Patterns

I am noticing patterns in nature recently. I’m attracted to the randomness, repetition, and flow. There is something soothing and yet also exciting about the patterns.

Clearing the clutter from my desk, I found a scrap of paper where I had written, “harvesting the year.” I suppose I “harvest the year” when I look for themes in the gratitude cards that I have written throughout the year. Harvesting thoughts, ideas, and experiences from the past is a fruitful tool, a starting point from which creativity can flow.

(Photos by Sue Schleifer)

When I was a teenager, I enjoyed sewing. I’d go to the fabric shop and pore over the pattern books before selecting a pattern to buy and fabric and thread to go along with it. Back home, I’d lay out the pattern pieces on the fabric, and carefully cut along the lines. The pattern was a guide. It provided a structure for the process of sewing a dress that would fit my body. I could add my own creative touches to the project if I chose to.

And now I’m thinking of other types of patterns:

·      Notes, rhythm, and meter in music

·      Rhythm and rhyme in poetry

·      Design element in fabric or a rug

·      Pattern of speech

·      Pattern of growth

·      Behavior pattern, spending pattern

·      A prescribed movement pattern for football players or dancers

Patterns provide structure from which creativity can flow. Patterns are also structures that can shape, control and constrict movement, thought, and actions. It’s helpful to periodically look at our self-imposed patterns to evaluate if they still work for us. Do I really need to keep doing a task or project because I’ve always done it? Is it still serving me or a purpose I care about? Now may be a great time to look at the patterns in our lives and decide which are helpful and which may be getting in the way.

Happy New Year!