Process

The second idea I had for my ritual sprung from a project that I set for myself roughly over a year ago.

Everyday I would draw an image on the page of a notebook that had very thin paper. The alcohol-based marker that I used allowed the ink to bleed through the page and leave a number of marks on the following page.

The following day I would turn the page and stare at the random marks until my imagination built an image in my head, whatever it interpreted it to be.
I would try to hesitate for the least amount of time possible and allow my imagination to control what went on the page. Some days were harder than others, the struggle to see something on the page irritated me but challenged me so I felt it was a beneficial exercise for the imagination!

The first idea that I had for my ritual began by reflecting on my visits home during my time in university. I live in a very beautiful rural area in the countryside of Ireland, a stone's throw away from a lake surrounded by rolling green hills and thick forests.

Studying in the noisy, busy, dirty, lively city of Dublin it was an enjoyable break to come home to visit my parents every once in a while.
When I do, the first thing I do is go for a walk on my own down to the lake along the beach. I walk through a wooded area that opens up to the stunning view of the lake and the mountains surrounding it. I am at peace. Alone with my thoughts, and (usually) on my own.

I started to think about why this ritual is important to me. After all, I have been here a million times over. I grew up here. I know the place in detail.
Yet I feel the need to experience it every time I am there. I am drawn to it and always will be.

I found places around the city of Rotterdam that made me feel at peace, and gave me a sense of place.
I felt it was a positive attribute for my ritual to be in a foreign city because I did not want places that made me feel 'at home', only places that made me feel calm and allowed me to empty my mind as much as possible. Allowing myself and others to practice the ritual wherever they may be.

it's quiet here, soft
it's like the plants can hear me
hear my thoughts twisting and turning through time
until they blow away,
curled into the smoke of my cigarette
I want to leave this place
go somewhere different. unfamiliar
where people are alive and moving
even the animals don't look right here
people walk around aimlessly
I need a new direction
I'll fly far away like a bird
or a Boeing 747
any flying object really
I want to see stranger things
get a taste for something new
anything stronger than this
but every time i go up
the blues come down
skating in without warning
a loud voice in my head
Luring me to stay
“where are you going?”
“it looks dangerous”

but i shout back louder
and defend myself
a storm is brewing now
so I go up to the highest point
And wish to be swept away
face my demons
And nightmares alike
I will find peace and serenity
on the land or on the sea
Allow whatever path it may be,
Bring me to a new home just for me
I’ll make new friends and a family
get myself a pet
To stay by my side and keep me company
my heart beats faster now
I have hope and faith
that I will grow
Into my truest form
Explore wonders of the world
I am eagerly waiting
an the universe for me too
something will welcome me
a new dimension possibly..

I tried the exercise with friends to experiment and see their reactions in contrast to how I felt

"It's actually quite hard because you have to come up with something completely out of the blue"

"I can feel myself pushing my imagination"

"It's a really nice way to push yourself to be creative"

"It would be a great exercise for kids"

From describing each image I was left with on each page in one word, I wondered if something could be made of these compiled words..

Could they be used for creative writing, to write poetry or to help think of a plot for a story?

I wanted to push the ritual further - to see if it could be useful to other creators, i.e. writers or musicians.