An Afternoon Family Artist Date

I love creative time. It makes me so happy to look down at my paint stained or glue covered hands after a day infused with creative play. Recently I have allowed myself to become a victim of *I don't have enough time* syndrome, with a main symptom putting creative time on the back burner. I allowed myself to forget how nourishing that time is...when done solo or with company. I also stopped making it a priority as often as I know I need to be my happiest self.

My biggest intention for 2012 has been to live authentically; to do more often for myself what I try to inspire others to do for themselves...enter self-care (and the I LOVE ME Challenge)!  I have been looking for new ways to introduce some of the things I have been missing (mostly since the arrival of my two little ones), back into my life. Painting is definitely one of them.

Today, after starting the day restocking the sadly depleted paint supplies, I spent a few afternoon hours painting along side my kiddos. I realized today, that I am at a beautiful stage with them (I know, all the stages are beautiful...but this one is meeting me where I am right now:). My eldest yogini is old enough to paint along side me needing very little guidance. She is happy to simply create beside me without the unsupressable need to cover the house in paint too. My youngest little yogi is young enough to happily squiggle beside us for part of the painting, then nap through the last bit. The stars aligned and I actually got to paint for me while both kiddos were happy and engaged too...fabulous!

a scene from our kitchen table today...a glorious painty mess!

Granted, I know this may not work out as perfectly next time. But today? Today it was just what the soul requested!

How do you sprinkle tranquil, soul nourishing mOMents into your day? Looking to create with others? Why not join me for our Yoga and Art Day Retreat cOMing up in March!

Photo Props: ohdearbarb via flickr and my kitchen table via moi