The #ArtEveryDay2018 project is here and it's time to get painting (or sculpting, or dancing, or playing music, or cooking)! It can seem difficult to make time daily for a creative pursuit, especially if you have a day job, kids, pets, and life in general. But the simple act of setting aside a few minutes a day for this is a mighty seed that can yield beautiful fruits. To get the year going gently, I'm beginning with a procedural point of focus that will help us get in touch with ourselves and the direction we each need to take with our own practices.

Point of focus for January 1-15:
Meditation

Meditation and art making go hand in hand. Sometimes when you are in the flow of making it can feel as if you go into a meditative state naturally, or maybe after the frenzy of making is over you feel calm and contented as if you had been meditating? Whatever your relationship may be with your art practice, for these first few weeks I invite you to consciously incorporate some form of meditation practice alongside your making. This could manifest in many ways, and there is no reason why it cannot be as individual as your own creative pursuits.

Personally, I've found that every time I sit down to meditate, I have a different experience. And similarly, each time I step up to my work table to paint, there is a different energy around or within me that makes it easy, hard, or confusing - and each creates a different sort of painting! This is all perfectly fine and part of the process, but my intention in combining the two are for a more conscious experience of them.

Here's what I'll be doing:

Meditating for 5-10 minutes before, during or after I finish my daily painting. And when I say "meditating" I mean that I will simply sit silently for 5-10 minutes, not taking action of any kind. By taking time to not act, I will become more aware of myself, surroundings and my actions. It might be a time of reflection or a time to regroup from a busy day and get a clear head before starting another action. In any case, it can't do any harm and will help me to also develop a meditation practice!

Wrap Up

If the practice proves successful (or not), we can reflect, share and revise for the next point of focus. Please don't hesitate to share your thoughts or experiences in the comments section or email me (info@jessalinbeutler.com) personally.