Every last day of school, my husband and I would throw a camping party for our son and his buddies out on our parents’ property. These parties included lots of running around, tire swing tricks, roasting weenies and corn on the cob, marshmallows on hand whittled sticks, and night time ghost stories and guitar songs around the campfire. Us adults would sleep out with them for the fun of it, but also to make sure the kiddos made it through the night unscathed! Early in the morning, a couple of years ago, we were roused by the sound of a dozen ravens or so sqauwking and hollering at one of the resident Great Horned Owls. They were harassing the poor old owl it seemed, just for the sake of being ornery. That owl sat there so serene, totally unflappable until finally, the ravens got bored and moved on to their next mischievous activity. For days afterward I found myself remembering that owl and its ability to be non-reactive. The image came to me so often in those following days it inspired me to create this painting. Being non-reactive is a powerful practice whether in matters of parenting, family and social dynamics, a stressful job, news and media, and our own inner dialogue. If you find yourself being overwhelmed by the world around you, or feeling like you are being thrown off your kilter, or feeling pulled to have a strong emotional reaction, be like the owl. You may be surprised to find, that when you do not react, often times the “problem” or issue at hand may just dissolve on its own when there is nothing to go up against. Like the ravens moving on to something more interesting, by non-reacting, you may find it wasn’t really all that important anyways. Do not be confused though, this is not a passive posture, but choosing to step into a steady awareness. Breath deep and be like the owl, and remember that you are the only one with the power and control over your own inner space. Keep the Peace and see how it positively affects you, those around you and how your everyday unfolds.

Original in private collection.

Matted, signed and numbered archival prints available: 16×16 or 12×12

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