New Painting: “Radical Acceptance”

“Radical Acceptance” 12″ x 36″ – SOLD

“Radical Acceptance” is about saying YES to life. It’s about loving what is.

May this painting energize your intention to truly see the worthiness and the gift of all you are and all that is.

There’s not a tree in the forest that wishes it was other than what it is or elsewhere than where it is.

Its full potential has been present at its core from the time it was a seed in the ground. It simply reaches higher and higher, accepting itself and its circumstances. It grows at its own perfect speed.  It adapts to its environment while continuing to journey towards the sun.

For trees, radical acceptance isn’t a practice. It’s just a way of being.

Eternal witnesses and keepers of ancient wisdom, trees offer the planet life-sustaining energy, nourishment, and shelter. They also provide us with a mirror. Will you accept their invitation to love what is, no matter what? With their invitation comes a key to happiness.

I couldn’t help but chuckle at myself.

I created this painting back in October / November 2015 to enter into a local contest. One of the rules was to keep our entry off all social media.

I’d finished it right before the deadline and hadn’t even photographed it.

So when it was time to pick it up recently, I had no idea what to expect. I knew it was called “Radical Acceptance”, but couldn’t remember the size or subject.

I’ve never been known for my long-term memory. It’s been like that since I was a kid.

I used to say that I’d experienced such a rich life as a child in a military family (we moved 4 times and traveled throughout Europe before I was 10) that I simply couldn’t store it all inside my brain.

Luckily, I have a great detail-oriented short-term memory. I did well in school exams and can easily learn the names of my students within the first day of class. But if I meet them later, I’ll only recognize their faces.

So never take it personally if I don’t remember your name or the details of an intuitive reading I did for you. It’s just the way I am. I’ve accepted that.

There are silver linings. My ex was grateful.  Plus it sure makes re-watching movies a lot more fun.

Now, I like to think that I’m mastering the art of living in the here and now…. being fully present.

I’ve also learned to adap.  I keep impeccable paperwork to keep track of things. And I blog a lot to share and have a record of my journey.

Sure, I admire those who have great memories. But that doesn’t take away from who and what I am. That’s all part of radical acceptance.

In this case, picking up my painting after it didn’t win the contest was like being reunited with an old friend.

I’d fully let it go into its new experience.  And when it came back, I was filled with joyful surprise at its playful happy energy. My heart sang as I unwrapped it. I immediately remembered knowing it.

P.S.  This is a highly textured piece. The colourful raised trees are super glossy while the white hazy background is more matte. Seeing my paintings in person is a whole different experience.

Radical Acceptance
12″ x 36″
Acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas. 
No framing required
SOLD