Lifted Up by Layers

I recently had my annual physical. In preparation, I had to complete the usual forms and questionaires, but this time there was a new one. It was all about whether I suffer from depression and how much throughout any particular month. Of course I replied, "yes, I've been experiencing depression kind of frequently lately." When I spoke with my doctor during the appointment, she told me that it's a new form they are using. I don't think she even looked at my results, so it probably wasn't necessary for me to say: "Of course I'm experiencing depression now. I think if you're not somewhat depressed in these times, you're not fully human!" It is difficult for me to lift myself up out of these states because each day brings something new to disgust, dismay, or dysregulate me. It's non stop.

One of the only ways I've found is to lose myself in mixed media layers. I pretty much use this method, in one way or another, every time I create. It is a process that allows me to be fully and intensely engaged in the task at hand, focused on the specific layer I'm adding, so that I can get into Flow. In this state, I feel a lot better. I ask what the last layer needs in adding the next and the next, until I get to the point where I really like the result. I can be playful, intuitive, take some risks, and experiment along the way. The piece I'm working on can diverge into a "messy" or "ugly" phase, and I need to bring myself even more intensely into the moment to resolve it and fix it. "Fixing" is just what I happen to want to see, though. I'm not performing to any set standard. It's freedom and fun. I feel lifted up by these layers.

In posting a recent video tutorial to my YouTube channel, I decided to follow along with it and make a new batch of layered mixed media Artist Trading Cards (ATCs). With about 20 cards completed, the next question became, who can I trade with? So I proposed a trade in the Facebook Group for my book Share Your Joy. We are now in the process of gathering interest and will next organize our trades. That way, we can feel uplifted by layers in making the cards and then uplift each other by sharing what we've made. I really need that right now. Maybe you do too? No deadlines have been set yet, so you have some time to create! So, join the Facebook Group if you haven't already, make some ATCs (following or not following the video tutorial;), and join us in sharing some joy!

Here's the video tutorial:

XOXOXO

Sarah