Reader,

I have something I understand to be ‘health anxiety’: the moment a physical symptom appears, my mind jumps to a catastrophic illness, convinced the world will end imminently, or that I’ll be plunged into managing a lifetime of uncertainty. It sounds dramatic, and in my head, it can be!

On Sunday, I felt mentally unwell. I was tired, and then my stomach gurgled…

Panic stations.

I could feel myself spiralling, my mind racing through the next steps, the rest of the week, wondering if I’d need to call in sick, and how I’d manage everything on my plate.

You get the gist.

Surprisingly, and thanks to a lot of mindfulness work, I took a breath and tried to pivot. I asked my young son if he wanted to make some art with me.

He agreed.

We spent an hour painting together, chatting, and creating.

The panic vanished. The physical symptoms disappeared. My energy was restored.

Connecting with a safe person, creating without bounds, and being present turned what could have been a wasted afternoon of anxiety into a canvas that now reminds me of the power of art for healthy minds and bodies.

The lesson here, Reader, is that we ALL can bring art into our days to calm our nervous systems. And the best part? It never has to be good art. The fact that it’s good for us is the main thing.

But knowing it’s beneficial and actually implementing it into our day, or adding it to our support toolbox when we need it most, isn’t easy, especially if you’ve found excuses to never make art, even when you feel you need it in your core.

Join us this Sunday morning to make some art with the Permission to Play group. Remember what it feels like to tap into playfulness, to reconnect with your inner child, and to learn how to remove judgment about who you are and what you’re capable of.

This invitation is free. No strings attached. No need to sign up or share any account details. Just reply to this email if you’re ready and looking for a way to bring art back into your life in a way that supports your health.

We meet online at 8 am AEST on Sunday morning this weekend.

Come, let’s play!

Other news

While I have you, here is one little exciting thing: I will have some work in a local exhibition at the end of this month. I will be showing alongside 12 other artists, and you can come along if you are local to Magandjin/Brisbane.

You can read all about it here.

I will be showing a collection of older and newer works, so please let me know if you are aiming to pop in as I would love to see you.

Current reads

Because folks seemed to enjoy seeing what I'm reading, I'll share that I've been on a Bell Hooks binge! Both from the library also.

I've almost finished both books, The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love and Feminism Is for Everybody: Passionate Politics. I really appreciate Bell Hooks' perspective; she speaks to how patriarchy fuels community violence and domination and offers pathways toward a future that isn't about "all men" versus women, but about how love, nurturing, and belonging can heal humanity. It's the inclusive hope for a better future I want for my children and the world over.

To be honest, I always thought I was a feminist, but I didn't truly understand what that meant until the last few years. Once again, Reader, this is a permission slip to you, too: it's okay to say, "I want to know more. I want to get curious and ask more questions."

On that note, thanks for reading. You made it to the end. Hooray!

Remember this Sunday’s invitation.

I hope to see you there!

Delphie Joy xox

PS: To join the live call this weekend and get the Zoom details, just hit reply and I will send the info your way. xox

PPS: Are we friends on Instagram? I would love to connect with you either @delphiejoy or @permissiontoplay.art​

Until soon.

​

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Loving these musings? I pour a lot of heart and soul into these emails. If you think someone you know might enjoy, forward it on!

Thanks for being here and sharing,

DelphieJoy xox

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I live and work on the traditional lands of the Jaggera and Turrabal First Nations People. I honour and respect this Country and the Elders, past, present and emerging and thank them for their continued care.

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