Behind this painting

This painting is about deliberately and consciously deciding to stop.

​

As well as listening to my voice, I learned to listen to myself. To notice the sensations in my body that told me I was struggling and needed to take a breath.

​

I learned to recognise when it was time to stop, lie down, be still and give my mind and body the rest they were asking for. The tension in my body eased, and the thoughts racing around my head began to settle.

​

That place of stillness became somewhere I could return to whenever things felt too much. It has been one of the most powerful tools on my journey.

​

In the painting, the figure has chosen to pause rather than push through. I painted lightness and space beneath her to reflect a mind that no longer needs to overthink. She can recharge, find clarity and gain perspective.

​

This is the power of surrender. Not weakness or avoidance, but the courage to become still enough to feel what is within you.​

A moment to reflect