A Function of the Heart

As if in answer to my post yesterday I met a man in an elevator in San Francisco and we had a moment. We connected as two human beings. It was the briefest of encounters. Maybe three minutes tops. But in that span of time I felt as if I met John the Baptist, or the Buddha. It was a holy encounter. Not much was spoken but it wasn’t the words that mattered. It was the spirit of it. I was so moved I actually touched him when I said goodbye.

Sometimes this happens when I have my camera out. Not all the time. But sometimes. I don’t think I had quite the same experience when I took the photo above (below) but I do remember that I was moved. I remember seeing this person, truly. We were in the Ferry Building in San Francisco and I was shooting headshots for Salesforce and I had about 15 minutes per person. That’s not a lot of time, but it’s enough.

I don’t need to know your life story. I don’t even need to know your name. What I need is your attention and your willingness to be honest with yourself, and others, about who you are. That shows in a photograph. Or doesn’t. It’s not a function of the camera, it’s a function of the heart.  You want good photos of yourself? Hold love, honesty and kindness in your heart.

But I think we should hold love, and honesty, and kindness in our hearts at all times. 24/7. No anger. No grievance. And that is not easy to do. I spent a good part of my life holding onto various grudges and it’s taking me a great effort to let it all go. Slowly, it’s working. Maybe, before I die, I will finally be free of those chains. Until then I’ll keep trying.