Back to Basics - Routines & Structures - Dominique Hurley

Being an entrepreneur takes discipline. So does being a student. I’ve learned with the years that I work extremely well within a structured routine, even if I’m guided to do so all around the world.

Now that I’m back in Austria and no longer a full time student at the Vienna Academy of Visionary Arts, it’s time I figure out what that routine will be. I have goals and have less than 2 months to meet them, and so I’m motivated. A good start.

After nursing a cold in bed on Saturday, I had to call on every ounce of motivation and energy to kick myself out of my new cozy apartment on Sunday. Discipline isn’t only required for work, but also for leisure. I can get into hermit mode much too easily and I didn’t think another sedentary day would be that good for my health.

It’s not like my time on the Internet this weekend was unproductive, however. I followed up on the recommendations given to me in the Eye of the Spirit workshop. My blue veiled lady reminded some of the participants of Modigliani’s work, so I looked him up.

jeanne-hebuterne-with-hat-and-necklace-1917

My painting

I can see why – look at those noses. Seeing a great artist’s rendition of the human figure was comforting as I continue my own exploration of stylistic approaches to figures. I’m so not interested in painting photo realistic people. While researching, I found a really good movie about his life on YouTube (2004 -with Andy Garcia). That led to my finding one on Klimt (2006- with Malkovich). Artists’ lives can be so dramatic and depressing… they make for good movies though… As an aside, I also found a 3-hour movie based on a book from one of my favourite authors back in the 80s – Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Mists of Avalon. The timing of that one was perfect for Beltane – the Gaelic May Day festival.

But as this great little video below (which was recommended on Facebook) reminded me, it was time to disconnect and reconnect.

So by 1pm on Sunday afternoon, I succeeded in forcing myself out of the house. To my great delight, I found out that one of my favourite spots in Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace’s extensive gardens, were only 1 hour’s walk away along just 3 streets – no subway tickets, transfers, or crowds. Great discovery! I walked there, spent an hour walking around and sitting in the gusty 15 degree sunshine, and walked back. I’m glad I had brought my iPhone for a few pics. It was too late for most flowering trees and too early for their impressive flower gardens, but gorgeous nonetheless.

Now it’s the workweek. Here’s my plan.

Daily early morning yoga

Daily walk

Healthy meals

Minimum 5 hours / Maximum 10 hours a day on my Art Empowers Me e-course to redesign my website and tackle the world of online sales (back to the basics)

On days when I’m not at school, at least 1 hour doing drawing lessons with YouTube

At least 1 day off a weekend

Part time studies at The Vienna Academy of Visionary Art: The trimester started a month ago and both their programming and my budget won’t allow for me to be full-time anymore. I’ll still attend occasional sessions open to the public or modules that the teachers think I can ease into. This week, for example, I’m planning to attend
– Monday & Wednesday life drawing classes (4-6pm)
– special Sacred Codes lecture on the Gnostic Worldview (Thursday 6:30 – 8pm).