K is for Kumarakom in Kerala #AtoZChallenge

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the third week of the #Blogging from A to Z  April Challenge 2021. My theme this year is based on the Japanese concept of Ichigo Ichie which means--"What we are experiencing right now will never happen again. And therefore, we must value each moment like a beautiful treasure."

I'll be exploring some of the 'Enemies of Ichigo Ichie' this week, starting with 'distraction' today.

Thank you.

Arti

"Distractions: We can experience the present fully only if we aren't trying to do several things at once. A man strolling through the forest and updating social media on his phone is not living in the moment. In fact, he's not even in the forest."

Quote borrowed from The Book of Ichigo Ichie

Photographing birds is the physical representation of the concept of Ichigo Ichie in my view.

As a photography enthusiast, I'm drawn to capturing moments that don't last long, here now, gone forever. 

Making pictures of birds requires zen-like focus and patience and a mega powerful lens. I'm a patient person, almost comatose when it comes to waiting for the light to be just right for my clicks (ask my family, they'll tell you) and I can focus pretty well too. But, lugging a heavy camera goes against my travel ethics. The weight of the camera shouldn't get in the way of my vagabond ways. 

Of course, these days, the phone provides the perfect balance between connectivity, ease and accuracy. But birds, in my world at least, can sense when a lens is following them and as soon as that happens, they do what comes naturally to them. They fly off.

I'm very pleased to share the following photos I managed to click in Kumarakom, Kerala, in March 2020. This was our last holiday before Covid-19. Maybe, the birds sensed it. Maybe, that's why they didn't fly off as soon as they sensed me.

From Siberian storks to egrets and cormorants, I managed to click to my heart's content. I had a hard time picking only a few photos to share today. Of course, the gorgeous Kingfisher is featured in many I've picked on account of the name -- 'K' and more importantly, because I love his  blue/turquoise colouring.

Enjoy...

This is my favourite: the reflection caught in mid flight! I'm impressed with myself:) Ha! Ha!

Obviously, we can't be expected to lug a camera or go click, click to capture every magical moment that seizes us but if we're distracted then the magic will most certainly fly away. 

Sitting under the neem tree

sipping tea

Frangipani blooms

bulbuls frolic in mulberry

click. click. click.

magic captured in every breath

ordinary, yes.

very ordinary 

but rare.

 *****

How do you do you on holidays? Do you click or just be? 

Are there any 'distractions' you wish you'd get rid of? 

You know I'd love to hear, if you'd like to share.

Last week, Deborah mentioned some of the stories/beliefs associated with the term 'blue birds of happiness'. You can check them out here: Deborah's blog 

And  I wrote K is for Krishna in 2016 who is always depicted in blue in popular Hindu artforms.

This year, I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z  powered by theblogchatter.com