Hello my friends ~
I attended a several day retreat full of mindfulness, art exploration, creating new friendships, creating connections and just FUN!
I wanted to share with you, it wasn't all roses!! Throughout the process, there were times of frustration, the feeling "I don't belong", "I am not good enough", ......and so on. Do you understand those feelings? Ever felt that way?
When this happens to me, I begin to shutdown, and well, my thoughts freeze and my emotions are often visible.....I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes.
Yes, I often support many folks who encounter these obstacles and feelings, and YES, I provide them strategies to move forward through sometimes what we might label as a crisis or significant emotional time. Sometimes it is a small little blip in the activity that changes the trajectory of your mindset. This can happen to ALL of us. Our toolbox of strategies can help us/me, but at times......well, we/ I get derailed.
So, what did I do?? I took a pause, several deep breaths, and worked on identifying the emotions and letting go of those negative feelings. I worked on recalibrating my mindset. Then, I took time to take thoughts, ideas from others who supported me. Their kindness, unconditional support, and non-judgemental approach was truly beautiful.
I went for a walk, and worked at looking at the activity literally from the outside looking in! I was able to look at a painting that was making me very frustrated from outside. I could see my painting throught the window, and allowed myself to look at it with kindness and self-love. And with that, it appeared that I could see progress and enjoyment with the process.
I took a pause from the art, took it home with me and then completed it sitting in the sunroom of my home. When I felt it was complete, I was very proud of myself. I am impressed with the end result, and proud of myself for persevering and enjoying the process.
Looking in from the outside.
Deciding to work on the picture at home.
My finished painting.
As I reflected during my long drive home from the retreat, it brought to mind what I am working on this month, along with my friends in Pam's Den of Creative Fun.
Our focus this month, is creating little tidbits of art, with the focus word being balance! I was reminded throughout this whole process, that I can find balance in the process of creating art.
An affirmation I found -
"As I create, I embrace balance in each moment. I trust the flow of my creativity, allowing myself to explore freely while staying grounded. My art reflects the harmony I cultivate within, and I honor the process as much as the outcome."
As we continue the month of September with creating inspirational little tidbits with affirmations surrounding balance, I hope all my friends can find the balance in your own mindfulness practice and your creative journey.
And for me, I will continue to work on my own balancing skills, while supporting those that I provide service to. Through trial and error with adapting and modifying the tools, techniques, and strategies, we can move forward and hopefully not get stuck.......as often.
Come join in the fun during our Make it Monday sessions.
These can be found on our Facebook Page - Pam's Den of Creative Fun