CREATIVE MEDITATIONS:A year in review

ANOTHER SIDE TO ME

Creative Meditations

Although many of my followers know me for teaching drawing meditation, I also have a love for sewing and mixed media art. This picture is a one of a kind that I did using recycled material. I like my pieces to have clean simple lines and adorned with a special piece of my art. This garment has beads I made out of extra cloth. Perfect to wear while meditating. One size fits most.
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Pocket with handmade beads and embelished buttons

MY DANCE WITH ANXIETY

I know a great deal about anxiety both from a personal perspective and from a professional perspective.  There are so many articles about what it is, how to cope, medicine vs. natural solutions.  Yet with all of the information out there it seems that the way to work with it can be a difficult thing.  The fact is, while there is no real cure for anxiety disorders there are so many things that help relieve the aweful and overwhelming sense one gets when anxiety does occur.

Practicing mindfulness techniques is a very good tool, and many have found it helpful. Several of my students have shared that meditation helps. So does having a hobby that you may be passionate about. Still, there are those who have found that traditional meditation makes their anxiety worse because they worry that they are not doing it right or that it doesn't bring them the immediate relief they are hoping for.  

For those who understand the benefits of meditation but find it difficult, I teach a type of meditation that immediately brings them into a mindful state.  In fact, it helped me so much that I became certified to teach it. I have listed three sites that hopefully will be helpful for you.

https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/myth-conceptions 

www.creativemeditations.us

www.zentangle.com

Please take care of yourself.  It is the most important thing you can do! I believe in you.

Namaste,

Andrea

May you have Peace  Click the link to the left for some quiet meditation music.  Enjoy!

I BELIEVE IN ME

I will admit that I have my moments of doubt.  Believing in yourself is a challenge and one we all have to work on.  Even me.  As I write this post the voice inside my head is trying to chip away at my confidence.   "What do you know about this stuff!?"it keeps telling me.  Plenty!  What?  You think I don't have stress?

How can we strengthen our belief in ourselves when there is so much negativity around us?

1.  Practice positivity about yourself.  Whenever that inner voice tells you that you can't,  immediately reframe your thought with you can.  Change words like impossible to I'm possible.   It is a simple notion I know, yet we often forget to practice positivity.

2.  Manage your stress.  Another easier said than done.  I think of stress as a bully!  Do not let it ruin your life. There are so many ways to manage stress and the internet is an excellent research tool.  Everyone has stress of some kind; some more than others.  There are countless articles about its effects mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  There are also many articles of what you can do to relieve it.  Diet and exercize are the most talked about and are extremely important.  I have a daily mindful meditation practice that helps me and more recently I began to practice zentangle which is a drawing meditation.  It has become my favorite way to practice mindful meditation and has been so helpful that in 2013 I became certified to teach it to others.  Some people love to sew or create art.  Whatever you like to do.....lose yourself in it.

3.  Surround yourself with positive thinking people.  There is no bigger downer than being constantly reminded that the world is going to hell in a handbasket. It isn't and don't let anyone tell you that it is.  Find a group that strives to make this world a better place.  Perhaps a local garden group?  Volunteer at a local Domestic Violence Center where the committment is to stop violence against others.  And for goodness sake, limit your exposure to the news.  I am not saying that you should bury your head in the sand but rather, don't watch it first thing in the morning or read it on your cell phone.  Watching it later in the day can save you hours of anguish. 

I could go one but instead I will just leave you with this.....I believe in me and I believe in you!!!!  Don't doubt it for a minute!  With a bit of practice we can do this together.

Namaste,
Andrea

SELF LOVE

Tomorrow is a day of celebrating the ones we love.  It is a long time honored tradition that has an interesting history.  Loving others has been the focus in more recent history and it is an honorable one.  Yet spending any time loving ourselves is often left undone.  Women are especially vulnerable to only having notions of selflessness, having been taught that being selfish is not only something women must never do but to even think about it is quite vulgar.  I say enough is enough.  Love yourself first.  Find ways to give to yourself the gift of self love.

I invite you to also take tomorrow and spend some time thinking about how to show yourself some love with the intent of taking a moment every day to do the same.  Listen to the meditation above.  As you listen silently repeat "I love myself deeply and completely".  I offer you this because I believe in you.  I offer you this because I believe you deserve to love yourself.

Namaste........

INTENTIONS

Setting Intention

When I first started my meditation practice so many years ago I will admit that setting an intention was not part of my practice.  I had all I could do just to sit still and be "mindful".  But as time always shows, continued practice not only makes me better at the things I want to do but allows other things to come to light as in the case of meditation.  At some point I began to set an intention at the beginning of my meditation.  This intention would last throughout the day.  For example setting an intention like "today I will practice being grateful".  Or "today I will practice mindfulness, being in the moment in all that I do".      

I started out by saying that I practice meditation every day and that I include an intention prior to sitting.  Does that mean I am some kind of Gandi? That I don't lose my temper, or become anxious? Not at all.  What it does do is allow me somewhere to get back to when I am out of sorts.  To take a moment and reflect back on my intention that I set at the beginning of the day.  Today's intention is "I am at peace and I believe".  It is a good intention and comes up from time to time.  

Adding an intention to your practice helps guide you through the day.  It does not have to be complicated.  In fact simple is always the best way.  Sometimes one word intentions are all you need.....peace, thoughtful, gratitude, focus, mindful.  These are just a few of the many to consider.  Practice does not make you perfect, you already are perfect.  Practice makes you more, well, practiced.

Namaste

MAY YOU HAVE PEACE

Experiencing true peace is not easy these days.  And during this time of year it seems almost impossible.  Yet, it is something most of us strive for. But what does it mean to have peace and where do you find it?  How do you find it?  And once you find it how do you keep it?

The answer is to these questions is different for each of us and changes depending on where we are in our lives.  When I was young with small children, I got some peace whenever they were napping.  Now that I am older the meaning of having peace is very different.

How one finds it depends on what method you may be looking for?  Does meditation seem like something you might try?  Perhaps taking long walks in the woods may suit you better.  We all have different things that help us achieve peace in our lives.  What are the things you do to find peace when you need it?  I would love to know.

May you find peace
May you have peace
May you be peace

Namaste,
Andrea
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OCTOBER IN THE CATSKILLS

October has always been one of my favorite months of the year.  There is something to be said about the cool brisk mornings helping me to wake up and pay attention. October also is a celebration of the seasons abundant harvest.  It is also the month of the pumpkin and I dream of them in abundance.  Did you know that the color pumpkin (orange) is a healing color?

Orange is a color that has been understood very little, and not often used. However, orange offers many benefits when it is understood and utilized properly. This dynamic color is associated with the second Chakra or energy center. Its area of influence on the body is the reproductive system and this is why orange is associated with the energy of sexual orgasm.

I look back at the past 10 months to witness the things that I have learned this year so far.  What Creative Meditations has been up to in the studio and all of the changes that have occurred that makes evolving such a challenge yet a blessing.  For now though, I am concentrating on the color orange because it makes me feel so happy and energetic.  

BEHOLD THE MIGHTY PUMPKIN


quote in orange taken from www.heavenmeetsearthyoga.com

ALL ART MATTERS

 I am writing this post with a somewhat heavy heart concerning our understanding (or lack of) the importance art has played in human development.  I am beyond words but I will try to explain.

Yesterday, a good friend of mine called me and told me about a new art gallery opening in the little town of Leeds where I live.  She said that the opening was in the evening and would I like to come.  I was so excited and grateful that she called to let me know about it.  And of course, I said yes.

Now, my friend's husband owns a garage right across from the gallery and it was there that I agreed to meet her and her husband so that we could go together.  As I entered the garage I was greeted by her husband with a warm hello and a "how's Mrs. Trump doing?"  Now anyone who knows me at all also knows that I would never support ignorance and violence and white (male) supremacy. (Keep in mind that it is NOT white males, but rather the supremacy that I do not support.)  I did not smile and in front of everyone there I reminded him that he knows I am not a fan.  But the story does not end here.  Oh no!

I turned and started across the street towards the gallery and was joined by another art enthusiast who mentioned how upsetting it was to her that the National Endowment For the Arts was no longer in the federal budget.  I returned comment by saying that I was upset as well.  All of a sudden we heard the most ignorant comment of all and I quote " I don't think it should be in the budget.  Let them work for the money the way I have to!"  (yes, it was my friends husband) All I could say was WOW!

I had such a hard time sleeping last night as I thought about his comment and the thought that there are others out there who think the same way.  If there ever was an appropriate time for "What would Jesus think?" it was now.

Art is everything to the development of humanity.  It gives us hope and helps us cope.  Creativity is coping in motion and it does not matter what form it takes. But above all.....IT IS A MATTER OF NATIONAL PRIDE AND WORLDLY CELEBRATION!  It soothes the soul and speaks volumes when words fail us.

Did I say any of this to him?  No I did not.  I just turned and continues to walk across the street.

The show was beautiful and the talent was abundant.  The rooms were filled with color; vivid color that made me smile.  It told me stories about the artists and their interpretations of the life around them.  I left feeling good about that part of humanity that keeps me uplifted.

Art matters....in every form.  Namaste my friends.  Namaste

BE MINDFUL

What does it mean to be mindful?  Over the years I have read different explanations of mindfulness.  Does it mean paying attention?  Being in the moment?  Experiencing each breath from inhale to exhale?  Does it mean all of the above?  For me it does mean all of the above and it is what I have experience in my 30+ years of mindful meditation.  Mindfulness to me is like a celebration of the present.  It is a revelation of sorts of the nature of existence.  It is here in this moment, here in this moment, here in this moment as time progresses.  Can you imagine living each moment so completely?  Is it possible?  I think it is, which may be why I believe that I have lived a wonderful life so far.  I have observed many amazing things and I have experienced pain that I thought would not end.  It did and I survived.  I am mindful.  I am here, and here, and here yet again.

A TREE IS NOT A BUSINESS PLAN

A Business Plan the artists way!

I have been working on my business plan for quite awhile.  In fact, it has been months in the works and I still have to give it another edit.  But in order to  move the process along, I decided to create a picture of my business plan to help boost my energy because, as anyone will tell you, writing a business plan is quite daunting at best.

"Creating" a business plan has been quite a wonderful process.  It helped me focus and  put on paper my vision for Creative Meditations.  Money does not grow on trees (LOL), I know but identifying clear goals and intentions by writing them on leaves just seems so natural. Perhaps I am ready to launch my to-do list. Oh.......wait, I think I will add more leaves!

FEBRUARY 1ST AND THE SNOW IS FALLING

GIVE PEACE A CHANCE 

It has been three months since I posted here and it has been quite a time in the studio.  I am looking out the window watching it gently snow and it looks so very pretty.  It is a wonderful respit from the termoil, anxiety and fear that have been expressed to me as I teach meditation.  It is a time unlike any other which promted me to revisit favorite philosophers and ideologies: mostly as an attempt at a reality check. 

What is a liberal? Where did the term come from? 

We can trace it back to a 17th English philosopher and political theorist, John Locke.  Anyone who has taken a course in philosophy and or political science is very familiar with his "Two Treasties of Government".In it, Locke argues that legitimate political authority can only come through the consent of the governed.  In that light then, the purpose of the government is to protect our lives, liberty, and property.  Liberlism is also dedicated to free markets and capitalism.  Adam Smith, an 18th century philosopher outlined this notion in his famous work "The Wealth of Nations" (a must read).  Smith argues that the best way for a society to generate wealth and prosperity is through division of labor providing a structure that would inhibit decision makers acting in their own interest.  Competitive free market creates properity for all.

So what is conservitism?

First it is interesting to note that this is a much newer concept and not at all in keeping with the our forefathers.  It actually became most prevelant during the industrial revolution. It appears that those who have made it their life study have come to note that in fact, conservativism is not a genuine ideology as is liberalism, but rather an emotional state of mind not proven by sustainable theoretical works.  There is also a very deep religious (Christian) belief that human beings are not inately good but rather are born of original sin.  It is also believed that society is incapable of governing itself where families,churches, and schools must teach traditional values.  Those who fail to do so must have discipline imposed on them by the government and law.  The law is designed to dictate moral factors rather then the valued measure of the law for laws sake. For them there is no room for anything but traditional family values.  In short, Conservativism is based on "known facts" as opposed to rational, intelligent, deep philosophical thought.  And as for prosperity, it is the basic belief that only the larger institutions should have the economical power.

The snow is still falling, It is beautifully quiet as each flake rests on the ground.  Be careful because underneath all of that wonderful white lies treacherous ice. It is a pause for thought.

AT THE GALLERY

THE GREAT GERMAN SHEPERD

I have a german shepherd.  He is my baby and he is the silliest dog I have ever owned. We got him as a pup and right from the start we knew we would be in for a ride!  Exept we didn't anticipate that the only issue was going to be that he hates riding in the car!

Like many large breeds, he has no clue about his size.  Only that he thinks he can sit in your lap.  There he is sitting with his auntie (or should I say (sitting on his auntie!) watching daddy making something in the kitchen.  He helps me with the laundry and takes off my socks in the evening.  Actually, once the sun goes down he will try to take off anyone's socks should they be dumb enough to take off their shoes while in the house.  Doesn't matter who it is, guest and family alike.  A firm no puts a stop to it of course but you have to give him an A for trying.  I also taught him to say banana....well, he doesn't really say banana but he will try to say it al long as there is a treat involved.  And can he talk?!  If and when he is in the car all he does is bark.  You can hear him coming in the next town.

I am a german shepherd owner and it takes a rare breed to own a rare breed.

Yippy Yuppo

Ink and yuppo

I am having so much fun with alcohol inks and yuppo.  Even though these are pretty, I am still not getting the effect that I want.  Practice, practice, practice.  It is an experiment where the potential is limitless.  Once I get an effect I am happy enough to reproduce I will be putting them in the shop.

Thursday and Friday I spent an overnight at the camp.  It was nice to be off the grid (again).  So quiet, no phones, no cell service gave me time to reflect on the different directions my company can take.  And even though it is very exciting I sometimes feel overwhelmed with all the possiblilites.  If anyone in the Catskill region reads my blog and would like to have a very part-time job, or internship, let me know.  I would love to talk to you.  The business is small but there are several areas I need help with.  Organization, marketing, packaging...... And I am always looking for another artist to play with!!!!!  If you are interested send me an email.  Reply to andrea@creativezenart.com.

TANGLES AND QUILTS!!! OH MY!

A little fun with scrap quilting

Happy Super Saturday everyone!  Today is a beautiful sunny day and the air is so crisp and wonderful.  I love this time of year!

I am still unpacking boxes for the studio.  It seems like a never ending project.  I keep asking myself "how in the world did I fit all of this stuf in about a third of the space.  Well, I think I had more shelf space but that can be easily remedied.

In any case, one of the boxes I unpacked this week was all of my practice quilt pieces.  When I begin to quilt, I practice on a scrap quilt sandwhich to make sure the thread, tension, and machine are all working in harmony.  Most quilters do this.  What happens is that you end up with lots of practice quilt sandwhiches.  I was collecting quite a pile of them.

Then Zentangle came into my life and I began to tangle one of the sandwhiches.  It was so much fun that I have decided to do a series of them and hang them all over my studio.  The practice quilting pieces already have the "strings".  All I have  to do is tangle.  This is going to be so much fun that I think I will design a class for other quilters who may want to explore this technique.

HAVE A SUPER SATURDAY

NAMASTE

HOW WE CELEBRATE

An interesting thing happened to me over the weekend that I would like to tell you about.  I always wear my fitbit (except when I am charging it of course).  My fitbit began to vibrate as I was walking. It was telling me that I had reach 10,000 thousand steps for that day!  Now here is the interesting part....I immediately began thinking about celebrating my wonderful achievement!  Visions of goodies began to flash through like lightening.  Would it be icecream?  cupcake?  pie?  cake?  Then all of a sudden I stopped in my tracks.  Wait a minute! I realized I had somehow gotten turned around in my thinking?  I asked myself this question......

When and how did sweets become the poster child for celebration?

When the pilgrims decided to celebrate their good fortune and new friends did they think  Oh, yes,  Ladies, let the pie baking begin!? No, and was their celebration any less celebratorial?  No. There are lots of arguments about what they actually ate but ice cream was not their first thought I am sure. And there are so many other examples but you get the picture.

What a time I had arguing with myself over taking care of myself in a better way.  After about an hour (no, I am not exagerating), I decided that I would celebrate by NOT having icecream or any sweet for that matter.  Instead, I had a nice healthy dinner and it was soooo good.

HOT HOT HOT!!!!!

Fabulous Frock

The weather wasn't the only thing that was hot on Saturday.  The Greene County Coucil on the Arts hosted a wonderful fashion show right in downtown Catskill.  The first ever!!!  And there were wonderful designs to see.  These pictures are just a small sample of some of my favorites.  The captions underneath the pictures are mine just so I can remember the design.

Go Ask Alice

Joe's Garage on mainstreet has been totally renovated which made it a wonderful venue for the show.  And it was a packed house.  I came home very inspired to create more one of a kind in my studio.

If you missed the show come and see it at the Council on main street where you will be able to get a close up of the fun and fanciful offerings called "wearable art".

SWEET SUNDAY

ZenQuility

About two weeks ago I posted about Slow Sundays.  The problem is that Sundays aren't so slow anymore.  In fact, without the Sunday family gatherings, I am not sure what Sunday represents.  I have given it a great deal of thought actually and decided that as much as I want the old Slow Sundays to come back I know they can't.  It is time to create a new Sunday, a Sweet Sunday; a Sunday where we find time to savour the day like we used to savour our Sunday meals.  It is ok to create new traditions.  So from now on, Sweet Sunday is what I will call this day.  My awareness will be about finding something sweet or good in my day.  What will you call your Sunday? 

The photo to the left is a combination of quilling and zentangle.  I will be teaching this class in the near future.  To sign up visit www.creativezenart.com or send me an email at andrea@creativezenart.com and in the subject line put ZenQuility.  Make sure you leave your full name and address so I can add you to the list.  Once I have six people signed up I will announce the class date and time.

SWEET SUNDAY TO YOU!

SLOW SUNDAYS

 It has been such a busy day today and yet it seems like it went slowwwwww.......which is nice being that it is Sunday.  I spent the last few hours working on the website and sending out email campaigns for my next drawing meditation class that is coming up this Wednesday at Columbia Greene Community College in Hudson.  The class is a more advanced class where students will explore drawing on a tan tile with brown, white, black and blue pens.  I hope I have a full class because this one is going to be fun.

When I was a child, I remember Sundays as being full of family and food!  It was amazing to watch the adult talk and laugh.  My family was full of characters who had gone through a great deal and still managed to come away with the most amazing sense of humor.  Most of them are gone now but the memories still make me laugh out loud sometimes when I think of them.  And the food.....oh my God!!!!  How many of you out there remember having Sunday dinners with the family including grandparents, aunts, and crazy funny uncles? I wish we still had Sundays like this.To my Grandmother's and Grandfathers.  May you live inside of me until I am with you again.    I love you all.!!!!!