Every morning I meditate and pray for guidance for my day and ask Great Spirit to walk with me. Today I am reminded to practice self-compassion, as I woke up with deep sadness. I find it’s possible to hold a handful of emotions simultaneously — sadness, grief, thankfulness, exhilaration. Yesterday when I returned from my studio, after working on a large painting, I felt joy and gratitude. I am human. Emotions that are sometimes jumbled are part of this wild, breathtaking ride.

If I am conscious at the end of my life and capable of reflection, I will give thanks for dog-paddling in the middle of the river with all its wild currents, even if I do feel like I swam upstream most of the time. Woof.

6″ x 6″ watercolor, acrylic on paper = $50