Growth

Growth is a return on the investments of patience and nurturing that occurs every second of each day. Growth happens so slowly in the present moment, yet so quickly when reflected upon.

Photo by: Autumn Mott Rodeheaver @autumnmott

Making a plan or setting a goal is filled with hopefulness and provides a sense of being in control. Once a plan is put into action the momentum is alive with small positive achievements leading the way. What happens next can be a breaking point as things begin shifting around and the efforts start taking shape. Why is this so uncomfortable? The past may be the answer. Fear sabotages many starting points that were put into action only to get squashed before any results could transpire. Think back to a time when you backed out of or quit something and got zero or worse results from when you started. Staying uncomfortable being out of full control will lead to an, “I’ll take my toys and go home,” reaction. This moment is an opportunity to practice patience and trust in the whole process. It can be stressful to remain uncomfortable for what feels like an eternity, but the alternative would be never seeing the outcome of your intentions and efforts. Imagine if you ripped seeds from the ground before they had time to germinate, no flowers or goals met. The growth process includes the setbacks that will occur and create delays in your expected timeframe. Use this phrase to get through these rough moments, “Right now, as the process is working for me and because of me, I am feeling discouraged as the natural balance wavers back and forth. I have to be comfortable with what seems like a setback to benefit from the growth. I promise myself to see it through with patience and trust in the myself and the process.”

Power of Pottery

Photo by: Courtney Cook @courtneymcook

Forming clay into a piece of pottery will bring life to a mug, bowl or vase, but more importantly it comes with positive side affects for mental health. Something indescribable transpires from within while guiding clay in sync with the rhythm of a potter’s wheel. Creating pottery can be a conduit for inner wisdom and emotion to move through the body and into the clay. Time also ceases to exist as the hands are working with the speed of the wheel to keep the clay from collapsing. Having an outlet such as pottery reduces stress by releasing serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin into the body. Communication between the brain and the body improves mental health with regular practice. Zero skills or natural creativity are needed to get started working with clay on or off a potters wheel. If there is any hesitation in getting started, simply blindfold yourself and feel your way through using your instincts and your mind’s eye. The end result of the finished piece will be a beautiful manifestation of what you were experiencing in the moment of its creation. Sorry if that was too deep or woo woo. Working with clay has inadvertently gotten me through very challenging early days of the grieving process. I somehow managed to escape the reality of the overwhelming grief that was a constant for those few hours. I was completely focused in the present moment using all of my abilities in an attempt to create something useful. Afterwards, I felt immense gratitude for that emotional break that will never be forgotten. To say that making pottery is healing to a broken heart would be an extreme understatement.

Creating pottery, welding, soldering and knitting are examples of design and wellness working together.

If you’re in the Philadelphia area, please check out Yay Clay and The Clay Studio. They are both led by passiontate and talented potters.

Coastal View

Coastal View is one of many breathtaking views of the Northern California Coast. This original photo was taken on a fall afternoon a few years ago. Coastal View measures 12600px x 16800 px or 56” x 42.” Coastal View is available now.

Photo by: tina natalini

Sophia

Sophia is obviously bashful and timid. She’s a regular, “nothing to see here folks,” kinda gal. Well, maybe not any of those things. Sophia is more of an acquired taste best suited for a bold personality with deep pockets. She ain’t no cheap date, here. Sophia is available now.

Present Tense

Photo by: Brett Jordan @brett_jordan

Ever get tired of trying to get somewhere or achieve something only to realize that you’re missing out on now? It’s a constant balancing act to plan for the future while staying present in the moment. Perhaps a solution could be to set aside time to dream and plan for the near future, say one year out and for the distant future to keep the overall vision in focus. Setting timers to begin and end this task will help to snap from future planning back to reality.

Here are some thoughts on designing a life that is center around the present moment. First, try to truly understand what can and cannot be controlled in life. This foundation will reduce so much unnecessary stress and of course it’s easier said than applied, however, it is a practice worth implementing. One thing that can be controlled is how we react and how we pivot when faced with a roadblock. Mastering the “how-ing” and “pivoting” are vital in both personal and professional growth and can be attained by pausing before reacting or responding. If this poses too much of a struggle, try the old rubber band snap trick. Wear a rubber band around your wrist for twelve to twenty four days and every time the urge to respond arises, snap the rubber band against your wrist. Yes, it’s supposed to sting a bit and yes, you will look silly if you do this in public. Be as discrete as possible if you don’t want to raise eyebrows. It works, so try it.

Next, when in the present moment, start taking mental snapshots of the “scene” whether alone in nature or out with friends. These snapshots will become imbeded memories.

Take these thoughts and see how they fit into your daily life. Give it at least a month of continuous practice before abandoning ship. Good luck!