After I flew off a motorbike, got my titanium collarbone and started doing everything with my left hand, I knew I’d never be quite the same again.
Perhaps one day I’ll be able to sleep on my preferred right side, or fasten clothes behind my back, or lift a carry-on case into the overhead compartment of a plane. But maybe I won’t, because I’ve already adapted, found new ways. And, despite the challenges, I’ve been thrilled to witness my brain ‘rewire’ itself as it’s tried to support me in my efforts; I’m certain it started transforming the first time I picked up a toothbrush with my non-dominant hand.
How do I know my brain has changed?
Well, my thoughts themselves are the proof. It’s like my efforts to cope by changing physically, have kicked my thinking on to fresh, useful and more optimistic tracks. It feels as though a paradigm shift has taken place in my head. Now, I accept, this could be for other reasons too: I had already turned a bit of a corner in my mental status quo at the end of last year I know, but even taking that into account, the bubbling up of curiosity-driven, enthusiastic thinking has taken me by surprise.
If I can brush my teeth with my left hand I can paint with my left hand.
If I can focus on the excitement of crossing the Andes instead of the pain in my shoulder while I paint, I can make a joyful painting, and I want to try it and see what happens!
If I can make a painting born of joy, it might help me feel good when I look at it.
The more joy-filled paintings I make, the happier I will be.
To my amazement and delight, I’ve made more paintings in the months since my accident than I’ve made in the last three years. What’s more, they do lift my spirits as I make them and when I see them. They feel like a pure rush of my best energy, and that is what I’ve always wanted to bring forth into my art.
Here are three new pieces, inspired by transformational journeys and events, and made across two continents this winter/summer.
Now I’m thinking,
If I make a painting while channelling joy, maybe the uplifting vibes will be transmitted to others who see the painting, as well as to me.
This thought makes me smile. It’s always been my wish to put more joy in the world. Perhaps, because of a motorbike accident that I’d never have chosen or predicted, and my brain’s (and my Soul’s) response to it, there’s a stronger possibility that I will.
SAL.
I’ll be super-happy if you share my creations. Please use short quotes from the piece if you like, but always always link back to this page.
For any other use, please ask me first.
Photographed with an iPhone the colours can be compromised and small amounts of cropping can occur. The real paintings speak more clearly.
Share art, share <3.
© Sally Townsend Blake 2019
