Zen & Sunshine

Antidotes for getting through winter living with disability

February Prompt:

Disability adds a layer to seasonal fatigue. Discuss your go-to antidote(s) for feeling lighter and more energized at this time of year.

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My Zen

I started painting with watercolors using my left hand since my predominant hand is not cooperative. Painting gives me a sense of purpose and accomplishment. I've had to adapt to the way I use the paints but I am learning! More than that, I'm enjoying the process! -Angela (Lynn)

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Sunshine Makes Me Smile

I took a deep breath today
and turned my face towards the sun
Feeling the warm, rejuvenating rays soaking into my skin as the crisp, cool air coiled around me

As the snow and branches crunched under my feet,
I heard a single, solitary songbird saluting the sun’s rays with her peep-peep-peep-peeping praise

I continued moving my body
Closer to the sound
Rooting down
Grounding myself as I rounded the hedgerows that grow
Along the corner of the road

And there — just over the fence
Perched on the perimeter of a partially frozen puddle,
The most exquisite Lady Cardinal outstretched her wings

And just before
Flying high into the sky,
Her eyes met mine

I watched for awhile
Idling
Perched on the perimeter of this partially frozen, picturesque day
Feeling uplifted

With wonder and awe of how Mother Nature has this whimsical way of billowing back the heavy-hearted cloak of illness and fatigue,
Removing the thick brambles
To sanitize the soul
With the sanctity of light

And as I lingered a little longer,
I took another deep breath
And turned my face towards the sun
Allowing it to baptize me

The radiant heat,
Cleansing, renewing

Greeting me
With another morning —
More miracles and magic
Making me more and more my very own

-Rebecca Áine

I often quip that “My words are my paintbrush, and this page my canvas.” Just as an artist brings to life what’s in the mind’s eye, so it is for me and the writing process. It makes me feel fully alive. Every single time I see the ink upon the page or the letters upon the screen that I created, my mood shifts. It makes my soul feel vibrant, expansive, and true. -Rebecca Áine

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