Month: February 2016

Inspiration is a funny thing. It will strike only when it really wants to: in the middle of the workday, in the middle of the night, when you’re out with friends, on the toilet (yep),  or when you’re in the waiting room of your doctor’s office.

Being mindful, present, and responsive to the call of inspiration, I’ve found to be a major contributor in my journey to becoming a fully formed, more prolific creative. I would, maybe, even venture, that they go hand-in-hand. Mindfulness is creativity. 

A powerful quote about being brave storytellers in our lives struck a chord with me. So, I’ll leave a little piece of this inspiration right here…

You already know so much more than you think you know. You are not finished; you are merely ready. After a certain age, no matter how you’ve been spending your time, you have very likely earned a doctorate in living. If you’re still here–if you have survived this long–it is because you know things. We need you to reveal to us what you know, what you have learned, what you have seen and felt. If you are older, chances are strong that you may already possess absolutely everything you need to live a more creative life–except the confidence to actually do your work. But we need you to do your work.

 

The yin yang symbol has been popularized and stylized over time but I will be the first to admit that I didn’t know much about its’ real meaning. So, I decided to do a little research, beyond being the cool accessory to wear in the 90’s.

The yin yang is meant to provoke and appreciate balance in life. Complementary, interdependent, pushing and pulling of polarized forces. The yin can mean a variety of things but one in particular is its’ exemplification of feminine energy–the nurturing and nourishing side of life (think: gentle and kind-like). And, subsequently the yang representing masculine energy (think: strong and controlling). The idea is a true balance of these two opposing forces for a holistic approach in life. 

Recently, it was brought to my attention that most of my life (my work, the types of exercise I do, how I make decisions, how I socialize, etc.) are very yang in nature. And, that I need to work on balancing with more yin.

So, she asked me, “what are things that are soothing to you?” 

I looked at this person like they had three heads. Wait, what? Soothing? Like…I’m a baby?

Truth: I’m not a person who relaxes easily (see: creation of this blog and most recent blog post).  So, I’ve had to ruminate and marinate and turn this question over and over again in my mind. And here’s what I have so far of things that soothe me wholeheartedly: 

A hot water bottle on my belly.

The feel of the sun on my skin.

The rocking motion of a perfectly creaking rocking chair.

The softness of a well-loved blanket.

The loud ticking of the second-hand on a clock.

The first notes of my favorite songs.

Deafening rainfall in a quiet room.

Slipping into my well-worn sweatpants at the end of a long day (can I get an Amen on this one?)

I realized this: I take the things that “soothe” me completely for granted. Perhaps a different way to practice mindfulness–to take a step back and bask in the act of being soothed.