My Year of Gestation

Each year I pick a theme for the entire year. Last year it was Living in Virtue and this year it's Gestation.

The dictionary definition of gestation is far too passive: It doesn't just involve carrying something around and letting it develop! (Some man must have written that.) Holding and carrying is part of the work, but gestation also involves a lot of creating and building (and nesting), and then finally birthing.

I've set myself some gestational goals for the year- practicing patience, cultivating resilience and social intelligence, creating a clean, safe haven in my yard and home, birthing a new signature style of art, and supporting my daughter and son-in-law as they present me with my very own first grandchild! 

Agenda:
1. Journal queries
2. Study resilience
3. Envision, hold, explore
4. Housework

1. Journal queries:

What is the mystery that I want to express?
What habits will help me to nurture my ideas and projects?

2. Study reslience:
Resilience seems to be the topic bubbling up in various of my circles. It's important, especially as we move closer to climate chaos, that we have individual and community resilience. I understand generally what that entails, but I decided I needed a list of habits to work on building. Here is my list:

1. Equanimity (tranquility): Keep things in perspective. Consider the situation in a broader context. Avoid blowing the event out of proportion or seeing crises as insurmountable. Note any subtle ways in which I might already feel somewhat better as I deal with difficult situations.

2. Flexibility: Accept that change is a part of living. Certain goals may no longer be attainable as a result of adverse situations; accepting circumstances that cannot be changed can help me focus on circumstances that I can alter. 

3. Resolution: Develop some realistic goals. Do something regularly that moves me toward my goals. Instead of focusing on tasks that seem unachievable, ask, "What's one thing I know I can accomplish today that helps me move in the direction I want to go?" 

4. Tenacity: Act on adverse situations as much possible. Take decisive actions, rather than detaching from problems and stresses and wishing they would just go away. Be persistant, energetic, and happy to do the work to make my dreams come true. 

5. Self-care: Take care of myself. Pay attention to my needs and feelings. Engage in activities that I enjoy and find relaxing. Exercise regularly. Keep my mind and body primed to deal with situations that require resilience. 

6. Social Intelligence: Make connections, and learn to get along with all types of people. Seek good relationships with family and friends, and be active in Meeting and other groups. Accept help from those who care about me, and assist others in their time of need. 

7. Life long learning: Look for opportunities for self-discovery, and how I've grown as a result of my struggles: better relationships, greater strength, increased sense of self-worth, a more developed spirituality and heightened appreciation for life? 

8. Optimism: Maintain a hopeful outlook, and expect that good things will happen in my life. Visualize what I want, rather than worrying about what I fear. Nurture a positive view of myself: have confidence in my ability to solve problems and trust my instincts.

3. Envision, hold, explore: 

I am a painter- no matter how often I give it up, I eventually admit that it's what I do. I took some time off from painting (as usual) in December to work on Christmas projects. Now I'm ready to start again- I'm hungry, restless, and eager to paint-- but that doesn't mean it's easy to start. Starting is hard!

It's difficult to find my creative energy after a break-- much easier to play some solitaire, or even clean the toilet.

My traditional starting point is to choose a working theme to explore, or a title for a series, and this month I've settled on "Quilting Nature". I've been holding that idea in my mental pocket, taking it out periodically to look at, shining it up a bit, and putting it back. Last week I finished this first piece, called "Winter's Margins".

4. Housework: 

I'm finishing up a month of cleaning away the mold and mildew in my house, and this week I'll work on the bedrooms:

• Tuesday: Vacuum and dust, especially under and around the bed.
• Wednesday: Wash the bedding.
• Thursday: Clean the mildew from the walls and windows with detergent and warm water, then use a solution of ¼-cup bleach in 1-quart water. Wait 20 minutes and repeated. Wait another 20 minutes. Applied Borax solution and don't rinse, to help prevent mold from growing again.