'Zeitgeist', 48x48 inches, Mixed media on canvas, 2023 So, its 2024. That's 2024 years since we began counting the days and the years. I've been around for close to 50 of them - Hah!. I wanted to write a piece on how 2023 went. About realizations, setbacks, interesting anecdotes - that sort of thing. But one thing led to another, and by the time I was able to sit down to write something, it's already the 3rd day of 2024. Still, better late than never. "How did you spend your New Year's?" I get asked that question a lot. I tell everyone the same story. That the New Years Celebration, to me - isn't a big deal. It's just another day, right? The sun goes down, comes up the next day. Over and over, again and again. However, I was able to spend some quality time with my family, irregardless of whatever concepts or non-concepts I may have about about dates and numbers. As the year drew to a close a few days ago, I couldn't help it but to be thankful. Thankful for all the opportunities to learn, grow, expand, to feel loss, grief, to review my attachments, to create, destroy, declutter and overall - Experience life to its fullest (in my very limited capability and ways). Looking back at the year - I've gone from having some setbacks, financially as well as emotionally - to a more stable and secure frame of mind. Awareness is key. Always bring it back. I think that was the goal anyway - To understand myself and the world around me - Better. To leave things in a better way from where I found it. To work at being effective, resilient, capable and trustworthy. To say what I mean and mean what I say. To avoid creating situations where I would inadvertently resent myself, or others around me. To live and traverse this world, lightly, with grace and awareness. To decrease the amount of suffering I, and others around me face - if I possibly can. To lift others up and to be a strong foundation for myself, my family and my community. This stuff takes work. I think I have achieved most (if not all of it), and if I were lacking - I apologise to those who I've wronged or let down. I think I am able to reduce these 'unfavourable' occasions, as I get older. In a real (and objective) world - we all should be looking after ourselves well, so we can help others in turn. I trust this process. 'The Tedium of Blossoming', 24x24 inches, Mixed media on board, 2023 And so I run, lift, work, swim, play, spend and relax more. I try to engage more. Take on more risks. Failure isn't even a thing. It's all about expansion, learning and experiencing life.
To those who have collected my works in 2023, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your contributions to my/our financial wellbeing have been put to good use. It's used to further expand my art making and expression. It allows me to look at things differently. In a calm manner and with a keenness and sensitivity that originates from purpose and meaning. Your contributions (and it's not only about the money, but in many cases, time & energy too) has helped countless others. You have no idea how many lives you have helped with your generosity. Your efforts are far reaching. It travels onmidirectionally, and has great impact on the world. Especially in Malaysia. I know you are doing the best you can, the way you can - and that is encouraging, liberating, humbling and inspiring. Continue to inspire the same in others. And never ever, let your guard down. For there is always something to strive for and to challenge oneself with. Stay fit and healthy. Take this time to breathe and connect to the creative spirit that's within and all around us.
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