A sense of balance and calm
A sense of balance and calm
And four other creative inspirations for your week ahead
It’s been a week of contrasts: a cup half filled with anxiety and another brimming with relaxation. I took this week for myself while Daisy enjoyed her time at a holiday club. I basked in the dappled sunlight of a Sussex orchard, marvelled at Raymond Briggs' work at the Ditchling Museum of Art and Craft, and indulged in a few blissful afternoon naps. If only daily life could always be this serene!
Writing this newsletter came at the perfect time, prompting me to pause and reflect on the positives amidst the chaos and uncertainty.
So, grab your journals for this week’s creative exercise, and prepare to immerse yourself in a soothing poem and an inspiring story I’ve recently uncovered—one that might just rekindle your appreciation for Instagram.
Have an inspired week ahead.
💫 Inspiration to draw on this week:
🎙️ A poem and podcast for calm in chaos
This week was tough. The events and riots in the UK really got to me. We usually live in a bit of a bubble here in Brighton, but lately, there's been an undeniable tension, and I’ve been grappling with much my own anger and fear. I try to channel these emotions positively—whether through meditation or by expressing myself in writing—rather than letting cynicism take over.
I also find solace in the On Being podcast. Krista Tippett’s voice and her thoughtful conversations with her guests offer a much-needed sense of calm.
I stumbled upon an interview with Jon Kabat-Zinn, where he shared a stunning poem by Derek Walcott. Kabat-Zinn talked about how much we split ourselves apart, and it resonated deeply with me. In a world so divided, it was exactly what I needed to hear. As JKZ says about the poem:
…it really hinges around just this issue of who we are and how much we split ourselves apart.
Enjoy 💞
LOVE AFTER LOVE
by Derek Walcott
The time will come
when, with elation,
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door, in your own mirror,
and each will smile at the other’s welcome,
and say, sit here. Eat.
You will love again the stranger who was your self.
Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart
to itself, to the stranger who has loved you
all your life, whom you ignored
for another, who knows you by heart.
Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,
the photographs, the desperate notes,
peel your own image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life.✍🏻 Get creative: journal prompt
Reflect on a recent event or situation that has stirred up strong emotions within you. Write about how these emotions impact you and explore any underlying fears or concerns.
What positive actions or practices can you take to address these feelings constructively?
How can you use your creativity or personal strengths to find a sense of balance and calm?
🌟 Good news break: an Instagram act of kindness - Rosa’s story
I see and hear from many people, especially on Substack, who have decided to exit, stage left, from Instagram. I’ve been thinking a lot about using Instagram in other ways rather than completely disappearing from it. As is so often the case, my thoughts bumped into serendipity who showed me this gorgeous post from an artist I admire. Alyse Dietel.
Despite her talent, Rosà, an artist, struggled with insecurity and a hefty dose of imposter syndrome, feeling that her work might not be good enough to share or sell. Alyse, who is dating Rosà’s son, quickly saw how special Rosà's artwork is and wanted to help Rosà see her own worth.
Alyse took to social media and enlisted the help of her Instagram followers. She asked them to lift Rosà up—and they did, in a big way. Over four hundred people showed their encouragement, and it completely turned Rosà’s world around. Their kindness gave her the confidence to believe in herself and her art again.
This story is a beautiful reminder of the power of community and kindness. A small effort can lead to incredible results. We truly have the power to make a difference.
🎵 Music to move your pencil to: 🍃🌳🌻 Nature is now on Spotify!
Spotify’s latest star isn’t a pop sensation but nature itself! Yup, Nature is an official artist, and you can now listen to birds chirping, rain pattering, and waves crashing right alongside tracks from artists like David Bowie (remixed by Brian Eno), AURORA, Ellie Goulding, and Umi, who’ve sampled nature’s best sounds.
Research shows that these natural soundscapes are perfect for reducing stress and boosting focus. This highlights the growing demand for tranquillity in our fast-paced digital world, where nature itself is becoming the new go-to artist for relaxation.
💬 And finally…a quote to live by
“Nature is the most healing force in the world. It offers solace, tranquility, and strength.”
~ Louise Hay, author
