The importance of being present

We’re busy creatures. Even before a new day dawns, we have a list of all that needs to be done that day. Somewhere along the line as we evolved, so did our need to do it all. Somewhere along the line, we forgot how to be still and just BE. Not that I was there, but I’m willing to bet that hunting and eating done, our cavemen ancestors took the time to sit around and watch the sun set. We don’t even have to hunt, but somehow we never find the time to watch anything.

This is a universal idea - it fits across all facets of our life. From being physically present for our friends and family, to being present in spirit in our consciousness, to being present in a task at hand. The significance of being present in my painting practise is no less important, and that is what I want to talk about today. As most of you know, I’m a fairly new painter; I’ve been painting for about 3 years. When I began painting, (and even now, actually), I would start a painting and my mind would already be at the end of it. I was eager to see what it would look like when it was done. That hurry would be the cause of wrong decisions with colors, strokes. As I would see my painting go downhill, my mad brain would begin its evil whispering - it’s already ruined, what’s the point of putting all this effort into it? Then I’d get angry, and my self-destructive tendencies would make sure that I ruined the painting. Crazy, isn’t it? My hurry, my hands, my brain and my result ruined. Done by me, to myself. Wow! We are strange beings.

Now into my third year of painting, I’m slowly (ever so!) learning to not hurry so much. I’m learning (sorry about being redundant) to be present while I paint. To watch what is happening on paper, to not rush to make decisions. I’m learning it truly is a process. I will say though, to any new painters reading this, it becomes a bit easier if you have under your belt, some paintings with which you’re happy. A bit of confidence in your ability to paint, makes the slowing down a tiny bit easier. I’m learning that the painting will be what it will be. I leave it to the universe to make it what it will. Translating that idea to life, now, isn’t easy, but that doesn’t mean we can’t try. If anything describes us, is that as a species, we don’t easily give up.

In deference to that thought, I’m going to end this blog and make myself a cup of tea. Then I’m going to BE PRESENT and watch my dog trap a squirrel up our maple tree - for maybe 5 minutes. Then I’m going to rescue it. What can I say - I’m trying!

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