Don't Go Back to Sleep

This painting was completed in my “process” style.*

I began by exploring where my doubt about my (spiritual) abilities came into my life.

In this painting, the viewer has a feeling of having just removed a sleep-mask to view a beautiful sunrise mountain scene.

“Don’t Go Back to Sleep” is a line from a Rumi poem:

The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you.

Don't go back to sleep.

You must ask for what you really want.

Don't go back to sleep.

People are going back and forth

across the doorsill

where the two worlds touch.

The door is round and open.

Don't go back to sleep.

I remembered this line after the painting was complete, when I’d learned from the Mystery what I needed to hear.

“You’re awake now. That’s all that matters.”

In the end, this painting taught me that there was little point in looking backwards for a cause.

Rather, it’s more beneficial to keep your eyes forward on what’s now possible.

I don’t often sell my process pieces, but I can imagine another person being blessed by the reminder that they are awake now.

*This means that I begin with an intention, but have no plan for the painting. The process of painting brings me insight, revelation, direction or healing. (This is how I became an artist.)