Look Again - Mindful Photography for Mental Health, Wellbeing, and Regenerative Change
Introduction
Look Again, winner of the Innovations in Mindfulness Award 2024, is an organisation that uses mindful photography to enhance mental health, build resilience, and foster personal and professional development. The approach, which integrates mindfulness principles with the art of photography, invites participants to see their lives and the world around them in new, transformative ways. This case study explores the impact of Look Again, based on an interview with Ruth Davey, the organisation's founder.
Programme Overview
Look Again is rooted in the principles of mindfulness, nature connection, and regenerative change. The organisation invites participants to slow down, observe their surroundings, and connect deeply with nature through the lens of a camera. As Ruth Davey explains,
"It's about helping people to see their lives differently... to reframe things in the present and create new future stories."
This innovative approach is not about technical photography skills but rather about the process of change, reflection, and creating something new.
Key Activities
The activities in Look Again vary depending on the context but always begin with exercises designed to quiet the mind and calm the body. Participants are encouraged to engage in grounding exercises, using their senses to notice their surroundings. For instance, they might focus on a single leaf before zooming out to appreciate the entire tree and its connection to the broader environment. This process of shifting perspectives helps participants to "look again" at their current situation and imagine new possibilities.
Impact on Mental Health and Wellbeing
The work has demonstrated significant benefits for participants' mental health and wellbeing. According to a University of Gloucestershire report,
"The programme appears to be effective in increasing metrics of participant wellbeing and mental health."
Ruth shares her personal journey as a testament to the work's effectiveness:
"I have a lot of lived experience myself of anxiety and depression... as part of my own recovery process, I started to bring together nature, photography, and mindfulness. I realised that it really helped me, and that led to the development of the Look Again methodology."
Participants consistently report improvements in mental health, reduced anxiety and depression, and decreased social isolation. The work's focus on slowing down and connecting with nature provides a much-needed counterbalance to the fast-paced demands of modern life. Ruth notes that
"by slowing down, ironically, we actually become more efficient and effective in our work."
Environmental Awareness and Action
Beyond personal wellbeing, Look Again also fosters a deeper connection with the environment. Ruth emphasises that nature connection is not just about appreciating the wilderness; it's about recognising the nature that exists all around us, even in urban settings.
"It's about seeing ourselves as nature," she explains. "What we know at a deeper, heartfelt level, we are more likely to care for."
Participants are encouraged to reflect on their relationship with nature and consider actions they can take to care for the environment. This reflective process often leads to increased pro-environmental behaviours as participants develop a stronger sense of responsibility toward the natural world.
Community Engagement and Social Connection
Look Again also strengthens community engagement through group activities that promote social connection. Participants share their experiences and insights with each other, creating a supportive community that fosters both individual and collective growth. The organisation's flexibility allows it to be adapted to various settings, from urban parks to remote rural areas, making it accessible to a wide range of participants.
Conclusion
Look Again offers more than just photography; it is a transformative experience that empowers individuals to reframe their present and create new stories for their future. By combining mindfulness, photography, and nature connection, the organisation offers a unique and effective approach to improving mental health, fostering resilience, and promoting regenerative change. As Ruth Davey aptly says,
"What we see in the present can help affect what we want to be, see, and do in the future."
This case study highlights the profound impact that Look Again has on both individuals and the environment, offering a model for how creative, mindful practices can contribute to holistic wellbeing and sustainable living.