I have consistently high blood pressure which is maddening, I’m fit, I’m vegan, I exercise daily, I practice yoga and yet the numbers soar. My doctor advised I buy a home monitor (if you want to feel decrepit, buy a home monitor) and now I have the added delight of watching the numbers rise on a daily basis.
This morning I decided to experiment, ordinarily I fuss trying to stay still as possible when using the device. I naturally run high on nervous energy,even sitting perfectly still causes me anxiety, a creepy Catch-22. My experiment was to draw during the monitoring. I was happily but not really surprised to see my numbers close to the desired range(125/83 whereas target blood pressure is 120/80).
I was delighted, it has been years since the numbers have been this low. I have known that when I draw my breathing becomes less frantic and I can experience a bit of calm. But perversely I always feel as if on some level drawing isn’t “real” work; I do not regularly show my sketchbooks to others. And yet I doodle and draw all day, often with a weird sense of guilt. But this morning’s numbers have liberated me a bit from that ridiculous thinking, I’m not wasting time or procrastinating-this is therapeutic !
The following are a few pages from my sketchbook from the last few days. To a new and reasonable acceptance of doodling.
the following two were from dreams the evening prior:
Well that is it for now, off to yoga, then doodling perhaps. This evening one of my prints is in an exhibition, tonight is the opening. I’m so lame, I should go, but I would rather paint , will see what happens.
Until then, be well,
Lg
It sounds like the drawing and painting are the key… when you are truly yourself. Get over the guilt my dear… its YOU. Accept it. 🙂 And your work is quite delicious… if terrifying on one level. 🙂 I replied to the BB blog too – lets do stay in touch. I wish there was a more direct way…??? I’m on FB. Are you?
I will,I appreciate the encouragement.
Lg
loving the drawings – and it is obviously working for you 🙂 good luck with the BP
Thank you, happily spent the last few days “drawing” with watercolor…