Breathe

Not the unconscious type of breathing where your body does it's thing and your brain is out of touch. But the type of breathing, the type of breath where you consciously control the rate of inhalation and exhalation. Where you slow down the rate and consciously release the air.

Breathe, as if you were slowing time, considering the movement of the clouds and the growth of grass. Doing so, taking in the wonder that is life you discover the wonder of God's creation and that is far large and more intimate than you would going about your daily tasks!

Thought for The Day - Walking

I've gotten in the habit of going out for a walk before eating lunch each day. Occasionally, I'll grab a bite as I make my way back to work. I see old and new architecture, young and old faces as I walk the streets of downtown Chicago. And my mind is absorbing and processing, creating stories, situations and focused on the internal. I gather ideas for "thoughts" and at some point very soon, I'm going to get adept at whipping out my phone and jotting these ideas down.

For now, for today, allow this placeholder until I gather those wandering, random thoughts...

Thought for The Day - Thinking

Sailing on a Penny Sunset (in progress) 12 x 18 oil pastel

It's 4:45 am, and I'm thinking...

How much time will I get for exercise this morning?

Will I have enough time to do everything I need to do? I need more time in the gym, Is this really working? And this diet stuff, how did I gain all this weight in such a short time?

I would love to get a few more minutes a day drawing and painting! Squeezing in minutes while on the train is not enough! Too tired in the evening to give it a thought. But that's got to change!

It's 4:45 and I'm up considering the possibilities and bemoaning the present. It is said you aren't really living (effectively) if you don't live in the present. There are times I debate that 'cause there are times when "the moment" lacks a sense of joy. But there is nothing like time spent in front of a canvas. For now, the moments will be just that: minutes, in between running errands, cleaning and whatever else comes up. But I believe I've come too far to let this die.

Considering...more minutes, in between the tasks. Thinking about how to work on "this series" and "that." The thoughts about color choices, the amount of color or limiting the palette; all thoughts, all ideas.

Thinking, considering, tossing out and in, this and that...at 4:45 am.