CREATE YOUR REALITY
For more years than I can recall, I have been a positive thinker, an optimist, and, perhaps, a visionary. Despite a lot of challenges in my early life - or perhaps because of them - I learned at a fairly young age to look for the silver lining or lesson in every problem.
Example: the destruction of a beautiful crosswalk in Orlando, FL, led me to an opportunity to be part of a huge community painting project and introduced me to a group of people who are now my friends.
Some people might say (and have said) that my practice of finding the miracles in the mess can feel like a form of toxic positivity at times. I can see how others might experience that and am better about keeping my PollyAnna thoughts to myself, especially when someone just needs to vent or me someone to listen.
That said, I firmly believe that I create my own reality and that the Universe is always working on my behalf.I also believe that - if I am open to it - I will eventually find something positive in every situation I encounter. (Notice I said "my reality" rather than "others' reality." I know I can't force my vision on others. Also I believe everyone else is creating their own reality - whether they know it or not.)
Creating my own reality and learning to find good stuff in the midst of bad doesn't always happen immediately. Sometimes it takes some...exploration, contemplation, and deliberate alchemization.
Over the last few years, I have often done this through art - and before that writing. Along the way, there have been many other tools at play, quite a few which I still use now.
A few tried and true:
Journaling. Since my thyroid cancer surgery 4+ years ago, I have journalled almost every single day. There are a few things I focus on in particular, most of which I also use independent of journaling.
Gratitude. Simply put, I am thankful for everything in my life, often, out loud, on paper. I am grateful for all the blessings and good stuff. And I am grateful for all the lessons and "bad" stuff because I've learned to trust that the Universe has my back.
Meditation. Every day, sometimes twice, I take a minimum of two minutes to be still and quiet. Most days, I will sit in silence for about 10 minutes. However, sometimes I will listen to a guided meditation or use sound healing to carry me away from my own thoughts for a bit.
Sometimes I'll get an idea or two that bursts through - the name of someone I should call or an idea for a piece of art.
Positive Visualization. Whether I conjure delusional images of my wildest dreams coming true or simply imagine everything planned for my day according to plan, ths practice definitely helps me set the tone for how I want to act, speak and live.
Self Soothing Self Talk. Akin to positive visualization, I use this practice to talk to myself - on paper or out loud - as I might talk to a child. Comforting, understanding words wash over me, assuring me about whatever I need to know, hear, remember, learn.
Affirmations. Words are powerful. Whether we hear, read, write, speak, or merely think them, words have the ability to create our entire worlds around us. The words we use color our thoughts about ourselves and others - and our thoughts in turn create .
As I write this, I see how intertwined these practices are with each other. Kind of the way our thoughts get intertwined with our words, actions, and emotions. Hmm. Anyway, part of my journey is to help others learn about and use the tools that have been so helpful to me. Hence the list. Try what you like and leave the rest. And if you are so inclined, you can check out my Gratitude Journal here. BTW if you're in the Greensboro, NC area, you're invited to come to my next art class on November 15th from 1 - 3 PM. Though the class itself is on how to make Abstract Minis, the message behind the class is about learning to let go, trust the process, and believe that the Universe has your back while you look for the gold hidden in the goof ups.
More updates on classes for art and massage CE coming soon. Until then...go create an amazing day!
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