Time Waits for No One

 Don’t get overwhelmed with the quick passage of time, ground in the present to control those feelings.

Appreciation of the moment provides control that is otherwise experienced as living in the past or future, where nothing can be altered or known. Running from the ghosts of our past or fear of the future, keeps us in limbo resulting in anxiety, stress, or depression from living outside of what we can control. Our actions can only have control in the present. Do what you can, but if there’s nothing you can do, let go of those unreachable expectations for the benefit of your mental health.

Art is a perfect method to practice staying present. Creativity exists in the moment through thoughts, feelings and actions. Inspiration and process are extensions of the moment and are very grounding. Designing a project, gathering materials, touching textures, playing with colors, and focusing on making, are all examples that result in connecting the interior world to the exterior and support a centered way of being.

Activities involving the senses benefit a centered perspective. Cooking, dancing, music, fixing, meditating, walking, and writing are a few examples of daily life that improve well-being through the senses and require a present state of mind. Commit to daily self-care routines to reduce stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression. It is not selfish to ensure this time for yourself. You are the engine of your world, so maintain it as a necessity to thrive. Others may judge or be jealous, but your wholeness will benefit them in the long run as you interact as a balanced and strong addition to their world. Do not be afraid to walk away from those who can’t see you improve as they will only keep you down for their control.

Many years ago, I was stuck in darkness and I realized I hadn’t done any art for years. I let others make me feel my art was a waste of time and of no value. One New Year’s Eve, I made a commitment to myself to put art as the top priority in my life…no matter what, because I knew its importance for my happiness. That commitment changed my life. I made an art space at my home, took classes, stood up for my time to make, met other creatives, educated others about art healing, did independent study to combine art into health education, worked as an artist in a hospital, created an open art studio for university staff, and wrote a book!!!! That decision changed my entire path to be harmonious with who I am and what I value and was very empowering.

We all have an innate gift within…define, nurture, and let your purpose be to share it!
This is one of my recent projects I wanted to share (see below). I combined my nature walks with art making which provided much joy and inspiration through that process. Invention, inspiration, physics, problem solving, determination, being present, were all required and resulted in calm, improved self-esteem, joy, grounding in nature, and building connection when I share to be witnessed.
 
ART HEALS!
ART ON YA’LL!!!!

 Tortuga
Palm husk, cholla,barnacles, leather,paper, glass, beads,