Solace in Solitude  

     It is a rare privilege to have a full day to yourself and to enjoy the pleasure of your own company without any interruption.  You’ll discover a voice you forgot you had, a voice that got lost in the chatter of your daily life.

Start the day with your favorite coffee or tea poured in the pretty cup you like or in that special mug.  Look outside and take notice of the light.  Yes, even on a foggy or cloudy day there is light out there.  Take notice of the colors around you.  Put on some comfortable clothes that flatter you and take yourself for a walk.  If you are blessed with owning a dog…by all means take the dog, take him on a walk that is different from his routine.

Spend the morning in quiet solitude.  Treat yourself to a healthy lunch and listen to your favorite music.  Spend some time thinking about your art and take inventory of your accomplishments.  Visualize your next project.  Think about the people whose company you enjoy.

You might also consider taking a day to paint solo especially if you habitually paint with other artists.  While joining peer groups can be fun and motivating, time spent in solitude has its own rewards and merits.  It might free you up to experiment when you find yourself uninfluenced by others and sheltered from judgment.

Finding solace in solitude and silence will lead to finding truth in your heart.

Perhaps you might find the above course of action and suggestions a more helpful alternative to break in the New Year rather than the usual list of resolutions.