Calm Down

     I'm not sure whether it's because I'm getting older or just wiser, but I find that the constant flurry of activity, running here and there, a thousand things to do, isn't really for me.  I don't know that it ever was, really.  Some people seem to get really energized by the constant juggling of balls; the more they have on their plate the happier they seem to be.  Don't get me wrong, I like to be busy, but for brief periods of time, and then I like some calm.  And that's what this, my latest piece, is all about.  It's called Magnificent Meditation.  As you can see, the figure in the piece is meditating, sitting quietly as she allows waves of calm to wash over her.  That's how I felt as I painted this.  Meditation doesn't always have to be sitting cross-legged on a cushion chanting mantras as the incense burns; it can also be that sensation of being so totally immersed in doing something you love and just letting yourself go with the flow, no calculating, no over thinking.  So there I was,   the house was completely quiet, I was home alone and Baby (the kitten) had settled herself on my bed for a nap.  There was nothing but me and the paint.  I swear I can feel the calming energy radiating from the piece!  And after painting it, I was filled with so much energy that I felt I could have taken on the world!  It's a nice feeling; well both feelings, the serenity was wonderful and so was the renewed vigour. 

​This made me think, and I've come to the conclusion that whether you're one of those "always running" types, or a more laid back sort such as myself, taking that time to slow down is important.  It doesn't matter if it's meditation, a good old nap, or just being carried away, ever so briefly, with your favourite hobby or activity, just something that kinda shuts the brain off for a bit, puts it on standby so you can recharge.  If you haven't tried it, give it a go, you'll be glad you did, I sure was!

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