Tag Archives for mandala

An Empty Ring

In my previous post I talked about the importance of starting creative projects as a part of the creative practice I developed to cope with my chronic pain; but choosing not to judge myself if I don’t finish them.

When I started it, I drew five rings for this mandala. Then, as I filled it in, I added two more rings. If you look closely, you can see the faint graphite line from my pencil.

 

_________ An Empty Ring – March 2020 _________

 

Even though one of the rings I added as I drew this mandala is still empty, it might be as finished as it’s going to be…

 

_________ An Empty Ring – March 2020 – 1 _________

 

 

Gratitude and Creativity: Starting Something New

I’m always starting something new. Whether it’s a drawing in one of my sketchbooks, writing a new blog post, or jotting down the first few lines of what I hope will become a poem.

 

Truthfully, not everything I start reaches completion. However, I’m choosing not to place any judgement on me or my rate of completion. What’s important is that when I have the mental clarity and focus to start anything at all, I do. I’m engaging with the creative practice that I established for myself to cope with my chronic illness and non-stop chronic pain.

To me, starting something, any of the things I listed, means that I’m leaning in to my creativity. Starting means giving myself permission and space to let go of the anxiety and stress tightly wrapped around being ill for so long and often being housebound. Even if it’s just for a little while, it’s a release of pent up negative energy. Similar to emotional and psychological energy, that at other times in my life I’ve been unable to let go of and paid a physical price for.

Having this understanding now is important. Years ago, creating art was a constant part of my life. Unfortunately, I didn’t recognize its significance then nor did I know why my need to create was triggered, like I do now. I understand more every day that even a brief creative engagement is beneficial to my emotional and psychological health. Ultimately, it has a positive effect on my physical health too; so, I keep starting.

Back then, I never connected consciously with the fact that I benefitted from the meditative qualities inherent to becoming lost for hours within the lines and shapes I drew, the layers of colours I applied to paper and canvases, or the words I strung together; so I allowed it to fall away from my life. In a twist of fate, becoming ill amplified the need to have an escape I could easily access and I’m grateful that I chose a creative outlet.

A few days ago, I started something new in a sketchbook with black paper. I love the way graphite from a pencil and white ink look on a black page. The graphite lines are what I consider ghostly because they register so faintly on the page, while the white ink creates a strong contrast.

 

I’m anxious—in a good way—to see how this page will develop as I fill in the faintly sketched graphite guide lines with bright white ink. Even though, I know I may not finish it…

I’m curious to know if you ever start something creative just for the heck of releasing some energy 🤔

 

Gratitude and Creativity: Off-Balance with Mandala 1

I’ve been feeling off-balance all week. Almost as if I have vertigo. I know that the main causes are my health, the pain medications, and lack of sleep, but the situation with my mother certainly didn’t help. And let’s not forget the ongoing legal battle with my horrible boss, which requires attention that I have not been able to give so my lawyer can finish filing my case. I also had another appointment with the second opinion surgeon on Thursday, but I’m too worn out to write about it today.

The only thing I could muster the energy to complete this week was my first attempt at creating a mandala. It took three days to finish. It’s not the tidiest thing I’ve ever created, but I feel proud in a strange way for drawing it freehand. I’m looking forward to making another one when I feel more energized.

Mandala 1

Mandala #1

I’ve been running into a lot of information about mandalas and their spiritual nature in my travels around the interwebs. There is one blogger I found who is working on a 100 Mandala Project. Her name is Shilpa Sharma and her mandalas are incredible. You can find her creations at Shilpa Sharma Online.

I have to admit that creating this mandala had a meditative effect on me. As I was drawing the lines and filling in the shapes, lots of thoughts pushed their way into my mind and I had to work hard not to engage them. I knew I wasn’t having success quieting my mind each time I found myself responding verbally to some of my thoughts. Then I tried to apply the practice of just witnessing my thoughts. That worked a bit better. Although, I must confess that talking to myself is helping me work through some of the emotional turmoil in my daily life. I hope my therapist won’t feel threatened that talk therapy works even when he’s not in the room with me 🙂

 

Coldplay – Talk