Sacred Witness Photo blog | Carla Royal

“A few years ago I took up the hobby of photography. It wasn’t long before I began happily sharing my photos with friends and family.

Photography brings me such joy (my way of of kissing the world!), and I love sharing that joy with others.

I decided that a Photo Blog might be a fun way to share with more folks and an opportunity to share how I experience life. I see myself as a witness to Life.
Someone once told me that I have the role of “sacred witness”. That resonates with me, thus the title of this photoblog. Seeing Life, being present with Life, is a sacred act. Photography is one way I “see”, one way I practice being present.

It is my hope that in sharing my photos with you, you will feel the invitation to be present in your life and will be inspired to become a witness to Life. We live in tumultuous times. Perhaps in taking the time to truly listen, see, and be present, we will bring a little healing to ourselves, those around us, and to the world at large.”

ABOUT ME

“My name is Carla Royal, and I am 49 years old. As I approach the half century mark, I have been deeply reflecting on my life, especially in light of the tumultuous times in which we live. I spent 20 years working as a psychotherapist and only recently decided to let that business wind down. My primary work is changing/evolving. To what? I don’t know, but I am clear that my role as sacred witness is a key part of this evolution, and key in extending some healing to the world.

I have also become a caretaker. It’s one way I’ve chosen to simplify my life. My partner and I have a full-time caretaker position on a beautiful farm in NE PA. We lovingly care for the land, home, and farm animals. It is wonderful, simple, and satisfying work. Currently, we are looking for a caretaker job back in the south as we feel the desire to be closer to family.

Recent years have been quite the adventure. More and more, I am learning about relaxing into the groundlessness of life. Pema Chodron has called it Comfortable with Uncertainty. My adventures seem to be leading me down the road of learning to accept impermanence, embrace it, and thrive, even in the midst of troubled times. Photography is one way I support this practice.”