THE ART OF TRANSFORMATION

“Transformation literally means going beyond your form.” Wayne Dyer

What does transformation mean to you? I wanted to talk about transformation this month as it’s essentially what I do with My Sanctuary No.8, but with our current situation of lockdown, it has really made me think about how I feel that this time presents us with a prime opportunity for transformation in so many forms.

Just like a caterpillar to a butterfly, transformation is a beautiful thing. It can mean stepping out of your comfort zone, going beyond what you thought was possible but ultimately changing your current present for the better. The process may be a short one, a simple change, or a long journey, but hopefully, you are always moving in a positive direction.

My work within My Sanctuary No.8 encompasses the idea of transformation, the process of taking an object or piece of furniture that has found itself to be unloved and, often, unwanted, and transforming it to a thing of beauty, giving it a new lease of life, uncovering a uniqueness that was previously unseen. This is a process that can be undertaken within all of us as individuals too. It’s an opportunity to spread your wings, discover facets of yourself that you didn’t know you had.

I believe that, as people, we are forever evolving. We are never a finished product and should always seek to be transforming, becoming better than we were yesterday, ever changing according to the lessons we learn and seeking to be the best versions of ourselves.

Throughout this time that we have all been in enforced lockdown, I have thrown myself into my work, spending my time transforming more pieces, but also, it has pushed me to look at myself and see what I could transform about myself and my life, so that I can come out of lockdown a better person than I was before. But also, so that my daily life takes on a new schedule so that I live more in accordance to how I want. These processes of change are not always straight forward, linear, or easy, however, often the most challenging periods of transformation can be the most rewarding. I personally find this with my work, if an idea for a piece is just not coming to me, or I choose to transform the piece in a particularly complicated manner, I know that usually, the finished result will always be that bit more satisfying for me. That’s one thing that I know for sure, is that any form of transformation for the better will always offer you an opportunity to be proud of yourself and your achievement, and that in itself is priceless. So how do you want to go back to ‘normal’ after the lockdown is relaxed? How do you want your new normal to look? Is there anything that you would like to transform about yourself, your surroundings, or your current circumstances?

All I can say is that whatever you desire and choose to change and transform, be brave with it. Take your time and know that it may not be easy but, like the butterfly, it will be beautiful.

Zara xxx