Pine Away! My Lesson in Letting Go

This month, something very dramatic happened. I decided it was time for the old diseased pine trees to come down in front of the gallery. The Wildfire of 2017 was just a mile away from the gallery (and my wooden apartment above the gallery).  I knew it was too dangerous to hold on to the trees. They are like torches when they catch fire, and I would not have had a chance if they ignited the gallery. The winds were the worst part of the fires and homes randomly just up the street burned down on that night.

SO, with all this in mind, I took the final photos of the trees last night and watched today as they began to systematically remove them.

All this happened at the same time that my dear friend Joy, who has long been a part of the gallery team, decided she needed to “go out on a limb,” as she put it, and pull her life in and step away from the gallery. The process of both of these experiences seemed aligned since Joy loves trees. She loved the gallery. She needed to let go of her connection and go in another direction; we had to let go of the trees.

The actual “letting go” is what my students do every week in class and those who come with preconceived notions have the harder time. My goal in life everyday is to stay true to my inner voice and yet stay open to the influences around me and adjust to the cosmic shifts.

From the moment we arrive on this planet, we take our first breath and then let go. What I hear from so many people when they first decide to take my class is that they are afraid. They face a white sheet of paper and do not know who they are or what to do. My goal is to be the breathing coach as they arrive, guide them to the very core of their imaginative soul, and give the students their internal wings to fly free creatively.

I myself am still learning everyday to let go, and watching my students as they take flight helps me soar as well.

Letting go is dramatic and scary and life-changing, yet the other side of the process is exciting and enriching. It allows for an improved view in your life, your art and now my Gallery! Here is to Letting GO.

Goodbye Pine Trees…You have been with me for 35 years and I bless you. And bless you Joy for all you added to my life and Gallery.

I hope you will all go hug a tree in honor of the 5 that left my garden today. 
Hug a tree today for
Jessel    

Photo by Elana Hill