« September 2008 | Main | November 2008 »
October 29, 2008
Zen: the most lucid canvas primer
All artists can admit to have experienced pangs of creativity-block at some point in time. Personally, I have found myself to have difficulty cranking out different pieces week after week when put on a rigid art class assignment schedule. In my high school drawing and painting courses we were required to complete weekly drawings for in-class critiques, along with bi-monthly perfected works of art. I find it difficult to be inspired upon command - especially when assigned topics or "themes" in which I had little or no control. Tossing in other school commitments, exams, meetings, and after-school activities, my designated “creative time” was pushed back in disarray to some time frame between 1 and 3am.
I stumbled upon a web entry that addresses this issue that plagues artists, both young and old. The key to artistic inspiration and creativity-block lies in the way in which you prime your mental canvas. Here are some tips to help you dispose of last month's stash of Gesso:
Have an attitude of low expectations and nothing to lose. Try to make deliberate, thoughtful, rhythmic movements. While not necessarily alone, be solitary. Allow yourself to dream, flow and indulge your fancies. Be philosophic about your weaknesses and creative faults. Let your tools and your media do the talking. Let your work tell you what it needs. Let yourself yin and yang between thought and no thought. Accept imperfection. Try for the spirit of attaining. Teach yourself to teach yourself as you go. Be in the now, but look gently ahead. Be not lazy in your relaxation.(excerpt extracted from “The Art of Zen”)
Adding a splash of Zen to your artistic processes will allow you to expand your mind towards realization – which will also clear your clogged creative arteries. The practice of Zen in itself emphasizes the practice of dharma and experiential wisdom,working towards the ultimate goal of realization.
शांति
Karen Rockwood
Posted by rockwood at 04:18 PM | Comments (0)
October 10, 2008
Sahaja Yoga
As a supporter of holistic health, I am always looking for simple new ways to stay centered. I stumbled upon Sahaja Yoga - a method of meditation focused on Self-Realization - through CrazyWisdom Bookstore's weekly e-Newsletter. (The CrazyWisdom Tea Room, located above the bookstore is also worth the detour to Main Street on a tranquil afternoon). They offer a free weekly group Sahaja Yoga session on Thursdays from 5:30-6:30pm. At first, being the active-minded person that I am, I had difficulty tapping in to a thoughtless state of mind. After several sessions, I noticed an improvement in my sleep habits, along with a reduction in my physical and emotional stress level.
As for some background on the Yoga form, Sahaja Yoga was founded by Shri Mataji in 1970. Mataji believes that each person must be his or her own guru, and that mental and spiritual unity, or yoga, can be achieved through Self-Realization; this prime focus revolves around the fluidity and balance of the central nervous system. Through Sahaja Yoga, one is able to tap into a consiousness that is freed from thoughts or worries. In this intrinsic meditation process, one passes energy through an energy chain of chakras:
1. Mooladhara Chakra - the base chakra of innocence and purity; located below the sacrum bone.
2. Swadishthan Chakra - chakra of creativity, pure attention and pure knowledge; located in the the lower abdomen
3. Nabhi Chakra - chakra of generosity, contentment, & satisfaction; located on the left and right sides of the body.
4. The Void - represents the power of mastry within us; surrounds the second & third chakra.
5. Anahat Chakra - chakra of the heart; connected to our spirit.
6. Vishuddhi Chakra - chakra of pure relationships & bonds.
7. Agnya Chakra - chakra of compassion & forgiveness; located at the temples.
8. Sahasrara Chakra - final level of human awareness.
For more in-depth insight into the various chakras
Sahaja Yoga sessions are held free of charge and the process can be practiced as part of a group, or individually. However, I noticed a stronger sense of relaxation through meditation with a group - the collective silence and focus circulating in a room of people takes on its own form of renewable energy.
For such a simple practice, Sahaja Yoga can be so rewarding, providing an instant gratification of heightened self-awareness in a matter of minutes. I would advise giving it more than one try before abandoning the path towards reaching a mental state of Awakening altogether; the positive results are internalized within oneself, but the benefits of Self-Realization will naturally spread unto others.
शांति
Karen Rockwood
Posted by rockwood at 10:29 PM | Comments (2)
October 08, 2008
Welcome!
Namo namah!
(Hello, in Sanskrit)
I am devoting this blog site essentially to the art of zen - or the pleasant combination and perfect overlap of the concepts behind those two words. Mainly, I will be writing about delightful ways to incorporate art, meditation, yoga, and a quiet piece of mind into everyday life. After being an avid participant in the Yoga festival in the heart of NYC ( SOLSTICE in Times Square) this past June, I have found that it is indefinitely possible to keep your mind completely at peace - even when surrounded by persistent noise and chaos. (In photo #2 of the slideshow on the main page, I am the third person over from the right!)
Visit often for interesting insights and quirky additions.
शांति
Karen Rockwood
Posted by rockwood at 09:25 PM | Comments (0)