Your First TISFA

Like most of us, I first found drawing at a child and fell out of love with it by the time I hit secondary school. I was often being made to feel that how I was expressing myself didn’t meet the “style” they were trying to teach me.

I then rediscovered drawing in my 3^rd year of university, 9 years ago. At the time I found myself entering a deep connection, realisation and a oneness with all living things, from people, the elements, animals, and plants. Spiritually I was becoming awakened to a sesne of Universal Oneness, and intuitively this brought me to drawing.

The piece I drew that day consisted of several basic, yet essential materials: a few biro pens, an a4 paper that I had folded into quadrants and some background music. Since that day 9 years ago, I have found myself feeling more connected and grounded when I made space to draw/tisfa, especially when spending time with myself vs being in the mix of others. It connected to me to my subconscious, my spirituality and to God. I later formally turned this into a self-regulation tool.

My first ever TISFA, 9 years ago. It represents a journey and the barriers to reaching a place that feels free (both internally and externally). Nonetheless, it is a journey I have chosen to travel, and one that God is guiding me through. The image consists of a bridge over water, the bridge has missing planks, which indicates the skilfulness needed to overcome barriers, both at the beginning and the end of the journey. It started from a place that felt barren and into a place where Life appears more flourishing (this again can be interpreted both internal and external). I will leave the rest of the interpretation to you, and I wonder how this image may relate to where you feel you are in your story/journey.

The demo video below is an example of what the process of drawing felt like for me for a long time, and even now on occasion. I have come to understand that this second guessing of self-expression is a result of negative experiences, and there is so much freedom when you rebel against the old echoes of rejection, isolation, and othering.

TISFA: Drawing Through Self Doubt

To TISFA has felt like a processing of welcoming myself back home. This “home” being the way you hold the image and meaning of yourself, knowing that at the door you may be met with judgement, self-criticism and imagined dismissal. However, patience through this practice teaches that the deeper you walk into the Home of Your Mind, there is a deep love, acceptance, divinity and humility: it is waiting for you to see and waiting for you to hear. All it asks, is that you Trust its love for you is true. You may then discover these are the whispers of the wishes of your own inner child, and if you are spiritually inclined, you may discover an ancestral connection.

As always, I look forward to speaking with you and to one day drawing with you.

One love,

Racquel