SELF PORTRAIT A Comprehensive Therapeutic Initiative
in Photographic Mindfulness

Overview:
SELF PORTRAIT emerges as an innovative support consortium tailored for adolescents, young adults, and any individuals drawn towards the confluence of photography and personal evolution. Our mission transcends mere instruction in photography, delving into the rich tapestry of mindfulness elucidated through the lens of this art form.

Core Objectives:
Central to our ethos is the cultivation of heightened awareness of oneself and one’s environment, characterized by a deliberate and purposeful allocation of attention. Our methodology is underpinned by contemporary neuroscientific findings which underscore the immense potential of the brain to recalibrate and fortify itself through directed focus and practice – a phenomenon termed ‘neuroplasticity’.

Neuroscientific Foundations:
The Reticular Activating System (RAS), a salient component of the brain, often serves as the principal filter through which we perceive and interpret our life experiences. James Redfield’s poignant observation, where attention goes, energy flows, neural firing grows, encapsulates our guiding principle. By refining the manner in which attention is deployed – by awakening it with intent – our program aspires to induce transformative shifts in neural circuitry. Such shifts, as research posits, can dramatically enhance one’s overall well-being, especially during tumultuous times.

​Relevance in Today’s Landscape:
In an era marked by global challenges, from the pervasive impact of the Covid-19 pandemic to escalating social and political upheavals, the quest for adaptive coping strategies is paramount. Mental resilience becomes not just an aspiration but a necessity. The “Self Portrait” initiative endeavors to light the path in these darker moments, offering tools and strategies to bolster mental fortitude and navigate the complexities of our contemporary milieu.