"Raindrops are falling on my head ...."
It's grey, dark and falling out of the sky - it's pouring and all the pavements are a puddle. Very, very wet. It's hard to feel playful when the weather's like it is. And yet a dash and splash of playful colour can so easily lift the mood. And so to this present to you - a sun coloured glorious gerbera.
It came to me as a present - a freebie from the greengrocer's store as I was passing by one day. I smiled and was gifted with the beautiful flower in return .... (make of it what you will!) and I now keep a photo of it by my bedside to cheer my spirits with bright colour.
Colour played a part in kittieness last Friday too. I was leading a workshop for my Co-Active coaching colleagues. These "Hub Club" sessions have a serious intention to help us to network, learn and grow - aaand also to have fun while we do the "serious" stuff.
In amongst the exercises, tools and coaching questions, I invited the participants to choose a coloured pen. It was kind of leftfield and out of the blue and I wondered if they would think I was nuts. Happily, squeals of delight were what followed and the vibe in that room was charged with the excitement and anticipation of children in a playground. It was delicious! And then I invited them to notice which colour pen they chose - and why ...
Such a simple device, such a mischievous ploy, such a feast of play - playful ways towards self-discovery and authentic self-expression - and brightness like the light of the gerbera flower.
In these days of hope and new beginnings following the Obama win in the US elections, I'm optimistic that self-discovery and authentic self-expression are in with a better chance. Creativity is cool, and hot all at once. I am excited - I am hopeful even when things seem to be happening toooo sloooowwwwwllllyyyyy!
I urge you that however tough things may get for you, to always make and take some time to simply play. Julia Cameron in The Artist's Way says that "Creativity is oxygen for our souls." I'd add that Play is oxygen for our creativity.
So I invite you to give yourself the time to get creative, be playful, immerse yourself in mood affecting colour. Play - create - express - BE. Be seen, be heard, be felt, shine your light. Just BE ... Let the world and yourself receive joy from our creative spirit. Shine it brightly with spark and sparkle for as long as you can.
Sometimes a creative sparkle is cut down suddenly and way too soon. Lee Wright was a hugely popular salsa dancer, teacher and performer. I only met him once or twice but I saw him perform with dance partner and dear friend Shelley - and saw an amazing video of them on Facebook just a few short weeks ago. Although I only knew him slightly I couldn't help but be saddened and shocked by the news of his tragic death in a car accident in Spain yesterday. He had gone there to celebrate his birthday. He was only 24. He was a bright light loved by many and now may are bereft. But his creative spirit and dance through life will live on.
This gerbera is for Lee too.
Annie
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment