As below, so above

‘As above, so below.’ Mixed media on paper. 42 cm X 29.5 cm 💗 Enquiries welcome.

Hello beautiful.

Lately, I’ve been wondering, how can we, as humans, honour ourselves and others’ needs at the same time?

What I’m coming to realise is, it’s a dichotomy. We can only ever truly be honourable when we are authentic with ourselves - in our thoughts, responses, actions and intentions. And through being authentic, that’s how we can best honour others, because they can know who we really are in this moment (beneath the surface, not just who we show ourselves to be above the line).

This feels hard for me sometimes.

I have been brought up to be kind, considerate and caring towards others above all else. In my adult life, I’m learning those things for myself. Daily. And sometimes they clash — my needs, with my perceived needs of others. And that’s exactly what they are - perceptions. I’ve robbed so many people of their agency in my life, because I’ve made decisions for their needs, rather than having the guts to speak my own. That’s the truth of martyrdom. Staying small under a cloak of virtue.

I personally, can not hold space for that anymore.

My drive, my inner nuances, my sensitivities and my sense of wellbeing, need my authentic action to flourish and feel aligned. Sometimes, my needs and truth can feel uncomfortable to sit with, both for myself and others. Often, I find they’re a joyful relief to honour and hold.

If I truly do value kindness and honour, I have to keep actively living my life freely from within.

As below, so above.

And sometimes it takes an outer reflection, a shared truth, a deep vulnerability, to integrate our parts into a whole. Learning to hold space for ourselves in true authenticity is one big step. Emerging into our relationships and realigning in our truth on the daily, is a life’s work, worth living.

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P.s. I’d like to take this time to show gratitude to you, for showing up in my life, following my artworks and musings, sharing your love and feedback and reading my emails. Everyone thinks being an artist is all play and must be so amazing. Which it is AND I’ve worked hard and made sacrifices for 20 years to get here. Like you, I’m human. I still struggle to pay my bills sometimes and be a good Mum and partner and friend. My wish this Christmas is that we remember that we are all fellow humans, we all have our ‘stuff’, we are likely feeling pretty tired and pretty overstretched at this time of year. Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, we all deserve the gift of love in our hearts, for food on our plate and loving arms to wrap around us, and hold others right back.

Many blessings for the holiday period and a new year of authentic, loving, intuitive living.

Love,

Chrissy x