Dear, Subscriber First Name,I am writing wearing many layers and a woolly hat while there is a cessation of the sheeting rain of earlier. It feels like the unusually warm weather of the last few months has finally let go and allowed autumn to fully arrive with winter waiting to follow. I am trying to fully inhabit these seasons of ‘release, rest and incubation’* which seems to have pertinently followed my recognition of the need of ‘lull’ in my life. In that commitment to seasonality in my own life, there has naturally come time to reflect on how to live in this world and what changes I may need to fulfil this in an authentic way. I wonder what three things you feel are essential to do in order to not only survive being in this world, but to fully inhabit it in all its joys and sufferings? How do you compassionately allow your experience of all of life to be felt and nurture yourself to remain hopeful and live in gratitude? The quotation by Mary Oliver that starts this letter is a challenge to me - the seeming contradiction to love intensely but also to be able, or willing, to let it go when that is needed. Too often, the anxiety of loss or change can make me protect myself and not fully engage. To hold it against your bones knowing your life depends on it…..to let it go, to let it go is testing, but, for me, feels something to learn from and commit to. The quotation also reminds me of the Buddhist concept of non attachment, which I find so hard, despite its inherent wisdom. But it is a concept that is so apt for the creative process too: to engage fully in the process not the end product; being flexible and open to what happens; to recognise your thoughts and feelings without judging, without controlling or clinging; to seek self validation rather than from outside sources. I do hope, as you embrace creativity, in whatever form it takes in your own lives, you can experience some of that freedom and joy these principles can allow. In this time of reflection, I am aware that freedom I seek requires me to find my own rhythm of living, releasing expectations to spend more time in rest and quietness in my life and creative practice. As part of this, I am taking some time out from sharing the joy so I can focus on my own practice, especially relating to paper making, to embed it more in my own practice and see where that leads. I will still be continuing the monthly Creative Nature workshops in Mulbarton, but otherwise taking a ‘lull’ from other ventures as I see what other directions emerge, or not! Further into 2026 will see my second solo exhbition, as well as collaborative exhibitions so I will keep you informed in future newsletters. As always, it’s a privilege and delight to share creativity, and thank you for those I have met and shared alongside this year - for your energy, your insights, your unique contributions. To you, and all who follow this artistic wandering of mine, I wish you a joy filled and peaceful festive season. Hopefully you can find some moments of quiet amongst all the preparation and busyness. I leave you with some words of the 14th Century Persian poet, Hafiz in his wonderful poem, Cast All Your Votes for Dancing that seem like another encapsulation of how to live in this world (I do recommend reading it all: https://www.belovedontheearth.com/allposts/2019/4/22/squeezing-drops-of-the-sun ): O keep squeezing drops of the Sun
From your prayers and work and music
And from your companions’ beautiful laughter And from the most insignificant movements
Of your own holy body
Keep squeezing! warm wishes, Rachel *Christine Valters Paintner Do what best awakens you to love Teresa de Avila
|
