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 Inspiration - July 2009
Thought for the week of 07/27-08/02, 2009
“Reconciliation is to understand both sides; to go to one side and describe the suffering being endured by the other side, and then go to the other side and describe the suffering being endured by the first side."
-Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Monk, Activist and Writer
Thought for the week of 07/20-07/26, 2009
Sooja Kim is a contemporary South Korean artist I discovered at the recent exhibit at Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). Her videos, which she produces, directs and acts in are internationally well-known.
From the moment I stepped into the room where her video work entitled, "A Needle Woman," was being presented, I was entranced.On the opposing two walls were large screens- three on each side -that depict her standing completely still in the middle of a busy street with her back to the camera. Each video shows her presence in a particular part of the world such as Cuba, Nepal, Israel, Yemen, Brazil and Chad.
The viewers only see the back of the artist and the reactions of passersby. The latter's reactions range anywhere from curiosity, bewilderment, mockery, fear, amusement, to simply ignoring her presence. It was interesting to note the varying degree of reactions of people between countries.
I learned that the artist keeps her eyes focused at a central point to maintain balance. She breathes from her stomach so that her shoulders don't move and wills different parts of her body to relax in order to promote circulation. Amazing.
The artist alters the dynamics of the world around her with stillness. It is a powerful, meditative act. The artist further goes on to say, "Every moment of our daily life is [a]...meditation."
Simply stunning! One's perception is altered radically by the artist's unique vision. My mind is still exploring the depths of this profound, transforming work of art.
Watch a short video of her work below.
Thought for the week of 07/13-07/19, 2009
Really! Don't worry...as they say, "Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift, that's why it is called the present." Choose to be happy today and share that happiness with others while you are at it.
Thought for the week of 07/06-07/12, 2009
Everyone deals with loss and grief differently. Faced with loss of loved ones recently, I did the following to help myself in the grieving process. Perhaps some of them would resonate with and help you if and when you are experiencing similar situations.
1. Breathed consciously.
2. Allowed and experienced feelings and thoughts I had about the loss.
3. Accepted the inevitable fact that we all die.
4. Wrote a letter to the deceased to say what was unsaid.
5. Comforted others, which in turn comforted me.
6. Spent time in nature which reminded me of the beauty and goodness of life.
7. Laughed...watched comedy movies.
8. Read books on grief and loss.
9. Focused on positive mind state through hypnosis and guided imagery.
10. Shared my experience with compassionate friends from online support groups.
11. Created art to express and release.
12. Prayed and meditated.
13. Nurtured my body with healthy food and supplements.
14. Hugged my loved ones more often.
15. Cried and cried...tears are, indeed, therapeutic.
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