How to be Age-less
..Artist !
Taking care of myself -and my artist self has been front and center in my mind lately . Thinking about who I really am at this life stage. Last week I did one of those people search things on social media and learned that a few of my public school classmates had passed away in recent years. How could it be? -My only recollection of them was as their childhood selves. We had not been in touch since public school -so they were indeed frozen in time for me -but it did awaken some old feelings and thoughts of how poignant and brief life can be. Going down the memory trail can be a disruptive yet fascinating experience . I recall when I thought 50 was old..then later 60.. The age of my grandparents -now me! I know this really isn’t a huge earth shaking revelation but do you ever find yourself thinking this way?
The little person I once was has now morphed into my current self.
Time’s a wasting as someone said ..So how do we fill it in the best way we can ?
Also how do we appreciate the restful ,restorative moments along the way!
So much unsolicited advice online and elsewhere about how to remain young and vital and healthy. Well youthful in approach sounds ok to me -which translates to an inquiring mind, open to new experiences and keeping it fresh. Good health may not totally be in my control although I hope by living as though my life matters -eating well, incorporating movement into my days might help to sustain it.
My body kicks up a storm when I dive into a bag of potato chips or fast food ..I no longer can just absorb whatever my impulses desire..
I love an occasional glass of wine and now it has to be an occasional glass of wine -or my body protests.
My sleep is not ideal but I’m working on that .
I’ve reduced caffeine and embrace herbal teas in the afternoons now.
I am making adjustments not because I am a purist in any way ..but because I want more time to experience life -to create , to explore and take in the bounty of it all.
Surrounding myself with people I love and who fill my cup -and finding ways to give back in the world are also important in my health path.
The other things which are so very important to me is that I keep a positive mindset and strive to notice all the little things in my day which contribute to the wonder.
Trying to spend my time in a meaningful way with others. Read only books that I enjoy. Appreciating the land around me , the seasons and the natural world. Loving my people and fur /feather family . No magic formulas or potions for me ..Simply engagement with the world -daily.
Making art of course is something else I do to keep myself healthy and grounded.
Lately I have been facilitating art workshops,sketching in the community and for my own personal journey -participating in Folktale week
One of my first illustrations for Folktale week . Prompt-"Lost”
I do love “drawing from my head” rather than from reference or observation.. It’s a pleasant kind of challenge! I decided to situate my folktale in Cromarty ,Scotland where I had participated in an artist residency last year
prompt “ink”
Also I took a leap and signed up for a live life drawing onLine with Henley school of Art
with the amazing model Yuka. I have only attended in person life drawing sessions in my past -and I was surprised at how this experience flowed so well !
I was on a roll so I also participated in The Scottish Borders online life drawing as well on Sunday !
Our fantastic model was Maud from France
How are you taking care of your artist self these days?
Any lifestyle /health changes for today or in your crystal ball ?
Please share your thoughts !
A few links for your reading pleasure ..
New and shiny ! Interviews from your Ageless Artist peers here …Artist interviews !
Other spiritual and mental ways to take care of ourselves ..A few brilliant links to dive into ..
Katherine May "How to feel grounded"
How to be online right now Rosie Spinks
Perfectionism….Josie peters
And finally ..How to lengthen your life! From marvellous Oldster magazine writer Sari Botton
If you wish to take a look at my art for sale you can find it here :-)
yours in Art
Heather
It could have been me writing this Heather… 66 yrs old and astonished at the reflection in the mirror. but I'm only 6 (really) !! I have a young mind set but have adopted most of what you have. I value my life and effervescence - long may it continue.
As for my art, I REFUSE to be sidelined because of my age and shall pursue my heartfelt intention to connect with my future followers. The trick is finding out how…
I’m finding this stage of life fascinating as I approach my 65th birthday! I went through life protecting myself and building layers of armor. The last few years has been getting down to the core of my onion...😀 I keep my mind open with new learning and being mindful. I keep movement in my physical life and I nurture my spirit with nature, reflection and my 21 month old grandson’s giggles and laughter! Nothing is promised to us at this stage of life and I remember that and enjoy everything with genuine gratitude.