The other day my cousin Sarah* shared a post on Instagram which was a part of a longer piece she shared on her blog. In it she wrote “stepping out of the box I decided I was going to do something to treat me.” Although her words were about the importance of doing something for yourself, what kept running through my head was idea of stepping out of the box.

I thought about the different boxes we create for ourselves.

Routines.

Expectations.

Limitations.

Sometimes these can be good. They give our lives structure.

Sometimes they keep us from truly experiencing and enjoying life.

But how do we break free? How do we step out of the box?

There’s comfort in our boxes. Familiarity. Routine. Sometimes we need a little help.

Last week I was working in my studio, sitting at my table with my sketchbook, when Quin jumped up and demanded attention.

Most days he gets in a “mood” after he wakes up from his post-breakfast nap. He wants attention and nothing will dissuade him. He’s so persistent. Patting my face with his paw. Scratching at my shirt. Insisting on rubs and snuggles.

Instead of getting annoyed or trying to half appease him while continuing to work, I decided he was giving me a good reminder. To be present in the moment — and enjoy it.

I often need reminders to go with the flow. To be flexible, not rigid. Animals are good at this.

That day I took some time to be present with and love this cat. I was filled with gratitude. For having him in my life. For his sweet, funny antics.

Gratitude is transformative. And when you’re thinking about it, suddenly there’s evidence of it everywhere. (Like Elizabeth Gilbert’s Instagram post from the other day). My practice of keeping Joy Lists helped me get through a difficult time. Although I haven’t been writing them as often as I used to, I’m working on adding them back into my mornings.

Being present. Being mindful, aware, grateful — it takes the lid off the box. It gives us a chance to see the bigger picture.

A few months ago I was invited to be part of an online mindfulness retreat hosted by Jools Sinclair, creator of The See the Beauty Project. On her website she writes:

Your life is beautiful, but chances are you aren’t seeing all the beauty that surrounds you on a daily basis.

That’s how it was for me a few years ago when I was caught up in the business of living, focusing most of my attention on my problems and the problems of others. But one day after a long walk, something strange happened. Sitting at my kitchen table, I suddenly realized that I hadn’t noticed all of the incredible wonders that I knew were out there. Out there where I had just been. Instead of seeing the wildflowers, wheat grass, and pine cones swaying in the warm breeze, I had been thinking about bills, missed deadlines, health insurance, a frustrating conversation with my neighbor, and the tasteless stale doughnut I had eaten earlier in the day.

Her words resonate with me. And her aim of seeing the beauty and helping others to see it is so powerful. It’s what I do with my art and business, so of course, my answer was YES.

Yesterday the Magical Mindfulness Retreat kicked off with a session by Cynthia Hauk. We made Gratitude Feathers. Mine’s now sitting on a shelf in my studio right beside my reminder to PLAY.

The retreat continues for a total of 21 days and you can join anytime. I’m the guest on Day 11. In my session I demonstrate a meditative sketchbook exercise with a connection to the beauty of nature.

And as a gift for participants I created a new mini Gratitude Journal.

The retreat is free and looks to be filled with many techniques to help get out of the box.

Won’t you join us?

Lately I’ve been so much more open to stepping out of the box. Paying attention to the reminders around me. Making time for new experiences and for practicing creativity in all aspects of my everyday life.

Just a few days after Quin’s reminder, Charlie came up to my studio whining. Not because he needed or wanted to go out, but because he wanted my company.

I wrapped up what I was doing and went down to the kitchen with him. Scratched his neck. Gave him a treat. Sat with him. And then, instead of going back to work I decided to embrace the change of the season and the cold rainy day by making a pot of soup and some honey beer bread.

I love the creativity of cooking, but so often Matthias and I don’t take the time for it, instead just eating what’s quick and easy. I am so grateful to Charlie for jolting me out of my routine, for helping me to step out of my box once again.

Creativity and mindfulness are intrinsically linked. When we’re being creative we’re open to possibilities. Our boxes disappear and we’re fully in the moment. Creativity can mean so many things — it doesn’t have to be art. Making food. Growing a garden. Arranging flowers or furniture.

We all need reminders sometimes.

*If you were here for my old blog you might remember that Sarah is a photographer and I interviewed her for my Artist Interview Series.