In a world that rarely stops moving, finding a moment of stillness can feel impossible. Through My Eyes is more than just a collection of coastal images; it is a mindful photography book born from a period of forced stillness. When my spinal cord injury prevented me from physically reaching the shoreline, I had to learn to see the world differently. I realized that the peace I found at the ocean wasn’t just in the salt air—it was in the intentional act of observation.
Finding Peace in Coastal Reflections and Sunrises
This mindful photography book focuses on the “quiet” moments that define the coastline. From the shifting hues of a Rhode Island sunrise to the gentle rhythm of the tide in a secluded bay, each image is a study in presence. For those struggling with chronic illness or the weight of daily stress, these photographs offer a digital and physical sanctuary.
When you open this mindful photography book, you aren’t just looking at a landscape; you are invited to join me in a practice of gratitude. By focusing on the interplay of light and water, we can train our minds to move away from pain and anxiety and toward a state of calm.
Tree at Sunrise
“As soon as I rounded the corner, I knew I needed to photograph this tree. It was not my
plan for the morning, but when I saw it I knew my plan was out the window. I continued
to walk past it, towards my original destination but I only took a few steps before turning
around and finding a spot to photograph from. I was drawn by the simple power of the
silhouette, emphasized by the orange glow on the horizon, 25 minutes before sunrise. For
me beauty is in the simplicity.“
– Mike Dooley
Why Use a Mindful Photography Book for Mental Health?
As an Air Force Veteran, I’ve seen how important it is to have “tools in the kit” for mental health. During my recovery, I leaned on the Mayo Clinic’s research regarding the benefits of mindfulness. I found that engaging with art—what I call “falling into the print”—is a powerful way to reduce the “fight or flight” response often associated with PTSD or long-term medical trauma.
This mindful photography book acts as a bridge. It allows the reader to experience the restorative power of nature even if they are currently confined to a hospital bed or a quiet room at home. It is proof that our perspective is one of the few things we can truly control.
5 Ways This Mindful Photography Book Helps You Heal
Visual Stillness: Slowing down the heart rate through observation.
Nature Connection: Bringing the beach to your bedside.
Stress Reduction: Breaking the cycle of “medical “worry.”
Perspective Shifts: Seeing beauty in the “broken” or “quiet” moments.
Daily Practice: A tangible tool for a 5-minute morning meditation.
What You’ll Discover Inside “Through My Eyes”
- Coastal Serenity: High-quality prints of sunrises, dunes, and waves.
- Daily Reflections: Short, thoughtful passages that accompany each photograph to guide your meditation.
- A Veteran’s Perspective: Insight into how a Veteran found a new mission through art.
- Healing Through Art: A tangible tool for your mindfulness practice or a thoughtful gift for a loved one.
Trees at Sunset
New England is full of so many beautiful scenes. Two trees, on top of a hill under a warm
summer sky. I visit this location often and have enjoyed watching it change over the years.
Each photo that I create is different—it is not just the landscape that changes, but I change
as well, and with each passing year my vision of the world around me changes.
– Mike Dooley
Supporting the Veteran Artist Community
By choosing Through My Eyes, you are supporting a Veteran-Owned Small Business. My journey from the U.S. Air Force to becoming a published author of inspirational photography books has been fueled by the belief that a kind word or a beautiful image can change the trajectory of someone’s day.
We invite you to explore the rest of our inspirational photography books or read more about our mission on our About Us page. Thank you for being a part of our second chance at life.
Choose Your Experience: Physical or Digital
Whether you want a portable digital copy for your tablet or a high-quality physical book for your home, we have an option for your journey.
Benefit: Instant access on any device. Perfect for zoomable, high-detail viewing of the photography.
Best for: Immediate mindfulness practice and those who prefer a paperless library.
Benefit: A beautiful, tactile experience with professional print quality.
Best for: Gifting to a “Chronic Illness Warrior” or keeping as a physical reminder of hope in your living space.
The Complete Journey: Inspirational Photography Books Bundle
For those who want to fully immerse themselves in the healing power of art and story, I offer the Inspirational Photography Books Bundle. This collection combines the deep, personal resilience found in Hope with the calming, mindful practices of Through My Eyes.
By choosing the bundle, you receive both ebooks at a special discounted rate. It is my way of supporting those who are ready to commit to a new perspective—moving from the struggle of “invisible illness” to the peace of mindful observation.
“You don’t need to stand on the beach to feel the ocean’s peace. You just need to change how you look at the horizon.” — Mike Dooley
Through My Eyes: 1 Powerful Photography Book for Healing
In a world that rarely stops moving, finding a moment of stillness can feel impossible. Through My Eyes is more than just a collection of coastal images; it is a mindful photography book born from a period of forced stillness. When my spinal cord injury prevented me from physically reaching the shoreline, I had to learn to see the world differently. I realized that the peace I found at the ocean wasn’t just in the salt air—it was in the intentional act of observation.
URL: https://dooleycards.com/books/through-my-eyes/
Author: Mike Dooley