My anticipatory perceptions, founded on limited knowledge shrouded in a misty legend where Ness glides along, began dissipating that morning, heightening my experience with renewed curiosity.

My introspective nature/lenses touch both heart and mind.

What are yours?
How actively do you switch lenses?

What an incredible experience becoming part of the land, sea, and legend introspectively!

These are my perspectives, perceptions, and interpretations. Introspective lenses 4 life.

What is my legacy, my part in family history?

© Vicki Nicholls 2024