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Going through some sketches, I was reminded of this valuable, yet tricky, artistic practice of drawing without looking down at the paper and lifting the pen or pencil. In essence, the pen or pencil never leaves the surface of the paper while the eyes are focused solely on viewing what is rather than on verifying the precision.
The purpose of blind contour drawing is activation of creativity.
This morning, in reflecting back on this past summer, I realize that my visits to a “functional medicine” physician were “much ado about nothing.”
He was highly recommended by a medical consultant who, in turn, was recommended by a friend. I thought this doctor would be the medical panacea I had been searching for and that he advertised. Turned out this was not the case, not by a long shot. Tracing back to the original referral, I realize that this friend, in observing her various medical treatments over the years, was no where close to an expert in getting and receiving really good medical support. Bless her heart, and my miscalculation. And, perhaps there is no one cure-all.
After visiting Legion of Honor and viewing the terrific Peter Rubens’ exhibit with a couple of artist friends over the weekend, I felt very inspired! Inspiration shows up in many ways and at various times. The immediate offshoot was recognizing that I needed to live my life with more ease and realizing that the primary method is accepting what is in the present moment. I believe this does not mean that I accept the life situation and relinquish attempts to change it. However, I certainly see the value in working with rather than against in my pursuit of a greater life.
So, on that note, if I analyze “Justis” further, I can divide my name into “Just is”. Just, as an adjective, means “based on or behaving to what is morally right and fair, and just as an adverb means “exactly.” Then add “is”, the “3rd person singular present indicative of be”, and my interpretation is that what is happening in the present moment is the reality and just is. I can either accept it or resist it. If I accept it, I have equanimity and, if I resist it, surely I will have dis-ease. Obviously, I prefer equanimity.
I find it exciting to know that at any moment I can receive the gift of an insight, change and/or enhance the trajectory of my life.
Justis, Just is!
I think it’s important to love one’s name. I definitely do, so much so that there was no way I could bear taking x’s last name despite the prospect of children. (Not to mention foresight!)
Fortunately, when my Spanish Basque grandfather and grandmother immigrated here, they changed their last name from Yrusta to Justis (in reference to a sign for a justice of the peace.) To be sure, my beloved father was the epitome of justice. With my deep connection to him and like-mindedness, this was a perfect name for me. Ever evolving, fierce and feminine, I stand and work for justice.
The lower half is a cutout from a print ad from years ago. I felt compelled to add the top and bottom ink portions. My vision is to be in a spacious, light-filled studio with fabulous music blaring, and I’m dancing and throwing paint on canvas. It will happen; just a matter of time. The 3 P’s again - persistence, perseverance and patience!
Pen on paper:
Previously, I used this word a lot. Then, I realized I needed to be careful and use it sparingly as it got me into trouble. That is, often, I would say it to “introduce an utterance” or understanding; however, invariably it was construed as an acceptance or agreement. To further emphasize my clarity, I artistically played with it.
