In perspective
I painted this after a Christmas holiday vacation in which one of our group spent every minute looking at his/her iPhone every flipping minute.
Instead of coming across looking like the lazy, out-of-touch, tech-addicted person from the trip (from my judgmental standpoint) the sloth in my painting came off as an enlightened being, opening his/her brilliant heart to show the wisdom of the universe, spreading warmth into the cold night. At least that’s how one person interpreted it.
Each of us has a totally unique take on what we encounter. We may think we’re looking at the same image or situation, but our interpretations are colored by the lens through which we see, a viewfinder that has been influenced by genetic and experiential factors galore. It changes everything.
One of the intentions of the Without a Net program is to foster the recognition of our own perceptions, whether they are clear or deluded. From there we can dismantle the warped ones and encourage the truthful ones. Our workshops are part of this process.
Here is a sample of how our two-hour workshop might play out.
After introductions, I give a short talk that establishes the theme of the workshop. Past themes have been Not Knowing, Being Awake, Passion, Curiosity…
We are led in a quiet exercise or two, designed to engage our awareness in the present moment with a specific prompt that pertains to the theme of the workshop. It interrupts our discursive mind and sets the tone for introspection.
We always do a visual art project. Red Dot has loads of supplies, and our Zoom contingency uses what they have at home. Expressing ourselves through visual means leaves the logical mind in the dust and opens into deeper consciousness, all with a sense of play and mindfulness. Visual art is my actual business, so I know how powerful it is. The theme of the day is part of the assignment, and the project always brings out the essence of the topic in fascinating ways for each of us.
Writing is usually involved, always pointing away from the analytical and explanatory. We’re more interested in using words as art or playthings, using them to release ourselves from our usual calculating verbal habits. The projects seem easy and almost silly, but by the end we see how our individual voice finds a way to authentically express itself without effort or planning.
A movement exercise breaks up the art projects, and we tie the practice into our theme. It’s no secret how inseparable our bodies are with our energy and mental states. Whether it’s a walk outside or a particular mode of movement, we pay attention to the invaluable part our bodies play in awakening.
One of the favorite parts of our gatherings is the sharing. It’s not required, but usually everyone opens up and reveals how their art or meditations spoke to them. The group setting magnifies the fun and helps everyone go deeper. It can’t be overstated how fellowship enhances the dynamic, but that’s not a giant surprise. The pandemic taught us how much we need to meet up!
There’s always more to it than I’ve explained here. The people who attend, the day, the weather, the timing with which the theme hits each of us—all play a part in making the workshop a distinctive, remarkable experience. In some way, whether big or small, whether it shows itself on the spot or a week after, we revise, restructure, and renew our perspective.
I hope you’ll join us soon.
