Finding Stillness: The Art of Reflection

Framed library print of Renoir’s Bal du moulin de la Galette on my bedroom wall

It was 1995 when the library held an art sale. Every few years, they cleared out books pulled from the shelves. They set them up in the mall across the street, right under the artificial skylight. I always looked forward to this event.

Back then, the internet was just beginning to emerge. Books were still the primary way to chase down any information. My favorite aisle was the reference section. There, I could find books that were usually out of my budget. Textbooks, art books, and little oddities were tucked away in the back of the library. I remember carrying home an organic chemistry text because I found the diagrams strangely beautiful. I enjoyed chemistry. Somewhere, that book still sits in my collection, a relic of curiosity.

A Transformative Discovery

One find changed me more than any chemistry book ever could. It was a portfolio book filled with a dozen laminated 12 x 16 prints of Impressionist paintings. One print, Renoir’s "Bal du moulin de la Galette," stopped me in my tracks. The painting seemed to breathe; soft, sun-dappled colors led my eye in a slow orbit across the scene until time itself paused. It was the first time a painting felt like an experience rather than just an image. I kept that print, and it has been a part of my life ever since.

Today, it hangs to the left of my bed. It is the first thing I see when I wake up and the last thing I see when I turn out the light. Over the years, its meaning has shifted. Sometimes it evokes a memory of a friend in Paris; other times, it serves as a lesson in composition and color.

Showing its age,time to reframe

As a teenager, it was simply a feeling of calm. It gave me permission to stop and reconnect with myself. Back then, life felt chaotic in ways I couldn't quite name. Later, I would realize how messy things had truly been. Still, that print was a touchstone for me.

The Power of Small Things and reflection

Small things matter. An abstract idea held in color and brushstroke gave me a way to exhale. When I needed to collect myself, I would absorb its presence, and my breath would slow to match the painting’s rhythm.

Close up pf library print

It’s the tiny anchors that keep us afloat:

• A print rescued from a library sale,

• A favorite line in a book,

• A brief walk down a quiet street.

  
  

These small moments can ground us, offering a sense of peace amid the chaos of our busy lives.

Embracing the Holiday Season

As we approach the holiday season, consider stepping back for a moment. Take a deep breath. Let stress lie down for just one minute. Whether you are surrounded by family or enjoying your own company, there is always something to be grateful for. Look for something to celebrate, whether it’s an artwork, a cherished memory, or the warmth of the sun's light.

In these moments of stillness, we can reconnect with ourselves. We can reflect on our journey and find clarity in our thoughts. The art we surround ourselves with can serve as gentle reminders to pause and appreciate the beauty in our lives.

So, as you navigate the hustle and bustle, remember to take a moment for yourself. Embrace the stillness. Let it wash over you like a gentle wave.

Jackie