As day melted into night, the moon rose to illuminate the vast landscape beneath. Stillness washed over me as I stared out into the distance. In the middle of the Himalayas, life felt infinite.

There’s a spiritual calling and ease to these mountains. It wasn’t home, but these unfamiliar realms felt natural. Tūrangawaewae is a concept within my culture that means a place to stand. While we may not necessarily be from there, it doesn’t take away it’s meaning. “Tūrangawaewae are places where we feel empowered and connected. Our foundation, our place in the world, our home.”

Growing up in a bicultural family, I walked along the edges of different worlds, never quite knowing where I fitted in. It's in the moments of feeling lost, heading down unmarked paths leading to unknown destinations, where I've found the most.

Luminous draws from my pull towards the moon and mountains, shedding light to an eternal journey of searching for my place.

Composite Photograph / Nepal and Waxing Moon.