Bridge of Lions | Castillo de San Marcos | Vilano Bridge

Our bodies work relentlessly to replace 330 Billion new cells every day, or a mind-boggling 3.8 Million brand-new cells each second! This meticulous maintenance ensures a state of homeostasis. Even during sleep, our brain steadfastly works to sustain the smooth operation of all somatic systems. It weaves new connections between neurons, fortifies existing pathways, and precisely prunes others. Like a meticulous custodian, cerebrospinal fluid carries away the detritus of brain processes. The result is that our sleep both sustains and transforms us. We start each day with a renewed body and mind – a different person with several billion newer cells, newer memories, and perspectives, primed to explore unlimited possibilities for the day ahead to live our lives fully.

Exercising before midday reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, especially for women. Early morning physical activity can also improve mental health and fosters a feeling of well-being. To increase return on our investment, we can combine components of behavioral activation – physical activity, participation in pleasurable activities – and mindfulness. For example, we can mindfully walk to explore a neighborhood or a park. During such walks, rather than listening to music or distractedly checking our phones, we can externalize our attention and observe our surroundings. Such walks can turn into adventures when we intentionally seek novelty. Given that each day is unique, and we are reborn each morning, it follows that we can experience even the familiar as if it were rendered anew and presented differently.

For me, the photo walks check all these boxes, wherein I can combine exercise, attention-retraining, and my avocation in one activity.

With that mindset, persistently shifting scenes provide plenty of picture-making opportunities, even in oft-visited neighborhoods. And what a relief it is! What a blessing! Same place, in different lighting conditions, and due to ever-varying weather, becomes new. One needs not to travel to exotic destinations to seek new adventures and find photogenic scenes. Walking during early mornings also ensures solitude. As I walk, with a camera around my neck and another hung over my shoulder, I scan what's around me to find serendipitous new relations between elements of composition, even when visiting familiar sites.

I was looking forward to this process of discovery one recent Saturday morning. I woke up early, drove to St Augustine, walked four miles, and took several images of the iconic sights of St Augustine.

Leica Q2 Monochrom with 28mm/1.7 Summilux | Hasselblad CFVII 50C/907X with XCD 30/3.5