What Will You Choose to Weave Into Your Life Tapestry?
From moment to moment we have opportunities to design, create and integrate new pieces into the tapestry of our life.
Walking through that city, feeling so much of what was unfolding in my personal life, suddenly there was a blank billboard staring me in the face. Pure white, it was. The surrounding noise and traffic suddenly seemed to be hushed, as I stood there gazing at the nothingness.
In that moment the following surfaced into my consciousness. “Life is a blank canvas, so what will you create”? The bare billboard was indicating that now was an opportunity for a fresh, new start. Would I seize the chance?
Like a painted canvas, a cloth tapestry is a work of art. The traditional art of weaving is one of the most ancient practices. Traditionally, plants and natural materials were used in weaving to create shelter, baskets, cloth and other personal needs. This eventually evolved into a much more skilled and intricate practice which was highly sought after. It’s likely we hold cellular memories of weaving, given the historical nature of this practice.
Our lives are in essence, like a tapestry. We are artists that have skills, ideas, talents, gifts and unique qualities to integrate into the design of life. We can make a choice from one moment to the next as to what we would like that personal living tapestry to look and feel like. Here are some ideas to help get you more acquainted with weaving a personal life tapestry.
1. Use your imagination
Imagination isn’t just for dreamers. It is powerful. Artists have imagination and they know how to practice it well. Visualize what you would like to see in your life tapestry. In the words of a Hawai’ian elder, who once shared with me, “focus on what you do want, rather than on what you don’t want”.
2. Get clear on your design
Consider how simple or elaborate you would like this personal tapestry to be. Would you like more colour, variety and intricate pieces woven into your design or is a simplified, less vibrant one more suitable for you? Sitting with a journal or at the keyboard to write/draw ideas out can be quite helpful to see patterns and keep insights clear. Getting inspiration from sources such as books, stories, music, podcasts, film or whichever you choose can bring clarity around your desires as well. Recognize what you’re drawn to and begin pulling the individual threads together.
3. Have positive people in your life
Positive people that believe in you and have a tendency to be motivational or inspirational can help you tremendously. There may only be a few, or perhaps even simply one person that you can truly trust and openly share your ideas with. Choose wisely.
4. Prepare to take action
Once you’ve become clear on the design, what steps can you prepare to take in this moment to move towards your desired outcome? The steps don’t have to be large, unless you choose for them to be. Even if they appear to be small steps, they can be significantly productive. Remember, this is a work of art and it takes time to create quality.
5. Use your initial design as a guide
Keep your initial design journal or notes available so you can go back to them as a reminder. This will help you maintain clarity and see that you’re staying in alignment with the desired piece you’re working to create. You may also be surprised to realize that things are taking shape relatively quicker than you might have thought. Stay clearly focused and revise carefully if needed.
6. Continue to weave
By this time you should be well into the weaving process. You may be recognizing the design you initially chose, coming to fruition. The beautiful part about creating a living tapestry is the continual and transformative motion. The nature of growth, is change. There will likely be times that you’ll want to integrate new threads or fresh ideas into your work of art. Continue to weave your piece with awareness.
We all have our own life to pursue, our own kind of dream to be weaving, and we all have the power to make wishes come true, as long as we keep believing.
Often I sit down with a notebook or journal in hand to reflect on new pieces to embody as part of my personal journey. Life is a tapestry, I’m choosing to weave. What will you choose to integrate into your life tapestry?
This piece was written in response to a prompt by 𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘊. at Know Thyself Heal Thyself publication.
