It takes two to keep it going.
meditation
Rumination
I used to “meditate” incorrectly. I closed my eyes and focused on being aware of my surroundings and my thoughts. I noticed my thoughts and tried to “let them go.” But my thoughts were either judgments or I was judging my thoughts (!) I assumed I was meditating correctly, because I was quite aware of everything…however, I was placing opinion on all of it.
Being present (meditating) means being aware of everything in the present time without judgment.
If you’re like me, you’d be shocked at how much you judge yourself and others. With practice, you can minimize placing personal value on yourself and others. I catch myself doing it and am able to correct it.
Criticizing is the opposite of kindness and impedes inner peace.
Serene Snafus
When I paint and I’m in the “zone,” I’m not disagreeing with anything or anyone.
I’m doing my thing.
I’m happy. So I may spread more happiness. It keeps my worries at bay.
Even if the art is imperfect.
Santuary
Everyone ought to have a quiet place to walk.
Move your body and quiet your mind – this is the opposite of what most of us do most of the time.
Which is healthier? A busy mind and lethargic body or a quiet mind and a moving body? An overactive mind thinking negative thoughts is the root of our stress and addictions.
Humpday!
This camel is carrying a light load. Shouldn’t you?
So Diverse!
I looked up images of plankton for drawing and then I read about them. I learned that they are classified not by taxonomy (as so many other animals are), but by ecological niche! There are numerous types of plankton – both microscopic as well as macro.
I decided to use acrylic paint for the “luminescent” factor. I have much to learn about using this type of paint. I’m taking a Lisa Congdon class on watercolors/gauche through Creativebug.com (“The Daily Painting Challenge”). It was $10 for 30 mini lessons on pattern-making: a great deal!
Not sure where I’m going with this art, but I am enjoying the process.
Ears Are Challenging
I’ve graduated from Lisa Congdon’s Book of 20 Ways to Draw Everything (with drawings to emulate) to 642 Things to Draw which offers empty boxes with an object name (Eloise Leigh, Chronicle Books).
Much of the time, however, I need to look up the image on my phone or laptop because I can’t conjure the image well enough to draw on my own.
Baby steps.
By the way, did you know there is an art museum named “Van Gogh’s Ear” in Prescott, AZ? I’ll have to check it out next time I’m there.
The Places That Scare You
“Meditation…we see what comes up, acknowledge that with kindness, and let go.”
Pema Chodron, American Buddhist Nun
Good Form
This is an etching my daughter gave to me for Christmas. It’s created by painstakingly scratching the black off the etching paper with extremely sharp tools. Pushing too hard or going too fast can ruin the effect.
It reminds me that beauty and harmony can often result from taking away, and not adding:
- Remove the resentment, disappointment and anger from your part of relationships.
- Remove clutter in your living space.
But do this with great care.
What if…
the riches we all strove for were the inner lights we could possess? What if we all wanted to be rich this way and helped each other attain this wealth?
The great news is that we have the option – the freedom – to choose what wealth is for ourselves. Possessing ambition is fine, but without inner peace, it means nothing.
Rich – adj., abounding in natural resources (Dictionary.com)
The idea for this blog was inspired by Light Watkin’s post on true wealth.
Kismet 