November 21st, 2009
When I was in my early twenties I got really excited about the idea of painting watercolour covers for all my cassette tapes. Dozens of tape cases and a few paintings in my journals later, I set the paints aside recognizing that i had no great talent or skill in this particular art form.
Here’s the catch: I really enjoyed it.
And yet I set it aside. I allowed my thinking brain, my inner judge, to bring an end to an activity that had brought me great delight.
Now, almost twenty years later, I am painting again. This time on canvas with acrylics. While dancing. Yes, I am dancing and painting! My dear friend Sybille offers a Dance Your Painting workshop. Once a week we gather in circle and she shares our theme for the morning, exploring the energy of each of the 7 chakras. She guides us into movement and so it begins.
There is no need to stand puzzled before a blank canvas or to come up with a brilliant artistic inspiration. My thinking brain is set aside and as I dance, the images come to me. When I am ready I pick up the brush and begin. My paintings are filled with strong colours, swirls and curves. Each time I feel stuck or begin to Think, Analyze or Judge, my hips begin to sway to the music and I set down the brushes to allow myself to simply feel the painting.
“Don’t try to paint what you feel. Feel and paint.”
- Michelle Cassou
My days are full and the to do list is long. Once a week all this is set aside. The movement, the colour, the unknown of what each dance and canvas will bring. I am enchanted.
Now for the truly brave moment – here are a few of my works of art for your viewing pleasure! Grab some wine, crackers and cheese and enjoy my very first gallery opening…
Tags: creativity, painting
[ 0 comments ]
October 25th, 2009
Gracias a La Vida….Que me ha dado tanto
Mercedes Sosa, legendary folk singer from Argentina (and mother of one), died recently at age 74. Her voice was one of immense power and conviction, and she used her gift of song through a lifetime of working towards social justice. She was also the mother of one child. Her most famous song, perhaps, is Gracias a La Vida, from poet Violeta Parra, and when you hear her voice carry these words, you cannot helpful but feel gratitude.
Gracias a La Vida – Thank You to Life. Ok, it doesn’t sound nearly as good in english, and a translation here simply will not do justice to the beauty of this song. Even if you don’t speak Spanish, the power of her voice will carry you. At the core is a deep thankfulness for the beauty of our being in the world.
In honour of Mercedes, and in honour of the beauty of your own life, we encourage you to live this day (and this lifetime!) in gratitude.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d_h5CZPyjQ
***************
What are you thankful for today?
Tags: gracias a la vida, gratitude, mercedes sosa
[ 0 comments ]
October 16th, 2009
You know the feeling. You’re thirsty. But you’ve pushed the sensation aside in favour of making school lunches or just one more chapter of a good book. By the time you get around to having a drink you are parched, and find yourself guzzling rather than sipping.
We’ve been working with mothers long enough to know that moms are really, really good at delaying that metaphorical sip of water. We’re good at talking about our desire for self-care, our longing for balance, and the challenges we’re facing, and not always so good at taking steps towards change. The busy nature of family life too often takes precedence, and our needs are set aside.
We got a registration the other day from a mother wanting to join one of our Mama Renew groups. She described her eager anticipation of the group, “My spirit feels like its about to drink a big, needed glass of water.” She captured the essence of Mama Renew perfectly.
Many mothers are doing great things with their free time – yoga classes, book clubs, choirs and more. Each of these has the potential to nurture and inspire, and build a community of support. There’s something different, however, about the Mama Renew journey. When we go beyond sips and take the time to enjoy a long cool class of water, we experience a deeper level of nourishing and growth.
Whether your life right now is crazy full or deliciously slow, we hope you’re taking some great big gulps along the way. Dig deeper, celebrate self-care, create balance, delight in your successes, take risks, live adventures…
Renew, Mamas, Renew!
Tags: dehydration, motherhood, self-care, thirsty
[ 0 comments ]
February 1st is the festival of Brigid, called Imbolc, which translates as “in the belly”, referring to the ewes who begin to lactate at this time of year in preparation for the birth of their lambs. Brigid is the Gaelic goddess of poetry, healing, smithcraft (metal working) and fire. Imbolc is known as a festival of the hearth and home, where candles and fires burn bright on this day to represent the pending return of the sun and the warm days to come.
Winter can be a long and cold time. It can bring isolation for some, and getting out of the house sometimes feels overwhelming (20 minutes to put on snow pants, hats, gloves & boots and then they announce they have to pee – been there? I have…) Spring is close, but it may not feel close enough. Our culture is woefully lacking in ways to honour this transition from winter to spring, helping us feel the warmth that is ahead. Here are a few ideas of our own:
© 2009 Mothering Magazine