Thank you all for being so brave in sharing all the ways that you do or don't make time for yourselves. It was very inspiring and I could see the comonalities that we share. I make time for myself by writing in my journal, walking and exploring the most amazing State Park down here called, Bluff Point. In addition to this I have learned to appreciate working in my garden in a more mindful way. It wasn’t easy to leave my beloved NH cottage garden to move to a house that didn’t have anything growing other than grass. Realizing how important the energy of a garden was to me as well as trying to embrace my new home, I planted several small gardens started mostly from seeds. This was very gratifying for me, as I had never had much luck with seeds in the past. I am now enjoying bright, laughing zinnias, punchy nasturtiums, shy morning glories and giant sunflowers. They have become my friends here in much the same way that my flowers were at the “magical cottage.” These new gardens have become a necessary ritual in my life. What changed for me I realized was that I now make the time each day to truly ENJOY my garden. It has become a place for me to think and meditate in a way. I am not annoyed and overwhelmed by the weeds and the watering that I once was. As I slow down each day I try to appreciate nature’s gift to me. I am in constant awe by each of the flowers tenacity and humbled by their presence. Seeing how much each plant has grown and stretched in such a short time has given me a deeper awareness of the changes and life around me. I am connected to my garden on a deeper level and have realized things about myself in the process.
One of the things that I have learned is that things grow at their own pace and cannot be rushed. Within my own newly formed studio practice I am constantly questioning what I am doing and why I keep coming back to particular themes and ideas. Like my plants, some ideas have taken deeper roots than others and I constantly question why that is. This week I am wondering what ideas you have or haven’t allowed to take root. What is important to you? Could you express that in some way? What suggestions do you have for others who don’t have any idea where to start? Are their any books, poets, artists, magazines, or exhibits that have helped you in some way that you could share? Can you commit to some small movement for yourself this week? Would you feel comfortable sharing it?
Some ideas: Buy yourself a new pen, journal or art supplies. Set a gentle time and place for yourself, even if it is just going to get a cup of coffee at a café. Put your inner critic to bed for fifteen minutes once this week. Give yourself permission to make a mistake. Find something in nature to observe. Notice your surroundings in a new way.
I would like you all to know how deeply moved and motivated I have been by all of your posts. I want you to know that I feel truly blessed to be surrounded by such creative souls and that you have given me so many things to consider as we continue our dialog. It can be very isolating working on our own sometimes and I truly appreciate all of your brave and giving contributions. Much love, Laura
Monday, August 27, 2007
sowing seeds
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2 comments:
As I stop to think about the number of ideas that rush across my mind throughout the day, it's pretty amazing and almost dizzy-ing. I wish I could get all of the important ones down. Many times I forget to take a deep breath and explore my thoughts. Being back at work - there are such rushes of things to do - I find it easy to get caught up in the whirl of it. Even when I get home now, I find myself almost on auto-pilot, where I get ready to make dinner, eat, shower, talk to friends or family and relax a little before going to bed. I miss my summer hours with plans for adventures and more time for my mind to wander & wonder- it's only been 5 days and I already miss days filled only with my own plans!
The morning journaling - with the Artists Way book - has been a good time to see all these ideas flow out and to explore any common threads I should think about and really delve deeper into. If there is a frequent mention, these threads must be woven closely/tightly to my heart/mind/soul. I haven't looked back to see what I've been writing about yet -but maybe I will in a month or so.
Thinking about it a little more - Nature, time and family have always interested me - nature seems to be a little easier and more natural for me to incorporate into my new exploration of making linocuts, so far. And lately, for some reason or another, I know the word glow has come up many times in my journal - when writing about the night before or the early morning - I think I like the whole visual image I get - the moon, faces, fireflies, candles flickering...all lighting up the dark - what a sudden symbol for this time in my life! - when searching feels a bit murky, scary and stumbling and deep, but there is always that glow to get by that lump in my throat and all my doubts! :)
And when looking at the books that enjoy a little more closely - Laura, your questions are helping me to step back and see these ideas more clearly - Looking at a list of my recent favorite books - I see a link - in a broad sense -love/time/family. The Time Traveller's Wife is one of my favorites - Einstein's Dreams - vignettes that gave me a chance to meditate little on time - and most recently Eat, Pray, Love - is a memoir I really enjoyed. Movies might be a good place to look for those common threads too - I love the quirky ones - like Amelie and Rushmore.
Laura - great quesions that force me to search my soul and examine life as I live it. - a bunch of my stream of consciousness coming through :)
Aimee~
I know what you mean about your thoughts being "dizzy-ing". I feel like that a lot. A lot of my reading lately has stimulated my thoughts to an almost overwhelming point. I related to that feeling of "auto-pilot" too, as you described your nightly routine. Before starting back at school, my life sounded a lot like that with the addition of an hour drive too and from work. I often wonder what I could have done with all of that time that I spent driving to and from work for 13 years. I see how precious time is and I want my time now to be rich and full.
I am glad that you are engaging with "The Artist's Way". That was a very influential book for me and definately made me more aware of the direction I wanted my life to take~that being a creative life. I loved how you are stepping back and recognizing themes and interests. Those are important! Your "glow" description conjured up many images in my mind.
I also appreciated you sharing your favorite books with us and would always welcome new suggestions. I have had a longing for my books lately (they are in storage in the basement since my move) and have been revisiting some that I haven't looked at in awhile. My cousin Suzy had said to me when I was visiting her new home that she recognized how many books that she had about herbs. I wonder if our books reflect our inner desires in some way and if anyone else felt that way too?
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