Monday, March 20, 2017

Name That Feeling!

Further insight from UCLA neuroscience researcher Alex Kolb: it is beneficial to label our negative feelings. Suppressing only sends us downward. Naming—in just a word or two—gets us spiraling back up.

A fundamental tool of mindfulness, labeling activates the prefrontal cortex and reduces arousal in the limbic system.

Got it.

When I landed here, I felt:



irritated,
disappointed,
self-betrayed.

I'd let an outer voice get noisy enough to keep me from hearing my own inner voice, to no particularly good effect outwardly and certainly no good effect inwardly.

'Nuff said about that.

As soon as I named my feelings, though, I felt a shift and a lift.

I got my paints out again. Now this piece—a visual haiku—feels artistically and emotionally authentic.

And, in turn, I feel:

content,
satisfied,
self-aligned.

Empty Pockets Where Feelings Get Caught
1.5x5.5"; acrylic, ink, pencil, and oil pastels on black cardboard
abstract
2017
[gift]

4 comments:

carol edan said...

Thanks for the insight about negative feelings. I will certainly try that out. One can not know why we feel the way we feel. I like both pieces. The first piece is not as abstract as the second piece. I do like the addition of the white marks in opposite directions and I gather that those weed like growths you didn't like. All in a day's work!

dotty seiter: now playing said...

Carol, thanks as ever for your comments. I agree w/ you that the revised piece is more abstract, and you are correct that the tall marsh grass (or whatever it was) didn't appeal to me. Yup, all in a day's work: take stock, name those feelings, get on with things!

Sheila said...

Funny to me, that you did not like those grasses. Not funny, interesting. I do love the new piece. The title is so very you. I see glorious, undaunted new blooms standing tall in a sudden spring storm. Strength, survival, hopeful. :)

dotty seiter: now playing said...

I see storminess, too, Sheila! In just the way you describe it, as a foil for strength, survival, and hope. Glad you enjoyed the title.

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