Out of 'The Blues'

I’m always saying to my kids, ‘You are the driver of your life…’ yet somehow recently I felt like I’d climbed into the backseat.

Perhaps you have also been through times of feeling blue, unmotivated and numb – an observer of your life rather than an active participant?

This blog post is not going to share any miraculous 10-point recovery plan, or a fast-tracked path to spiritual enlightenment or healing. I am not sure what tipped the balance.

What I do know is that I found solace in the wisdom of others, in my garden and the bush beyond my fence, in our puppy’s playful antics and in the company of loved ones. They reminded me that I can trust others and that the world is full of beauty, compassion and goodness. Gradually I re-committed to putting down roots in my community and creating safety and nurture in my home.

Just as I do this, I read that our government is forcing over 300 asylum seekers, brought here for medical reasons from Manus Island and Nauru, out of their new homes.

These people truly have no refuge. They are being forced to choose between deportation and homelessness. Like us, they want to settle and contribute to society; they want to work, learn and build relationships.

Having grown up in South Africa where apartheid pitted ethnic groups against each other, when the white minority viciously oppressed and abused others to maintain their privilege, I am horrified and saddened to find such lack of generosity and cruelty here.

If, like me, you feel compelled to do something I urge you to contact your MP or the Refugee Council of Australia to offer support for these destitute people.

On a different note, I have just posted next term’s workshops. I would love you to come and paint with me, to learn new skills or revisit dormant ones. Please book promptly to secure your place, as each class is limited to 6.

Take care my friend. I am so glad to be able to write to you again! Please drop me a line!