Pausing for two minutes to observe something

Manor Woods in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

a serene natural scene featuring a patch of ice forming over a shallow body of water, possibly a forest puddle or stream. The ice has intricate, jagged edges with leaves scattered on and around it, giving it an organic, autumnal feel. Beneath the ice and along the water's surface, reflections of bare tree branches create a mirrored, abstract effect. The overall tone is earthy and cold, evoking a transition between late fall and early winter. The muted colors of the leaves, sticks, and ice contrast beautifully with the soft light and reflections in the water.

We all like relaxing. We all like nature. We all like to pause for a moment. Right? Yet, we often don’t take the time to do it. I found a nice method that gets me to slow down and really take in the details of a scene. And, actually, it involves a cell phone. Yeah, those devices that often take us away from the moment. Use this device to calm down.

How it works

Find your spot: Seek out a natural setting, whether it’s a bustling city park, a quiet forest, or even your own backyard. The scene should involve some sort of motion. It can be a lot of motion like people walking by. Even just a little bit a motion like the branches of a tree in a slight wind.
Set up your shot: Place your phone on a stable surface and frame your desired scene.
Press record and observe: For two minutes, resist the urge to adjust your phone. Simply watch as the world unfolds before you.

Usually at the end of two minutes, I’ll keep recording and pull the camera up from the scene and capture what’s around. Just for context. If someone watched that video for two minutes, it would be nice to see where the video was recorded.

The benefits of stillness

Over the past eight years, I’ve captured countless two-minute videos, each offering a unique glimpse into the world around me. This practice has brought me numerous benefits:

Reduced stress: Immersing myself in nature, even for a brief moment, helps calm my mind and reduce anxiety.
Enhanced mindfulness: Focusing on the present moment sharpens my awareness and appreciation for the small details.
Creative inspiration: Observing the patterns and movements of nature often sparks new ideas and creative projects.

Sharing the experience

I invite you to join me in this simple yet profound practice. Try capturing your own two-minute video and share it with others. By sharing our experiences, we can inspire one another to slow down, connect with nature, and find peace in the present moment.

A few examples of my two-minute videos

I have a playlist in YouTube with 11 videos, 2-minute scenes. I should go into my archives and upload the many others from the past years.

A recent discovery

Recently, I embarked on a familiar walk through a small woods near my kids’ school. Despite the constant hustle and bustle of school drop-offs, the peaceful woodland path remains largely unexplored by the parents and students. Near the half-mile path, I noticed a tiny stream, its waters gently rippling in the breeze.

Intrigued, I decided to capture this serene scene on video. For two minutes, I sat motionless in my tan winter jacket, blending into the natural surroundings.

With no threats of humans moving around, animals would return to their normal activity. A woodpecker started to peck. I was waiting for squirrels to climb on top of my head. It was relaxing. It was as if I had stepped into a different world, a world untouched by the stresses of daily life.

Here’s the two-minute video from Manor Woods in Glen Ellyn, IL

Let’s make time for stillness in our busy lives. Pick up your phone, find a quiet spot, and let the magic of the two-minute video unfold.