An Invitation

A Creative Landscape

Sometimes we may view a landscape as a visual experience, something an “artist” chooses to paint, or the orientation of a printing process. Of course, it can be all of these, and more.

How do I explore a creative landscape? And, how might you?

Today, I invite you to explore further and offer a process that offers a few steps which may aid you in deepening your appreciation for your own inner landscape, and the landscapes that you may encounter today.

Make a cup of tea or other favorite beverage. Pick up your journal and pen/pencil.

If the weather is cool, pull up a chair near a window. If it is warmer, take your cup of tea and sit outside. If you have many tasks to accomplish today - set a timer for 20 minutes.

Sit and quietly observe what has been given for you to see today. What do you notice?

• What does the air around you feel like - is it cool or warm? Air is generally invisible to our eyes - but part of our observation in this moment.

• What do you hear? Are the sounds surround you harsh, repetitive, gentle? What are the sounds of your own breathing?

• What scents fill the air? Are they pleasant or less so?

• What is your own sensation of sitting, of drinking your tea, and observing. How do you feel? What is surprising to you? What is unexpected? What makes you smile? What is concerning to you? Simply notice.

• If you are able to, use one hand and fingers to trace the shapes you see in the air around you. How does one shape flow into another? What colors do you see? What textures? Once again, simply notice.

• Give thanks for what you hear, taste, feel and see. Give thanks for the very creative landscape as you experience it in this moment.

Write your observations in your journal.