This painting, Daily Meditations, is a 12×12 inch framed painting that is currently in the Surface exhibit at Lark & Key Gallery. About a year or so ago I challenged myself to do a painting a day for 30 days. To make it easier on myself I did small 4×4 inch panels. Many of those have gone on to new homes, but I put some of them together to make this painting. I’ve always loved grids. The challenge was about showing up and making my hands move, connecting thought to the physical world. No expectations, just to be present in the creative process.
At the beginning of this year I told myself that I wanted to go deeper into my work-both in the writing and the work itself. For me, the writing is such an essential part of the process. I have always been a journaler and I wish that I could write everyday, but there’s just not enough time or energy in the day. Then I feel discouraged and don’t pick up my pen. And then more times lapses. It’s a vicious cycle. Recently though I started a new practice that allows me to write something quickly. A few lines that capture a moment of the day. I’ve been challenging myself to show up to the page and jot a few words down without even thinking too much about it. Here are some examples:
2.17
Venus winked brightly in the winter sky
reminding me that we are just a blip
All this noise and turmoil…how many times has this happened before?
How many times has mankind destroyed itself and started over?
This too shall pass.
3.14.17
Tuesday morning,
winter’s last visit
snow, frozen rain
warm home
everyone is still in bed
3.15.17
Little nose to mine, eyes closed, nose rub
“G’mornin mama”
She is still a little girl
That heart of mine
3.11.17
Driving through town
The moon appeared
huge, glowing ball
bigger than all the buildings
A big golden white unblinking eye looking down at us.
hush. awe.
our primordial ancestors, respectful of the mystery of the moon, still reside in us.
Anyway, this quick practice has me writing again, which makes me happy.
I’m going to think of this writing practice in a similar manner. Show up, make my hands move, connecting thought to the physical world. No expectations of myself, just to be present.
“Mindfulness practice means that we commit fully in each moment to be present; inviting ourselves to interface with this moment in full awareness, with the intention to embody as best we can an orientation of calmness, mindfulness, and equanimity right here and right now.” -Jon Kabat-Zinn