Photos by Lorna Llanes
I have always wondered how our complicated mind works during our state of sleep. I don’t know if you will agree with this columnist, but have you ever woken up already fidgety after dreaming about walking or running long distances (or in some cases, going about your daily work routine)? In contrast, have you ever experienced feeling utterly relaxed and rejuvenated after dreaming about a beautiful place with lucid landscapes and calming scenery?
So, it seems our brain is working as hard asleep as we are awake. When we have these dreams, it's far too easy to forget them or let them slip through the cracks – especially if we don't have the cognitive know-how to process them. As far as this columnist is concerned, I always prefer dreams where I am afloat beautiful landscapes and calming hues of the sea. It just puts a smile on my face (while asleep and definitely when awake).
Thankfully, there are some amazing tools available out there that can help track and interpret our dreams. Start by maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations and the environment that surrounds us. Begin by simply practicing mindfulness.
One such lady whom I have the privilege of knowing must have practiced mindfulness in line with her 18th solo exhibit – mixed media Filipino artist and writer Maria Victoria Rufino. I mean, how could she have managed to paint the colors in her mind? To paint with all the colors of the imagination definitely takes mindfulness (aside from having sheer talent, of course).
As she expressed, “Nature is the masterpiece and I am just the instrument of the Divine Artist. I paint my dreams and they are often memories of the future and deja vu images. They are composites of places I have seen and not yet visited. Painting is my refuge from the world and I love the serenity of solitude.”
In the past 18 years, she has created a ripple of excitement among art and literary circles and a growing audience of Filipinos and expats who crave creative nourishment. “I have always loved art. It has been quite a struggle to find time to paint and write, to work in the corporate world, do my volunteer work for Red Cross and to juggle multiple responsibilities at the same time,” she added.
Marivic explained how she has managed to pursue her creative endeavors all these years. “It is a matter of balance – tapping my inner resources and spirituality, nourishing my soul, harnessing the creative energy, and effective time management.”
Entitled “Luminescence – Dreamscapes 2016,” the exhibition, which runs until today, was recently presented by the Peninsula Manila with opening cocktails at The Gallery. The exhibit features 35 mixed media artworks and a collection of soft or practical art, and one-of-a kind-accessories: lamps, furniture, screen dividers, bags, pillows, clocks and limited edition items. Proceeds from sales will benefit the Child Protection Network Foundation.
Through her masterpieces, Marivic intends for her audience to see and appreciate the nuances of light and how beautiful and pristine the ideal world is. "I would like the collectors of my art works to feel that sense of beauty, peace and tranquility,” she shared.
Amidst the chaos of our busy, multi-screen, and ever-exciting lives, mindfulness helps us return to a more centered self. Being mindful will help us make better decisions, listen more, and above all, be present.
"Painting is my form of prayer and meditation. When I am painting, I am on a higher plane, a different dimension. Friends have said that my paintings are spiritual.”
As for this columnist, I have observed that Marivic Rufino’s works of art resonated from being mindful, once upon a dream.
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