Notes Toward Caring Rest

What a year.
I'm going on holiday. 
Things I want to find on this trip:

reflection
open eyes
relaxed skin, face, eyelids, cheeks
softness to the spot below my lips, above my chin
an ending for my play
energy
family connection
inspiration
hope
lists of accomplishments, misses and successes from the year
goals for next year
spaciousness
my rib cage opening
ideas and desire to execute dreams
warmer weather
wetter weather
other people's stories
new experiences
rain
sun
ocean
peace
sleep
hugs
kisses
my mom's oysters
currant tarts
generosity
long deep conversations
lots of laughter
singing
stretching out on a couch
drifting off into sky
a strange new dance
sleep
naps
a computer staying in a bag most of the day
sleep

As most (sane) creative people know, this departure is an important part of the process. I'm grateful I get to go away -- to my circumstances and privilege, but also to myself and my partner for putting this time in our calendars months ago. Michael Atavar in How To Be An Artist says artists should mark out all their vacations at the beginning of the year and stick to them. I don't know how I can plan that far out, but it's something to think about.

More Michael Atavar wisdom.

​Atavar also suggests looking back and celebrating what has been done after every project. So I'll take some of time to reflect, and as I learned from Christian Frock's "Artist in the World" class last year, list my accomplishments completed, big wins, losses, connections made and new questions I'm investigating as an artist. I'll take some time to list personal goals, as well as professional and creative ones, and pin three that I definitely want to accomplish next year, and over the next two years. I want to come back rejuvenated and ready for 2017. I want to come back longing to work and create and dig my head down and flourish. For that to happen, I must step back.

One thing I'll back away from is social media. I might check in every now and then, but in general I'll be fasting from my Facebook, Twitter and tumblr accounts. Reach out to me on email if you need me. I'll also take a break from this process blog next week. There may be changes coming to how and what and when I post next year, based on discoveries made during this break, and what I think will help me stay creatively energized through the new year. 

And with all that, a joyous holiday and new year to you all. May you find kindness, love, and generosity, and be able to give these in return. Be well and take care.