Tuileries
Meditate on the ‘Tuileries’ artwork
Settle in your seat with your back straight. Gaze softly at the painting. Take in all of its details, the colors, the brushstrokes, and the composition. Allow your mind to become completely absorbed in the piece.
As you gaze at the painting, feel the sense of calm and stillness that emanates from it. Let yourself be transported to Paris, feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin and the gentle breeze in your hair. Imagine yourself sitting in the Tuileries Gardens, surrounded by the beautiful greenery and flowers. Notice any thoughts or distractions that arise in your mind. Acknowledge them, but then gently bring your focus back to the painting. Allow yourself to become completely immersed in the beauty and serenity of the scene before you. As you continue to gaze at the painting, you may notice different details that you hadn't seen before. Try not to label the colors, or think about the strokes. Simply notice and look without judgement.
Allow your gaze to soften and become unfocused, as you become more relaxed and at ease. Feel yourself sinking deeper and deeper into a state of relaxation and peace.
When you're ready, gently close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Allow yourself to feel the sense of calm and stillness that you have cultivated through this meditation.
Rub your palms together to create heat and then place them over your closed eyes. Hold for a few seconds and then release the hands but keep the eyes closed. Now, bring your attention to your breath. Notice the sensation of the air moving in and out of your nostrils. Feel the expansion of your chest and belly as you inhale, and the contraction as you exhale.
There's no need to change your breath in any way. Just observe it as it is, without judgment or expectation. Simply notice the sensation of breathing, moment by moment.
If your mind wanders, which it will, gently bring your focus back to your breath. You can imagine your breath as a wave, rolling in and out, or as a balloon, inflating and deflating.
As you continue to focus on your breath, you may notice different sensations in your body. You may feel a sense of coolness at the tip of your nose as you inhale, or warmth in your belly as you exhale. Allow yourself to become completely absorbed in the sensation of breathing. Let go of any thoughts or distractions, and simply be present with your breath.
Rub your palms together to create heat and place them over your eyes. Rub again… and place over your eyes. One more time, rub your palms together and place them over your eyes. Before releasing your hands, open your eyes inside your palms. Then slowly rest your palms on your knees.
As we’re ending the meditation, take a few deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Take a moment to notice how you feel without necessarily labeling the feeling. Remember to always sit in silence after any practice. Only noticing. Without words.
About the piece
The deconstructed image of the Jardin des Tuileries in spring is a tribute to life and renewal. Crisp air, fragrant blooms, and a bright blue sky radiating the promise of new beginnings invite you to step into the light, basking in the warmth of the sun. It is a celebration of the beauty that surrounds us and the infinite possibilities that await in a way that only Paris can offer.
I love the expressive lines on this piece and how messy it feels. And I really like it’s details when it’s cropped. Most of all I love people’s intrepretation of it. Others see a ship, others a field and trees, some spotted the statues. I like so much discussing what everyone sees in apiece like this, that I almost don’t want to tell them what it “actually” is, I don’t want them to think they were wrong. I mean, I don’t see a reason why couldn’t someone keep a print on their wall, seeing a ship floating on pink waters…
Take as much time as you need, and meet me at the next one.
Love,
Evi