Reflections on a Summer of Slowing Down šæāØ
- The Pondering of an Artist š
- Aug 24
- 4 min read
Hello Creative Souls š
I can hardly believe how quickly summer has flown by. Despite the swift passage of days, this season has been a transformative one for me, a time where I truly embraced the art of slowing down and prioritising self-care. I havenāt written a blog for a few weeks as I have been busy with focusing on my YouTube channel and setting up my new Patreon page. I also experienced a few health complications with my rheumatoid arthritis so really had no choice but to prioritise my health. I guess this has inspired me to write this post, so grab a cup of tea, find a quiet spot and enjoy five minutes peace all to yourself.
āWhen you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.ā ā Jean Shinoda Bolen
Over the past few months, Iāve discovered that slowing down isnāt simply about doing less, itās about being more present, appreciating the little things, and reconnecting with myself. From taking my time in the mornings, evening walks when itās cooler for Audrey, bathed in golden light to lingering over cups of herbal tea with a good book, Iāve found joy in simplicity.
One of my biggest revelations was learning to listen to my body and mind. Whether it was indulging in restful afternoons and naps, practising mindfulness, or setting boundaries to protect my peace, each small act built a more harmonious routine. This summer, self-care wasnāt just confined to my acupuncture sessions or studio time; it was woven into the fabric of my daily life. It was about learning to stop and take my own advice, not feeling guilty for putting my own needs first. Slow morning routines and afternoon sleeps became non-negotiable.
āA woman in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing. She goes where she will without pretense and arrives at her destination prepared to be herself, and only herself.ā ā Maya Angelou
Exploring new ways of creating art by trying different art travel kits, lighter and more minimalist, nurtured my creativity and spirit. Spending time in nature, sketching outside, and experimenting with new art materials became daily practices that grounded me and brought me joy. I also visited my fairy tree, an old oak with a hawthorn bush next door, on my daily walks. Sharing this with others through my YouTube channel and Patreon allowed me to connect with others, which is important.
As autumn approaches, I hope to carry this gentle pace with me. The lessons learned - of presence, patience, and self-compassion. They are gifts I intend to cherish long after summerās warmth fades.
To continue nurturing self-care and compassion through autumn, I plan to:
Embrace Seasonal Rituals: Light candles in the evenings, enjoy warm, nourishing meals, and cosy up with blankets and good books.
Mindful Walks: Take autumn walks, appreciating the vibrant foliage, mushroom season and the cooler, refreshing air. To practice the art of observation and starting my new nature journal in September.
Creative Reflection: Dedicate time for nature journaling and art, using autumnās palette as inspiration.
Stay Connected: Make space for meaningful connections with loved ones, balancing social time with solitude.
Nurture the Body: Practise gentle stretching routines, and ensure restful sleep as the days grow shorter. Afternoon naps are perfectly fine and listening to the body is so important. Whilst we sleep, we heal and repair.
Gratitude Practice: Reflect on daily moments of joy, fostering a thankful heart amidst seasonal changes.
This autumn, Iām ready to embark on new adventures in my beloved Berlingo micro-camper, which I affectionately named Birdie. Iāve started another YouTube channel, The Artful Camper, as itās a slightly different niche to my Purple Ladybird Art channel. While Purple Ladybird Art continues to thrive and has attracted many new subscribers over the summer, which really motivates me, my new channel will focus on landscape painting, my art travel kit, and plein air painting throughout the seasons. I also plan to start a nature journal which I will record new observations and findings weekly. I am hoping to record this over on my Patreon which is free to become a member.
Click On the link below to be directed to my new channel, The Artful Camper where you can subscribe and follow my new adventures in Birdie. My first video premieres on 31st August at 7:30pm GMT. Be sure to hit the āNotify Meā button so as to not miss out on my new channel launch! Your support is greatly appreciated. šš
As a free member over on Patreon you can enjoy exclusive content, I write a monthly newsletter on all things arty in my life and there is a free watercolour mallard tutorial for you to enjoy. On the 1st September I will be sharing my weekly nature journal pages to inspire and prompt you to hopefully keep one of your own. You donāt have to be good at drawing, thereās nothing technical involved, when you see my pages, youāll understand it's about observations, rough sketches, notes and taking time for yourself to just stop.
Iād love to hear from you: how did your summer unfold? Did you discover any new self-care rituals or ways to embrace the moment? And as autumn settles in, how do you plan to nurture your well-being? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Stay naturally curious..
With warmth & gratitude,
Clare šš
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I completely agree that you have to look after yourself first, which in life isnāt always the way it plays out. Thank you