I really enjoyed reading this Anna. I’ve never heard of it being called type 2 fun but definitely know the experience and feeling you describe. Too long between type 2 fun drawing makes it feel impossible for me to get started! Really like the idea of soaking in the moment more in 2023.
Ahh thanks Charlotte! I only just heard of type 2 fun also - and I like a new term for thinking about things. Kind of like how helen Stephens making a think of drawing in the rain turned it into something. And totally agree. So easy to freeze when out of habit of type 2 drawing - although you don’t look like you let that happen! X
Hi Anna! I sooo get that feeling of wanting to cram it all in, but at the same time...I’ll just do this first! I think that’s why when I first discovered mindfulness it blew my mind! It felt like time slowed down, and I was noticing the tree buds and the tiny changes in nature. I’m excited for you for this year of soaking it all in. My word for the year was EXOLORE, for a similar reason. I had the urge to just BE this year, and stop racing for a bit! Hope we get a few chances to slow down and draw together! Much love! Xx
Ella, hello and sending you wonderful new year wishes! I can imagine mindfulness working for such things - for some reason I struggle so much with anything purposefully meditative! I need more props or something. Like baths. Or drawing. Or swimming! And I love the word EXPLORE! I feel the same. I feel like I've really produced for years in a row and want some time to play. Hope you manage this! And I would love the chance to slow down and draw together - let's make it happen xxx
Wonderful reflection on life Anna. I think a lot of us look for ways to live life more deeply but with with times of 'stillness.' All the illustrations are beautiful. Your drawings of the sea continue to reveal more of the ocean. The surfing one is so simple but beautifully evokes experience. Thank you.
Love the thoughts here and your drawings. Thank you again for sharing! Many of us are going through these reassessments and ponderings in the new year, and it is nice to read yours. Also, I agree that making drawings and paintings is when I feel calmed, engaged, rooted. Lovely.
Thanks so much Catherine! I’m so pleased you enjoyed it. I wasn’t sure if it were all just a bit mad. So thank you for replying. Feeling rooted is a lovely way to put it. Best wishes for a creative and meaningful year to you and thanks again!
Definitely not! Also, I think many people have been sick lately or trying to ward it off in the northern hemisphere (I had, I think, human metapneumovirus recently, and it has lingered a bit.) Those things occupy our minds a little, so it's nice to hear an assessment of moving on in health ; ).
I'm so sorry to hear you've been unwell! It's been so hard staying well and getting better and also not feeling too crap about it all. I took ages to recover from my covid bout earlier this year and learned about the post-viral blues as I felt so down for ages. It was definitely related to the illness as it really did pass. I hope you manage to kick the last of it very soon! x
That *is crap, getting post-viral blues. I hadn't heard much about them, but will keep a lookout for similar effects from this seemingly not covid one (according to my two tests) as well. After getting this I sorta wanted vaccines for *all the viruses, heh. Thanks again, yes, hoping to kick it : ). x
They are going to shut down Everest summitting. Good. The sacred mountain is trashed from all the tourists dragging themselves up ropes (or being dragged by Sherpas) and calling themselves "mountaineers".
ahh Jo, how fabulous! Ultras are such inspiring amazing events - I get so emotional every time Dave does one and I support and I watch everyone struggle along. He did a 200km one once and almost cried at the end (so did I!). And what incredible places you've been for the ultras! It all sounds amazing - I am sure I would love them indeed! And those illustrated maps sound fabulous too, congratulations! Even writing this I start wanting to try to do one :)
I really enjoyed reading this Anna. I’ve never heard of it being called type 2 fun but definitely know the experience and feeling you describe. Too long between type 2 fun drawing makes it feel impossible for me to get started! Really like the idea of soaking in the moment more in 2023.
Ahh thanks Charlotte! I only just heard of type 2 fun also - and I like a new term for thinking about things. Kind of like how helen Stephens making a think of drawing in the rain turned it into something. And totally agree. So easy to freeze when out of habit of type 2 drawing - although you don’t look like you let that happen! X
Ha! I draw from life most days but don’t often have time for longer drawings. Need to get out in the rain on my own. That would be type 2 fun! X
yay for drawing from life most days - that's what I want to do more of! I hope you make it out into the rain! x
Hope you get more drawing too! X
I know this feeling so well! Thanks for expressing it so beautifully.
oh thanks Amy! I'm so pleased to hear it resonated, many thanks :)
Hi Anna! I sooo get that feeling of wanting to cram it all in, but at the same time...I’ll just do this first! I think that’s why when I first discovered mindfulness it blew my mind! It felt like time slowed down, and I was noticing the tree buds and the tiny changes in nature. I’m excited for you for this year of soaking it all in. My word for the year was EXOLORE, for a similar reason. I had the urge to just BE this year, and stop racing for a bit! Hope we get a few chances to slow down and draw together! Much love! Xx
EXPLORE!
Ella, hello and sending you wonderful new year wishes! I can imagine mindfulness working for such things - for some reason I struggle so much with anything purposefully meditative! I need more props or something. Like baths. Or drawing. Or swimming! And I love the word EXPLORE! I feel the same. I feel like I've really produced for years in a row and want some time to play. Hope you manage this! And I would love the chance to slow down and draw together - let's make it happen xxx
I can so completely relate to wanting it all and I loved that post you suggested to read on the topic 💛
Ahh thanks Steph! I thought I was mad but maybe we're totally normal! And it was a great piece of writing wasn't it! Happy New Year to you x
So good Anna thanks so much! Here’s to more type 2 fun and soaking it all in in 2023 xxx
Thanks so much Sam! Sending the same back to you xx
Beautifully written <3 I can relate to so much to your panic of not doing enough but also knowing the importance of soaking, thank you Anna!
Thanks so much Emma! And sorry you have the panic too :) but also, it is nice to know it's not just me! I hope your year is starting well! xx
Hi Anna, What a great reflection on your life and life generally.
Gerry
Thank you dad! Xx
Wonderful reflection on life Anna. I think a lot of us look for ways to live life more deeply but with with times of 'stillness.' All the illustrations are beautiful. Your drawings of the sea continue to reveal more of the ocean. The surfing one is so simple but beautifully evokes experience. Thank you.
Thanks mum! Xx
Love the thoughts here and your drawings. Thank you again for sharing! Many of us are going through these reassessments and ponderings in the new year, and it is nice to read yours. Also, I agree that making drawings and paintings is when I feel calmed, engaged, rooted. Lovely.
Thanks so much Catherine! I’m so pleased you enjoyed it. I wasn’t sure if it were all just a bit mad. So thank you for replying. Feeling rooted is a lovely way to put it. Best wishes for a creative and meaningful year to you and thanks again!
Definitely not! Also, I think many people have been sick lately or trying to ward it off in the northern hemisphere (I had, I think, human metapneumovirus recently, and it has lingered a bit.) Those things occupy our minds a little, so it's nice to hear an assessment of moving on in health ; ).
I'm so sorry to hear you've been unwell! It's been so hard staying well and getting better and also not feeling too crap about it all. I took ages to recover from my covid bout earlier this year and learned about the post-viral blues as I felt so down for ages. It was definitely related to the illness as it really did pass. I hope you manage to kick the last of it very soon! x
That *is crap, getting post-viral blues. I hadn't heard much about them, but will keep a lookout for similar effects from this seemingly not covid one (according to my two tests) as well. After getting this I sorta wanted vaccines for *all the viruses, heh. Thanks again, yes, hoping to kick it : ). x
They are going to shut down Everest summitting. Good. The sacred mountain is trashed from all the tourists dragging themselves up ropes (or being dragged by Sherpas) and calling themselves "mountaineers".
ahh Jo, how fabulous! Ultras are such inspiring amazing events - I get so emotional every time Dave does one and I support and I watch everyone struggle along. He did a 200km one once and almost cried at the end (so did I!). And what incredible places you've been for the ultras! It all sounds amazing - I am sure I would love them indeed! And those illustrated maps sound fabulous too, congratulations! Even writing this I start wanting to try to do one :)