During my slow journey so far, I’ve been getting rid of the bad habits and practices that keep me on the fast-living treadmill. Now I want to focus on filling my life with experiences that bring me happiness. I turn to Sarah Samuel, author of Mindful Crafting (Leaping Hare Press, £9.99). ‘When we practise mindful crafting, we uncover who we are: our innate beauty, trust, wisdom, peace and joy,’ she says.
I used to love painting as a child, so I buy some watercolours. I dive straight in, paint clumsy splodges – then sneer and judge myself: ‘So childish!’ Stop judging your output, says Samuel. ‘Use crafting to be mindful. Let go of all other demands on your attention; trust your inner genius.’ Inner genius? More sneering. ‘What if the things that block you from being creative – your flow – are also the things that block you in life?’ asks Samuel. Ah, hello, old friend! Self-judgement, my trusty sidekick.