The Grove: Sending Paper Flowers
How do those who are creative, with no intention of specializing expressions, create work that is connected and full?
This composition of letters and paintings is that for me. My words, movement, garden and art all wrapped into one. With it I remember the parts of myself who are alive today. There is magic in recording what truths exist in this version of now.
Somatic movement is a practice of embodiment, creative and flowing it is my respite. Emphasizing my joy and peacefulness, making space for sorrow. Intuitive and improvised movement that welcomes playfulness, mindfulness, dedication, work, exercise, art, dance, all the parts of me are welcome and relevant within the practice.
This short book is sectioned into three parts, to loosely resemble, my experience expanding from spring to autumn, 2023. I hope my letters of discovery are received in the spirit of kindness and exploration, with which they are intended
Here in the grove the horizon is lush and green. Thick lawn, mixed with at least a dozen plant species, and dappled sunlight present through the shade of nut trees.
The weight of a muggy August afternoon enveloped my body. In this stillness I watched the walnuts in clusters of two and three waiting on still branches, next to still leaves.
Focusing on the fence rails 50 feet out from where I stood, I allowed my weight to sink down through my spine and sacrum, reaching down to earth. Releasing tension I didn’t know I was carrying.
I have often felt like I have had to hold space for myself, all on my own. Yet here in the grove on a day that I felt so weak and powerless lost in a sea of ego and discomfort and anger and frustration about so many little things around me…
The grove was here. The trees held me while tears began to fall down my cheeks.
The wind picked up and Asana, my four legged friend joined me where I stood…
