Practice 3 Video- No Matchy, No Matchy
Do you feel like there are things in your life that just don’t match? They don’t belong? Are you struggling with accepting parts of your life and your circumstances? This practice is a fun and effective way to experience the inner peace that comes with accepting life in this moment, just as it is.
Welcome to my home. In just a minute, you’re going to experience a series of POV shots from the "No Matchy" practice of the Field Guide. Follow my example: grab your smartphone, switch it to airplane mode, and go on a mindful scavenger hunt for colors that “don’t match.”
By the way, the whole no matchy thing comes from an eccentric art teacher I had back in college. She used to tell us—those incoming freshman artists—no matchy, no matchy. She was talking about artwork, and not being too particular about the artwork matching the couch, but little did I know that later in life, I would discover a whole new dimension to that phrase: no matchy.
Finding Peace in What Doesn’t Match
Together, we’ll discover that somehow God uses those things we think don’t match and turns them into the very things that make us—and our photos—stand out. The last five years have been quite a journey of discovery and healing. I've written this field guide on using smartphone photography as a tool for inner peace. I’ve been putting myself out there—creating content, appearing on podcasts, etc.—but I’ve been reluctant to film myself inside my little home for the past five years. Not anymore. So, welcome to my trailer by a creek in the Colorado mountains.
I moved here from Texas after a lot of loss. What I once thought didn’t match my lifestyle expectations has ended up being a sanctuary for healing.
The No Matchy Practice
Now, let’s get to it! We’ll take some no matchy shots, mindfully noticing and photographing colors that stand out. You can also use this practice to shoot the no matchy circumstances in your life—the stuff you don’t understand. It might be ego hangups, feelings of inadequacy, or those things blocking your peace in the shadows of self.
In short, own it. Accept yourself and these circumstances as exactly where God wants you to be right now. It's funny the things you start noticing when you do the no matchy practice. These shots right here are just me walking around Sunlight Mountain, scanning the environment for colors that stick out.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Hand on your heart: Take three belly breaths.
Airplane mode on your smartphone: Turn it into a camera by disconnecting from distractions.
Let colors attract you: Simply have fun with it.
Don’t forget the most important part: Take a few of your creations and send them along with a little love note to someone you care about.
Lessons From the Laundromat
This particular no matchy practice didn’t lead me to colors but led me to something that didn’t belong in my life—the laundromat. Yeah, living the RV life comes with a few unexpected chores like that. The laundromat. Don't you know I’m above this? I’ve got better things to do with my time, right? Blah, blah, blah. Oh, yeah, hello ego. Sense of entitlement.
Today, we’re going to do a little mindful photography to remind ourselves to be present and grateful for simple things—like clean clothes. While waiting at the laundromat, I took a mindful doodle walk and snapped a few photos.
Breaking Free From Limiting Beliefs
If you’re a creative person, you probably pride yourself on making things look just right. But sometimes those rules become limiting beliefs that keep us from imagining new possibilities. Let’s go take some no matchy shots in downtown Glenwood Springs. Just keep on shooting. Walk around and let the colors come to you. Notice what attracts your attention and photograph it in unusual ways.
The more you do this, the more you’ll start seeing things pop out at you. And in the process, you’ll start noticing those colorful aspects of yourself that you’re willing to let emerge.
Step Back and Let God Work
When I press my nose up against my problems, nothing seems to match. How many times have I asked, “Why, God? Are You colorblind? Where are You leading me? This doesn’t fit, Lord!” Unfortunately, life isn’t tidy—especially when we’re lost in thought, trying to micromanage everything.
Step back, my friend. God’s got this. He’s working all things, even the no matchy things, together for your good.
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.
