Living in a world where we are constantly bombarded by noise whether by electronic devices or by traffic – ground or air – and by the constant incoming of information by way of social media, there is nothing more peaceful than quiet and solitude. For me, being at peace allows not only my heartrate to calm but it also allows me to reflect on my thoughts and dive deep into thoughts and emotions I don’t normal think about.

It’s been over a year since I’ve been on a proper hike, since I’ve explored a new place nearby. 2023 has been the year of international travel for me, leaving the comfort of the intermountain region of the continental US to explore the hustle and bustle of London, Tokyo, and Osaka as well as the backstreets and various temples in Kyoto. None of those places offered as much peace as when I stood by this small lake located at an elevation of over 10,000 feet above sea level three summers ago.

As I look through my archive, I find that some of my favorite shots were made when I’m calm. Like this panorama, I remember I felt present for the shot, as alone as I was at the time, having just crawled my way out of the snowy hole I just fell into. I got my feet, still a little out of breath but all the fear and anxiety I felt just moments suddenly disappeared, replaced by the strange calm of peaceful silence.

My final image comes from the 2023 garden.

I don’t know about you but the garden feels different after a rainstorm. 2023 was a relatively rainy year and it’s been my favorite activity to visit the garden after a rainstorm. I love the fresh dewy smell, the feeling of dampness in the air, the droplets of water on the leaves that’s either waiting for evaporation or to fall onto another surface, and the temporary quietness – no planes rumbling overhead, no critters nearby, and no birds. It makes me feel like I’m standing in a rainforest.