At the end of any phase, should come a deep and reflective pause. After struggling with severe depression this season, I finally feel like the the clouds are parting and the sun is shining down on my spirit…

I know I’m not alone in this feeling. I’ve been seeing many others struggling too… it’s mind blowing how the world seems to be falling apart. I for one, have experienced more disappointment than I can bare – deaths in the family, job loss, moving back in with my parents, nothing working out as it should or rather, as I wanted it to with our house building project, my art career and total resistance all over the place. I’ve felt so powerless, angry, shame, torn down, and hopeless…

…My silver lining is knowing that this sort of adversity often inspires great changes and growth. I’ve never understood the purpose of life like I do now, which I’m quite sure is just to feel whole and happy, and to live in the NOW and to love and to feel loved…

Have you heard of the effects of color psychology? My medicine during this difficult time has been to paint (a lot) of the color blue, which research suggests is soothing to our senses. I can only guess it is because we instinctively link the color to beautiful skies, an oasis and tropical waters.

I found the best way is to paint under these sort of emotions is spontaneously, without fretting over the outcome… but to feel the calming sensation of blue skies and water. Where nothing exists, only peace. These pieces are not often our best works, it is the process that heals… not the results.

If you are looking for a way to cope with depression or anxiety, I can vouch for the effects this ritual has had on my emotions. Use this in cohesion with any tactics you already have – a cup of tea, CBD, or prayer/meditation. This has been incredibly powerful in my life to cool down my frustrations… and when you aren’t so attached to the outcome, you simply feel the flow of water and paint… the connection is real and true and feels spiritual.

To paint your own healing blue skies with soft and fluffy clouds, try watercolors – which I believe is the most magical medium. I’ve attached a helpful video below with a step by step process… enjoy!