Daily Frenzy and Creative Calm

 

“There is no way to peace. Peace is the way.”

A.J. Muste

(This quote is often misattributed to Gandhi)

 

I meet regularly with a small group of artists to nurture our creative natures by freely expressing ourselves with a variety of material—paint, pen and ink, pencil, pastels, torn paper, and a mix of other tactile material like shells, seedpods, feathers, buttons, and beads. Before we begin, we sit in silence, breathe deeply, and let the frenzy of the day drain away so we can relax into a creative calm. Of course, art comes from emotion, and that emotion can just as often be angry or grief-stricken as well as serene. But calmness doesn’t preclude emotion or even emotional intensity; calm simply helps us deal better with those deep, intense soul emotions that are often hidden or distorted by our daily frenzy. Moving into peace requires moving in peace.

Nurture peace, cultivate kindness, and carry the calm.

 

Nature of the week—a Mother’s Day gift of jasmine:

Shadow of the Week:

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Text and photos © 2022 Karyn Henley. All rights reserved.

A Sign of Strength

 

“Don’t ever mistake my silence for ignorance

My calmness for acceptance

Or my kindness for weakness.

Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness,

But a sign of strength.”

– Dalai Lama –

 

Nurture peace. Cultivate kindness. Carry the calm.

 

Nature of the week:

Shadow of the Week:

If you want me to send these thoughts to your email each Sunday, simply sign up on the right.

Text and photos © 2019 Karyn Henley. All rights reserved.