Mindfulness Mondays: Listen

"These are the days of miracle and wonder." 
                                    Paul Simon

We recently received the gift of music.  Sal's company car spontaneously connected to Sirius Radio for the month of December.  It is delightful- music to my ears (literally).  Some of the playlists are like visits from old friends, Paul Simon included.

Music doesn't need to stay in the background of your holiday.  Make an intention to still your body, calm your mind, and tune in to wonderful music. Get ready.

I WILL SLOW DOWN TO LISTEN TO THE MUSIC AROUND ME.

Mindfulness Mondays: Warmth

"Struggling Upstream" by Cherrie Hampton

When I saw this quilt (yes quilt!) at an exhibition in August I knew it needed a showcase on the blog.  It is the week before Thanksgiving and there is a blanket of snow covering all of Edmond, Oklahoma

As we bring our attention to gratitude, lets reflect on warmth.  What brings you warmth?  Is it the smile of someone you love? The smell of hot cocoa? The sound of a crackling fire?  Call to mind all of the senses of warmth.





This week I will notice the gift of warmth, and share it with others.

Mindfulness Mondays: Beginnings

The sculpture in this picture is one of  three consecutive installations tucked into building corners along Marcy street in Santa Fe.  The first is a perfect round shape.  The second (depicted here) shows an opening- like an egg or a seed cracking.  The final sculpture reveals another perfect round shape within the shell that has cracked open.

We are forever given the opportunity for a new beginning.  It brings me hope in my ability to change and grow.





I CAN ALWAYS BEGIN AGAIN.

Mindfulness Mondays: Perspective

I found this sculpture while walking to the plaza in Santa Fe, NM. The multitude of angles surrounding the piece reminded me of the role of perspective in life. Viewing the sculpture from above, to the side, or through the center each offers a legitimate but different perspective on the experience.   Our approach to obstacles in our life in a similar way can be changed by considering the problem from a new angle.

This week be intentional in taking a few steps back from an obstacle in your life.  Choosing to distance yourself may allow you the emotional space to gain a fresh perspective.  New solutions or growing acceptance may be the result of your changed perspective.

I CAN LOOK AT OBSTACLES FROM A FRESH PERSPECTIVE.

Santa Fe: Pensamientos Positivos

Sending positive thoughts and beautiful images
 from Santa Fe, The City Different.

"I spent a lot of years trying to outrun or outsmart vulnerability by making things certain and definite, black and white, good and bad.  My inability to lean into the discomfort of vulnerability limited the fullness of those important experiences that are wrought with uncertainty: Love, belonging, trust, joy, and creativity to name a few."
Brene Brown

DISCOVERY: Flirting with color!

Before Pinterest

Before Pinterest . . .  Bookshelves had always been just a place for books.  I love and collect books so storage can be a problem. Fortunately, Sweetness is a gifted carpenter and crafted a wall to wall bookshelf in the room I have designated “the library.” Unfortunately, I stocked our shelves to overflowing with all the beloved books that fit (and sometimes didn't).  They were arranged by topic and grouped by author.  Whenever I wanted to re-read a favorite I knew the general area and plucked it off the shelf. Yawn.

After Pinterest . . .  Strolling through Pinterest one day I noticed many pictures of bookshelves- row after row of bookshelves –just bookshelves- artfully arranged- - and something clicked. It was time to tackle the bookshelf from a new angle. The quest began to inspire a creative approach to storage.  I Googled, Youtubed, and Pinterested the heck out of bookshelves.  Within a weekend I had a new vision of my space. COLOR!

After Pinterest!

Arranging my beloved books by color has led to a feeling of discovery every time I go looking for a book.  In my green section, Frog and Toad is nestled by Jerry Spinelli’s The Library Card and The Complete Guide to Flower Gardening.  Barbara Bush, Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and Louis Sachar are new “book-fellows” in the blue area. The palette of color has brought new energy to the room.  It is like looking through an old photo album as I reminisce about favorite writers, memorable characters, and incredible stories.

Imagine my surprise and joy then, at the recent unexpected find of Lisa Hoke’s exhibit on the third floor of the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Hoke's installation is a massive 15 feet high and over 150 feet wide- a blank wall serving as her canvas of recycled paper products arranged by—COLOR!

I hope you are gifting yourself with artist dates this month.  Consider a trip to the OKCMOA to see Hoke’s work or be inspired on the first floor with the unforgettable photography of Ansel Adams.

If you are craving Spring green- check out the fabulous photos of Jennifer James St. Patrick's Day Parades past and present!

 If you want to borrow a book- come on down to my library, you never know what might delight your inner artist! 

Mindfulness Mondays:Truth and love

OKCMOA Chihuly 2014

  

Spring encourages us to see our world with new eyes.  Change is always happening around us if we are looking for it.  Continue to nurture your creative spirit as the season changes.










MY CREATIVITY ALWAYS LEADS ME TO TRUTH AND LOVE

DISCOVERY: My First (Art) Date

Dip and Dine Artists 2014

In The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron advises that we take one artist date per week while we are working on “unblocking our creative force.” Every year in Santa Fe, where galleries are lined up on every street and within walking distance of all things--artist dates come easy.  I look forward to this freedom all year long.

Why is it so hard to take time to play within our ordinary life, in our own home towns?

Have you noticed the new crop of places where you can eat, drink, and make art?  In Oklahoma they go by many names like" “Paint your Art Out,” and “The Tipsy Artist."   Two weeks ago I won a Facebook drawing to “Dip and Dine” – sponsored by the Oklahoma Center for Art Education.  All ages welcome.  I almost didn't go. 

My first artist date in almost a year and I thought of canceling- On myself! Clearly this was a case of stinking thinking- so I had to use my shrinking thinking skills:

Stinking Thinking:                                                                                 Shrinking Thinking:

“What will I do with IT when I’m done?”                                          “This is entertainment.  If I don’t like my art I can                                                                                                                                                                                          donate it.”

“It will be frustrating making what they tell me to make.”                 “No one is the boss of me.”

“I will be the only adult there.”                                                               “As if that is a problem- I love children.”

“There are so many things I could be doing with that time.”            “I deserve to spend time with myself being creative.”

“I’m too tired.”                                                                                           “I will nap when I come home if I need to.”

It was a great first date.  I think I will go out (with my inner artist) again.

How’s your dating life? Don't let stinking thinking hold you back- you deserve a creative break!

Here is a list of 10 more actual or virtual artist dates to try:

1. Make a playlist of songs that change your mood- for the better.
2. Spend a day in silence.
3. Memorize a poem that you love.
4. Write a poem.
5. For mind-bending art check out COLOSSAL
6. Watch a video about a place you would like to visit.
7. Color with crayons.
8. Make a collage with some of those old Oprah Magazines.
9. Take your camera out for a walk in your neighborhood.
10. Try a recipe

Dare Greatly! 

Mindfulness Mondays

Jellyfish at San Francisco Aquarium 2012

"An affirmation is a strong, positive statement that something is already so." (Shakti Gawain)

Prepare yourself to spend time with your inner artist this month.  You will meet resistance, but persevere.  Your creative spirit will thank you.




I am willing to experience my creative energy.

Discovery: Field Trips for Adults

Sherry and the forbidden fruit /Santa Fe 2013

Remember field trips when you were a kid? Waking up in the morning knowing there was no school just the anticipation of adventure? This month I am signing your permission slip to let your inner artist play on artist dates (mini field trips) either virtual or real.  The concept of artist dates was first articulated by Julia Cameron in her workshops and book The Artist’s Way.  The point is  to step outside of your comfort zone and experience something different.  We are trying to generate that buzz of excitement that comes from a change of venue, a free afternoon to explore. 

Think about a place that you are curious about.  Maybe it is an antique store that you pass every day on your way to work, but you have never gone in.  What about that drop in art class that you have thought “someday . . . “ You now have a special invitation to go- nurture your creative spirit that has been cooped up all winter interacting with the same people and the same visual field.  There are no rules on these field trips, except that you take them.  Let your creative self step outside of the box and experience fresh ideas, new ways of thinking or moving.

Here is a brainstorm of possible artist dates:

1. See one of the Oscar award winning films.
2. Go to a local festival, music event, art walk, play, or museum.
3. Choose a fantasy mentor.  Take time to read their books, watch their videos, and learn about their life as an artist.
4. Crank up the music and dance like no one is watching.
5. Play with Pinterest and invent a new board to inspire your creativity.
6. Take a walk with someone else’s iPod, expose yourself to new music.
7. Blog hop for more ideas on artist dates, or Kristen Nader’s blog- she writes anywhere and takes great photos.
8. Take a road trip and stop at quirky roadside shops.
9. Experience a religious service that is not your own.
10. Have a technology free day.

I hope you will join me in the discovery of fresh concepts and renewed energy this month.  I would love to hear where you have gone – please leave a comment or if you are shy, send me an email and I will post it for you anonymously dr.lisamarotta@gmail.com

Monday Mindfulness: Step outside of your comfort zone

Spring is a time of awakening and discovery.  Join me this month in virtual artist dates, welcoming a fresh perspective and pushing us past our comfort zones.











I can step outside of my comfort zone

Creativity: Daring Greatly

The time is now. We have reached the final step in our creative journey. We must face the reality that art is a communication- it breathes life only when it is shared with an audience—Artist and Other. We aren't wholeheartedly creative until our work leaves the laptop, our food is tasted, the publish post button is pushed, the photo framed.  And then we wait.  Knowing that our inner critic will say something angsty like “It is not good enough, it is not perfect, I am not perfect, what will people say and think” because we have no guarantees that this thing that we have put our guts into is going to make any difference to anyone.  We must also be reminded that unless we share it, our creation will not make any difference to us.  If we hold onto our creations too long we will stop being creative.  It takes courage to create, every step of the way. 

Dr. Brene Brown is my virtual mentor in the courage department.  After twelve years of sociological research  her results boil down to this: As humans we are wired for connection, it is why we are here.  However, we can’t connect with others without being vulnerable. Vulnerability is not a weakness it is taking an emotional risk that requires great courage—it is the birthplace of creativity, change, and belonging.  Dr. Brown begins her book Daring Greatly with this quote from Teddy Roosevelt:

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly . . .  

I hope you have enjoyed the January theme of Creativity.  Please stop by again next month to explore relationships in February.  Dare Greatly.

Cultivating the Art of Moodling

 

"Dahlia" blown glass bowl by Lindsay Marotta 2013

Women create.  We can't help it. Given the right conditions we naturally bring a creative spirit to our families, our workplaces, our friendships, our homes.  If we could harness that power--our possiblities are limitless. So what nurtures or blocks our creativity?

 

Moodling

Back in the 1930s Brenda Ueland labeled the internal creative process as "moodling." Moodling is what happens when we take the time (when we are awake) to let our thoughts flow uncensored and unrushed.  Ueland was a freelance writer who credited her creativity to long walks, sometimes 7 or 8 miles a day.  (BTW she lived to age 93) 

Do you moodle? To the casual observer it looks a lot like day dreaming, puttering, and relaxing.  But insiders know it is a purposeful and important preliminary step to nurturing creativity.  Pump the well to tune into your truth.

 

Support
Surround yourself with positive people and positive things will happen.  Find a like minded group of people who understand your creative side. Tension and disapproval are more than just buzz killers, they suck the creative juices out of everything. If you are living or working in an environment that stresses productivity to the exclusion of all else, you will struggle with tapping into your creative spirit. Creativity takes time.

 

Poor support can also be found closer to home.  The critic in your head may not support your "idle time" and creative pursuits.  Dispute these self-defeating thoughts by putting less emphasis on achievement. You are a human being, not a human doing.  In the scope of the universe it isn't about success, it is about living an authentic life.  How can you be genuine if you don't spend time with your own thoughts?

 

BIC

I am not sure who coined the phrase "butt in chair" to refer to the time we need to set aside in order to express our creativity.  We won't be satisfied if our creativity dwells only in our heads.  It is meant to be shared and relational. 

 

In her bestseller The Artist's Way, Julia Cameron encourages us to write daily pages in a journal.  I tried, resisted, and tried again to follow her example over a thirty day period many years ago.  Although I did not complete her program, it planted the seed of self discipline that ultimately resulted in regular writing.  I am a happier person when I write. 

 

Mindset

Creativity is a mind set that can take many forms.  It is not limited to the traditional arts.  Flylady introduced the idea of creativity into my ho hum household chores.  She called it a "house blessing" which has made all the difference to me.  I have friends who express their creativity through cooking, exercise, math, fashion, gardening, childcare, etc.  It all counts! 

 

Clarissa Estes wrote the book Women Who Run with Wolves drawing on her biology background and female perspective to celebrate the power of "wild women." By her definition, "wild" is not a wacky thing, it is more of an integrity of spirit which frees us to become unstuck and express our unique point of view.

“...the best way to know the Truth or Beauty is to try to express it. And what is the purpose of existence Here or Yonder but to discover truth and beauty and express it, i.e., share it with others?”
                                                                                                                                    Brenda Ueland



I hope this post has encouraged you to tap into your creativity.  Go ahead- Moodle.  Be Wild.

 

Please comment- how do you express your creativity?

 

Reflections on Santa Fe

“The power of reflection naturally emerges when we are willing to have a courageous conversation with ourselves.” Bernie Saunders

Aluminum owl from canyon road.
 If you look closely you can see the photographer (me)

The 2011 Creativity and Madness conference delivered on its promise to renew, recharge, and refresh my commitment to the hard work of therapy.  One important theme this year was the power of reflection.  Taking time to simply “being,” as opposed to restless “doing.”  With my cell phone tucked in my purse and five free days to soak information and inspiration like a sponge, I reflected a great deal.

Some of the personal stories resonated for me personally and professionally.  There was the poignant journey of Dr. Kenneth Jackson who traveled across Arizona on horseback to achieve the distance and perspective he needed to make an important life change.  He felt healed through the physical challenge of nature, and the quiet that invited him to reflect on his life without daily clutter and responsibilities.

Bernie Saunders invited us all to meditate on beautiful photographs while Tami Briggs accompanied the images with music.  Tami is a therapeutic harpist who is frequently asked to perform in the rooms of dying patients.  The blessing and peacefulness of her gift to patients and their families emotionally impacted me on a deep spiritual level. 

Dr. Arthur Schlosser (aka Dean Dobbins) expressed the duality of his passions in medicine and music. He shared memories of mentors who gave him the directive to choose between his talents.  It was only when Arthur took time to listen to his own intuitions that he recognized his need to have both.  At this point in his life he feels balanced and receives great satisfaction through the integration of his talents.

 By midweek the message for me to spend some alone time to reflect was clear.  Then I was indirectly encouraged by Dr. Jeremy Spiegel to take a tour of Canyon Road.  His presentation highlighted a technique he has developed called “art healing.”  It involves interacting and reflecting on existing art.  By seeking out art that we are drawn to, as well as repulsed by, we have an opportunity to identify, address, express, and ultimately heal emotional hurts. Energized by his talk I hopped a shuttle and walked from gallery to gallery in search of healing.

I bought art.  I wanted to buy more.  I don’t think I was supposed to combine art healing with retail therapy but . . .

The piece is glass on copper by Houston Llew.  It is entitled “melody,” he describes his work as spirit tiles.  The inscription on the side reads “Happiness is a thing to be practiced.  Like the violin.”  It drew me into the gallery like a magnet. 

It makes me smile.

And reflect.

 It 's simple message expresses creativity, optimism,and intention.  “Melody” reflects parts of me to myself.