Mono, essentialism, and studio practice

I’ve been listening to a new-to-me podcast, The Simple Show, and can’t stop thinking of their discussion of essentialism.  Saying yes to what is important and saying no to everything else has been a theme for me this year.  This summer I was dealing with mono for about a month- the doctor’s appointments, the fatigue, the crankiness, and resulting depression from being unable to do what I love.  I had to make some mental adjustments in what I expect from myself and had to cut back my activity to basically work and vegging out with my boyfriend.  No more aerial dancing, limited exercise, and barely any desire to be working in the studio.  I was scared I was losing my love for clay.  As frustrating as this summer was, I made some changes that I want to keep honoring even after my health has returned.  I stopped making pots that I didn’t want to make anymore.  I stopped firing at cone 6 and at cone 04.  I didn’t check social media as much.  I limited time with people and work situations that drained me.  I made very little income.  I gave myself space and care to heal.  I am so grateful that I did.

Now I’ve been back in good health for two months.  I’m loving the physical energy, the drive to be outdoors and to dance again.  As all makers know, tis the season to make and sell handmade goods.  I’ve been in the studio almost every day making pots to stock up for the Durham County Pottery Tour and other upcoming shows.  Yet I’m still seeking to pare down my life to what is essential even though I no longer have mono as an excuse for saying “no”. I may have more energy than I did with mono, but I still have limited energy. I’m human.  In that light, I’m working less at my day job as a speech pathologist.  It’s a little scary since that’s my more reliable income.  But tis the season for handmade and right now I want to be working more in a creative way.  Doing creative things, cultivating creativity, that is essential to me.  As I’m thinking about what is essential in my life, three things pop up in my mind: creativity, time to recharge, and healthy relationships.  Even in this busy season of fall followed by the holidays, I want to pursue what really matters to me.  I’ll keep you posted and hope to see you at an upcoming show this fall!  Details to come…