Only when your consciousness is totally focused on the moment you are in can you receive whatever gift, lesson, or delight that moment has to offer.Barbara De Angelis
On the door of my studio I have a collage inspired by the Trouble Tree, a tale about a man who, upon returning home from work each night, would ‘hang his troubles’ on a tree in his yard before joining his family inside his house. It was my hope to be able to leave my troubles at my studio door, to have this room be a magical place free of worry or stress. This idea, while great in theory, is rather difficult for me to implement. Somehow the stressors in my life always seem to find their way into my studio wreaking havoc on my creative time.
Having a dedicated space isn’t enough. Having all the right supplies won’t cut it. Even carving out enough spare time in the day just won’t do the trick. It’s having the right state of mind. The ability to tap into one’s creativity regardless of circumstance, space or time limits. Proceessing negative emotion so that pain or anger can be a source of energy or inspiration rather than a deterrent. One of the biggest challenges I face as an artist is getting focused. Quieting all the mind chatter and arriving at that place when I am zoned into my art and not stifled by my fears or worries. Pushing past the emotion to that serene and calm place at my inner core. I saw The Artist’s Way as a possible venue to help me achieve better focus.
Overall, I am finding myself having to sift through Julia Cameron’s assumptions, generalizations and stereotypes, searching for the bits and pieces that resonate with me. I am finding her ‘what works for one will work for all’ methodology a bit rigid and impractical. I don’t know, maybe my expectations for this book are too high. Maybe it’s too early to form opinions. I do know she is a well respected author and this book has taken on a cult-like following, and I had so hoped to love this book as so many others have. Perhaps in time I will. For now, I will continue on with the book, stay as open minded as possible, collecting what inspiring gems I can.
Affirmations, art journal, 9 February 2006.
{synchronicity}
In Chapter 3, Julia Cameron discusses synchronicity, which she attributes to ‘answered prayers.’ To me, a prayer is an act of positive thinking. And I believe when we think positively, we invite positive change to occur in our lives.
If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never again think a negative thought. Peace Pilgrim
A bit of clarity literally came knocking upon my door last week. An unexpected conversation with someone who had the uncanny timing of bringing up the topic of the power of our thoughts. Yet another catalyst for positive thinking.
Pay attention to right now.
Think positive thoughts.
Focus on the details.
These messages seem to be sprinkled throughout my life lately. In the book I am reading. From the people I talk to. On the websites I visit. Synchronicity indeed.
So I pay attention. I do my best to keep my thoughts positive. And I focus on the details.
The aroma of jasmine green tea. The savory taste of fresh homemade bread. The sound of laughter. The smile of the employee at the grocery store. The colorful sketches on my daugther’s paper. A generous serving of bubble tea and encouragement from a friend. The white flecks of snow gently falling from the sky. Countless blessings. Life is good.
