It’s that time of year again, where everything is too fast and too loud and it feels like everything is speeding up to the Christmas break.
Is it just me?
I’m catching myself, noticing my breath is fast and my thoughts are racing.
I’m doing my best to pause what I’m doing, even if it’s just for a minute or two, to take the time to intentionally slow my breath, and see if I can make my out breaths longer and longer.
My inner critic, Ursula, says “don’t stop! There’s no time! You’ve gotta hurry up and do all the things, NOW!”
I try to respond firmly and lovingly “thank you. I know you’re trying to help me. But I’m no use to anyone when I am a human stress ball. If I take a moment to slow down, my productivity will actually INCREASE, because I’ll have more clarity about priorities, and how to be efficient.”
Slowing down and just breathing! It sounds so silly! But it’s pure fucking magic.
I made this piece, “Breathe”, when I was having one of those bullshit frenzied, speeding up, “I can’t ever take a break, there’s no time” times.
I ordered a coffee at an outside cafe table, set up my paints, and when the coffee came, I promptly spilt it (extra hot latte) all over my lap and the table.
After I cleaned it up (miraculously somehow no coffee got onto the paper!), I made myself pause.
I slowed my breath as I gazed up at a tree and the sky behind it.
As my breath got calmer, I realised there was a gorgeous, peaceful, filigree pattern of shapes happening with leaves moving.
I painted and drew it (mostly without looking at the page, to really, truly, only paint what I was seeing, and not what my brain expected to see).
I found myself back home…
Landed…
Back in my body…
…and back with my breath.
“Breathe” is a reminder to come home to the spaciousness of our breath, even when (especially when!) it seems impossible or a waste of time.
✨ ”Breathe” fine art prints are available now for a limited time, starting at just $25, shipping worldwide.✨
⏰ Shop closes 19 Dec and I’m not sure when I’ll offer this again!
✨SHOP NOW✨ here.
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