Heartsong Studio

Sometimes you’re too frazzled to think.  Responsibilities can rapidly change your priorities, so there’s no time to take care of yourself, let alone make art. 

As sole caregiver 24/7 over the many months that my husband was losing himself in Alzheimer’s, I had no time to spare.  When I finally did stumble into some free time, I was usually too stressed to do much other than sit.  I certainly couldn’t paint.

What can you do?

Don’t even try to make art.

I know. I know.  You’re afraid if you don’t pretty soon start creating something you’ll lose the knack.

It’s common for those of us used to requiring high production from ourselves to focus on the limits of our situation.   Right now, it’s too soon.  Things haven’t ripened yet. 

Idleness is not laziness.  

In winter, seeds are underground resting and, while idle, they’re gaining strength for the coming spring.  You too have a natural process of growth in creative expression. 

We all require some period of idleness to lick our wounds, reorient our relationship with Life in general, and get our bearings in our changing situation.  It’s an important part of taking care of yourself.

No future in sight at this stage of your life?

“I am telling myself not to feel the regret,” wrote a woman who missed out on years of making art while she was raising a family. 

Trying to look on the bright side is no way out of a difficult situation.  Instead of trying to dismiss regret, sorrow, or remorse, embrace them.  Making room for all your conflicting feelings also allows you space for new possibilities.

Neither actively search for inspiration, nor passively wait on the whim of caprice.  Instead, remain open to any embryonic images which come your way that might express your changing situation.  

Suddenly it’s over!

After struggling for years caring for my husband’s horrible disease, my situation changed in a matter of hours.  A door suddenly opened, and my husband was given a permanent placement in a care facility where he will be better taken care of than he could have been by me alone. 

Now, as I slowly adjust to the many changes in my life, I can feel new inspirations for painting beginning to take shape. 

Take it easy.

As your situation changes, so do you.  Don’t expect to necessarily take up where you left off, or to create exactly as you once did. 

Try working large if you’ve been used to working small, or smaller if you’ve been used to working large.  Work fast if you’re used to working slow, or slow if used to working fast.

Consider changing media.

However, retain one or more forms of expression which give you comfort.

A different view: 

Looking back at the process of caring for my husband, I’m starting to see it not so much as lost art making time but as possibly the most creative work I’ve ever done.  I’m learning to make the most of whatever life presents to me.  This is the same reciprocal process as meaningful art making.

A willingness to be open to your heart’s wisdom will express itself in everything you do.  The art that comes through you after a time of challenge will be all the richer by reflecting your growth.