 helps me, is get myself into a state of gratitude, by naming 10 things (count them on your fingers) that I am really grateful for, eg before I go to bed. And I HAVE to be honest. Eg: I won’t say ‘I’m grateful for my kids and my great husband’ if didn’t honestly felt it that day. This helps me fall asleep relaxed and smiling. Dear R., I hope you find inspiration in all the comments. I wish you well, Lots of love from Belgium, Kathleen Zwakhoven
Dear Marie & R,
Thank you so much for this episode. I was deeply moved hearing Marie’s question and knowing it was coming from a professional/artist in Iraq. The impact of such a war and the toll on individuals and families is heartbreaking. I so appreciated your question and also, Marie’s response. Personally, my meditation and yoga community are my mainstays in my morning practice. It helps so much! But there are times when it’s even hard to get on the mat, want to move when I get very down or grieved. At those times, I have to give myself compassion and patience, and being able to accept how I really feel is the beginning of healing. When I can get myself back on the mat, I set my timer for 20 min. Usually, I go beyond the 20 minutes, but sometimes, I just begin by lying there, letting myself breathe. Then I move as my body wants to move and I do some familiar asanas, or move in a new pattern, which is healing and creative and expanding for the mind. 9 x out of 10, I feel a ton better afterwards. And I pray. Meditation and prayer are for me like a hug and a kiss from my Beloved. Something I would not start the day without! Sending you so many blessings of peace, well-being and love to you, your family and community. Thank you for your courage of reaching out, and being seen. much love, Jennifer
Knowing that there is a duality in aloneness that in some ways we really are alone in the world, BUT that there is support and love around when I need it, that is of great comfort. Then I know that feeling is normal, but that as long as I have the courage to reach out and share my need for support among my friends, family, and support systems I don’t have to go throug anything alone that I can’t handle on my own… On creating: do it for the joy of doing it. No one would ever pay for my art, at best, friends find it endearing when I gift it to them, but do it because it brings you joy. People feel that joy and love that went into it, and that is most certainly the only reason my art ever ends up hung up or worn!
Hi there,
R, I would like to send you lots of love, support & recognition of your situation. I can not imagine what you have to go through. My shift in thinking how to keep creating when feeling down is that I KNOW there are so many people out there who have it so much worse than me. Food, health, financial, family,… That doesn’t mean that my situation isn’t sometimes difficult for me but knowing that standing still in life won’t help you with anything. Doing nothing because maybe it won’t matter for others, or it won’t last long isn’t going to help you move forward, live your life, in whatever condition that may be. Knowing that so many people in this hard world can survive with almost nothing, gives me strength to keep on trying, keep on fighting for what I want to achieve/ believe.
Big hug and keep the spirit!
Inez
Belgium
We’re all in this together! Sending love and peace your way R…
R, first I’d like to say that I’m so sorry for what is happening there and for the role of the US government and citizens and other world powers that do nothing or perpetuate these atrocities. Though I’ve never known the extremes of war, I have known survived the violent extremes of a mentally and emotionally imbalanced mother and family. One of the things that helped me to propel myself through and out of the situation was the situation. When I knew there were other ways of living and being, I knew I wanted out of the circumstances. The injustice I felt lit a fire inside me that I use to this day to fight for the underdog in myself and those in the world. I too struggled with depression long after I left the situation and again I had to fight but this time it was with the trauma and negative thoughts that I carried with me. While I agree with Marie on meditation and movement, it can be hard to find the will. So I suggest that you find the things that light that fire inside you and use it to burn up any thoughts that deter you and to stoke it in small ways. Doggedly pursue anything that gives you even a tiny flicker of hope or enjoyment and fan those flames. Getting support from others like Marie, must be one of those things. Another I find helpful is when I realize I’m not in something alone and that impermanence is shared by all of us, no matter the cause. Do you know about the Tibetan monks that make beautiful intricate painted mandalas out of sand? They spend many days on their mathematically perfect creations...and then they destroy them! Perhaps some smaller version of this practice will help you to continue. Know that you can keep creating and it’s the constant creativity that will win over those who seek to destroy, every time. The world needs your light and your gifts. Please keep giving them! Look at each work as sand mandala, create it, enjoy it, let it go, and create something even more spectacular next time. Love and courage to you my friend.
Apparently we think alike. 🙂 Shalom & Great advice! 🙂
Mahalo! Let’s hope there are more and more of us!
So well said. I was thinking of the sand mandalas too. 🙂 And I definitely agree that different things light different people up, so pursuing our unique interests and sources of joy and hope is key.
Hi Ar,
Thank you for sharing your story. 🙂 Everything Marie shared is wonderful! The only thing I might add, is that what we create may be wiped out in a single moment but the connections made in it’s building, the appreciation felt by those who beheld it, those are ours and live on in the universe. Just like the Buddhist Sand Mandala’s teach us, life is transitory and the beauty is in the process, and shared experiences that last once the sand is swept away.
Sending Love and blessing your way!
Assalaamu Alaykum and Shalom! 🙂
Deanna
Dear R!
Thank you so much for your courage, for sharing your questions and your hopes and fears. Please feel encouraged by all the comments and know that you also touched my heart in a deep way. Please keep on adding beauty to this world, by inventing beautiful buildings. They will be seen and will touch lives. They will be places of hope! And know that I feel encouraged by your story to do the same: to love and to add beauty to the world, no matter what. You are not alone! Love, Gertrude
R, sending you love positive thoughts from Colorado. I hope to hear any updates about your progress- keep building and take care of your soul! I think you have inspired us all here today.
Greetings R,
Your story has moved me because your resilience is supremely admirable. I send you an abundance of love. I hope you can hear me, but YOU ARE NOT ALONE. We are in this together, moving along. I am here to help you rise to a higher level of vibrational energy. You are moving mountains. YOUR WORK MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE.
Also, the remarks of all the commentators has moved me to tears. It is amazing when a collective community embraces the vulnerability of another being respectfully, and nurtures and encourages them. AMAZING.
Thank you R, for your question and Marie for your heartfelt and generous response.
R – you are not alone. I send my love to you and your country.
You are already a light in the world by asking your question and being an architect. Thank you and keep on keeping on!
Dear R,
I can only imagine how life in Iraq may be! And from your words to Marie, I am certain you are a brave and an extraordinary human being. Please keep doing what you do, and sharing your passion. I bet many of your Iraqi people feel blessed with your work.
Thousands of miles separates us now. But it is only physical. I am with you, we all are.
Sending you much love now and always,
Naima
Beautiful, Naima! We totally agree. <3
Hi R,
I am sending you love and peace to your heart and mind.
I also want to say as a US citizen I am sorry. I am so sorry for the pain you are going through. I am sorry for what my country did to your country and the beautiful Iraqi people. In 2003 I and many felt completely powerless when the Bush administration went to war. Know that many of us protested, but it was not enough. I can’t imagine what it has been like for you. I know it probably doesn’t help, but I would still like to say to you personally that I am so sorry.
I hope some day the millions of us who are wise, loving and who care deeply about humanity can find a way to help right this wrong.
Please know