Nannette Weinhold has lived half her life in the Colorado Rocky Mountains as an educator, coach, yogi, hiker, biker and skier. She began studying contemplative photography in 2012 while attending Naropa University for a Masters in Contemplative Education.
As she immersed in this uplifting way of using a camera, she began sharing this passion with her own students. Through contemplative photography she has helped young people learn how to expand their vision and appreciate the world in new ways. This form of photography is not so much about technique, but about seeing the world with fresh eyes.
To fully indulge in this practice it is critical to begin with an open state of mind. Remaining receptive, curious, attentive, free of judgment and devoid of the desire to interpret, the impulse to express flows through us - vibrating with possibility. Unconditional, unconventional, unique expression is born.
In essence, Nannette teaches mindfulness through a camera lens. Paying attention to the present moment and to what enters the visual field, is a metaphor for mindful living. Approaching our lives in this same way can help us relax and be with experiences as they arise. Through mindfulness practice we learn how our mind works and we can become empowered from this knowledge. When we release the story line, the labeling, the preferences and projections, we can begin to view our experiences just as they are. The fundamental lesson that Nannette imparts on her students is that everyone can train the mind to be less rigid, less judgmental, more open, curious, accepting, flexible and resilient. Seeing clearly can be joyful and the practice she teaches with the camera, can easily be applied to one's way of living!
Currently Nannette completed a PhD. in Somatic and Spiritual Psychology from the International University of Professional Studies, and created a contemplative therapeutic method using photography to help people work with challenging emotions, thoughts and behaviors. The overall aim was to help people learn about the workings of their bodies and minds so they can thrive throughout their lives and focus on what is truly important.
Recently Nannette has also been working Irini Rockwell, the founder of the Five Wisdoms Institute. Her new course offerings will incorporate the The Five Wisdoms and the brilliant body of work that Irini has created. The teachings of Chogyam Trungpa are a the root of the process you will learn, and as you advance through the courses, Carl Jung's work will guide the deeper exploration.
Since retirement, Nannette has been writing a contemplative photography fieldwork guide and a curriculum for people of all ages to learn the practice. Anyone who loves photography and wants to see and engage with a broader spectrum of their inner and outer world, should inquire.
Nannette has been an experiential educator for 35 years, and her skill and passion is infectious. Whenever her students were on a 'field trip' they would always be seen with huge smiles, confidently toting around their cameras, creating images of phenomena as if seeing it for the first time. No prior photography experience is necessary.