Art...... bliss

I have sat on this blog for months... no... make that a year... a solid year of dreaming, reading and enjoying the blogs of others (for me, reading a blog is a quick respite: a visual cup of tea or hot chocolate in my day, a breath of fresh air, a chance to re-center within chaos)... I have always been an artist and my career is that of an art therapist (working with adult oncology patients) I enjoy bringing art to the bedside of a hospitalized patient: imagine this... a patient has taken the risk to paint an image of their favorite place, or perhaps a place they would rather be (who wants to be in the hospital) the phone rings, salutations are exchanged and then the patient reports, "I'm painting a picture"... a brief pause usually accompanied with a giggle, then the patient affirms, "yeah, that's right, painting a picture". Art has the ability to change the environment and perspective, it offers a much needed diversion from the lack of control within a medical setting, focusing on what is right, for a cancer patient art is a testament to living, breathing, being.... for me, art is bliss... a spiritual practice that reminds me what brings me happiness and joy (granted the creative process can be frustrating at times... letting go of that inner critic or allowing the creative process to vary from the inspiration birthed within my mind's eye) art takes on a life of it's own, it becomes a testament if I can step aside and let it, without judgment... working full time, raising two small children, taking the time to exercise, eat, sleep and be a supportive spouse... where does art fit in... I am ever so thankful my career focuses on bringing art to others or art would be completely absent... within art: I know who I am, within art: I find the courage to explore, welcome and introduce....