Change and Transformation. Creative Prompt.
“Every moment of this strange and lovely life from dawn to dusk, is a miracle. Somewhere, always a rose is opening its petals to the dawn. Somewhere, always, a flower is fading in the dusk.”
Inspiration: “Change and Transformation”
Invitation.
Witnessing and capturing snapshots of seasonal garden growth and change can connect us to the cycles of life, nature and transformative states as we embody these noticed observations. This allows us to slow down and genuinely experience…. and reflect upon a metaphor or narrative element of an emerging story of potential transition, growth, struggle and transformation…
This contemplative engagement in nature can gently remind us to be present in the moment, aware of the ongoing journey of shifts and transitions and/or grateful and aware that we can find beauty in change if we spend the time to mindfully notice the distinctive intersections at play
As with photo prompts, there continues to be a tangible legacy piece as witnessed moments can be saved for future viewing and reflecting.
Materials.
A camera and being a witness is all that is required for this creative prompt.
Be present.. take time…notice change and beauty in transformation
A gentle invitation to reflect upon…
Change and transformation?
How do these witnessed changes make you feel?
What are the words that come to mind in summer as you experience changes around you?
Do you feel grounded and connected to nature or do the changes make you feel restless and unsettled?
Does your energy level change or shift in summer?
Materials.
• You, outdoors, sunlight, and time to be present and aware
• art and/or writing materials if you feel inspired to create, reflect or jot down thoughts and words - capturing the colours, sensations and energy of summertime transformation, and the feelings generated
• and/or a camera for documenting these moments
Inspiration: Capturing Change through the Photos Below.
Gentle Inquiry: How does it make you feel as you view the changes in the photos below?
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
“Deep in their roots, all flowers keep the light. ”
“Every particular in nature, a leaf, a drop, a crystal, a moment of time is related to the whole, and partakes of the perfection of the whole.”
“When a sudden ray of sun or a moonbeam falls on a dreary street, it makes no difference what it illumines-a broken bottle on the ground, a fading flower in a field, or the flaxen blonde hair of a child’s head. The object is transformed and the viewer is transfixed. Celebrate that moment of beauty and take it with you in your memory”
“Flowers whisper ‘Beauty!’ to the world, even as they fade, wilt, fall.”
Years ago I worked with an elder who shared with me that she would only keep live plants and dried flowers in her room. She refused to accept any fresh cut flowers. I was curious as she loved to paint flowers in the art therapy group. When I inquired she replied…”because April, they are vibrant for such a short time and then they die…. and that makes me sad. I don’t want things in my room that make me sad”. At this point in her life journey she had experienced layers of cumulative loss, and witnessing another (even though related to a simple vase of flowers) was impactful and added to the complexity of her grief.
Change and transformation impacts us all very very differently… be gentle with yourself as you engage and reflect.
Do you have any photos to share of summer transformation, and/or quotes or resources to add to this post? Let me know if you do by contacting me here.
