Art is an act of intentional attention.

The poet invites the senses, observes the flow and twist of words, injects emotion, insight.

The painter studies colours, the nuance of shadows, looks for focus and textures, creates a tone.

The musician listens, attends to harmonies, gathers rhythms and composes.

The photographer selects details, alters the lens, presents images conveying story.

These and others giving over to creative sensibility understand that it is the fullness of attention that permits their craft.  No room for distraction.

I believe that living is a creative act.  In each moment, each circumstance we are called to respond, and that response is a conscious expression of our deepest values and beliefs.  If we are paying attention.  Otherwise, it is mere reaction.

Creating ourselves is also not a static process.  It is as fluid and challenging as the situations life throws at us.  I’ve had to re-create myself time and again, losses numerous.  Each time, I find some of the old and am delighted to discover new, or  improved.

Today, I will set aside the rage and upset – a reaction to the current politics south of the border – and bring the fullness of my attention to the moment.  Family is gathering, and I take my role as grandmother very seriously.  There are young minds, eager and as absorbent as sponges, in attendance.  They will require my presence.

Today, we’ll be creating memories.

(I had the luxury of two full days of painting this week – some of my efforts pictured here.  My challenge for this week has been attention.  The responses have been amazing.  There is still time to join in.)