I wrote last week about being a bit out of balance.(HERE) I was feeling assaulted by a hundred demands and couldn’t focus on any one thing long enough to be productive. I’m doing the 365 Project this year (the 411 on 365 HERE) and needed a photo for the day. With my: “Balance… I’m out of it” post fresh on my mind, I started stacking my teacups.
I don’t know why, it just seemed like it might be a pretty visual of the word…balance. As I placed the teacups one carefully on top of the other, I noticed that something shifted slightly inside of me. I focused on the cups. Their colors. Their beautiful lines. Through my camera lens I focused on the overall shape of the tiny tower of teacups. My spirit smiled. My thoughts quieted. My entire being turned and focused on this one little thing.
I only need a few minutes to focus and snap a few photos. After I was done however, the most amazing thing happened. Instead of all my faculties scattering in a hundred directions, the chaos was gone. There was almost an internal pull toward a single focus. I thought of a chore that needed attention. I did it. When I was finished with my chore, another necessity came to mind and I was able to accomplish that as well, again with a single focus. I went on like this for some time, like the “to-do” warriors in my head put down their noisy weapons and lined up silently waiting their turn.
I thought I’d try it again the next day. I let my mind wander a bit searching for a little inspiration. A bit of beauty.
I thought of these little bowls. I love them. Soft colors. Simple lines.
So I took a couple of minutes and snapped a photo of them for my 365 Project. Same result. A mind that’s quieted, primed with creativity and ready for productivity.
I think I’m a fan of this quick exercise in creative focus. So far it’s more effective in steadying my teacups than anything else I’ve found. Just thought I’d share…
Prayers for you Friends that you find beauty and balance today.
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
How beautiful! I’m loving your photos, too. Finding beauty (and focus, creativity, and contentment) in the small things is a wonderful gift. Have a lovely day.
Great pictures! I love the colors of the teacups. Hope you keep your balance today!
Hey Robin. I really like this post. Today has started out off the charts unbalanced and you post is a reminder to search for my balance. Your photos are really wonderful. I think I’ll check out the 365 Project.
Have a blessed and balanced day.
Hugs…Tracy
Tracy @ Cotton Pickin’ Cute´s last blog ..Miracle Mondays – Have you been blessed?
Hey Robin. I just went over and checked out Ariel’s photos of the robots. Who would have thought a box could have so much personality? I can’t believe she’s just a teen. Thanks for telling us so I could check it out.
Hugs…Tracy
Tracy @ Cotton Pickin’ Cute´s last blog ..Miracle Mondays – Have you been blessed?
I’m honestly not sure how I came to your blog site, but I absolutely LOVE it and posts on balance are speaking to my soul. Your posts about pretty things – well they feed my soul too!
Thanks for sharing your journey – love the fact that we’re both “Atlanta” area girls too so I can relate to your weather issues as well! I think I’m going to start the 365 project a few days late.
Suzanne, when you start 365, think about posting to the flickr group “Project 365″ and if you do pls. let me know so I can add you as a contact, my flickr account is under RobinRane. I get so much inspiration from my new flickr friends. Truly creative types on there
Thx so much for hanging out with me here, I’m soooo looking forward to getting to know you better. (did you hear the forecast for Friday…snow!)
Great post. You would love Whitney Ferre’s book, Creatively Fit. It is full of projects that have that effect. One required me to go through magazines tearing out colors and shapes I loved to use for a future project. I was amazed at how relaxed it made me to make a big mess with magazine paper! The kids loved the faces I made for the art project. Great book.
Anita, I’ll look for it on Amazon. Sounds like my kinda book! xoxo
Another inspiring post, Robin. I love reading how the Lord speaks to you through ordinary things.
My mom collected old tea cups, and she would have liked the pictures of yours. The photographs that you post on your blog are lovely.
Have a blessed day!
Jean Fischer´s last blog ..Teachable Moments – Sharing Your Faith
Robin, you might want to check out this link on the blog ,”My Romantic Home.” She decorates her Christmas tree with old tea cups and saucers.
http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2008/12/decorating-for-christmas.html
Jean Fischer´s last blog ..Teachable Moments – Sharing Your Faith
Balance is not permenant. If it were we wouldn’t know if we were balanced or not, right? It is a wonderful event to strive for though. Don’t beat up on yourself when you get out of balance just recognise it and grab for the balance again. Over and over. I find it helps if I am gentle with me.
I adore the tea cup with the big yellow rose!
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~´s last blog ..French Giveaway
Robin, So excited to find your blog. What you experienced when you focused on your images is a shift from left brain (linear, task oriented, past/future = worry/stress) to right brain (completely present, holistic viewpoint, focused). I have a book, The Artist Within, A Guide to Becoming Creatively Fit that shows you how to use “Creativity Workouts” to develop this exact mental ability! We are the ARTIST and the ART. Cheers! ~Whitney
Whitney…Anita mentioned your book! How exciting. I’ve got to get it! Thank you for commenting and yes! That makes sense, going from left to right brain. Love the potential here!
xoxo
It’s all about shifting your focus… how fitting that focusing a camera lens did that for you
gitz´s last blog ..Gitz Bits 2010: Week 3
Woman I wish I’d thought of that…camera lens! Yes it’s fitting
With the move this week, I really need to be able to focus. So much to be done that I don’t know where to start – all those things on my “to do” list clamoring for attention. I am going to try this idea of quieting my mind before I start. Thank you, Robin!
jane carter´s last blog ..Some of My Favorite Things…
Robin, what a great post last week and this week..I love the concept of stacking the cups…at some point they are all going to fall. And you are right, when I do ONE thing, the other things leave my mind and wait. Wonderful perspective..And what is the 360 project, is that a picture a day all year..well I guess I missed that one! I take a lot of pictures too.
Have a wonderful evening,
Barb
Barb Boyack´s last blog ..A Beautiful Coastal Giveaway!
I ahve MISSED YOU!!!! I was away for 5 days and am now back to REALITY! I love this post! You ALWAYS inspire something new for me, so THANK YOU!!!! XO, Pinky