Journaling and Listening to Yourself

What makes life better? Happiness? Productivity?


Yes, happiness and productivity, along with other similar factors, can certainly improve our lives. They illustrate how adding new experiences can introduce new meanings and, consequently, more opportunities to enjoy life.


How can one achieve this?


The answer is quite simple: by gaining a deeper understanding of oneself. This is undoubtedly a long-term process, as life is ever-changing, and so are we. What brings us joy today might have the opposite effect tomorrow. The key is to be attuned to these changes. Listening to ourselves is essential. We may not always hear our inner voice directly, but keeping a journal can show our life patterns. I personally maintain three journals, each serving a distinct purpose. When I revisit them, I can easily see changes in my perspective. While we cannot control every aspect of our lives, we can become aware of the things shaping us. Consistent journaling can facilitate this process of self-discovery.
So, do you journal? If so, how do you do it?

Note: The visual is generated by AI*.

Your Favorite Artists and Their Colors

Hello,

Today I’d like to try a new approach for this blog post. I’ll be sharing my thought process as I work on the “Artists and Their Colors” series. By sharing this process, I hope to create a space for us all to engage and start a conversation. We all have different perspectives and favorite artists, and I’m eager to hear yours. 🤓

Don’t worry, the process is simple. It involves just 6 questions, and since you know yourself best, answering them shouldn’t take long. ✨ Here are the questions:

  1. In what ways do they inspire you?
  2. How would you describe their style?
  3. What materials do they use?
  4. What colors do they typically use?
  5. If you were to create art in their style, how would you approach it?
  6. What personal touch would you add?

Feel free to rearrange the order of the questions as you see fit. Sometimes we reorder our thoughts based on the context. If you think of any additional questions that would help you, please add them. 🙃

After answering these questions, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of why you admire these artists and may even discover new artists with similar styles. As I mentioned, I’m always excited to read your comments and emails. I love discussing art and discover new artists.

Serra 🌸 

Note: Photo is from Salt Beyoğlu’s Designer’s Note Exhibition*

Colors and Nature

With the change of seasons, nature begins to use different colors. Each season has its own distinct palette and style. Summer embraces bright colors and blues from the sea, while autumn prefers shades of orange and brown, adorned with falling leaves. As human beings, we are intrinsically connected to nature and reflect its rhythms more than we realize. This is why our fashion choices often change with the seasons, inspired by the vast array of colors and textures found in nature.

Just as nature has its own unique beauty, we humans have our own authentic selves. We make choices that shape our lives, and we can think of these choices as colors on the canvas of our existence. Each color is distinct, yet all are essential in creating a harmonious and meaningful whole. When you consider yourself as a piece of nature’s puzzle, what color best represents your true self? Which shade truly reflects your authenticity and how does it contribute to the larger picture?

Serra 🌸🌱

Mother Nature and the flow of nature

The neighbors of Mother Nature started to smell some delicious scents wafting through the corridor. As a friend of one of them, I experienced the same enticing aroma when I visited their house. It smelled like a feast was in progress! We tried to guess what was cooking, but to no avail.

After two days of unsuccessful guessing games, a knock sounded on their door. They opened it to find Mother Nature herself, holding a pan. “I was making vegetable soup, ” she said, ‘and I wanted to share some with you. It’s nothing fancy, just two or three ingredients, but it’s warm and it is cold outside. I hope you enjoy it.”

After thanking her and closing the door, they called me over to share the soup. I went to their house and had a sip. Words cannot describe the taste! It was the most delicious soup I’ve ever had.

Later, I had a chance to take a short walk with Mother Nature. I couldn’t resist asking what made the soup so incredible. “Just a tomato and a pumpkin,’ she replied, ‘along with some spices from my garden.” She added thoughtfully, ‘If the ingredients themselves are good, you don’t need much else.”The simplicity of her approach resonated deeply.

“It’s like the flow of life,” she continued. “You sow seeds, and nature shares its bounty with you. It’s all part of the cycle. Just like relationships, you can’t receive love without giving it in return. And if you can’t find meaning in what you do, true love is nearly impossible. I tend to my garden with deep respect and savor every moment. That’s why even a simple soup with two vegetables can be so delicious.”

I was speechless. We walked in comfortable silence. As always, she gave me a warm hug and we made plans for our next coffee break together.

Visualization

“I like nonsense; it wakes up the brain cells.”

— Dr. Seuss

Waking up brain cells? What does that even mean? Are there beds in our brains?

I know, it’s a silly question, but Dr. Seuss’s quote sparked my imagination. I was searching for quotes about imagination when I stumbled upon this joyful statement. It instantly lifted my mood. As the title suggests, this post is about visualization. It’s a form of imagination that helps you focus on specific goals. There are many techniques, such as journaling, meditation, and vision boards. In this post, I’ll break down the topic into questions for better understanding.

What is Visualization?

According to BetterHelp, visualization is “the practice of imagining what you want to achieve in the future as if it were true today.” (1) There are two types: outcome visualization and process visualization. It’s a mental exercise that involves selective attention.“It reminds you on a consistent basis. And it trains your brain to respond as if that outcome were true in the present moment.” (2)

Why is Visualization Important?

Life is full of distractions.  Visualization helps us to stay on the road and move further. “In imagining the future state in full sensory detail, your brain’s neuroimagery records the future state as if it’s true today.” (3)

I first learned visualization in high school. I remember watching a documentary about an athlete who used this technique. I can’t recall the exact documentary, but it’s a vivid memory. Later, I started using visualization through journaling and learned more about it through coaching.

What are the Techniques?

There are countless visualization techniques. You can journal, create vision boards, meditate, or use other methods. Choose what resonates with you and apply it to different areas of your life. To learn more, check out BetterUp’s article https://www.betterup.com/blog/visualization. I’m eager to hear about your favorite techniques. As a visualization practitioner myself, I enjoy sharing experiences and learning from others.

Serra 🌸

References 

(1) Kristine Moe, 5 visualization techniques to help you reach your goals , June 4, 2021, https://www.betterup.com/blog/visualization

(2)Kristine Moe, 5 visualization techniques to help you reach your goals , June 4, 2021, https://www.betterup.com/blog/visualization

(3)Kristine Moe, 5 visualization techniques to help you reach your goals , June 4, 2021, https://www.betterup.com/blog/visualization

Note: Visuals are generated by AI*.

Leonardo da Vinci and His Colors

There’s a man who marked a great milestone in both art and modern studies. He wasn’t depicted in a painting or any other traditional art form. In fact, his image was created with a single color and discovered after its creation. Today, it’s one of the symbols of multidisciplinary modern life. It reminds people to be curious about their surroundings and highlights the importance of having multiple perspectives on any subject. It’s the Vitruvian Man.

For me, it’s one of the most significant drawings in history. It’s simple yet profoundly meaningful. That’s why it’s the main focus of today’s post.

I know this series primarily focuses on art pieces or artistic approaches. However, when I think of Leonardo da Vinci, I first think of his worldview. The fact that he was not just a painter opens up new avenues for exploration. Therefore, the Vitruvian Man is arguably his most inclusive work for me.

Created around the year 1487, it was influenced by the architect Vitruvius Pollio. “The drawing and text are sometimes called the Canon of Proportions or, less often, Proportions of Man.” (1)  This drawing reveals Leonardo da Vinci’s perspective on the human form. It’s an attempt to relate man to nature. (2) 

There’s so much to write about this drawing and the artist himself, but I want to keep this post concise. If you’re interested in learning more, there’s an abundance of information available. If you discover something particularly interesting, please share it with me. I’d love to discuss Leonardo da Vinci further and learn new things. His works and their impact are timeless. Even today, we aspire to understand and emulate him. In a sense, his colors are his perspectives.

(1) The Vitruvian Man – by Leonardo da Vinci, https://www.leonardodavinci.net/the-vitruvian-man.jsp

(2) The Vitruvian Man – by Leonardo da Vinci, https://www.leonardodavinci.net/the-vitruvian-man.jsp

Colors of Our Lives

While opening my laptop, I saw a green notebook and a yellow brush pen. I usually buy things based on their functionality, but seeing a yellow pen, notes taken with it, and a green notebook made me reflect on my lifestyle. I thought to myself, ‘You like every color, but seeing your favorite ones most often is a reflection of your choices.’ It’s like opening a closet and seeing mostly your favorite colors.

There are many questions one can ask oneself to understand the motivation behind such choices. It may seem like a minor detail, but considering why we choose certain colors can provide valuable insights. Using metaphor of places we go, there are some places that we always go. Those places  make us happy and we find more things that inspire us. On the other hand, there are other places that we use out of necessity. They are like places we pass by on the street, places we visit without personal connection. We go to these places when we need to, but they don’t hold significant memories or evoke strong emotions. We don’t know what the future holds, hence the word ‘just.’ As our lives change, so may our preferences.

Returning to the beginning of the post, there may be clothes we hold onto, even if we don’t wear them. They may carry sentimental value or other meanings that bring us contentment. What colors do you prefer? When you open your closet, which colors make you happy and motivated?”

Serra 🌸

An advice to my younger self

If I could give advice to my younger self, one of the most important pieces would be to be simple. That’s why minimalism inspires me so much. When learning to draw new things, I see small shapes that come together to form larger shapes. This understanding helps me learn and practice more efficiently. Even in the most renowned paintings, there’s a similar approach. There are three types of compositions based on geometric figures. When you examine a composition, you might not immediately see the figures themselves, but you can observe their influence on the painting’s details. Having a clear starting point makes it easier to proceed. Even if you don’t know what will happen next, you have your resources and can use them when needed. From another perspective, it’s like constructing a building from the ground up. The first step is creating a solid foundation, and then you build upon it. The stronger the foundation, the better the building will be.

Returning to my journey, simplicity has enriched my life. I don’t have to spend longer hours planning and working. I understand my resources and how to utilize them effectively. This approach allows me to make space for new and exciting things. I view learning as a lifelong process, and being able to practice it is incredibly motivating. Moreover, once you find the right pace, it only gets better. You not only start to draw more but also apply new skills as fresh perspectives to make your life easier. I don’t recall the exact meaning of Ikigai, but sometimes I feel that drawing is a part of it. I feel better when I use colors and shapes to express myself and discover new things. What makes you feel a similar sense of fulfillment? How do you learn new things easily?

Serra 

Mother Nature Loves to Play

We often perceive Mother Nature as wise, calm, and a great mother to all beings on Earth. And she is all those things. Yet, there are more personality traits of hers that we sometimes overlook. She not only exhibits them but also reflects them in other living things. One of these traits is playfulness.

We frequently see nature blossom, spread, and thrive. However, we often don’t consider animals and plants enjoying their surroundings as a significant trait. The best and most vivid reflection of this is how baby animals play. They play with everything—their mothers’ tails, balls, laser lights, and more. Like human beings, they love to play and have fun. One of the scenes that made me realize this was an octopus playing a game. I was already familiar with kittens and puppies, but seeing a sea animal playing was a new experience. Of course, this was due to my limited perspective, as we all know how much Mother Nature loves her children. It was natural for her to spread the ability to have fun.

When we were taking one of our short walks, I asked her about the motivation behind this. She said, “A sense of curiosity and joy brings out fun. Having fun or enjoying something makes the process of learning new things easier. Discovering the world is not just for you, human beings. There are many species of animals that explore their habitats. Just as you may not know their lives, they may not know yours. When the time comes, you’ll meet and observe each other. I don’t like it when things happen sooner than expected. Just go with the flow.” Her answer was longer than usual this time, and her expression was different. However, she wasn’t angry; she wanted to emphasize the importance of balance in the world. We all have enough resources and space. All we need to do is use them wisely.

Note: Visual is generated by AI*.

Self-reflection

The other day, I was having coffee with a friend, and we were discussing the importance of self-reflection. Not only individuals but also large companies benefit from it. Companies that value their employees consistently become more successful. There are platforms and organizations that guide people with professionals who can provide assistance and toolkits. Motivated employees create a productive and positive atmosphere within the company.

Our soft skills make us human. Empathy, adaptability, and communication are some of them. Yet, there’s one skill that is particularly essential: reflection. Since change is constant, our ways of doing things may need to adapt accordingly. Observing the differences between the outcomes of these changes and re-navigating ourselves, if you need, can make us more self-aware individuals. According to James R. Bailey and Scheherazade Rehman, 442 executives were asked questions about their experiences. After analyzing their responses, three main sentimental themes emerged: surprise, frustration, and failure. (1) From a constructive perspective, our experiences can show us what we can learn and how to move forward with our strengths. What matters is how we view things. We cannot foresee the future, but we can choose how to perceive events. That’s why finding things that make us happy, motivated, and joyful is significant. When in need, you can use them to see things from a broader perspective.

What can you do to practice self-reflection?

  • Keep a journal
  • Set aside time to focus on and review your notes
  • Re-read your entries with curiosity

Considering all these factors, self-reflection is one of the most fundamental soft skills. It opens doors to other skills and can improve our lives. Here are some points to remember: be kind to yourself, maintain a constructive perspective, and keep yourself motivated. We are all unique and have different approaches. Listen to yourself. Your inner voice will guide you. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask. You can seek professional assistance or spend time with a friend. Sometimes, we feel bored and need their company. Let the flow lead you. If one path doesn’t work, try another. It’s the journey that makes the road enjoyable. (2)

(1) James R. Bailey and Scheherazade Rehman, Don’t Underestimate the Power of Self-Reflection, March 4, 2022, https://hbr.org/2022/03/dont-underestimate-the-power-of-self-reflection

 (2) James R. Bailey and Scheherazade Rehman, Don’t Underestimate the Power of Self-Reflection, March 4, 2022, https://hbr.org/2022/03/dont-underestimate-the-power-of-self-reflection

Note: Visuals are generated by AI*