What role does art play in your daily life?
When I was a child and in college, I had always played with art. I love being creative and truly believe that we are all artists. These days my medium is acrylic paint, and I create large abstract statement pieces.
I find painting to be extremely healing for me. It allows me to drop out of my head and into my body, and I find a lot of peace while I am painting. I feel like I am able to fill my own cup, so to speak, when I dedicate some time to just be with myself and letting the creativity flow. I always listen to something spiritual while I am painting, it might be a podcast or a documentary, but I feel like this helps me infuse my love and energy into each painting.
I used to only paint for family or for my own home. But the more comfortable I became with my passion, the more I would mention it while at work at the bar or at the yoga studio. Gradually I had some lovely regulars ask me to create something for them. And then they told their friends about me too, and now I have created dozens of pieces for people that I have met from both the bar and the yoga studios. It has been the most beautiful journey to intertwine my love for people, art, and yoga. And magically, my home at the bar really allowed all of this to come true!
Why is it important for people to have pursuits outside of the bar world?
We hear all the time, "it's a balance." And life truly is about balance. I think in this industry specifically, we are all really kind of extreme go-getters. Many of us have multiple jobs or passions and can tend to get really busy really quickly. That can lead to burnout which can get us in the slump of "why am I doing all of this anyway?" In my own journey, this has happened before, and I have had those moments of clarity where I truly ask myself, "what is it that I really want?"
I think at the root of all of us, we want love, connection, and security. So, in our lives, how can we attain these with the life we are living? Where can we put in a little more self-love and take out a little bit more chaotic-ness? The answer doesn't have to come right away but just by bringing awareness to what your life looks like could be the step into this fine-tuning balance that will ultimately lead to more happiness.
Every month we like to present our viewers with a wellness challenge, and we'd love for you to take the reins this March. So, what do you have for us?
For the month of March, I would love to introduce you all to the Box Breathing technique. This is a simple yet extremely effective way to calm the mind and body and bring breathing back to its normal rhythmic state. This technique can be used at any time of day. It is really great to use when we feel our bodies getting tense, stressed, or aggravated.
To implement this technique, all you have to do is sit straight up, either on a chair, in your car, standing, or in a crossed-legged position, and on your inhale, count to 4. Holding your breath at the top of the inhale, count to 4 again, then as you exhale, the breath count to 4. Holding empty at the bottom of the breath count to 4 and then begin the process over again. My challenge for you is to use this incredibly calming tool for three minutes once a day. Suppose you find counting to 4 to be strenuous try counting to 3 on all of the steps. I gently remind you that this is for you, so customizing it to your needs is crucial.
This technique calms our nervous system, brings our body, heart, and mind back into balance, and allows us to continue our day in a more harmonious and connected way. If 3 minutes seems too long, try 2 minutes. If you enjoy the process and begin noticing a difference right away, try and stay in the process for 4 or 5 minutes.
I have found this tool to be extremely helpful while I am working or going about my daily activities. If I am feeling a little stressed or overwhelmed, chances are my breath has been compromised. So I begin with nice, deep, loving breaths and trace the "box" of my breath. Gentle inhales, pausing and the top, stress releasing exhales, and pausing at the bottom. I hope this technique of bringing awareness to your breath and tracing the pattern of your breath will help you as much as it has helped me.
Thank you, Dana!
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.
