Moving Energy

Yesterday in yoga we discussed how the exercises are designed to move energy from one part of the body to another.  The series of movements increase blood flow and energise for a better balanced life...all good.  I always get lost in a bit of reverie about what these yoga lessons mean in life.  I think in a lot of ways learning to channel energy from bad direction to good is the key to life.  I read in a woman's magazine lately that you can avoid depression by telling yourself not to let the bad thoughts take control.  I practiced that the other day and it worked.  Hmm...I thought, I have the power of myself to control myself.  What a concept.

Two years ago we got a new dog named Cheeky.  She was OUT OF CONTROL.  I mean OUT. OF. CONTROL....in a BIG way.  I couldn't believe that after having the most loveable dog on the planet I now had one that drove me nuts.  However, I am pleased to say we have taught the old dog new tricks and she is now...loveable too!

Here she is having just released the ball.  This was an action I NEVER thought could happen.  She is in a "calm submissive" state, in the words of Ceaser, the dog whisperer.  We have studied the tv show and applied the theory and now we have a dog that is responsive to our commands.  She waits to eat, she waits for her walk, she ignores other dogs when we walk instead of trying to rip their heads off. (that is the best new trick!) The focus is still there... the need to own the ball but she knows with certainty that we are the pack leaders now!   This ball is mine and she knows it.

She still WANTS. THAT. BALL.  But we moved the energy from her to us.  The reward is great.

Then there is my other youngster, Sam.  I have watched his burning desire to make graffiti and worried about where it might end up.  He knows not to go out in public to practice.  With the summer looming ahead we decided that it was best to divert the energy and we gave Sam the back wall of the "bachelor pad".

 Sam quickly accepted the space and this is the third time he's designed and executed a huge design.  It looks great AND it keeps them off the streets.  We also got him a new bed over the holidays because now that he is nearly 6ft tall that old bed just couldn't fit his feet.  It meant we refigured his room which revealed a fireplace.  As soon as he saw the space this is what he did.

How cool is that colour lovers!  Random. Ordered.  Interesting.  Complete.  I wouldn't change a thing.  Chance definitely directed the creativity here.
There technique to graffiti, believe it or not.  It takes skill to get the lines right, to get the intensity of the colour, to make it just barely readable.  I keep meaning to have a long chat with Sam about what he is learning.  I am not a fan of destroying people's property with graffiti but I am a fan of it as a form of artistic expression that is full of the voice of youth.  I love coming around a corner and seeing a colourful image in an otherwise dingy neighborhood.  I appreciate that these kids, in the right places, can leave their mark on a world that is delivered to them full of the marks of others. 

Sam dares to make a statement about what he likes.  I love to walk into his room and discover just a bit more about him.  Slowly but surely he is making his mark.  His friends make marks too as they paint on his furniture and walls.  There is sharing of creativity there.  Thing is now we'll never be able to get him out of this room so I hope his future wife likes it too. 

How do we adults move the energy around?  There are great artists out there providing food for thought...a diving board of sorts into creative expression.

This year we are exploring a variety of ways to express ourselves in clasess.  I have ordered in some great books that add depth to the classroom experience.  These books are all full of helpful tips on technique and creative inspiration.  All we need is a point from which to jump into the void.

Check out the second part of the article I wrote for Quitlers Companion (issue #53) on my trip to the USA.  They all contributed to helping me learn to look around more for new roads to creative expression and I want to move that energy to all of you as well.  Upward, downward, any way you face the dog...keep the energy moving...k 

 

 

Comments

[Cardygir]

Great post Kathy...Sams art is amazing...how wonderful that his parents understand his need to create. Positivity and focus on the positive aspects of daily life does help to stabilise mood and increase enjoyment. Isn't that why we create too?

[Sara Hill]

Ooooh, that Sam, that creative spray paint, I just love that edgy look (coming from the 60 year old quilty lady) and he's lucky to have the artsy mom that can appreciate it too. I get the part of needing to keep it pointed in the right direction, and I know where I live here in Tucson there are just so many dreary places that could use some sprucing up with that kind of urban art. Aren't there places there that would turn him loose on their beat up or abandoned industrial walls?

[Bronwyn Ugonotti]

Great read, love all the graffiti art and Jules loves learning from Sam...I am with you when it comes to chaneling the energy...keeping it moving and forever flowing!!!!

[Linda]

Your post is amazing. Thank you so much!!! Please keep some of your energy toward your blog posts. They are uplifting! Sam's got the talent and a good mom who sees it and encourages it. Lucky guy...

[Elizabeth E.]

And where would we be without the Banksys of the world? Many of my students are fascinated with graffiti as well--I've had more than a couple of research papers on the subject. I've learned to call it "street art" as that encompasses a wider vision. Have you seen JR's talk on TED about his vision? http://www.ted.com/talks/view/lang/en//id/1085

Interesting stuff--sounds like your Sam's tapped into the zeitgeist.

[Martha]

Kathy, inspired words from you to this other mom of boys. I keep thinking what makes us different from our parents with just this. That we (within limits) appreciate, allow interests of the kids and foster creativity. Like having his room full of spray paint cans. It is going to make me more open to my own sons today and how they want to use their personal spaces! Great! Martha