January is a month of resolutions....a time we all try to exchange our not-so-good habits for ones that are more healthy. I daresay I'm no exception, but this year is different, because my husband and I are engaged in "reading" a wonderful book, The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do In Life And Business, by Charles Duhigg. I put quotations marks around the word reading, because we're actually listening to it on CD....it was a gift for him for Christmas from me. Turns out we're both enthralled with the book! It is fascinating to learn about the brain and how habits actually form, how they can be exchanged and also what powerful changes can happen in life with even small shifts in our habit loops. This is great reading if you are interested in creating new routines for yourself, but the book also broadens its scope to include the workplace and society in general, so that we can see how these same ideas play out on a larger scale.
Here's what I can say about the changes in my own life so far this year. I continue to get up at 6:00 on weekday mornings 45 minutes before we do yoga to write in my journal and make the daily drawing (see below) for my Etsy shop along with a tiny 2"x2" collage, which is a daily that I make just for me. Not everything gets finished in the time allotted, but the ritual takes place. I'm not saying it's easy to get up, but I am saying that I do it, because the reward is worth it. My days are more balanced and I feel more on top of things, because I take these small steps and I have these rituals. This isn't for everyone, I realize, but I like a rhythm to my day and these rituals have allowed me to develop just that. Johntimothy and I have also joined the Wellness Center at the University and we're actually spending time working out there several times a week. A month ago, I would have told you that there was no way I would have time for that....there just wasn't room enough in my day or in my life. But, guess what, time has a way of expanding and it turns out I do have time and I still get the things done that are important to me....it's quite interesting. As we have learned from The Power of Habit, it is really all about paying attention to your cues, to the habits that occur throughout your day and learning where your own rewards lie. Highly recommended reading....or listening! These daily drawings from this past week are now posted in my shop, MissouriBendMusings.
January 15, 2013
January 16, 2013
January 17, 2013
January 18, 2013
January 19, 2013
January 20, 2013
January 21, 2013
I think I forgot to show you this last week....the second in the Celadon series, which can be found at the MissouriBendStudio shop. I've got a third one well under way, but it will end up with a lot of sewing on it, so may not have it finished until next week. I just have a little of this green Japanese paper left, so I'd better order some more before I find myself completely distraught because I've used it all!
I do hope 2013 is bringing in a fresh spirit to your life....thanks so much for reading and sharing in my studio practice. See you soon....
Good on you Patti! That sounds like an awesome start to the year. I made exercise a habit many years ago now, and to me, it's as essential as brushing my teeth or drinking water. I just get up and go. I think about all the things I get to make when I return! And the nice shower is more rewarding and enjoyable. One thing I have to pick up again is Yoga! I love your new work. So very beautiful, as always! Such talent! :) x
ReplyDeleteLouise....isn't it funny how the habits can quickly become part of our day and we see them as essential. Good for you with the exercise as an integral part of your day. I think you'd really like yoga too...we just do it in the morning with one of the DVDs in our collection...our friend/neighbor Sue comes over and that's how we start our day (well, after I start mine with the studio dailies!). Thank you for the kind words about the work...you are a dear!
DeleteThanks for sharing a bit of your routine. It would never have occurred to me to get up earlier to fit in daily practice! I must try it. Really enjoying your waterbased daily pieces.
ReplyDeleteHi there....well, getting up earlier is sometimes the only way to fit it all in! Hope you'll give it a try...let me know how it goes! So glad you are enjoying the daily pieces! Cheers!
DeleteWhen I was working full time - and 'crafting' on the side I would get up early enough to do all of the get ready for work type of things with perhaps 15 minutes to sit at my sewing machine. Those 15 minutes made such a difference in my mental state during the day - it told me that I was able to do a "heart's" work before doing the work I needed to do to survive - it was work getting up early. I do so agree with you about expanding time - it does work when we don't put psychological borders up.
ReplyDeletePenny, it is amazing how setting aside even a small amount of time does wonders for the psyche! I'm fortunate that my job is 30 hours a week...just perfect, really! But, now your time is your own, isn't it? Still, doesn't hurt to start the day early....hope all is well in your world!
DeleteA lovely, thought provoking post and drawings :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Hedera....so glad you found this post and the drawings worthwhile! Best wishes...
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