Art Adventures - by Patricia Banks©
Published July 2022 in Nanaimo Magazine and Voyager Mag
Published July 2022 in Nanaimo Magazine and Voyager Mag
A few days away from the usual hustle and bustle of daily life, especially immersed in nature, can work miracles. Our departures are often delayed by too many ‘last minute tasks.’ So, the ‘urgency of everything’ that held my mind captive, was hard to shake. It took a couple of days to clear, but thankfully, now I am ready to relax. Vacation days are ‘no list’ days; taking a vacation means ‘to take a break’… oh, this is going to be a challenge! What would I do if I did not have a list, did not make a plan, and did not have daily goals?
Well, let’s see, daydreaming would be first. My best way into the realm of daydreams is to meditate – quiet, conscious, transfers of breath, letting only positive thoughts flow in, and letting everything else flow out. Hiking is my second ‘go to’ activity. It’s now time to brush away the mental cobwebs, circulate some oxygen, and become one with the outside environment again. The health benefits of fresh air, improved blood flow, and a renewed sense of well-being can’t be understated.
Meditation and exercise have catapulted me through many of Art Adventures life’s trials. They have helped put the word ‘positive’ in front of attitude and perspective, setting me up for inspired creativity and improved stamina. For me, this is also an effective pathway to mindful living and sincere gratitude.
A real, physical and emotional connection with living, breathing organisms, plants, wildlife, scenery, the sky and beyond, is critical to grounding us in this life we lead, as human beings. I just realized that I did in fact have a list, a plan, and some goals for my vacation: 1. take a break, 2. heal my body and soul, and 3. get creative! I feel a painting coming on…
