ink pond
10 x 7 inch paper: black ink
states of the mind Lady Reason embodying logic, structure, and precision. Her appearance reflects her task-oriented mindset. She thrives during work hours, offering steady guidance and clear direction. Lady Emotion, vibrant, spontaneous, and full of life. Her casual, worn attire and confetti free-spirited nature, unafraid to embrace the unpredictable. She flourishes in personal, family, and social settings. Together, they come together to make "wise cakes” to support care.
mindfulness A person, bundled up and cozy, watches their thoughts gently float above them. With a sense of calm detachment, they observe without judgment or engagement. The image also highlights another facet of mindfulness, where the person, hand resting behind their head, quietly observes the flow of thoughts returning to them—accepting each moment as it comes with peaceful awareness.
describing thoughts Original thoughts are judgments about a situation or perceptions of oneself. They can feel like a cold, heavy rock—burdened and small. Once we become aware, a compassionate and trusting presence, like a friendly ghost, arrives to help bring clarity. This "ghost" helps us describe what we’re truly experiencing, focusing on the facts. By labeling our thoughts, feelings, and judgments, it soothes the inner weight that holds us down, helping us find peace and perspective.
flow state emerges through repeated movements, strokes, and mark-making, creating a focused experience where time expands and everything else fades away. The act becomes automatic and predictable, offering the mind respite from navigating uncertainty. Flow feels like small, accumulated joys, gradually transforming into something tangible—much like the bark of a tree. Bark serves as the protective outer layer of the trunk, branches, and roots. Bark for the mind.
judgmental thoughts weigh us down like heavy, dark rocks, overwhelming us with false truths, negative opinions, and clouded perspectives. Like a rock, sit quietly and observe both your thoughts and bodily reactions. Once identified, turn to Lady Reason, who can guide you to replace judgment with neutral, fact-based statements. A second visit to this wise guide can help organize messy, judgmental thoughts into compassionate, non-judgmental reflections.
emotions can be mistaken as grounded truth. the more intense, the more convincing they are. have tea with your emotions, sit with them and listen to what they are trying to say. have some more tea and ask them questions. emotions often need to be reminded of the facts. like a good friend, they help us survive. however, even with good friends, they need discernment, prayer, and consistent counselling from wise mentors.
cognitive distortions are biased or irrational thought patterns that can reinforce negative thinking and emotions. they can visit you like extremist with no sense of grey or drape a veil that leaves out goodness in your day or whisper blame and demand perfection. becoming your own friend can help bring things into perspective. hello friend, how can i support you today? i’m here for you.
opposite action is a helpful way to cope with intense emotions by deliberately doing the opposite of what those emotions urge you to do. what is your natural response? is it helpful? kind? or supportive? if not, do the opposite and be delightfully surprised with an outcome that is encouraging. familiarity may not be what we need. finding new ways of being can bring healing and a change of gravitation that is more caring and compassion.
ABC marks the beginning of the alphabet. it can also reminds us of three important values in emotional navigation. A = accumulate or collect pleasantness by participating in joy. B = build mastery, develop a skill to increase self efficacy and confidence. C = cope ahead of time, prepare and equip yourself with what you need to cushion the hard situations. ABC’s are found in alphabet soup. maintaining our health is part of the ACB’s, don’t forget those vitamins and minerals that keep us going.
interpersonal effectiveness like a fire, there are those who kindle the flames and those who dampen them. be surrounded by those who spark and kindle your flame. build relationships and end destructive ones. you are not alone, core value and beliefs are companions to ward off extinguishers. our flame is exquisite and God’s beloved creation. protecting our inner flame is a sacred act that is honouring.