Life drawing as play. Watercolour. By Aliya Mughal.
There are two ways of seeing: through a critical, judgemental lens that pours a dispiriting and mobilising grey wash over what is really in front of you; or with an open mind that embraces the unknown, and a willingness to drop the biases, fears and preconceptions in favour of connecting with what's true.
The latter may well mean coming up close with the reality of your flawed thinking, stumbling blocks, doubts and the very preconceptions that limit you. But it's far more honest, because in the exposure lies the illumination, from which comes the capacity to see the binds that restrict your head and heart. In clear sight lies potential for transformation, for a shift in perspective, a change of heart. See the grey without letting it dull your view.
This man's arms are too big. His proportions are all wrong. His anatomical parts are misaligned. That's one way of seeing things - with an intellectualised critique that projects notions of right and wrong. I see those imperfections and I choose to care less because intellectualisation misses the point entirely. What this really is, is an expression of release through uninhibited joy, a willingness to be carefree. A moment of splendid relief and a conscious suspension of thoughts about good/bad or otherwise.
This is mindfulness in action. Observing the ripples of discomfort and letting them pass without stealing more time or attention than is helpful. Experiencing the swirling, twisting, churning and turning. And letting it all flow out and through.
I love what Kimon Nicolaides says about the why and the what of drawing/artmaking/life:
"The things you will do - over and over again - are but practice. They should represent to you only the result of an effort to study, the by-product of your mental and physical activity. Your progress is charted, not on paper, but in the increased knowledge with which you look at life around you."