Hello friends, it’s June! Are you thinking, “How is it halfway through the year already?” or, “How has it only been half a year?” For me, it’s more of the second statement. The last three months have been rough and I’m really glad for the comfort of this month’s painting. I hope by the time you finish reading this story, you’ll feel the same as well!
“Remember to Breathe” was created as part of my “Keep Glowing” collection last year. Based on a stunning sunset from our first vacation as a family of four, it depicts the view from our rental place on Pender Island (one of the smaller islands close to Vancouver).
Whenever I see a beautiful sky, I can’t help but stop what I’m doing and be present. My breathing slows down and I let awe and delight wash over me. Author Ethan Kross, in his book, Chatter: The Voice in Our Heads and Why it Matters, observes, “When you’re in the presence of something vast and indescribable, it’s hard to maintain the view that you and the voice in your head are the center of the world.” This quote reminds me of why I do what I do – I want to offer portals into awe-filled spaces so that we can remember we are part of something larger.
After I released this painting, one of my collectors reached out to me. They wanted to buy this painting for a friend who was going through a difficult life transition. It was such a honour to know that this piece was going to a home where it could bring some solace and peace.
I titled this piece, “Remember to Breathe,” because I personally need the reminder to pay attention to my body and her basic needs. Breathing is mostly unconscious, but when we are mindful about inhaling and exhaling, it does wonders for our nervous systems and grounds us. I hope that this title invites you, as the viewer, to slow down and attend to your body as well.
June in our household is a relatively busy month with the end of the school year and finishing up projects before the summer. It felt appropriate to choose this piece for this month, especially since it’s an invitation to pause our busyness, to look up, and to remember to breathe.
For those with the Scripture calendar:
I paired this month’s painting with the verse from Job 33:4, which reads, “The spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Each breath we have is a gift and a reminder of the presence of God within us. I hope we can be encouraged by this thought and that breathing itself can become a prayer of gratitude.
Questions for reflection, if you want to go deeper: Take a moment and notice how you are currently breathing – is your chest or shoulder area tight? On your next breath, notice what happens if you let the air sink deeper into your belly. What happens if you allow the breath deeper still into your pelvis? Or down into your legs and feet? Now look at the painting and take a few breaths. How do you feel now? What emotions or thoughts come up for you?
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As always, I love to hear from you! If something in this story resonated with you, if you’re interested in commissioning a painting, or if you have other thoughts, feel free to email or connect with me on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks for being part of my journey and for letting me be a part of yours!