Easing Into It
- Char Heaman
- May 2
- 5 min read
One of the big shifts I’ve made over the last year is in regards to my pace…you read that correctly, the speed at which I move, in every area of my life, not just in my art practice.
I have notoriously been the type of person who felt a strong push to get things done quickly; measuring time and how long something would take and then calculating, always calculating - how much time would be needed for the next thing. What presented as efficiency, capacity, productivity (which it is) was also a symptom of a nervous system that was constantly in overdrive, compelling me to do more, do it faster….go, go, go!
My husband would constantly ask “why are you in such a hurry? Slow down!” Which if you know him is quite hilarious in itself being a man who is also on the move - that’s how fast I was going!
When I decided to take a hiatus from social media, one of the goals I had was to find rest; rest for my spirit and my soul that would trickle down into every corner of my daily life. I can say, with som healthy pride, that I’ve finally let go of the internal conversations that kept my wheels spinning, even when I wasn’t doing nothing, and I now appreciate and thrive on a more leisurely pace; one that keeps me cantered, breathing and more aware.
In the past I would charge, yes charge…into my studio with a tremendous sense of urgency feeling pressure to start painting right away. I would constantly be moving quickly, not taking breaks, I had to get as much as I could get done in the time I had available. This compulsion "had" me. Was there much pleasure in creating this way? Ah, not so much. I felt driven to perform, to use every ounce of energy producing, not realizing that I was in fact robbing myself of the joy that being a creative brings to your life, if you create space for it that is. The obsession with productivity also kept me from really learning, taking risks, exploring, painting just for fun (what? why would you do that?🙈). Oh my.
Here is what a morning spent in the studio looks like now. First, I turn on the antique lamp that sits on my desk followed by my overhead lights. Next I select a playlist and turn on my built in music system. I find a place for my cup of tea and then I turn on my computer, tidy up my desk if needed and begin to check in with myself, my energy level, my capacity to determine what I might work on. Slowing down has equipped me with better radar as it relates to where I am at physically so I can, with wisdom, adapt and align my expectations. Next up is a health check for my plants and flowers, pruning, dead heading, watering, whatever is required…notice how I haven’t even begun to pick up an art supply yet? Previously I begrudged any task or chore that would "slow me down" and take time away from actually painting. The race was on the minute my feet hit the floor and I got out of bed. It was a lifetime of conditioning and it was time to take control and reset my thinking.
It is only after I have set the stage so to speak that I allow myself to begin the act of creating. What I realize now is that this place and time is meant to be sacred, and that in itself is an act of intention, meditation, mindfulness and care. No wonder my mind was never quiet when I was in here, I didn't pause long enough for the quiet to take shape, nor was I breathing in a manner that supported my body.
Added to this newly transformed way of being - when I create now I intentionally take breaks! Yes I STOP what I am doing. I've learned that nothing bad happens when you do that - 😉 - I will have "tea time" with Doug when he’s available or schedule a virtual visit with a friend while sipping a hot beverage. Other times you may find me reading a book, doing some admin work, or in this case, writing a blog post.
Gone is the need to race around the house as if I’m late for something. Gone are the internal dialogues that fed this unhealthy habit. Here to stay is a mind more at ease, a body that feels more alive and present and a soul that connects more deeply because it’s given the time to do so.
This past week I had a lot of social engagements, more than what I’d normally have in an entire month, AND I’m happy to report that I didn’t feel like I was getting behind, wasting time or had to get "caught up" when I stepped back into the studio. Instead I felt appreciation for the time spent with friends and family, the new ideas that flowed once I stepped back into my creative space and the deeper sense of purpose that resulted.
I share this because its a part of my artistic journey and is quite literally presenting itself in my current work. It is not surprising to me that one of the things that I am really enjoying as it relates to my collage paintings, is the amount of white space I leave - space to breathe, for the eye to rest - this is a visual representation of what I have longing for. Working with a limited number of colours is also another intentional choice I have been making as this also promotes a sense of calm. Additionally I have been focused on fewer subjects (sometimes, literally just one) in a painting - for me this is speaks of the need for simplicity, self awareness and a life lived mindfully. Other times I find myself painting repeating patterns or motifs, that at first glance you may think is "busy" but when you look closely you recognize the repetition and its this recurring theme that once again lures us into a quiet space - giving us a moment to pause and breathe.
Before I sign off let me share this video showing what it looks like when I get into a flow state, achieved when my mind is quiet and I am able to simply follow my creative inclinations. Most of the work in this video is still in progress, and I thought you might like to see what I am currently working on.
Have a blessed weekend.
Until next time.
Love,
Char
xo
P.S. Next blog I am going to talk to you about cardboard - you read that right, that material we all encounter on a regular basis that generally ends up in the recycle bin - be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out!
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