We need dark to show light, and light to show dark.

~Ed Martyniuk

Have you ever passed by a lamp during the day and suddenly realized that the lightbulb was on?

In a sun-filled room, the glow of a single lamp has little impact until you get close to it. During the darker hours, however, there’s no mistaking its presence. It can illuminate an entire room.

And the dark corners of a heavy heart.

By the light of a 25-watt bulb, in the early mornings of late fall, I began a series of small watercolor paintings. This was during a difficult period of adjustment, and my intention was to help myself feel better. Through previous study and work in Therapeutic Recreation, I had developed an understanding of how creativity could accomplish that. From personal experience I believed that it would.

I was not disappointed.

Before the first few paintings were done, I not only began to regain a sense of well-being, I was inspired. Over the following winter I completed close to sixty small paintings, and developed the concept for a book.

“The focus of (Creating Recovery) is to offer inspiration, encouragement, and basic instructions for creating paintings in an intuitive way.”

The messages within Creating Recovery (CR) are distilled from a life of using ink, music, movement and color to cope with difficulty and facilitate healing.

I made no great art. But time and again, the process of creating brought me through the dark—through confusing life changes, abuse, loss, illness and other challenges—and back around to the light. To my self. To life.

Creating Recovery is not a program or a cure. The focus of CR is to offer inspiration, encouragement, and basic instructions for creating paintings in an intuitive way.

The fifty-two meditations in Section I invite reflection, exploration and development of your innate resources; aspects of yourself that have been temporarily hidden or, perhaps, entirely unknown to you. Although the meditations are arranged (somewhat loosely) to reflect the four seasons, they can be read in any order.

I do recommend taking time to absorb and digest each message. Consider using the affirmations at the bottom of each meditation. Decide if and how these perspectives fit into your unique experience.

At any time in the process of moving through Section I, try the activities in Sections II and III. They will help you to see your experiences for what they are, and to make the most of them. Whether you can believe it or not right now, your story and your insights are valuable.

May you find comfort, clarity, and the magic of creating as you recover—by the light of your own sweet spirit.