Better out than in.

I’ve held off sharing this one because it’s not “pretty” and it feels pretty raw.

But maybe someone who has been feeling similarly will see it and feel less alone for witnessing it.

I started a new ritual a few months back in deep, dark, lonely lockdown, of sitting on the floor (very grounding) first thing in the morning, lighting a candle (showing my mind this was a sacred and spiritual act), and playing with making marks or colours for a minimum of 5 minutes (I’d let myself go longer if I wanted but I would stop unless I really wanted to continue), just to let my feelings out and meet myself.

The rule was: no taking photos and no sharing of the results with anyone else, no judging my feelings and no judging whatever came out onto the page, no trying to make it into a “finished” or “pretty” work, just letting myself spill it out and let it go.

Setting out a breakfast tray beside me also helps me feel more like it’s a treat rather than work. It’s like an art picnic date, a hot date with my emotions.⚡️😂

Now I’ve been doing it a while, and getting less uncomfortable with the process and (sometimes surprising) results, I might sometimes share it.

Would that be helpful?