No Matchy, No Matchy: Finding Freedom in Colors That Refuse to Conform

Horsing around with my son Caleb. When I first got that down jacket it drove me nuts trying to wear things that matched it. The neon green attracted comments like: “Sale rack?”

If you’re someone who feels pulled toward perfect harmony in life, you’re not alone. “No Matchy, No Matchy”—Practice 3 in The Mindful Photography Field Guide—takes us on a path where colors collide and symmetry is overrated. Through mindful smartphone photography, this practice invites us to embrace bold, rule-breaking colors, teaching us that beauty doesn’t need to be neat to be profound.

Let Go of Control and See Colors God’s Way

Mindful photography encourages us to step outside traditional ideals of color harmony and, in doing so, to uncover the freedom found in God’s creation. Nature doesn’t conform, so why should we? By allowing ourselves to play with colors and compositions that “don’t match,” we make space to see beyond aesthetic “rules,” finding deeper peace and self-acceptance in each moment.

Take a Breath and Focus on What’s Real

The first step in “No Matchy, No Matchy” is a chance to connect with your inner state. Before diving into the practice, place a hand over your heart and take three slow, mindful breaths. This simple act lets you tune in, releasing control over what your photograph “should” look like. With your hand on your heart, notice your peace level. This is where the magic of mindful smartphone photography begins—by grounding yourself in what’s real.

Snap It Boldly—Colors, Chaos, and All

Now comes the most liberating part: snapping your photo without judgment. For this step, turn on airplane mode, wipe the lens, and start capturing the beauty in things that don’t traditionally “match.” Maybe it’s a patch of wildflowers against a rusty metal backdrop, or an old brick wall that contrasts perfectly with neon graffiti. The purpose here isn’t to make the “prettiest” picture but to capture the world as it is—beautiful, quirky, and alive.

How do the colors make you feel? Are there any mental roadblocks that come up as you choose subjects that defy conventional beauty? Let yourself feel these reactions, as they often reveal personal boundaries and biases we hold.

Pass on a Smile: Use Your Photo to Brighten Someone’s Day

In mindful photography, the practice isn’t complete until we shine our light on someone else. This final step is about reaching out—not for approval but for connection. Maybe you’ll text the image to a friend who loves seeing the beauty in unexpected places, or share it with someone who could use a small dose of joy. As you share, notice the sense of peace that comes from giving, from expressing yourself without the need for validation. By letting your light shine on others, you’re inviting them to join you in seeing the world’s beauty through a lens that welcomes everything.

A Different Kind of Freedom

The magic of “No Matchy, No Matchy” is that it invites us to live and see freely. When we stop curating our surroundings and start celebrating them, we experience a little slice of God’s grace in everyday life. Embracing imperfections, in both photography and life, can unlock a peace that perfect symmetry simply can’t match.

Takeaway

In The Mindful Photography Field Guide, “No Matchy, No Matchy” is a liberating way to let go of perfection. Through this practice, we find freedom in contrasting colors and shapes, reconnecting with our authentic selves and bringing joy to others in the process.

Shine Your Light,
Joe

PS:

If you found this post helpful, you'll love my book, The Mindful Photography Field Guide: 15 Smartphone Photography Practices for Inner Peace. It’s packed with practical tips and inspiring stories. Ready to dive deeper? I also offer one-on-one mindful photography training to help you master skills that lead to inner peace. Reach out to me via my contact form and let’s connect.