Three Small Practices When The World Is A Mess
I really do these. They aren't just ideas or concepts that sound nice - they help.
It seems disingenuous to write a bunch of motivational fluff when the world seems very scary and yet… I think if we don’t stay clear and focused on what is right in front of us, we can get lost. And so, I’ll share with you the three small practices I’ve been doing to stay focused.
Sitting Outside: It’s been relatively cool in the Ozarks this summer so far. So I have taken to spending a little time sitting outside with Franklin Dog, just enjoying the natural beauty of our home. Sometimes I bring my sketchbook, but other times I don’t. I’m not bringing my phone outside. I grab a cold glass of water or my coffee and just sit, noticing the things around me. The Queen Anne’s Lace, the Eastern Cotton Tail bunnies, blue skink lizards, the shadows of the trees, and the birds flitting around the grass.
Making Time For Creativity: Of course, I’m a painter, so you would think that I’m always making time to paint. However, like you, I get busy, lose track of time on my phone, or feel anxious, and I forget that I enjoy painting. Every day, I set a 10-minute timer to draw or paint something. I usually take longer than that, but if I only have 10 minutes, I'm okay with that. Art is a focusing practice. It requires you to pay attention to what you are doing, which means my mind can’t get lost in the awful news stories. If you sew, knit, create cosy corners in your home or garden, or do anything that entirely focuses you, I suggest setting a timer each day.
One Call, One Donation, One Letter: Once a week, I write one letter or make a call about an issue that matters to me. This is a quiet way to continue to practice our civic humanity. There are so many dire issues happening that I’m finding it helps me feel like I’m moving forward through the morass by choosing one to focus on. It’s too easy to get frantic, and actually, that is a tactic to keep people helpless. So, I suggest picking one thing that you care about and writing, calling, or donating to that one issue. And if you must watch the news media, I suggest also focusing on that one issue. See what is happening there, what has changed, and how it affects the future - that kind of determined focus will help us emerge from the chaos we now find ourselves in.
Watch:
I quietly celebrated my 1st anniversary on YouTube. When I started the project, I had two goals: to complete a full year of programming and to monetize through the Partner Program. I did that, but I gained so much more from creating these videos. I’m learning visual storytelling, editing, and perseverance, while broadening my art practice and quietly keeping on.
Read:
James - I am currently in the middle of this book, and I can tell, already, that I am going to be forever changed by this book. It is a retelling of Huck Finn through the eyes of the slave, Jim. You may not know this, but in junior high, I played Tom Sawyer in the school play, so I have a certain love of this story. But even without that, this book will shape your thinking about American history. I’m listening to it, and the narration is wonderful. It’s a must-read. Bookshop.com Link to Purchase
Binge-Worthy:
Greg and I watched five seasons of Ghosts, the UK version, and I loved it so much I was sad when it ended. We had to pay for Paramount to watch this, but I recommend. You will love the characters, and it’s all a friendly reminder to love what you have when you have it - even the stuff that drives you crazy. There is a US version, but I would recommend the BBC one.
Tell Me:
What are you paying attention to right now? Comment on Stubstack or just hit reply.
xo- Jackie
I’ve been trying to feed myself in a few ways—watching old documentaries about artists, working a bit each day on a variety of projects, and taking long walks with my 10-month-old. I feel depleted by all that’s happening, and so am trying to be very conscious about taking the time to fill back up.