Figuratively Speaking-Yoga Meditation Art

6"x6" oil

The wall painting is a Rothko.  I have gained a deeper appreciation for his work recently in my efforts to understand color.  I have heard myself (talking in my head) say, "I could spend the rest of my life studying color theory and application, and never get it all."  I think that is what Rothko (in part) spent his art career doing.  Sometimes, even when at a prestigious art museum, our bodies find a need for a little Yoga.  While her friend meditates on the Rothko, she is stretching her quads.  I spend a lot of my time doing art and doing Yoga.  It is the only way I can keep my body happy and keep my disposition positive.  Right now, I am also doing a significant amount of garden preparation which has kicked up my need for Yoga, as well as, chiropractic care and a desire for massage.  I am really excited to be getting ready to grow things and have kicked it off with an obsession with sprouting seeds and grains to eat.  It is hard work staying healthy.  I still need my chocolate though....go figure!

Figuratively Speaking - Time Dilemma

There seem to be more moments in life when we are either wishing time would pass more quickly to get to an exciting event or to avoid an unpleasant one, or wishing it would slow down because there isn't enough time in the day to do whatever, or the babies are growing up too fast, or I just wish I could sit on this beach for a few days more.  Rarely it seems do we actually live in the moment and appreciate it fully by breathing deeply and letting our senses and feelings just savor the moment.  I think it is true that time seems to speed up as we get older.  Maybe it has to do with coming to terms with our own mortality.  We know we have a limited amount of time left...how are we going to experience it?  I was doing yoga the other day and the instructor  was guiding us in relaxation.  She said, "go to your happy place."  Immediately the image of my grandkids came to mind.  They were climbing on me, and snuggling into my lap and then my mind went to the garden and we all were dancing.  I can't say this was the most relaxing image.  I could feel my muscles responding to the image, but it was an authentic "happy place."  I don't think we have to sit still to really be in the moment.  I know artists who talk about being in the zone when time seems to stand still.  I think this happens to us all in different situations.  It helps us to live life to the fullest by stretching out those moments when we are really in tune with where we are.  I hope you enjoy your moments today.  I am going to conscientiously walk down the stairs and start the laundry and really be in the moment with my detergent and dirty clothes.  Go figure.....

Figuratively Speaking - Meditation and Boredom

Meditation is a good thing.  I heard someone say recently that if you can't meditate for 20 minutes then you need to meditate for an hour.  I know people who say they can't meditate or do quiet exercises like yoga because their minds are going too fast.  They say it like it is a badge of honor, like having a mind speeding out of control is a positive thing.  We are all made a bit differently so what do I know?  I cut my finger kind of seriously and can't get in the pool until it heals so instead I have been walking on the treadmill.  Now I know the painful boredom of repetitious walking without going anywhere.  Some people love it, I guess because of the endorphins released when they start to sweat, or something along those lines.  I tried listening to music, watching a video, reading, but honestly, it was still a really mind numbing exercise for me.  I couldn't get into the "now" of it.  I just wanted to escape.  I do like yoga, meditation and quietly painting in my studio.  I can sit by the creek and write or just inhale the visual beauty around me, and I know the elegance of being really present.  However, the treadmill (aptly named) is my undoing.  How can I feel critical or superior about someone saying they can't slow their mind down, or don't even want to, when I am overcome with the nothingness of the treadmill?  Opportunities for humility are to be found everywhere!  Go figure....

Figuratively Speaking - Take a Moment

8"x8" oil SOLD

This is always a hectic month.  I am not sure how you avoid the hustle and bustle but I do know that taking a few moments on a regular basis to just breathe is a great idea.  Some of the ways I take it in is to take a walk, especially in the woods, do yoga, swim, and of course paint.  However, those things only work if I am willing to let everything else go and just be in the moment.  I am curious how you relax and regain sanity.  Do you read a good book or listen to or play music?  Let me know!

Gratitude

6.5"x6" acrylic

I am grateful for my knees.  I am sure that sounds odd, but I am facing double knee replacement surgery this month (my Christmas present to myself) and it makes me appreciate all the hard work my knees have done over the years and the hope I have getting new ones that will be pain free and strong.