Last year, I picked "JOY" as my word for 2015. (You can read about it here and here.) Now it is January again I have been looking for the right word for 2016. The year I am feeling the dark and cold of winter. The words that come to mind are things like "comfort", "cocooning" and "cocoa". I'm a little embarrassed by these words. As a facilitator who helps people be big and break the rules, I should pick a word that reflects big aspirations for 2016. But the truth is that the big, sparkly, fertile words aren't resonating.
As I struggled to find the perfect word, I gradually recognized that my inner critic had taken over the process. (The word "should" is usually clue that the critic is in charge.) If this word search was a painting, I would know what to do. Recognize and honor all the desires of this moment. Paint the part that wants to be small and safe and then paint the part that wants to be big and bold and risky. They are all me.
And then I found my answer, not in a word but in an image. The image of the flame. Or rather a kaleidoscope of images, ranging from the small flame of a candle, the comforting flame of a camp fire and the ranging fire of a supernova.
Have you found your inspiration for the new year? If not, maybe it will make itself known in your next painting.
Happy 2016!
As I struggled to find the perfect word, I gradually recognized that my inner critic had taken over the process. (The word "should" is usually clue that the critic is in charge.) If this word search was a painting, I would know what to do. Recognize and honor all the desires of this moment. Paint the part that wants to be small and safe and then paint the part that wants to be big and bold and risky. They are all me.
And then I found my answer, not in a word but in an image. The image of the flame. Or rather a kaleidoscope of images, ranging from the small flame of a candle, the comforting flame of a camp fire and the ranging fire of a supernova.
Have you found your inspiration for the new year? If not, maybe it will make itself known in your next painting.
Happy 2016!
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