Open Space, Happy Heart

Today’s drawing of Mary Magdalene

There’s still a little bit of summer left in New York, with sunny days and weather that invites people to leave their clothes at home. Stepping out is a pleasurable adventure. And as we enjoy the last days of warmth, we can’t forget that winter is coming…

People who grew up with the seasons say they enjoy it. And I understand. But having grown up in the Caribbean, it’s hard for me to like the winter. It’s not so much about the cold, but about the light. I sometimes leave the house in the dark and return at night. If I didn’t have a window in my office, I would have to quit.

The contrast that the seasons provide is similar to the contrast of life. Sometimes we go through the most difficult times and then we have a Summer or a warm Spring that revives us.

How can we create a life temperature that supports us through all the seasons and doesn’t let the darkness of winter penetrate our beings?

For me, it’s time in my studio. Sometimes I just sit here and don’t do much, but still feel that the environment I created for myself supports me. I made it colorful with a rug in beautiful bright colors, and left the walls bright white to catch as much light as possible. I have kept some of the Magdalenes I have painted in the last few years where I can look at them, and the colorful Spirits of the Forest rest against one of the windows with small gifts I have received that invite mysticism. I designed my studio before the rest of the apartment.

It is a gift to myself and to whoever spends time with me here. It is where I create and rest and dream up projects, write, draw, or simply sit in silence.

I feel that creating this kind of space for yourself is essential. For me it’s an art studio, but for someone else might be a kitchen, or a library, or a corner to play the games of the soul.

In this space is where Mary Magdalene exists for me. Not in the space itself, but in the space within that this physical space creates for me.

So many times we give and give, and don’t reserve even a small corner of physical space for our spiritual expansion. We also collect and keep and purchase and retain objects that take up the space where the soul could come out and dance if it were available.

Open space, happy heart, connected essence, to the invisible beauty of playful and warm existence.