Benjamin Franklin talked about being Healthy, Wealthy and Wise. He was talking about early to bed and early to rise but these are the positive end results of many good habits.
Benjamin Franklin
Lets start with Healthy. I didn't realize when I began building windows that there sere health related benefits. course you need to be safe around lead, glass dust and chemical of any kind so it's important to care for your physical health. I am talking today about mental emotional health. Here are 4 things I've noticed about stained glass making and teaching.
1. Color therapy is real. Colors effect our mood ad attitude. I can actually tell on a student's face when they have found the perfect color for a window. They even say things like "This color makes me happy " or " I can't help smiling when I see this color". It's possible to learn something about yourself just by paying attention to what colors move you. Don't be surprised if your signature colors change with your circumstances and moods.
This is really a sheet of our glass.
2, Getting in the zone really happens. Working meditation is like sitting or walking meditation in that you are allowing your breath to move you. Some meditations are still and some are active. Foiling, grinding, soldering and cleaning on your window are all movements to a beautiful end. Just like Tai Chi, swimming, strolling, yoga or lifting, there is relaxation in the process of the exercise. One time I was in a painting class and was so engrossed in my work I didn't hear my teacher offer me drink of water or inquire about my progress. I didn't mean to be rude,I just was in the zone. It happens in every class. The room gets quiet and the sounds of creativity envelope the room.
3. We are social animals. Usually a class consists of 2 to 5 students,There are silent times like I mentioned before and there are times when we are talking, laughing and enjoying ourselves. It's fun to take a class together and share the experience. There is the possibility of meeting new friends and rekindling old acquaintances.
4. Breaking glass isn't always a bad thing. It can be a therapeutic activity to break some glass on purpose. As we spend time in the kitchen, the sound of breaking glass makes us panic. But in the glass studio it's our modus operandi. It is controlled chaos in a way. Then step by step a new project is born from the broken pieces. There is accomplishment in the process.
This is Lynde taking a hammer to a sheet of glass that couldn't be used. We had some fun breaking this one.
I hope I have sparked an interest in the benefits of stained glass. Whether your build your own window or have me do it for you, it is amazing to stand in the glow if the glass.
Until next time, Invite the light and spread your joy to those who need the reflection of your radiance. We're all in this together.
No comments:
Post a Comment