Do what FEELS GOOD? Oh, well just why the heck not?
We are always trying to LOOK GOOD… or at least I will admit that I am. Let me recount my routine as proof: I slather on an "ancient recipe" pore-cleansing mask, followed by a thick layer of wrinkle repellent. I raise the female factor by shaving and shaping my bear claws into cute toenails. I select slimming outfits, grab the perfect sandals, dab on lipstick and accessorize to mask visible flaws. Then I proceed inspect my reflection for imperfections in any window that greets me throughout the day.
I doubt that I am alone. Most of us work to maintain a certain level of ‘looking good’ not just with our selves, but also with our homes, our yards — and even our pets... (note "Fluffy" pictured here).
We do this very thing when creating our art as well. We paint for a moment, then step back, judge, “fix”, and repeat. The sole focus becomes how the piece looks, often ignoring how we feel doing it. Because of this approach, many creatives tell me they lose sight of enjoyment when making art. The activity becomes a chore fraught with stress and inner criticisms.
Today I want to invite us all to try doing what “feels good” for a change.
This may require checking in with your body, energy, and emotions, instead of only managing your image. If you are in the studio, what would feel good for you to do right now? Would you like to turn on music and mix paints, or paint big swirls of your favorite colors over and over, or sit very still and add teeny tiny details with a fan blowing cool air on your back? Check in and see if it would feel good to cry and mix your tears into the paint for a sense of release. Or maybe it would feel good to jot down something bothering you and then tear it up and throw it away so you can get present.
To apply this in life, ask yourself what would feel good against your skin? Cool cotton instead of synthetics? A loose-fitting top? Or perhaps while putting on lotion you'll give yourself a foot massage. See if you need a break in the middle of a task and, if so, allow yourself to sit down for a moment and have a rest or a snack. Do your arms and back need a break away from the computer? Step away and let them just hang for a few. Check in with your whole body and see where you could use a good stretch.
Give into some healthy, feel-good self-lovin’ and let me know what you find!
Sending Creative JuJu,
Montine
P.S. My "feel good" required pool time and a kickboard, so I slipped an early morning dip into my day. Good stuff... almost felt like playing hookey!