Someone once told me that my Instagram page is filled with content that only talks about how art is therapeutic, and it helps people relax. This person suggested that I might talk about something other than therapy. Well! I never asked this particular person for advice, but as you know, people love giving ‘gyan’ even when nobody is asking. However, it did strike a chord, so when I did sit down to write this article, I kept twiddling my thumbs while brainstorming. While I was lost in my thoughts, the doorbell rang, and Max, my beautiful giant of an Indie dog, went into his usual barking frenzy. Grudgingly, I got up, annoyed at being disturbed to open the door. Voila!!! It was the delivery guy. My Zara package was here!!!
Don’t know about you, but getting these prepaid parcels just brightens up my day. Isn’t there a thrill in getting these delivered at your doorstep? The joy of trying on clothes in your room beats trying them under the harsh changing room lights. Not only do you feel fat in these white lights, but the pores on your skin, the acne, the wrinkles, even the occasional grey strands in your hair seem to wink at u. I think those lights can make the best of us feel humble. Let’s not even talk about facial hair, except if you are a man, admiring your newly trimmed beard. Besides, exchanging these clothes makes it super easy. How many of you’ll and lets be honest here have ordered online, hoping the parcel shows up when only you are alone at home? Bought clothes, shoes, or bags only to tuck them away for an event or a holiday without anyone at home judging you for it?
I mean, it doesn’t make me a shopaholic if I like shopping online and returning the stuff later that didn’t appeal to me or fit me. There is no shame in admitting that I love shopping. Of course, one could say I am indulging in some retail therapy (there I go using this term again).
Don’t get me started on COD (for those living under a rock, COD is Cash On Delivery) parcels. It’s stressful (at least for me) when everyone is home, and I have a parcel that requires cash to be paid. I try to keep the change ready when I get the message that the parcel will be delivered today anytime before 9 pm. My prayers to get the parcel before the sun sets usually go unanswered because the delivery guy invariably shows up just when I am sitting for dinner, and the house is full. I sheepishly smile, acting unaware of what it could be. Feigning ignorance, I grab the correct change and hand it quickly, so the delivery man can’t say the exact amount loudly. My eye keeps twitching, as do my fingers when I have a parcel delivered in the evening. He probably thinks I have some kind of issue. I don’t even blame him for that. I have occasionally seen him delivering parcels in the area while I am walking Max, and he always acknowledges me. Not sure what that says about me, whether I am ordering too much and he recognizes me now, despite innumerable deliveries he does all day long, or I am one of the few polite and friendly people he encounters. I would like to believe the latter.
I hope the men reading this article don’t smirk, thinking my wife or daughter does the same thing. Well, sir, that’s because you may not be ordering clothes or shoes, but ordering from Amazon or the likes can be addictive, too. So can over-ordering or frequent ordering of food from restaurants. Let’s not be judgmental here. It feels even better if you earn your own and spend your own. I know I look forward to receiving my parcels, it’s fun, and it feels like unravelling a gift. Even though I know what’s in it since I chose it, and I have paid for it. Nevertheless, it is fun! It makes me happy.
Do what makes you happy. Smile, love, and be kind. We all have stress, and we all carry the things that burden us on our shoulders. But life is too short to stay unhappy, to be afraid of being judged. Simple, small things can help you relax, make you forget what you want to forget, and help you clear those cobwebs in your mind. Art for me is my happiness, and while I love shopping, I’ll always go back to creating and painting art as my way of relaxing.
Try it. It’s not only healing its also relaxing and fun, whether alone or with friends. Art doesn’t recognize gender or age. While I did start this article saying I won’t talk about therapy, I am ending it by saying ….. Do what makes you happy, what soothes your soul, and brightens your day. If it’s therapy, so be it. Even if it’s Retail Therapy.
Rakhi Write to me at artnsoulbyrakhi@gmail.com Rakhi is an artist & art therapy practitioner. She does commissioned art and teaches adults /children mindful art at her studio at Om Chambers, Kemps Corner. Instagram @artnsoulbyrakhi Mob: 98200 xxxx.
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