Holiday Elixir
Monday, 14. December 2009
As we quickly approach the holiday season, two things inevitably happen. One, with joy we look forward to the holidays as a time of sharing with friends and family and the gathering of these friends and families for sumptuous feasts. Two, we start to stress out over getting the holiday gift shopping done, preparing meals, juggling schedules to include everyone and the dread of opening our credit card bills when it comes time to pay for all this largess. I have a magic elixir to calm our stress and fears during this time. Pull out your watercolors and paint!
Even though adding one more item to an already overcrowded schedule may sound absurd, taking a bit of time to paint will calm the soul, settle the nerves and put everything into perspective. It is through the act of creating and sharing that creation that we artists get our greatest joy. Paint something and then find a deserving person to whom to give that painting. That simple act will put the rest of the holiday rituals into perspective. No money has been spent. Nothing is expected in return. You don’t even have to know the person to whom you are giving the painting. Try it! It is more healing than any anti-anxiety drug. It is far cheaper than therapy. And it will calm the soul like nothing else.
You will find that after the holidays, you will have a renewed burst of enthusiasm and energy for your normal painting. It will get your creative juices flowing. And you will not suffer as much from the post holiday blues wondering was it all worth it. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
Happy Holidays
Ronald Pratt
