art washes away from the soul, the dust of everyday life – Pablo Picasso

Years ago, I felt the call to put brush to paper or scissors to paper or glitter to paper. My inner critics, then much louder than they are now, stilled my hands.

It took mighty effort to overcome those voices and put the brush to paper finally.

And when I did, I didn’t like it much. Or the one after that either. I felt awkward and frustrated and impatient. I wanted to put the brush down on paper and be confident and create worlds that people would immediately oooh and ahhh over and make me a famous artist.

Now, I don’t know (and haven’t bothered to look), but I bet Picasso didn’t start out painting Picasso’s. I bet he started out trying to recreate something he saw elsewhere or maybe something in his head and had many stops and starts until he was able to get clear on what it was his soul wanted to express.

If I have one wish for you dear reader~or anyone that is a tentative artist~it is to impart the knowledge that you aren’t an artist only when you create Picasso’s. I wish for you to know what I have learned~being an artist is about making mistakes. Mistakes and trials and ‘hey this might be cool’ are your greatest teachers. You are an artist when you accidentally tear the paper, when you throw out your canvases, when you get frustrated and don’t look at your paints for a month. You are an artist when you create the same thing over and over or use the same colors or paint simple flowers or smiley faces. You are an artist when all you do is cut pictures out of magazines or endless heart shapes or cover everything with glitter glue.

This is how you learn what your soul wants to express~every time you look at something and your heart says ‘nah, not quite right’, you are learning more and more about what it is you want and need to say. Your soul will always keep moving you on the right path, even when the path is unfamiliar and you don’t ever remember wanting to draw people in charcoal or paint landscapes or make cards. And one day, you will hear your soul say ‘oh yes’.

What does your soul need to say?

Because we live in a dynamic and complex society, we are constantly going, doing, planning and thinking. Creating a peaceful, harmonious home environment that includes a special place for listening quietly to our true self, or for simply sipping a cup of tea while enjoying silence, helps us to find balance and re-center. We feel restored, more in touch with the expanding possibilities for our own spiritual growth.

Achieving inner and outer harmony may come through the practices of yoga, meditation and journaling or studies that provide physical, mental and spiritual support for the journey inward. It’s best to choose an area of the home that can be devoted to a personal sacred space. Rather than setting aside an entire room, clear out a corner of a bedroom, library or living room, or even a large closet.

Whatever space is selected, make sure it’s a quiet, clean, permanent spot ready to return to day after day. Clearing out all clutter, it’s best to keep only those items that invoke delight, happiness, healing and inspiration. We need to set boundaries for this personal retreat: turn off the cell phone and inform family members, “Do not disturb.” Try not to let daily distractions enter.

Sensory elements can enhance a sacred space. Ideas include:
Sound – Music, water, chimes and bells create a tranquil, soothing, serene space.
Scent – Candles, incense and aromatherapy oils overlay with healing fragrances.
Sight – Plants, favorite paintings and photos of loved ones enrich an inspiring altar.
Touch – Prayer beads, crystals, river stones and seashells provide energizing touchstones.

A beautiful and calm space invites daily renewal and self-nurturing that ultimately benefits all.

Sharon Tessandori is a yoga teacher at Barefoot Works Yoga Studio in Patchen Village.