Taking the Time
The best gift is self-care.
Today is Black Friday in the United States, when many people shop for loved ones and not-so-loved ones. While giving and receiving gifts during the holidays are nice, taking care of ourselves is crucial.
In fact, the most important gift we can give ourselves is the gift of self-care. Whatever helps you take care of yourself and the ones you care about is fine. If at all possible, take the time for yourself – whether it’s deep breathing for a minute or more, meditating, yoga, walking in nature, getting a massage, reading, writing, working out at the gym, hanging out with loved ones (which includes pets), creating art, watching a movie and/or favorite television show, and so on.
We need to pamper ourselves now, not wait for things to get less busy in order to do so.
I have enjoyed my time with loved ones, as well as reading and journaling. And – you knew this mention of art was coming – one highlight of my week was surprisingly finishing an art piece. I didn’t expect to finish it a few days ago, but I did, and the paint for my signature is still wet to prove it.
I focused my paint session toward the bottom portion of the painting, where I experimented. I thickened and accentuated the grasses, adding Indian Red, Yellow Ochre, and some Titanium White, all contributing a pop of color to the piece and an indication of movement. I thought about creating a groundcover at the bottom of the painting. So I reached for a fan brush and just started playing with Phthalo Green on the canvas. Turns out, I really enjoy the result, which is not quite a groundcover and not quite another type of plant. The fan brush just swirled around, and I really like the swirling, ethereal effect that mimics the swirling, ethereal movement of the clouds.
When it comes to art, I found one thing is certain – to expect the unexpected.
Beth what a beautiful posting for Black Friday. Absolutely—self-care is critical! All I’m seeing these days is monstrous consumption! How many shiny new techie toys do we need? And of course, everyone is scrambling for a deal. As time passes, I realize how little I need in terms of things. I’m grateful that friendship, writing, time in nature—all elements of self-care, are things that bring me equilibrium and a sense of purpose and belonging. Your mountain painting is just exquisite and centers me in tranquility. Thank you Beth for this powerful reaffirmation of just how critical self care is! Especially this time of year.
Beth, this is stunning! May I ask where the landscape is? What mountain range? My husband grew up in the Rockies and then we briefly lived in the Sangre de Cristo range about 18 years ago, and how I miss the mountains.