Let Go of Imagining the Worst

This is an original abstract painting in acrylic.
It measures 40 cm x 40 cm x 3.5 cm (15 in x 15 in x 1 in).

The artwork's full title is: "Let Go of Imagining the Worst'. This is a wonderful painting full of life and bright colours of pink, yellow and blue with a squiggle of gold.

Deepak Chopra wrote: "The best use of imagination is creativity. The worst use of imagination is anxiety."

The truth is, our brains are primed to scan for risks and threats. Our limbic system alerts our amygdala and before we know it our bodies are washed with cortisol and we feel anxious and stressed. Learning to manage our fears is key to living life well. So, how do we let go of imagining the worst?   

What inspired the artwork?

This painting was inspired by Dr. Pippa Grange's book 'Fear Less'. Having worked for years with elite sports people, Grange knows a thing or two about how anxiety and fear play a role in performance. What she's learned in over 20 years (and we can learn from - no matter our athletic prowess) is that our fears usually come from one of four 'root fears':

1. Fear of not being loved (the pink paint)
2. Fear of failing (the blue paint)
3. Fear of being inadequate (the gold)
4. Fear of being rejected (the yellow and orange paint)

Her book is a fascinating insight into how she's coached others to explore their fears and move beyond them.

The lesson in living well? Dr. Grange suggests you will benefit from regularly getting out of your comfort zone. A degree of 'stretch' does you good (even when it's scary), particularly when you survive the experience and learn that your worst fears are rarely realised.

This artwork is theory in action. We let go of controlling the final composition. We let go of failing. We let go of worrying it wouldn't be good enough. Instead, we went beyond our own comfort zone and went for it and learned from the experience.

What materials are used?

• Loxley superior quality artists' stretched canvas.
  
• Lightfast professional artist grade paints and mediums.
• UV varnish to protect the painting from dust and light fade.

How will I hang the artwork?

• The canvas is ready to hang, with sawtooth picture hooks attached and sides painted as part of the artwork.
  

What will I receive with the artwork?

• A certificate of authenticity.
• A thank you card from the artist.