Having fun and resting makes for new inspiration
Fun times visiting old friends and getting into present time with myself = new inspiration.
'Turquoise Magic' ©Kris Cahill 2024
Every time I have the opportunity to leave town and take a break of some kind, there’s a detachment process from my office, studio, and practice.
I am unplugging, which feels uncomfortable at first, until suddenly it’s a wonderful relief. I know this is partly due to me finally letting go of everything, and also it’s the joy and pleasure that come from seeing old friends, and being in new spaces and situations.
Maybe you’ve experienced this too, the stepping away from the constant to-do list, the never ending amount of things that must be done: renew the passport, book the flight, ask the neighbors to water the garden, plan the classes that happen when I’m back, what am I wearing, get the newsletter out before I go.
This newsletter didn’t go out before I left town, but my other Substack did. I had to get away for a week to write this one.
I had to leave home to let go of doing all the things, and it was perfect.
I’ve worked out of my own home for many years, off and on. I like being close to the comforts of home in my work day, and generally not having to drive much or commute, which also saves me money. The downsides of working at home include not turning off the ‘working’ part of my day, and feeling a bit isolated. I can counter this by getting out to meet a friend for lunch, visit a new place, make a connection, and give myself regular working hours.
I also love having my art studio right down the hall, in a room that is set up to make art 24/7, while also working as an office.
My work table and my tools and paints are all within easy reach, which means I can draw or paint for 10 minutes before my next client. Sometimes inspiration strikes while I’m painting, with a blog or class ideas that come up.
It works for me, and I need to leave home to get away from it too. Probably more than I have done.
'Between the Rain and the Sun, New Growth' ©Kris Cahill 2023. Acrylic on canvas. $125.00 includes US shipping. Find it here.
What’s fun and validating about this is that if I go out and take a break during the day - meet a friend for lunch, or visit an art museum or store - things happen in my art business or psychic business without me standing by all the time.
Many times I’ve been reminded to stay on my path and keep going, even without a guaranteed outcome in sight. I’m grateful to be reminded that I actually get more accomplished sometimes while not appearing to *do* anything. This is the beauty of having a connection to my own spirit, and remembering finally that I do.
My spirit is at work even when I’m off taking a break.
So Kris, where did you find inspiration on your week off?
First of all, I had perspective, which often shows up for me only when I step away from doing all the things. Seriously, trying to solve everything and staying ‘busy’ is one of the worst ways to invite my good new ideas to show up.
Then, I got to visit a new-to-me art store, though it existed in the entire time I’d lived in Los Angeles, I never knew about it or shopped there. My sister who lives there (and now draws and paints, yay!) took me there and we had a very fine time hanging out and shopping for art supplies.
I also got to visit The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures which opened in L.A. six months or so after we left. That was inspiring and so wonderful to see! Plus we ran into a friend from Chicago who was also visiting Los Angeles that week. I admit to being a bit disoriented at first when I saw him, what city am I in?
Museums are one of the most inspiring places for me. Art supply stores are another. I was able to get to both.
But the real inspiration came from having good talks with people, friends and also people I’d just met. The world was deep in a pandemic when we moved out of L.A. in March 2021, and visiting again was a sure fire way to get into present time with ourselves and the city. Watching the closing ceremony of the Olympics, with the flag arriving in L.A. in anticipation of the 2028 Olympics, was so fun to do while being in L.A.!
The inspiration shows up when it’s good and ready, or is that when I’m good and ready?
Since coming home a week ago, I’ve jumped back into the studio and making art. I completed a lot of paintings in the past few weeks, which is another way to create space for inspiration to strike.
I’ve also cleared a few things off my desk, mostly stuff I was avoiding. It’s always amazing to me how much energy comes back to me when I finally let go of the old stuff and clear it out. You’d think I’d learn from this, but I promise you I’ll repeat it.
Then just today, out of the blue, a new idea arrived, one that I want to follow up on this week. This idea feels real, it’s more grounded and has more form for me than some ideas do. I know better than to blab on about it right now, because I also know that as soon as I start exploring it, it will evolve and change. I want to start with sketches for this one, because it’s a bit different from how I’ve been working recently.
I’ll share when I’ve got something to show you.
A new idea is often the thread to follow, and who knows where the journey goes?
I’ve learned that if I can trust enough to follow the thread, and let go of any expected outcomes on this journey, magic can show up. I’m not trying to control it, I’m allowing space for my spirit to bring me something wonderful.
