Loyd finds comfort in art, writing
Creative people usually have one concentration, but Rita Loyd has explored both painting and writing to find self-fulfillment.
In 1996, Loyd’s writing began as a form of therapy during a lengthy illness. First, she painted “healing art” and then wrote affirmations to describe the message in each painted image.
“After years of painting and self-reflection, the creative process taught me how to love myself,” Loyd said. “Because I wanted to share my healing process with others, I wrote a documentary called ‘In Search of Self-Love.'”
Her work eventually evolved into the book, “Unconditional Self-Love: What It Is, Why It’s Important and How to Nurture It in Your life,” which she self-published in 2010. “In my work, I consider myself first as a teacher and then as a writer, because I am not formally trained in writing,” Loyd said.
Her book now is available at 16 Main Gallery in downtown Madison. The book has four sections: discovery of self-love, lessons about unconditional self-love, her artwork and affirmations and 10 exercises for self-love’s healing power.
She classifies her book as self-help. “It’s a practical book on the subject of self-love that is simple and clear to read and understand,” Loyd said.
“Sometimes, I run into people who think self-love is selfish and wrong. I explain to them that there are two kinds of self-love — ego-based, conditional self-love and spirit-based, unconditional self-love,” she said.
Loyd believes only spirit-based, unconditional self-love heals the spirit, mind and body. “It teaches us how to love others by first teaching us how to love ourselves,” she said.
In her own reading, Loyd chooses the “Little House on the Prairie” series, which she has reread many times, even as an adult. “I find them comforting and motivational. I love their wholesomeness, work ethic and positive message of endurance, love and gratitude.”
People may view the series as simple children’s books, but Loyd finds profound meaning in the writing.
For more information, send email to ritaloyd@bellsouth.net or visit NurturingArt.com.
