It’s a leap year. We got an extra day in February, a bonus of time. Time is elusive and continually slipping from my grasp as I travel on this journey as an artist and a mother. So with this gift of extra time in the year, I have taken a leap into the future.

I had decided on yoga at noon. We made a scrambled effort to leave the house, Zephyr and I. I forgot nothing but her hat, so I tossed up her hood, coat completely unbuttoned in the wind, but since that is her element I told myself that the winter air was good for her. We got ourselves up the 45th and I dropped her off  at Sutra’s babysitting (the only yoga studio I know that offers it!), but by the time I got to the studio I was locked out. Bummer! I knew I was testing my limits of time. I couldn’t be too disappointed though, since and tried. Besides, baby was in a fussy mood anyway, so we went to the library instead and then at home, I put her down for what became a 2 and 1/2 hour nap.

During her nap time, I sent out my Harp for Healing application – one of my great leaps! Then, I walked my crisp envelope to the mailbox down the street (alone!) (The rarity of not schlepping baby or bags of baby things or harp gear was divine.) In this bouncy moment, I took in the daffodils with their nubile tendrils so tenderly exposing themselves, so vulnerable and new to the world. I have been culminating on this new life direction for some time and am eager and confident about my decision to take up a new element of music in my life.

My friend, David, came over to visit this afternoon for some 3 o’clock coffee and cookies. Zephyr was asleep but within ten minutes of her waking, she was running around the house bringing him books and trinkets, showing off her personality with great flair.

I believe that art heals – from knitting to music, from active to passive activity. The Mind, Body, Spirit connection is something that older cultures have taught us the importance of (Native Americans, ancient Greece) and I advocate for more of this in today’s world, especially during this time of massive change. Studying with Harp for Healing will give me the title of CCM (Certified Clinical Musician). A few weeks ago, I became certified to practice Reiki Level 1 – my other leap!

I’m so excited for these two big changes in my life toward the healing path because I believe so strongly in the mind’s capacity to effect the body and the role that art has with that healing. I am reminded one of my favorite Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. quotes: “Trust is knowing how to take the first step, without having to see the whole staircase.”

I have faith in this aphorism and I have faith that music and art can be a mainstay not just in my life, but in the world around me.