Engaging in art making is like meditation in many ways. But one way is that there are always 100 other things the mind wants to do other than meditate. Mind wants us to do many chores instead of meditating. In the same way, I will sit at my computer and work on many productive tasks instead of tending to my art.
I think it’s because there is a knowing of the potential for absorption, and I think there is a fragility in that. The absorption sometimes requires delicate circumstances. The mind might know this, and fear absorption. It wants to stay in its patterns, in its place of control.
Today, on a dreamy gloomy afternoon, all it took was a conscious, intentional, ritual footstep into my studio.
Sometimes, all I need to do is say hello to my practice for five minutes to feel a level of fulfillment that is satisfactory and meaningful.
I spill out some new dust, gamboge from cambodia sent to me in the mail by a cherished person. More on this later. I say hello to it. I soak some choke cherry sap in water for tomorrow. I pet a flower. Or two.
Today, that’s all I need. A ritual connection to my practice. A few hand shakes. A heart-to-heart. A micro moment of connection.
Two days ago it was cleaning off my studio altar and adding some new flowers, a little magnet with a tiger on it, some shapes I cut out.
And, repositioning the candle.
Sometimes, all you need to do is reposition the candle, and it sets something in gentle motion.
That’s all I’ve got today, friend.
With a sigh of love,
♡ Kristen
As always, so wise and helpful. A timely reminder to give myself permission to practice art in small meaningful ritual ways that keep the creative flame alive. 🌻💚