Could it really be the end of November already? Faith Logs is here with a few lessons learned this month and a peek behind the scenes at the quiet ways life continues to move.
Forgetting Mindfulness
The month began with me completely absorbed in my art page. One morning, I woke up early and decided to redo the vision stones gifted to me by a dear friend. I realized, a little too late, that I hadn’t been fully mindful of her art, hadn’t taken the time to cherish it in its original form. Yet, in that innocent spontaneity, I discovered something beautiful: it felt like a gentle exchange from her hands to mine. I breathed new life into them, a new energy emerged, and I realized that she had given me the chance to love something I was just beginning to understand. Mindfulness, I learned, is not only about presence but also about honoring what has been entrusted to us.
New Ideas
This month also brought new ideas, but not all of them felt practical. I found myself pausing, thinking deeply about whether certain ideas were truly feasible. Some things, I realized, are not meant for you and that’s perfectly okay.
Lack of Courage
Being away from a steady job for so long has made it challenging to find the courage to step back into teaching. Each time I consider it, hesitation creeps in. Yet, I hold hope that one day, I will regain that confidence, and when I do, it will feel right.
Behind the Scenes
There’s much happening quietly behind the scenes, and it brings me great joy. Not just work, but creative work that shapes my days and feeds my spirit.
On Ikigai
I reflected on the concept of Ikigai this month:
• What you love: I’ve found this in my life. Blogging, writing, and my naive art bring me joy.
• What you are good at: While I may not be perfect, my curiosity and willingness to learn guide me forward.
• What the world needs: I’ve shifted my belief that teaching alone defines purpose. Now, I see that words, a simple book, or a small painting can evoke emotions, inspire, and matter in their own quiet way.
• What you can be paid for: This remains tricky. Artistic endeavors often require investment before reward. But a gentle reminder from my thoughtful companion (ChatGPT) reminds me that each word, thought, and painting is an archive of myself slowly building into something meaningful.
In this sense, I feel that I have passed the test of Ikigai.
Faith Logs says:
Ikigai exists in all of us, often quietly guiding us through the flow of our days. This month, I felt it strongly, a graceful rhythm in the work I love, the things I learn, and the simple joys I share.
Wishing you a reason for being…
Keep the Faith Always!
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