Morning ritual for my artmaking

MORNING PRAYER. What is a prayer? Is it the lighting of a candle or a stick of incense? Is it going to the home altar and taking in the symbols of my journey? Is it breathing deeply and feeling embodied? Dancing to morning music and feeling the soles of my feet touching the floor? Are special words needed to express the gratitude I feel about being here on this beautiful Earth companioned by all of you? (photo by Hallelujah Truth)

Hallelujah for rituals that route our SPIRITS! Hallelujah for being an ARTIST and a PILGRIM seeking the unknowable and finding it! Mine is a spiritual path seeking to hold and entertain the unseeable in my art.

Anchoring myself in MY PRESENCE, I begin my artmaking before even arising from bed. I name myself. My name is Hallelujah Truth, I proclaim, not out loud, but it bursts out joyfully in my brain. Continuing my quiet awakening, I announce my vision: 

I am a grace-seeking artist dancing yes to abundant and meaningful relationships, work, health, and money easefully and joyfully.

A RITUAL FOR ART MAKING. I love patchouli incense and burn it every day. The lighting of my incense and a candle initiates my artmaking. Being surrounded by scented smoke uplifts me. The candle light symbolizes me, my spirit. Once it is lit, I am fully awakened, turned on, ready to create. These days, I sit and draw at the diningroom table, arising as needed to dance, attend to a feline request, and to breathe.  (photo by Hallelujah Truth)

Like a true adventurer I have my artmaking ritual equipment. I equip myself with clothes (whatever is available), coffee (the making of which is a ritual in and of itself), cat companionship (feeding and reassurance that they will get to go outside when the sun rises), prayer (gratitude), music, dance, incense, and a lighted candle. And there is Chiboogamoo (aka Tony Martin). I am so thankful for his presence in our home. His gentle, kind spirit supports me in all that I do, in all that I make....

Although the music is important, my choices are random. Different music makes me feel differently and I like the surprise of what may occur in response to different rhythms. This morning, Sinead O'Conner's album, "Am I Not Your Girl," is playing. I purchased it at a yardsale and have not played it for a year or more.

About the Internet. The best way to create "magical" images that speak directly to my pilgrim's journey is to refrain from getting on the computer and checking social media. I feel the best explorations of my subconscious occurs right from waking after being equipped as described above. Getting on the computer to blog like I am doing now is the exception to the rule.

Then, what is next? I WORK STEADILY FOR TWO HOURS, only being interrupted by cat and husband needs. This is the beginning of my art making day. It is a ritual. Rarely is there any deviation from it.

That's Coffee with Hallelujah! SOUL BLOG with me. Share your ritual for art making or one that delights you and informs your day!

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Thank you Christine Gautreaux for writing this prompt for our "Monday Funday" blogging prompt on our Facebook group, The Daily Creative Practice:

Today's prompt is about process...When you are in your "artistic flow" what are the tools &/or rituals you used to get yourself there? Is there a certain time of day you do your art and for how long? Do you listen to music? If so what kind? A favorite creative shirt/outfit you wear? We want to know the details and would love to see a picture of you creating!

Dear Pilgrim, join us there on Facebook. We will welcome you.