Moments of Magic

Beyond The Surface

lindsaybrooke — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 10:21:15 GMT

Travel must somehow be ingrained in my DNA. I continue to feel more comfort in ceaseless movement and continuous change then the habitual routines of daily life. My heart beats for adventure, exploration and new opportunities to learn and expand. Throughout my numerous travel experiences, cultural encounters and the many incredible people that have blessed my life journey, I have been altered and transformed in ways I never dreamed possible. My Belief: In every moment resides a bit of magic; if we choose to see it. To many the concept of infinite magical moments might seem improbable and possibly unimaginable, while for others it is truth, a reality. One may question the existence of magic in challenging times, but in hindsight after deep analysis and thorough examination severe hardships can often offer some of the most profound moments of beauty and renewal. Capturing magical moments in a photo presents an opportunity to visually depict fascinating stories, life changing experiences, unforgettable memories and profound truths. In this, the innermost magic exists, and my hope is to someday have the opportunity to share this insight with the world via photographs.

So Much to Offer

lindsaybrooke — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 04:25:42 GMT

Every moment offers a little bit of magic, if one chooses to look closely enough. An adventure awaits all who open their hearts and minds to it. This is the beauty of travel and film. The present moment focus of film amplifies previously overlooked magical moments and projects them onto a world stage for all to see. A seed is planted, and as a result transformation slowly occurs. Viewpoints revolutionize regarding life and the magnitude of the moment. Manifestation, magic and energy become a part of our daily vocabulary. We begin to embrace how precious our existence really is and to take not one second more for granted but instead invest our energies into right now.

Within the mix of travel and filmmaking exists the possibility to reinvent the concept of living by challenging and inspiring others to dream big and take a proverbial “leap of faith” and fly. Fly into a life of adventure, love, possibility, synchronicity and creation.

This opportunity would provide me the foundation I need to move forward towards the fruition of my dreams. It would foster a new beginning and a platform where I can openly express my creativity and unique thought processes, all the while doing something I love, travel. This fortuity would change life as I currently know it and open doors to incredible new ways of being!

In An Instant

lindsaybrooke — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 03:43:00 GMT

It is incredible how life can change in an instant: love at first site, a near death experience, a moment of perfect peace......I love and respect this about life, but it also terrifies me. It was a day like any other. I had been living and working in Lombok, Indonesia for nearly 6 months, and I was beginning to settle in nicely, thanks to the help of a few amazing people, especailly one named Bokah.

A look back at my intial meeting with Bokah.....

Bokah was the first person I met when I arrived to Lombok. As I exited the airport a sweet Indonesian man ran up to me inquiring if my name was Lindsay. I nodded my head yes, and he handed me a telephone with my friend/coworker on the other end. Instructions came through the phone that I should wait and that someone would arrive shortly to pick me up. Bokah patiently waited alongside me, and although we couldn't verbally communicate I felt a sense of calm and comfort in his presence. There was something about him, something that radiated pure love. Upon the arrival of my ride, Bokah disappeared as quickly as he had come. I couldn't help but feel he was an angel that was sent to look after me in my time of uncertainty.

The next day I discovered that Bokah was one of my coworkers and also my neighbor. As time passed Bokah proved himself true to my intial feelings about him. He and his family were always looking after me ensuring I was fed and comfortable. They helped me tremendously with the transition from city to village life. They made me feel part of a family when I was so far from my own. That is something I will never forget and will always be grateful for.

Slowly I began to learn the local language, Bahasa Indonesia and Bokah a bit of English. We communicated in a simplistic manner, often times making grand hand gestures or acting out skits to portray a point. We grew to be great friends and family. Eventually Bokah began calling me "ibuk', meaning mother in Bahasa. He explained that he did not have a mother, and asked if I would be his. I was happy to fill the role, and I soon began calling him son.

Nearly 6 months passed, and I was beginning to settle in nicely. My communication skills were improving, and Lombok was finally beginning to feel like home. The day was like any other, but once night fell something felt off. Suddenly my phone rang, and in a rush of panicked words I learned that Bokah had been in a terrible motorbike accident. Uncertainty consumed my thoughts; would he make it through the night? I felt distraught, helpless, scared. How did this happen? I had just seen him joking and laughing hours before.

Luckily he made it through the night. Days passed, we anxiously waited as he lay in intensive care allowing time for his facial swelling to subside so doctors could operate. Sitting outside his hospital room I could hear him moan and cry out in pain. I learned something about him I had not previously known during that time.....Bokah was a fighter, and he wasn't giving up. Soon after the doctors were able to operate, performing a full facial reconstructive surgery. The surgery was a success, and as time slowly passed Bokah began to heal. He was released from the hospital and able to return home where we all cared for him. Throughout his healing journey he experienced numerous setbacks, but he never gave up.

Today, nearly a year later, Bokah is alive and well, but I continue to remember this moment. A moment that changed everything for so many, especially Bokah. His story serves as a reminder. A reminder to never take life for granted. A reminder to live every moment to the fullest. A reminder to love often and whole heartedly. A reminder to take advantage of every opportunity. Afterall we never know when the winds of change will begin to blow. I am grateful for this reminder and for the life of the person I love like a son!

Photos: Lombok, Indonesia

lindsaybrooke — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 01:52:00 GMT

1 1/2 years living and working abroad