Environment

Take a look around, what does your environment say about you?  Are you a "place for everything and everything in its place" or a "where ever I lay my hat, that's my home" type of person and then the multitude in between. 

In the throws of spring we hear talk of spring clean, declutter, organise and as creatives perhaps we do need to think about the process we go through.  Are we holding on to what should have been weeded out long ago (ways of thinking, canvases, old equipment, and clutter), when we should be letting go and making room for the new techniques, equipment, thoughts, new collaborations, these are like the seeds waiting to be sown in our lives, and once nurtured, watered and care for will produce unexpected harvests.  You might finally have the courage to submit that work to the magazine, write the book, perform that song, do something differently, whatever it is...

A slightly tidier space!

What we see in our environment may be due for a make over, a change, a total clear out, in order to reap the benefits of the next stage...

Dancing

I have always loved dancing.  In her later years my mum has started to enjoy dancing and singing.  I have taken numerous videos of her which in time will serve as a reminder of her bubbly nature, she always seems to have an extra shot of energy which is especially amazing for an 87 year old!  This video is of her dancing to a song called 'thats not my name' (Mavis Style)..

Creativity

Creativity for me is an important part of maintaining my health and well-being. It doesn’t matter what you choose to do whether painting, dancing, and writing or a range of other creative pursuits, what really counts is that you participate on a daily basis. Showing up even if it’s for just 5 minutes. Disciplining yourself despite what’s going on around you allows you to spend that time on you, showing up for you, then you can work on spending longer over time.

It’s been widely recognised for many years that art and creative activities can affect our health, and hospitals and more and more private and public sector organisations are looking at how their environment can make an impact not only on their clients, but their staff as well.

Many health authorities are looking at ‘Art on Prescription’ schemes where individuals are encouraged to take part in art activities over a 10 week period in an attempt to reduce the amount of time they visit their doctors and this has been rolled out initially for depression and other mental health related conditions. If you’re ever anywhere near north London check out Creative Health Lab who run art, dance/movement, and horticulture sessions and are based in Kentish Town City Farm.

Finally, when you get a moment, check out this very inspiring video by Jan Phillips You are Worth the Time

Blessings

I have been in quite a reflective mood and thought it would be a good idea to think about blessings, recognising and appreciating those things that have been a blessing to me.  I think it is probably something we should do on a regular basis, just to remind ourselves....

5 things I feel blessed about...

1. Relationships with family and friends, the support, laughter, and inspiration...
2. My mother - whilst she has dementia, she is still holding on to life, she has a sense of humour and a youthful quality about her life...
3. Discovering my passion was art, stepping out of my comfort zone and pursuing my passion, and being able to take the steps to being a mixed media artist....
4. New found friends...my journey as an artist has brought me into contact with so many talented artists and creative individuals, it has been a blessing and every day there is something of themselves shared that is inspiring and motivating....

5. My faith and relationship with God...I am reminded that we are here but for his grace.  My faith enables me to continually step out of the box and even the boat on occasion...If you get a chance check out some of the other participants on the A-Z Challenge, be inspired!...be blessed!