(It
makes for an interesting contrast, particularly as writing is more often seen
as being from the imagination, while photography traditionally represents
reality. Review by Margaret von Klemperer, courtesy of The Witness)
Local author Di Smith, who teaches
mindfulness meditation, has produced and self-published a very attractive book
here with A Lighter Way of Being. The
format is that of short pieces of writing, some poetry and some prose, and all
leading in the direction of mindfulness. They are interspersed with Keren
Stanley’s fascinating and sometimes disturbing photographs.
In the introduction, Smith explains that
her approach is to live in the present, going with the flow: she concentrates
on reality, whether it be good or bad. Stanley on the other hand, works in the
realms of the imagination. It makes for an interesting contrast, particularly
as writing is more often seen as being from the imagination, while photography
traditionally represents reality.
Smith’s writing touches on a wide variety
of subjects, ranging from memories of her East Griqualand childhood to the
triumphs and tragedies of everyday life as it is lived in South Africa’s
volatile and fear-ridden society. Some of the vignettes will startle the
reader, some will move them, but all display Smith’s openness to the world
around her. The book is a plea for understanding of each other, and also shows
the effort it can take to reach that understanding.
At a recent launch of A Lighter Way of Being, I asked Smith and Stanley to explain why
the photographs are placed as they are within the text. Sometimes there is an
understandable correlation between word and image, but sometimes the selection
seems to be completely random. Smith says that she left the positioning to
Stanley, and he is adamant that his work should be open to the viewer’s
interpretation, that the reader should see the connections, or not, according
to their own awareness.
A
Lighter Way of Being (Discovering the Heart of Mindfulness Amidst the Turbulence of Life)
is available from certain branches of Exclusive Books, Bookworld at Cascades in
Pietermaritzburg, or can be ordered direct from Smith’s website at
www.dismith.co or on 083 390 4930. - Margaret von Klemperer
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