Quote of the day: “What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”
― John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley: In Search of America
Learning to find flow
Today has been another perfect summer-like day. With temperatures in the 70’s Minneapolis natives are out sunning bathing, jogging in shorts and tank tops, telling one another “to be sure and get outside for some sun,” hanging clothes out to dry on the clothesline, and spending as much time as possible outdoors.
After attending Tai Chi/Qi Gung class this morning, I took my camera indoors to capture images at Bella Luna Boutique. From Buddhas to singing bowls to dreamcatchers, I had great fun with still life photography as well as capturing a few portraits.
Peaceful Buddha Statue
It was only my second Tai Chi/Qi Gung class since I returned from Hawaii. Last week was quite challenging and my body was sore for a couple of days afterwards. Today I felt more energy flowing and less challenge so it will be interesting to see how I do tomorrow.
I had such success with Qi Gung classes in Hawaii that I decided to find a teacher here. Having struggled with fibromyalgia and other pain issues for years, I have found it challenging to find yoga or Qi Gung classes that challenge me enough, but not too much.
Feather and Sage
As in all of life I have learned that there is a delicate balance between following the flow and pushing the river. My tendency has been to push too hard and then either quit because of pain issues or frustration. It is only as I get older that I am learning to step back enough to sense whether I am responding/flowing or pushing.
The same kind of balance between flow and pushing exists in all parts of my life. When I start pushing too hard in my photography business, I lose my joy in what I am doing and I find that customers somehow sense that and stay away. When I stay in creative flow and play, customers show up, ideas blossom, and joy fills my days.
How about you? Do you experience flow in some area of your life or are you always pushing to make things happen? What would happen if you stopped trying and started allowing?
Singing Bowl Still Life
Jazzy Cats
Buddha statue
Still Life
Dream Catchers
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