Sunday, April 15, 2012

Relaxation


Acrylic on 9x12 canvas sheet
Available through DPW gallery/auction

How do you relax? What is the one thing you can do, or think of, that will help you to relax? For me, it's a hammock. Whether it's strung from 2 trees while on a beach, or 2 trees down at the edge of the lake, or even on a hammock stand in the middle of a manicured yard -- I find laying down in a hammock the most relaxing sensation. 

I was once taught that to aid sleep & relaxation, you should picture the item that most comforts, or relaxes, you while you drift off to sleep. It will allow your heart rate to calm down from a busy day, and also give your mind the necessary sanctuary it needs to wind down.

Some nights are more difficult than others to find that "sanctuary" place, and I may struggle with various thoughts from the course of the day. Sometimes I can think of an art piece I am on, but not one that I am struggling with. Sometimes I will think of a project at work - but I find thinking of work when I'm trying to relax not very helpful. I can think of my family, or the dog, or my husband - and again, some days yes, some days no.

But one thing I can always rely on is to think back to laying in that hammock, slowly rocking, and just sighing that sigh of relief. When you can shake off all the thoughts, all the what if's, all the worries - and just indulge in the moment of relaxation. 

This painting is my submission for DPW's challenge on "laying down." I combined the splendor of a sunset (which is always a wonder to me) with the sanctuary of the hammock to create a painting that symbolizes the state of relaxation. 

6 comments:

Azra said...

I feel relaxed already just looking at this beautiful painting!!
Getting to sleep I don't have a problem with as I'm always exhausted,but I do wake up a few hours later and then for me the best way is to read a book.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Thanks Nan for the tips on relaxing, we can all use them. My go to "word" to relax is the phrase "I am Peace" with a few deep breaths and most of the time I am good to go. Love your painting. I think I need to paint my Peace. Thanks for the inspiration.

Nan Johnson said...

Thank you Azra & Denise. Reading a book is a very good way to fall asleep - my eyes get heavy before I'm off the first page! And yes, I think we should all get in touch with our "Peace" - and paint it! I look forward to seeing what you create Denise.

martinealison said...

C'est vraiment tout ce que j'aurais besoin en ce moment!...
Une très jolie peinture accompagnée de votre ressenti...
gros bisous

Autumn Leaves said...

A gorgeous painting, Nan. I too feel so comfortable and relaxed in a hammock. I might have to buy one. Yes indeed. And soon.

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