ADF ARRTS Program 20.1 

See blog post for more information:  https://broo975.wixsite.com/mysite/post/adf-arrts-program-20-1

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Everywhen: A Spiritual Geospatial Journey

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On the third day of the ARRTS Program we undertook an “Everywhen” activity, which was a reflective exercise relating to Charles Perkins’ quote: “We know we cannot live in the past but the past lives in us”.

The Past: We sketched a place that was significant in the context of our life. I drew a beautiful, secret waterfall that my father showed me, hidden away in a small stand of native bush on a scrubby, unremarkable hillside near Loch Katrine in New Zealand. I spent a lot of time there, breathing in the sweet honeydew and damp, mossy beech forest and being energised by the tumbling, babbling water. One time, a family of moreporks calmly watched me from above.
The Present: We then chose words to describe what this place evokes for us now. These were some of my key narratives surrounding this special place: remembering happy holidays, remembering Dad, reflection, calm, serenity, peace, meditation, capable, in control, resilience, flow, harmony, green, lush, mossy, fresh, magical, hidden, secret, private, positive visualisation, bellbird song.
The Future: In our journaling session that afternoon we reflected on how this place might prove significant to our future selves as we work towards personal development, our aspirations and dreams. Some of my thoughts included how I can reflect back on this place when my resilience or mood is low, remember the happy, carefree times, appreciate and meditate on the natural beauty, solitude, peace and serenity.  Breathe deeply and reflect on the grounding provided by the waterfall on the senses. Feel the positive natural energy, reinvigorate, cleanse, feel at one with the environment, re-centre my internal map.

My Journey:

Serendipitously, this “Everywhen” activity linked into my intent for my art project. I wanted to create a number of artworks, using new and challenging techniques, that were both meditative and focussed on my connection with place, the landscape, the terrain, and the environments where I felt most at home.

Scientists and artists have often talked about humans’ evolutionary interconnectedness with the natural world and the interactions between the geo and bio spheres. As a self-confessed “map addict” I am interested in landscape ecology, patterns in nature, and the interconnectedness of the landscape – where contours could become geological formations, then swirling water, perhaps now it’s tree bark, a paua shell, or maybe a fingerprint. Since joining the ADF, I have learnt the importance of understanding the terrain and being able to blend into the geography of the battlespace.

I have always felt an affinity with the landscape and natural environment. I grew up exploring the NZ native bush, off the beaten track, and often feel a strong urge to go “forest bathing” to de-stress and reconnect with my roots. Similarly, I love the diverse landscapes, flora and fauna of Australia, with its rich colour palette, textures, and ancient formations.

Art is an alternative communication method. It creates a stillness, a mindfulness, and there is no judgement of whatever marks you want to make on the paper – it’s your own journey. You control the process and decide the outcome, which is often in contrast to our military work where we are frustrated by a lack of control over situations or decisions that impact our lives.

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