#FreewriteFriday: What is the meaning of life

What is the meaning of life?

“At least three times every day take a moment and ask yourself what is really important. Have the wisdom and the courage to build your life around your answer.” ― Lee Jampolsky

We lead busy lives. Caught between work and home; juggling the needs of our family; and the incessant noise from addictive social media platforms clamoring for our attention, we often end up numbing out by binge watching serials on Netflix. It’s just so much easier to give in to the siren song of these companies after all.

And why wouldn’t it be easy? All of these companies – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Netflix – use subtle and not-so-subtle psychology to keep us constantly scrolling and addicted to their platforms. We’ve become used to the instant gratification of a flurry of likes as soon as we post that photograph on Instagram, or to finding the next awesome series on Netflix.Continue reading→

Intuitive painting process: Into the storm

Intuitive painting process: into the storm

The thing I enjoy most about intuitive painting is how closely the intuitive painting process starts to mimic life. By remaining present in the moment, trusting my instincts, and not allowing my mind to start dictating what happens next, the push-pull nature of this style of painting starts to reveal numerous life lessons.

I’ve spoken about the influences that informed one of my intuitive paintings in the video below, as I take you through the evolution of this painting from start to finish.

Continue reading→

September 2019: Tarot spread for the full moon in Pisces

Tarot spread for the September 2019 full moon in Pisces

The September 2019 full moon falls in the sign of Pisces. The Pisces archetype is highly intuitive and very open to the flow of creative imagination. This is the sign of creative dreamers and mystics and visionaries, which makes this full moon an excellent time to flex your creative and intuitive muscles.

Spiritually, the Pisces archetype teaches the principle of unity, of recognising the divinity within you. One way to understand this principle is by looking at creation – the creator {God, Universe, Source, however you wish to name it} created this Earth, the rivers and seas, the trees, birds, insects, animals, man. Similarly, man has the ability to create – and to create consciously. It is this ability that points to the spiritual truth of Pisces, that we are spiritual beings having a human experience. It is by accepting responsibility for consciously creating that you connect most deeply with the creator. Needless to say, empathy and compassion are the cornerstones of the Pisces archetype.Continue reading→

4 book recommendations for when you don’t know what to read next

4 book recommendations for when you don't know what to read next

At the start of the year, I had a goal to read two books a month. Quite a modest goal, considering I have read much more than that each month in years past. However, with art taking more of my free time, reading time has been squeezed – a trade-off that I’ve been quite happy to make.

If I am being honest, though, art is not the only thing eating into my reading time, social media is too – and I’ll probably share some of my own insights and ahas in a separate post.

For today, I’m sharing 4 book recommendations from the 15 books I’ve read so far this year. Continue reading→

When it rains

Is August a good time to visit Goa

 

“Rainy days should be spent at home with a cup of tea and a good book.”
― Bill Watterson, The Calvin and Hobbes Tenth Anniversary Book

Or in my case, a sketchbook and watercolours.

But I must admit that I’m not a huge fan of the rains, especially in Delhi-NCR, and particularly on week days. Because when it rains, the roads invariably get flooded, and new potholes appear miraculously and there’s no way of knowing where they may have decided to spring up.Continue reading→

100 days of painting intuitively: an update

100 days of painting intuitively an update

When you take on a big project, accountability and tracking your progress – both the successes and the failures – is important to not only see how far you have come, but also to see what is working and what isn’t. As I approach the half-way mark of my 100 day project – 100 days of painting intuitively, which I started back in April, I figure the time is ripe for an update.

My 100 day project is taking longer than 100 days!

Continue reading→

August 2019: Tarot spread for the new moon in Virgo

Tarot spread for the August 2019 new moon in Virgo

The August 2019 new moon falls in the sign of Virgo. The Virgo archetype is logical and practical, with an eye for detail and the steadfastness to go after their goals. This is a sign that thrives on meticulous planning, on honing skills to perfection and gaining mastery over their chosen vocation.

Spiritually, the Virgo archetype teaches the principle of devotion. One way to understand this principle is by looking at it through the lens of one’s devotion to their craft. While all the buzz seems to point towards profiting from your passion, there are numerous examples of famous writers and artists who held down a day job for most of their lives. Continue reading→

You Beneath Your Skin: cover reveal

You Beneath Your Skin by Damyanti Biswas cover reveal

I’m thrilled to reveal the cover for Damyanti Biswas’ debut crime novel, You Beneath Your Skin, which will be published by Simon & Schuster, India, this September. I’ve known Damyanti as part of the blogging world since years, and though we have met only once, it didn’t feel like we were strangers – we knew so much about one another via our blogs and many shared conversations. It’s such a blessing and joy when you meet virtual friends face to face, and realize that your virtual friendships do actually translate into real-world friendships!Continue reading→

August 2019: Tarot spread for the full moon in Aquarius

Astrology and tarot spread for the August 2019 full moon in Aquarius

The August 2019 full moon falls in the sign of Aquarius. When independent, free-thinking Aquarius hooks up with a full moon, it’s a good time to illuminate our inner wild self and celebrate everything that makes us unique. And since the Aquarius archetype isn’t afraid to get in there and get it’s hands dirty, you may find yourself chomping on the bit to act on some of the plans that have been marinating in your brain.

Spiritually, the Aquarius archetype teaches us how to be true to our own voice, to listen to and follow the calling of our own heart and soul. By learning how to tune in rather than out, by being true to the things that make us unique, we undertake the journey to individuation. Continue reading→