SOLD
38" x 44" x 0.75"
acrylic and ink on canvas
2021
Going with the flow when things get tough can bring about a certain sense of peace and calmness to the mind, and yet, when adversity strikes, we seem to instinctively do the opposite. We resist.
We do everything we can to deny the truth, pull back from the pain, prevent it from entering our hearts and minds because we just don’t want to feel it. We're scared if we feel even a little bit of pain, it will engulf us and we'll crumble and die. So we resist it as a way to self-protect. We try to fight the wave, stand up against its power, keep our heads above water.
And it works for a little while. But resisting is so much more work than surrendering. It’s incredibly hard to keep your mind and body on high alert 24/7 make sure there are enough distractions so you don't allow that wave of pain to flood your insides. It’s like trying to hold an inflated balloon underwater - it seems like a possibility at first, for even just a millisecond of time, but you are fighting against the nature of buoyancy. And you will lose. That balloon was meant to float! And trying to go against this reality (ironically in the name of self-protection) causes harm in other ways. It brings on intense anxiety and stress over the mounting fear that if you do allow the balloon to bob to the surface for all to see, then you will be forced to see it, too, and that means you will have to decide what you're going to do with the balloon. And so begins the process of facing your fear/pain/hurt...but also the process of healing can begin.
Surrendering to the truth and facing the pain that comes with it - letting that balloon out from under your grasp - brings on an intense release. Surrendering to the reality that there IS pain, there IS hurt and maybe there IS regret is painful but it also means you're one step closer to being able to let go. And that means that the pain can’t last forever.
Surrendering makes life easier. The resistance was always harder. With acceptance comes the opportunity to let go, move on, to heal, and to go with the flow.
More info about this product:
This painting was hand-stretched by the artist in her studio and is super light-weight for wall-mounting. It can be hung as an exposed canvas, or framed in a floating wood frame for a more polished look. This painting comes with a hand-written artist statement and signature. If you purchase this painting you will be contacted by the artist for more information about pick-up options in downtown Hamilton, Ontario, or delivery/shipping information. Please note that the buyer is responsible for any shipping charges, but the artist will facilitate the process by obtaining quotes, packaging the product safely, and bringing it to a shipping centre at no extra cost. Reach out to the artist directly through the Contact page for any inquiries regarding this piece.
*This is an original painting by Tania LaCaria, there is only one in the world.