Someone asked me today how I can stand traveling to places like Asia, and how I deal with the jetlag. What jetlag? The minute I get on the plane I reset my watch for the time zone of my destination, and start convincing my mind and body that I am in that time zone. I never (NEVER!) say, once I am there, "Oh, it's 3 am back home." That is the kiss of death. I totally immerse myself in the target time zone and stay focused on the moment in front of me.

Similarly, I have found it is helpful to psych oneself into believing that I have a space of time when I return home, so I can get to work on a big project, or for a few minutes or a few hours, pretend like I have no work or deadlines. That is the only way I can clear my mind, totally relax, and then get up and tackle the next task. If I think about my To Do List, I seize up into panic mode, so I reprioritize my To Do List before I go to bed, and I only look at the top of the list in the morning...therefore creating the illusion of space and time. It's positively metaphysical!

In order to access my Creativity Mode, I have to pretend like I have all the time in the world, a big empty space to pace and talk to myself (when needed), and no worries in the world. However, often there is a deadline looming that motivates me to get into Creative Mode. Pretending like there is no deadline, and getting it done on time, is my own pair of dueling Yin and Yang motivators. Once I am motivated to sit down at the drawing table, sewing machine, or computer, I have to forget about the deadline! Seems silly, but that's what works for me. How about you?

For the last couple days I've been updating my List of Things To Do, having a quiet but short little nervous breakdown, (Ack! How am I going to get all of this done?) and then just getting to work on the list. The time, and the Things To Do on the list, seem to fly by like a TransAtlantic flight with a triple-feature movie. Time expands, and my perception of what can be accomplished then stretches out as well. You know what I mean. You become a time-traveler...and during that time you find that that backpack of stress has slid off your shoulders, and your mind is clear again. It is in those magic moments that you see things that you've never noticed before. You see with a clarity and focus that ignites your inner Da Vinci.

My first day in Bangkok, I landed early in the morning after a 28 hour flight. I checked into my hotel and took a bath. Since my brain already knew it was morning, I was wide awake, and anxious to be productive. I grabbed my camera, went down to get a map from the concierge, and hopped in a cab. I jumped out at the flower market, and proceeded to have a 3 hour photo session with no tourists in sight.

One of the most magical moments was when I found the vendors selling lotus buds. The delicate outer petals were a soft green with pink tinged edges. The inner rosebud-like petals were shades of lilac-pink, and the tight teardrop shape was just exquisite. I remember when I zoomed in on this image of several lotus buds, my eyes watered and my breath was a little short, because of the bittersweetness of the moment..... the pleasure that comes from something so simple and pure but so perfect. I hope you will feel that moment too, as you view this image.

I wanted to let our Australian friends know that I'll be at the Melbourne show April 14-15 (walking the show, and hopefully meeting many of you!), and I will be giving a presentation in the Canberra area on Saturday April 21st at the Jerrabomberra Community Centre in Queanbeyan.

Comments

[Linda Doss]

Your words are truly an inspiration to me as you travel all over the world and create yourself as actively being present to all you encounter. The stresses, like water, just roll off your back. Thank you for you beautiful lotus photo too. You are open to the beauty in the world amidst some the devastations (Japanese tsunami) and share those moments of grace. Thank you again.

[Debra Winchell]

This is the first time I've visited your blog. It's nice to see what you look like. I've been a fan of eQuilter.com for a long time. I wonder if you'll find any lotus bug fabric (-: I can't imagine what it's like to have unconventional work like yours.

[Lynn]

Oh you do tempt me so! I swore I was not going to buy any more fabric for several months but there is so much that is irresistible. Several of the African/Egyptian prints keep calling to me.

[Ginger Scott]

That is an awesome photo of the lotus buds. It would make a great color scheme for a quilt or a fabric. Kudos to you for seizing the moment!

[Glorianne]

Thank you for such a beautiful entry. Your lotus flower blooms are GORGEOUS as are your words about travelling and staying focused on what is right in front of you. You are very inspiring! Thank you for uplifting me with your words this morning. These are tools that I can put into practice whether travelling or not.
Have a beautiful day, wherever you are in the world!

[Beth Maxwell]

You picture of the lotus blossoms brought back a flood of memories of the Bangkok flower market and how breathtaking an experience it was. I have lots and lots of pictures and quilt ideas as a result. For those who fear that they can't travel that far I am saddened for the marvelous experiences and people they miss. If my 80 year old husband can travel 36 hours to get to Burma you can too! Don't miss learning about the rest of the world, it is so exciting and you will grow so much. Beth

[Joanne Jordan]

I love your philosophy of life. I hope it will become contagious as I reread your post a few times and it gave me plenty of food for thought. Thanks for sharing your "inner you" Wish I could join you on one of your trips. Joanne Jordan, Charlotte, NC

[WesternWilson]

Thankyou for the musings and the gorgeous lotus bud bouquet shot! Makes a lovely desktop background! As for adjusting to travel, good advice from a much traveled friend is to take a brief nap upon arrival and then go straight to local time. Works like a charm. And you are right, never compare, never look back! As for tackling the daunting "to do" lists...accomplishment is the most potent antidote to despair.

[Borderline Quilter]

Hi Luana, fantastic photograph, do the buds have fragrance?

By the way, after watching you presenting in many videos, and speaking to you at FoQ, Birmingham, UK, I don't believe you ever get stressed!

Best Wishes
Kay in Scotland

[wayne rhodes]

Luana: Thanks for those excellent tips about "mind over matter"! Now I know how you get so much accomplished!!!