I can almost hear the question being asked. What are joyous moments of cosmic recognition? It is that amazing day or time where everything goes your way. It can also be an experience that even when things are not quite going your way, everything works out and often leaves you in a better place than where you were before.
In the sixth book of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, there is a potion called “Felix Felicis” or “Liquid Luck.” Harry has been given a task by Dumbledore, to get a memory from Professor Horace Slughorn. Harry had been trying for weeks to get alone with Professor Slughorn to ask him for this memory to no avail. He had won a vial of the potion “Felix Felicis” in a competition during potions class. One day in desperation, Harry drinks the potion. Ron and Hermione urge Harry to go see Professor Slughorn. Harry, under the influence of the potion, decides that he needs to go see Hagrid. It is through his visit to Hagrid that he is able to talk to Professor Slughorn and convince him that this particular memory is necessary in the fight against Lord Voldemort. Professor Slughorn gives this memory to Harry and in turn, Harry gives it to Dumbledore completing his task.
In my creativity classes we call this synchronicity. The definition of synchronicity is the simultaneous occurrence of events which appear significantly related but have no discernible causal connection. When connecting with your creativity, you may notice that there are things that you need to continue your creative work. You may need a teacher or individuals to collaborate with. You may need a new job or a space for a studio. Be careful what you ask for because you just might get it.
One of my first experiences with synchronicity had to do with a search for a very specific type of paper for a series of collage pieces I was trying to complete. I needed a very specific red hue of paper that had poppies on it. I have a lot of paper in my studio and I went through every single piece looking for the right poppy paper. But I didn’t find anything even remotely close. This was at a time in my life when I didn’t have a lot of extra money. And as you may know, art supplies are not cheap. I went through and collected the change at the bottom of my purse and found a forgotten five dollar bill. With luck may be I would find a sheet or two of poppy paper. I left my studio and went to Michaels. I thought to myself, “why not check out the clearance section?” In the clearance section was 2 pads of poppy paper that was the exact colour I needed. And I had enough money to purchase them both. Which I did and I finished the series of collages. Synchronicity!
Art series featuring the poppy paper
These moments can also manifest themselves in what I would consider to be a perfect day. The featured image for this blog post is a leaf on the window of my car. I captured this photo on what I would call a day as close to perfection as possible. It was in October 2022. I had contacted my friend, Faith and we were meeting at a spot along the Flathead river to do a bit of plein air painting. We had mango smoothies from City Brew. (Mango smoothies are like drinking liquid sunshine, in my humble opinion.) The colours were changing and the river bank was a riot of every fall hue. It was warm but not hot. I finished one canvas and got a good start on a second one. I enjoyed the time spent with my friend, sunlight on my face, time doing something I love and being out in nature. It was the perfect day.
When you trust the creative process and are open to positive possibilities, no matter where they take you, anything can happen. You may be surprised at all of the amazing opportunities that open up before you.
Cats Out of the Box 