“Inner Child”

Acrylic paint + oil pastels on canvas // 30x40 in

As some of you know, I took August off from leading workshops/webinars. The focus was to rest, regroup, dream, and reconnect with my painting practice. It was vulnerable to do that, because I’m healing from the capitalistic wiring where I feel the urge to constantly prove myself and to grind without resting.

So at the beginning of August, I started this art piece. It’s inspired by the Ancestors workshop series I did alongside many of you. I heard my ancestors encouraging me to slow down, give myself permission to have pleasure, nourish my inner child, and let my Leo fire burn with all the rage and joy.

I did what I haven’t done in YEARS…I broke my own “rules.” I played with colors I haven’t painted with in my adult art practice. I tried to be curious about my perfectionistic urges and practiced to let go.

I felt my inner 7 yr old perk up! She is usually very reserved and self protective, but the colors and intentions was nourishing and inviting.

I honestly have never allowed myself to work on an art piece over a month’s time, because I usually feel rushed - and want to see results FAST. But going slower in this process is helping me see that liberation work is about sustainability. It’s the long haul. How do we prioritize our health? How do we prioritize our true wellness? How do we set up systems where we minimize burn out?

It will never be about how fast we can consume or produce.