What Was Cool Weekly (April 10-16)

Blue Mind, Solvitur ambulando & Smiling

Hello there - I hope your week is going well. Here are a few things I thought were cool this week.

1. Walk On

Last week I shared about finding ways to slow down in our rushed and frantic lives. I have continued to think about different ways of slowing down. For one, creating and making things is a way to slow down for me. It takes time to create something. Drawing and painting are slow and they can instantly put you in a slow mindset and mindfulness.

Another activity that I have picked up that has helped me slow down some is walking. I have been going on an early morning walk most days the past few weeks. Some days I will walk our dog Mixie and some days I walk alone.

Walking is definitely a slow activity but it is amazing to be able to take in the early morning while most people are not awake. It’s been a great habit to clear my mind a little before the day begins. Early morning walks have also helped me deal with any challenges that I am dealing with. As St. Augustine said;

“It is solved by walking - (Solvitur ambulando - Latin)”

*Consider trying to go for a walk any time of day that works for you.

“Blue Mind - Rainy Day on Easter Island” (24 x 18in. on canvas)

2. Blue Mind

Awhile back ago I was reading an interview with Bob Dylan and he was sharing how much he enjoys spending time in Hawaii and around the ocean - he referred to the effect as “Blue Mind.”

I had never heard that term before and I was curious. After looking in to it I found a book by Wallace J. Nichols titled “Blue Mind.” It was an interesting book that dives deep (pun intended) into why being in, on or around water makes us happy - putting us in a mildly meditative state of calm. Basically, water is a short cut to being happy.

Here are a few things that I thought were cool from the book;

• Babies are born as 78% water and adults are 60% water.

• Our brains are 80% water.

• Water is the most prevalent substance on earth (earth = 70% water.)

• A 200 lb. person only weighs 10 lb. in water.

• “Surfer’s Stoke” = A Zen-like experience of surfing, feeling calmer and happier.

“We are like islands in the sea, separate on the surface but connected in the deep” - William James

Photo by Ahmed Yaaniu

*Find a way this week to get around water - pay attention to how it makes you feel.

3. Smile More

One of my art students gave me this smiley face balloon recently and it has been hanging out on my desk reminding me to smile more.

Commissioned by State Mutual Life Assurance Company in 1963, Harvey Ball designed the iconic yellow smiley face in 10 minutes for $40.

I have been curious for awhile about the mystery and power in smiling. Awhile ago, I saw the phrase;

“Smile - it’s free therapy”

Thanks for following along - go for a walk, get around water or simply smile and see what happens. Have a great week.