TRI NURAINI

These days, I find myself really fascinated by the world of art. I think I’ve loved art all my life—whether it’s music, dancing, poetry, or painting.

But growing up in a working family, I was conditioned to focus entirely on how to finish my formal education well and basically just work, work, work for success. That became my whole focus, and I never really acknowledged or nurtured the artsy or creative side of me. It’s there, but always on the side.

In fact, I only started dancing and learning the piano after I hit 30, and occasionally, I take painting workshops. I also like classical and contemporary music, particularly 🙂

To me, art is all about appreciating beauty. As I keep working on my presence by slowing down and learning to find and enjoy the beauty in every moment, I’ve also been learning more about art history (with a little help from AI!).

One concept in art that recently fascinated me is called Chiaroscuro (derived from the Italian words chiaro meaning light, and scuro meaning dark).

It’s when a painting is filled with dark shadows, but cut through with bright beams of light to create the contrast and dimension..

Think of the famous painting “Girl with a Pearl Earring” by Johannes Vermeer – isn’t she pretty? (Tip: click on the image below if you want to learn more about the painting! )

Essentially, it’s the intense contrast between light and dark that makes the painting feel “alive.”

And that is actually what makes life… life.

The light and the shadow, the contrast, and the natural tension between them. It is the depth of the shadow that actually makes the light look even brighter.

Last night, as I was reflecting on my week, I realized that I was experiencing my own “chiaroscuro” moment.

On one hand, I was really enjoying my weekend, playing in a tennis tournament with the team. But at the exact same time, I was also experiencing a layer of sadness in the background.

And that is completely okay.

Life doesn’t have to be purely bright for us to enjoy it. The contrast is what gives our lives depth, meaning, and makes us feel truly alive.

How about you? Are you allowing space for both the light and the shadow in your life right now?

My wish for you this week is that you embrace whatever contrast you are feeling. You don’t have to fix it.

It’s all part of the picture.

You are meant to thrive.

And if you ever need my support, I’m here for you.

I’ve got your back. ❤️

With love and gratitude,
Inuk

Final Thought

“It is the depth of the shadow that brings the light even brighter.”
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P.S. I recently wrote down some thoughts and takeaways from our recent workshop. If you want a behind-the-scenes look, you can read my Catatan Refleksi dari Workshop Design Your Life here.

P. P.S. And if you are feeling the contrast in your own life right now and want a supportive partner to help you realign, my 1-on-1 coaching doors are always open. Let’s chat and map out your next steps together here 🙂