Dear Reader,
There is something precious about watching children play. When we are young, play is encouraged as it allows an individual to express their imagination and thoughts, exercise various skills, and interact and socialize with others. Personally, I love any opportunity for a game of pretend! My nephew hands me his play cell phone and I immediately answer it with “Ciao, Ciao, Hello”. His face lights up and my heart soars. As adults there is often an understanding that play is only for children and as adults we need to hang up this hat and focus on work only. The more I develop my book series and walk further into my healing journey I am realizing the importance of a balance of play and discipline. My art teacher shared this exact lesson with me when I started my art training at seven years old.
At seven years old, I started my first art classes in my art teacher’s basement. Although I don’t remember asking for art lessons, I clearly recall my mom bringing my art to Mrs. Gacquin to review. She saw potential in my work and agreed to take me on as a student. The first months of lessons I learned techniques that I have studied in both my art degrees and continue to practice daily. However, after this foundation was laid I was given the freedom to choose my subjects. All I wanted to draw and paint for years was animals. (The irony!) When I was older, I developed an interest in drawing people and was allowed to make that decision on my own. (The other irony is my nephew is one of my favorite subjects.) When I think about this time in my childhood, I realize that I was given the space to play in choosing my subjects while also practicing discipline in that I was practicing various art techniques through each piece. Creating this book series this concept of play and discipline comes full circle in a beautiful way. There is a consistency in the structure of the story and features of the characters while also playfulness in that I want to provide a new surprise in each book for the readers. It is a process finding this balance as we are constantly evolving as individuals.
The more I speak about communication and feelings I am drawn back to this balance of play and work/ inner child and critical parent. Finding this balance within each of us makes a fuller individual. It gives us awareness and space to identify with our feelings as well as the feelings of others. Yes, we will always have responsibilities but we also need time to play. Whether it is reading your favorite book or coloring, these activities nourish us in ways that benefit both us and others. I am grateful that I had teacher that exposed me to this lesson early on.
Love Always,
Kristina Lucia xoxo