Sentry

This image depicts a lone bird perched in a bare tree, silhouetted against a textured burning sky. It stands still, watchful, holding position as if it has been there for a long time. There is beauty in its strength but also tension in its stillness. A quiet but persistent readiness.

Sentry explores the emotional weight of hypervigilance. The internal stance we take when life has taught us to be on guard. Many of us have developed this posture as a response to threat or uncertainty, often born from experiences where survival demanded constant awareness. This is the fight or flight system stuck in permanent alert, long after the danger has passed.

But there is a cost to staying in that mode. It is exhausting to live in defence. Eventually, the watchtower becomes a cage. This image reflects that state and a gentle reminder that there comes a time when we must learn to lower our guard, soften our gaze, and return to living, not just existing.

Healing begins when we realise, we are safe enough to rest. Safe enough to feel. Safe enough to grow. And perhaps most importantly, safe enough to be.