I am Abigail Florence, an artist and certified facilitator from Cape Town, South Africa, with over 20 years experience in the creative industry. In 2021, amidst the global Covid-19 pandemic and periods of lockdown, I was asked to facilitate an online session for students of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University. The session aimed to explore creative processes as a means of expression to help navigate the uncertain times we were living in.
To provide context to my life at that point, I had been immersed in South Africa’s creative industry for two decades, working on various creative projects from interior decorating projects to running a sewing school. Throughout my career, I had facilitated and upskilled hundreds of individuals through my creative skills programs. However, the onset of the pandemic abruptly halted my endeavors.
My business, Elves At Work, which I had nurtured for 14years, had to close due to the pandemic, leading me to question my entire life’s trajectory. This period was emotionally and psychologically challenging as I grappled with anxiety about the uncertain future while caring for my family.
During the seemingly endless lockdowns and isolation periods, I found solace in exploring with cotton threads on fabric through freeform hand and machine sewing. This pastime which I labelled “thought-less” creating provided a welcomed distraction during lockdown and the newfound free time since my business closure. Having previously facilitated sewing classes, I was familiar with the meditative state that accompanies the creative process, often referred to as the “creative zone.” I experienced this firsthand during my isolated sewing sessions, which offered a cocoon of silence and stillness amid the chaos of the pandemic. Being a student of meditation myself, I explored various methods over the years and resonated with the practice of Silence as the most beneficial for me.
Returning to my class for the Brahma Kumaris, inspired by my exploration with cotton threads and the meditative state of creating, I proposed a Scribble session. Scribbling, resembling the threads on fabric, seemed like a fitting method for exploring thought-less creation, especially considering the accessibility of paper and pen, particularly for an online session.
Scribbling involves drawing without thought, allowing for “thought-less” creative expression. I encouraged participants to draw aimlessly, fostering a space free from judgment or predetermined purpose. I found that this process transcended age, gender, and skill level, making it inclusive and accessible to all.
Facilitating my first session revealed personal insights, challenging limiting beliefs and fostering a newfound sense of freedom and playfulness.
Despite developing flu-like symptoms and testing positive for Covid during my initial daily Scribble practice, I persisted, finding solace and healing in the process. This daily ritual became my creative meditation and allowed me to not overthink my situation, guiding me through one of the most challenging periods of my life with relative ease and peace of mind.
The culmination of my daily practice during my Covid-19 infection was a series of 32 Scribbles, which became the cover art of my first edition Scribble Meditation Journal, illustrating my Covid journey in line and colour.
Since then, Scribble Meditation has remained my preferred meditation pathway, serving as a channel for self-expression, healing, and connection. I now share this transformative practice with others through Scribble Meditation Classes, facilitator training and licensing, aiming to make a positive impact in communities worldwide.