BE PRESENT BY PARKS MARILLA

"If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present." - Laozi

Fully immersing myself in the present drives my creative mind. The sounds of birds, the textures of the ground, the squeaking of trees rubbing against one another, the details in the various building designs. By getting rid of distractions like a phone and earbuds, my mind becomes more curious about my surroundings and I am able to tap into my imagination with more ease.

I am most creative when photographing wildlife by myself. When I am in the woods, I am able to mentally go to a place where I am completely calm and fully focused. Searching for, finding, watching, and photographing animals is all that is on my mind.

Realizing the significance of location on my mental state has encouraged me to visit places that inspire me to think freely, thereby strengthening my creativity.