Lar and I managed to get away to the beach for 4 days to celebrate our 25th anniversary. I took some previously dyed tiles that seemed appropriate for the setting.
On our arrival, we took a relaxed stroll around the island of Wrightsville Beach after dinner. We discovered a public bench overlooking the Intercoastal Waterway. The words on the bench struck both of us as important to remember: Enjoy the rhythm of life. The dance of life has different movements, some slower, some faster. This reminder to pay attention to the rhythm allows us to slow down when it's time to, and speed up when the rhythm accelerates. When we do this, we organically find a balance, much like the balance of the seasons. Rest and activity. Night and day. Winter and spring/summer. Even though we may feel overwhelmed by particularly busy times (holidays, perhaps?), life always gives us an opportunity to slow down and rest. It's up to us to recognize it and seize it.
The following morning, I took another tile that I was really scared to start. I loved the color splashes so much, and didn't want to cover them up. As I listened to and watched the waves from our room, I knew I had to honor them through this piece. After taking a moment for gratitude and appreciation, I slowly started making wavy lines. Listening, I heard the familiar mantra for calming my breath. "Arise (on the inhale). Subside (on the exhale)." I listened to the swells build, or arise in the ocean, and crash, or subside on the beach. I started to synchronize my breathing to them. And then I let go of any tension that remained. The next day, I picked up the unfinished tile and heard the mantra again. I began filling the reticula with "arise" and "subside". I moved slowly from one cell to the next. I finished it on the third day.
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