I CAN meditate (I don't but probably should get back to it) but I also do experience the quieting of the mind when I am photographing things. I've always called it flow. I find it hard to concentrate on anything unless my visual sense is occupied (my mind wanders during podcasts and audio books). Photography also provided me with comfort at difficult times of my life for the same reasons as it did you. Being completely absorbed in something that is a forcing function of presence, is extremely meditative.
I CAN meditate (I don't but probably should get back to it) but I also do experience the quieting of the mind when I am photographing things. I've always called it flow. I find it hard to concentrate on anything unless my visual sense is occupied (my mind wanders during podcasts and audio books). Photography also provided me with comfort at difficult times of my life for the same reasons as it did you. Being completely absorbed in something that is a forcing function of presence, is extremely meditative.
Love this.