Sumayyah

 For the past couple of years, since I gave up work, I have been interested in mindfulness and try to practice it along with self-care. I got involved in more craft activities and set up my own small business where I teach people how to Macrame. Many of my participants have commented they found the workshops 'therapeutic' and 'relaxing' which are some of the many benefits that crafting offers.

 I also find walking beneficial for my general well-being and I enjoy being in nature, and especially by water, which I find very calming.

 These activities and interests have helped me during the past year following the loss of two of the most important women in my life; my mother -in-law in February and my Mum in May. 

 I did a Mindful Photography course last July at Gloucester Cathedral which was amazing and was the beginning of seeing things from a different perspective. Beyond the

Veil (BTV) has helped me to extend my interest in photography and being mindful, whilst connecting it to my faith. 

 Throughout the BTV course, we focussed on different topics – covered/uncovered, nature, water, hands and finally 'I am...' We practiced mindful activities, such as food mindfulness where we really thought about food using all our senses. We took our time to look carefully at the food, to feel the texture of it, to smell it and then to taste it – taking our time to experience the change in taste and texture the longer it stayed in our mouths.

 My photos showcase something captured from each session. The pistachios are from week 1, covered by their shells and then uncovered once the shells were removed, ready to eat. They were also the focus of my mindful food activity that week.

We spent week 2 at Highnam Community Centre where our topic was nature. I loved seeing the beauty of Allah's creation around me and was pleased, after several attempts, to capture the rain droplets on this tree.

 Our third week was spent at Smiles Community Coffee Shop in Kings Square. Our topic was water, and we discussed how we use water every day for many reasons. My photo for that week was taken during a walk along the canal at Gloucester Docks – I love the stillness of the water and the reflection of the beautiful buildings.

 Week 4 was spent at Hundred Heroines in Nailsworth where we had the pleasure of using Del's studio to have professional portraits taken by Zainab. Our focus was hands – I found this a little tricky to take photos using one hand, which brought home how much we use our hands and often take them for granted. My photo from there showcases a couple of my interests – reading and craft – which of course I use my hands for - and reminded me how grateful I am that I have these wonderful limbs, Alhumdilillah.

 For our final week, we were back at the Friendship Café, focussing on 'I am....beyond the veil'. This was about who we really are – women who enjoy the same pastimes and have the same interests, feelings, challenges and pleasures as others. My final photos show a kettle taken in Pappa Chai – those that know me well will know that I love my chai! And my Macrame board and materials, both my business and a hobby. There are also a couple of plants and wax melts – both of which help me to relax and appreciate my life.

 This has been such an enjoyable experience for me. It has helped me to slow down more and notice the smaller details, and to focus on those when taking photos. I have learnt some mindful exercises to practice and have made some lovely friends who have many great talents. 

 I am Sumayyah, beyond the veil, I am Sharon, beyond the veil

 Mindful Photography