I get asked that again and again - why? - I ask myself then. There is this joy among the participants when they calm down in silence and emphasize at the end of the course how well they were able to switch off and now drive back refreshed. Also, that they have this joy when they discover that they can draw at all or that they approach things differently and draw differently than usual. So why? Because of the great people I meet on the courses.
For example, course participants who have been drawing a lot and have been learning and developing for years, rediscover themselves in the evaluation mode and ask themselves while they are drawing whether they really like what they are putting on paper. And breaking this cycle of: look, start drawing, improve, erase, improve again - to break through and enjoy the drawing itself is liberating. Due to the clear division into time units: silent meditation, drawing, silent meditation, etc., we interrupt the drawing again and again. Put down the sheet of paper, let go of drawing, calm the mind again - this causes one to look at one's own drawing again and again after the silence.
And the more often we let go of perfectionism or the urge to do a lot in a short time in the day-long courses, the more relaxed and open the participants become for themselves. After the silent meditation with our eyes closed, we look at our surroundings as if newly awakened. And our drawings as well. We can then continue to work on it or leave it and go back to it one of the next few days and in the meantime devote ourselves to a different object or perspective.
The value-free perception of the meditation slides into the time of meditative drawing - without pressure, sometimes looking at one thing, sometimes the other and being inspired to draw. To experience that it works, that both joy arises with the first drawings and also new approaches for already experienced draftsmen and women, that fills me with gratitude. I'm happy and grateful to be able to be part of it.
The same applies when people radiate great calm and meditate intensively, even more often than I do. There are also those who find it difficult to sit still or remain silent at all. This mixture brings a very special focus to the entire group. Because the curious newcomers to meditation learn by participating with the others. And I am also pleased that those who have been integrating meditation into their lives for years can also take away new aspects through meditative drawing, i.e. also refresh the meditation itself.
It's nice to be with others and still rest in yourself through the silence and stillness. I feel the same way as the course participants. And I enjoy the community just as much as the one-on-one conversations that arise. I like to pass on what I was able to learn from an early age - seeing, recognizing and drawing. And I like to lead you into silence for meditation, because I know from experience how good it is to be able to rest in yourself. Again and again.
I know stress, pressure, demand, distraction, and long-term health challenges - and I know the relaxation, release, and stillness in mindfulness of meditating precisely when things are difficult around me. Because I know how liberating that alone is for breathing, I want to pass this on and support others in practicing meditative drawing.
Because the eyes shine, the heart rises with joy, the body comes to rest - because I think it's wonderful to convey exactly that to others. Yes, I lead and set the rhythm for the course days - but just as each course is lived individually by the participants, because there is always a group dynamic, it's always new for me and I'm curious who is always there, how it will be again in every place and in every season. From the beginning to the end of each course a little adventure and a journey into your own inner self.
What was the question again? I digress, with enthusiasm and anticipation for the next appointments.... OK, so here is a summary - why do these courses exist and do I give these courses: Because you + comes back to the joy of discovering drawing itself. + Glides into tranquillity, away from the demands of everyday life, to sort yourself out. + practice concentrating and focusing again. + stays on task in the community and doesn't stray into everyday life. + because the places are beautiful and inspiring. Will you come with me (again) next time?
