Life inside a mix master blender: the Universe hits puree randomly and unexpectedly. Such is my life!
I admit, I foolishly imagined this summer - and my time unencumbered by a day job - as a fertile period of creative work bursting the seams of my life. Today I realized I needed to let go of the notion that any significant work would take place while home with husband and child underfoot (the dog at least sleeps quietly and comfortingly at my feet.)
But maybe my attitude is wrong; perhaps a chance of perspective is all that is required. Summer time is crazy with spontaneity: lady bugs hatching, fire flies beckoning, swimming pools, bike rides and patio time all vying for attention. Much of significance is happening, just not in the manner that I had expected which is par for the course and far more exciting, enlightening and nourishing when I can remember to adopt a more spacious attitude.
One thing that keeps me riding the waves of my life is the structure of practice. It is a huge concept for me. It began with my yoga practice and has spilled out into life off the mat. It is how I connect with growth, learning, change and insight. Practice frames my relationship with living: I want to be learning, expanding, connecting and embracing my life and I see all my action as effort expended towards that intention. I don't think it is so much about Practice make Perfect; I think it is Practice makes me more attention and aware. Practice makes me more flexible, and not just bendy in body but in mind, attitude, heart and soul.
I am working on an offering to share this fall entitled The Gift of Practice: Nurturing & Nourishing Creativity. I am curious to delve into the role of practice in creative expression and a significant part of what I want to explore is the way practice is experienced by other creatives in various expressive forms. (There is significant again!) Of course my hidden agenda is to strengthen my own unique expression of creative practice!
I am excited that one of my favorite creative lights - mentor, sister, guide and friend - Pixie Campbell has created an online version of her Shamanic Painting Program to launch July 29. Visual Quest is a five week course running through August 31 although course content will remain available until March 20, 2014 (yeah!) so while it is perfectly timed to coincide with the fiery energy of summer, inspiration and action, there will be plenty of time to snuggle in with the material and squeeze all the juicy goodness that Pixie always provides in any of her programs.
Visual Quest is a five-week online art workshop that integrates
the creative process with profound spiritual discovery
and healing through the unique, holistic and shamanic approach
developed by artist and modern medicine woman,
Pixie Campbell.
the creative process with profound spiritual discovery
and healing through the unique, holistic and shamanic approach
developed by artist and modern medicine woman,
Pixie Campbell.
Imagine a painting class that goes far beyond teaching mere
technique, delving into the inner realms of the psyche to
forge powerful links between you and the canvas—and then
imagine that intuitive richness spilling out to transform and
enhance every aspect of your life. This wild, transcendent
creativity is at the heart of Visual Quest. Utilizing the millennia-
old practice of shamanism, Pixie will guide you on a journey
into your deepest Self, enabling you to connect with the
Source of Creation within you, and interpret it artistically.
Visual Quest is a sacred, nurturing space where you can
meet yourself—and be met—where you are right now. It is
authentic growth and revelation, the convergence of passion,
art, and the divine feminine. Allow Pixie to show you how to
access Nature’s symbolic teachings and gain a deeper understanding
of the song within you as you explore artistic
mediums and express your soul’s truth
Once again, the Universe shakes me up so I can see with fresh eyes the gifts and opportunities extended towards me. I asked to do significant work and fertile ground appears. My brushes are ready, how about yours?
Yes. To all you have said. Looking forward to summer and then finding it to be full and alive and then, "where did it go?" Visual Quest, Oh My...Looking forward to see what you are brewing up with your practice. Oh, Practice, she kicks my butt!
ReplyDeleteI love that line - a mix master blender, oh yes indeed, my friend. I had happy thoughts of how the bursts of energy this summer would be directed. It got all swirly. I hope that you do get to offer your gifts and wisdom this fall!
ReplyDeletei am mid-swirl here myself, paints scattered about the house, projects started - and worked on between trips to the sea. it's the best i can do and while i always wish it could be more, it is filling me up nonetheless. so wish i could join you in pixie's class, friend. YES to practice, yes to unrolling my mat (she is saving me over and over again each time i step on her - and i am learning to hold onto her once i step off).
ReplyDelete