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Coming to Meet: Tending the Past, Honoring the Present, Nourishing the Future  Tending our parts as a path towards thriving There is a hexagram in the I-Ching called Coming to Meet (Hexagram 44). It’s about recognizing a powerful encounter- a return, something arising that asks for awareness and discernment, the dark encountering the light. I’ve been thinking about Coming to Meet as way to frame how different parts of ourselves come forward at various thresholds or moments in our lives. So often, what comes to meet us is a younger part that may be tender, vigilant, protective- still remembering and representing unmet needs from earlier times. These parts learned how to survive, belong, achieve, stay safe- the list goes on. They developed strategies for survival that were intelligent and necessary at the time. As adults, we may feel those same strategies and constructs surfacing in ways that make sense from that younger perspective, but may not be completely accurate or useful, considering the life we currently lead, or want to. When we meet these parts with presence, offering compassion and patience, something softens. The adult self can recognize how to begin to offer what was missing- reassurance, boundaries, permission, rest, play, an ally. Something inside can reorganize so the past can loosen its grip. So, I’ve been thinking about approaches to meeting these younger parts creatively, with curiosity, in support of an evolved relationship with them. In my own creative process, through collage, I’ve begun a Guardian Series, to tend to these parts of me. The figures represent what, or who, I needed in the past that was missing, for any number of difficult circumstances. I’m giving those younger parts allies, protectors, a solid container to trust.  At the same time, Coming to Meet is not only about the past. The wellbeing of our future selves is shaped by what we choose to meet in the present. When we meet ourselves in this way, the past softens its grip, the present gains clarity, and the future becomes something we are consciously cultivating rather than bracing for. What is asking to be nourished now? What truth wants to be spoken? What support wants to be received? How can I show up for myself? What do I need today so that tomorrow feels spacious, internally and externally? Especially now, with so many heartbreaking and infuriating events taking place in our country, and the world, it’s so important to tend to ourselves so we can continue showing up for the greater good. Art can be a powerful way to explore this terrain. Through image, color, texture, and symbol, we bypass the well-rehearsed narratives and allow deeper layers to speak. I have found that collage, in particular, can reveal unexpected relationships between our younger parts, our present needs, and the self that is still becoming. My next collage workshops, Saturday March 28th, from 1-4pm, and Sunday April 26th, from 10am-1pm will hold elements on this theme of Coming to Meet, be it meeting something from the past, or tending to something asking to be met in your current life circumstances. The invitation will simply be to turn towards what surfaces. To listen for and nourish what is emerging. To become trustworthy to ourselves across time and participate actively in who we are becoming. Click here for more information, and to register CYANOTYPES ARE MYHAPPY PLACE ~ falling in love with Ranunculus
The cyanotype process is a quiet collaboration between light, water, and time. A simple solution of iron salts is brushed onto paper or fabric, creating a surface that waits in the dark for its moment with light. Objects, plants, or negatives are placed upon the treated surface and when light touches it, a transformation begins. What the light touches deepens the chemistry into a luminous blue, and where objects shield the surface, a pale silhouettes remains. With a rinse in water, the image emerges in the distinctive indigo tone known as Prussian blue. Each is an imprint of presence and absence, a record of shape and light. This winter I was charmed by a new flower in my collection of printing materials, the glorious and delicate Ranunculus! This plant has become the latest tribute to joy and wonder in this magical process I’ve been so enamored with since early last year. New canvas bags are available, featuring Ranunculus, as well as adult sized shirts. Other cyanotype inventory can be found here, including prints, kids sized shirts, throw pillows, and three sizes of zipper pouches. There are so many ways to infuse daily living with art! My online store is still in the “unofficial” works but if you see anything you like, just reach out and we can make it yours! Thanks for taking the time to read a bit about what I’ve been up to and some of the creations I’m excited to share. There will be much more as the year goes on, including bookmaking classes and cyanotype workshops, along with many opportunities to come explore your inner workings through collage. May you find your own creative spark, and follow its lead to welcome surprises! In joy & emergence, Lindsay  Comments are closed.
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