My purpose is to explore and express my love of beauty and the beauty of love. Here’s some of what I’ve come up with.

Reconnect Lesson 5: Here’s Mud In Your Eye

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Do you know the expression “Here’s Mud In Your Eye”? It’s a toast wishing fellow drinkers good health. It may sound negative, but it’s actually positive. Some say that the origin of this saying is Biblical, when Jesus spat in the dirt to make mud and rubbed it into the eyes of a blind man, healing his sight.

That’s my wish for you in this 5th offering of my Reconnect to Your True Self Series – Here’s Mud in Your Eye!

May your sight be healed so that you may see the beauty of your perfect unfolding.

Too often, we’re blinded to the truth of our journey, our perfect unfolding, our beauty. This can translate into fear, false self-perceptions, body shame, and thinking challenges happen to us, not for us. 

Unlike the lotus born in the mud and cleansing itself as it reaches higher through the water to blossom mud-free above the surface and into the light, we humans often cling to the mud that hardens over time and weighs us down.

Sadly, the walls of dirt get so thick that they not only cover our golden light, but also stunt our growth.

We don’t let go of others’ comments, opinions, judgments – leaving us with low self-esteem. We then look at ourselves and our lives through the eyes of those lies, unable to recognize that people’s hurtful comments and actions are but a reflection of their own fears and illusions. We make them our truth and add to them our own judgments and self-criticism to create even thicker walls.

It’s time to let go of the built-up dirt to emerge and blossom! This is a natural part of the process. Embrace it!

The exercises in this post will require vulnerability & strength, openness & courage. It’s time to stop hiding. It’s time to sparkle & shine as your True Self.

Ready?

As I was connecting with my Team of Divine Helpers and painting “The Perfect Unfolding”, they reminded me of so many significant moments from girlhood to womanhood – some that brought back smiles and others a need for forgiveness, gratitude, understanding, and compassion for myself and others.

These came bubbling to the surface as I painted so I could see them, process them,  and let them go – the seemingly good & bad in non-judgment.

The exercises offered here were inspired by my process during the painting of #5 in the Re-Connecting Collection,  “The Perfect Unfolding”.

Exercise 1: Get Rid of Built-up Dirt – Just Add Water

Your body is your sacred vehicle for your spirit in this lifetime. Spend good solid time with this exercise to hear its wisdom, its feedback.

In exercise 1, your body will be your mirror. It’s already holding so many of your negative memories and self-perceptions.

Now allow it to process years of negativity & challenges so that it can activate its built-in self-cleansing mode – in body, mind & spirit.

Feel free to proceed in whichever way you feel moved, knowing these steps are but suggestions. You might need the full force of the ceremony at the end or you may be inspired to create your own version.

Before you start, however, know that this is not about rejecting all that has made you into who you are today. On the contrary. It’s about acknowledging the mud in which you grew so you can now move past it to emerge into all you have always meant to be.

That mud was somehow necessary. My hope is that this will become clearer to you as your vision clears up.

  1. Start from your feet up (usually easier) – really look at this part of your body.
  2. Invite your body to speak about what it’s holding – “Dear feet, what am I ready to see, acknowledge & let go of? “
  3. Jot what bubbles up on tiny strips of paper. Notice your thoughts, judgments, memories. For example:
    • my flat feet as a child meant I had to wear unattractive orthopaedic wear. This was followed by a lifetime of believing in comfort first, sparing no expense on good orthopaedic shoes no matter what else I’m wearing.
    • bad eczema on my toes as a child making me want to hide my feet – shame.
    • A friend calling me “sausage toes” in high school, pointing out that those who have a longer toe were superior in some way
    • breaking my right foot after sitting for hours cross-legged and walking on it wrong – feeling like a failure as I became dependent on friends for rides as if asking for help was a bad thing
    • black toe nail and bleeding blisters after my 1st hike in Newfoundland caused by bad boots and leading to feelings of being “not good enough”, “out of shape” and reminding me of all the times I was last & laughed at during physical education class, confirming my belief that I shouldn’t do group sports/ activities. I just don’t fit in.
    • my funny heel – with a birthmark on one side (that made me feel special) and a blue dot on the other where I accidentally rammed a led pencil in it when I was 7 (which made me feel clumsy) – I later worried about the health consequences of having led in my system
    • plantars warts as a child – afraid of pool floors and pain associated with going to the doctors
    • other kinds of warts later on – believing I was doing something wrong to grow those
    • constant cold feet from bad circulation – too much sitting.
    • feeling pretty with red toe nails during my trip to England, but not feeling justified to get pedicures with my simple living values and budgetary priorities – feelings of not being worthy, wastefulness, scarcity mentality.My goodness, I could go on and that’s just with the feet!You get the picture.Very slowly go up your body and spend time observing what comes up, without trying to change it or judge yourself for it. Be an active listener, a loving observer.Your body is just mirroring years of inner & outer experiences.
  4. Once you have a whole stack of these strips of paper ceremoniously burn them in a small container or in an outdoor fire. As you watch the paper burn, be grateful for how these challenges & the pain have shaped you. Acknowledge how they may have hurt but also made you stronger, more compassionate, equipped you to transform them into gifts for yourself & others.
  5.  Take some of the ashes and rub them over your body – as a mask, war paint, messages of transformation, etc. Follow your inspiration. Look at yourself in the mirror and listen to your heart – its loving messages and invitations to transformation.
  6. Shower mindfully, feeling grateful for the cleansing. Pray or sing yourself into freedom as you watch the dirt go down the drain.

Note: As I was typing these inspirations, I was also given visions of taking the ashes and flushing them down the toilet instead. Because of the analogy to a lotus born in the mud and cleanly emerging from the water to blossom in the light, I strongly suggest that you include water in whatever ceremony you create for yourself.

Exercise 2: Truth Seeing

“The Perfect Unfolding” – Original SOLD and prints available.

See how the golden glass-beaded figure in my painting stands? She’s a voluptuous, open, strong, spirited, sensual and divine being. She’s not hiding herself. She’s not covered in shame or judgment. She’s free. She’s true – part spirit and part physical. She’s balanced in the heart of that lotus and grateful for all that she’s lived, all that she is, and all that is opening up for her. She’s unapologetic and pure, radiating from unconditional love.

Now that you’ve processed so much of what you had adopted as part of your truth and carried around for years, it’s time to truly see your beauty.

Look in the mirror again.

Love your body from your feet to your head by gently stroking it and acknowledging its function as a vessel to your spirit.

Appreciate your body’s perfect imperfections as a testimony to your path. You are unique. Your body is precious and so very beautiful.

Gaze at yourself in the mirror. Accept the changes that come with age and experience. Accept the calls for love.

A teacher in one of my drawing classes helped me see this. She talked about her experience in self-portrait classes. By spending time drawing all of what made her unique, she learned to love the moles, the scars, the shapes and ever-deepening wrinkles.

The more you can see the beauty in yourself, the more you’ll recognize it in others, no matter what the media advertises as how you should look to feel good.

As you stroke and gaze at yourself in the mirror, follow any guidance leading to deeper sexual healing, health, self-love, etc.

For example, I can accept that there may be changes in my body due to menopause, but I can also take the discomfort of bloating as a cue to make the changes I need in my lifestyle to feel more comfortable in my skin.

No matter what your body is telling you, reconnect to that golden essence at your core. The dust and dirt may have covered it, but it has always been there. Be with yourself until you can feel it through your heart & see it shining through your eyes.

Remember that you’re an individualized expression of the divine, unconditionally loved by your soul & team of Divine Helpers.

Your body is a sacred vessel, a vehicle for your soul. What does your vehicle need? A tune up, repairs, detailing, better fuel, polishing, more frequent use, etc.

If any negative self-talk or judgments still crop up, look deeply into your eyes and say what your heart most wants to hear. Train your mind to see the beauty, the gifts, the truth. Acknowledge that the negative voices you hear are echos of fear or social pressure.

Connect with your Higher Self by eye gazing in the mirror and when it feels natural, say “I see you”. Sit with how that feels.

When you’re connected in this way, it’ll be easier to let any new dirt simply roll off, not taking it on as your own. Use your shower or bath time to ritually and mindfully cleanse yourself from anything from the previous day(s) that doesn’t serve you and watch it all go down the drain.

Please go beyond just reading this post. Walk through the open door of its exercises to Re-Connect to your True Self. You deserve it.

And if you need extra support for some of what comes up to the surface to be seen before it’s released or healthily integrated, please seek it out.

Here’s Mud in Your Eye!

P.S. “The Perfect Unfolding” (24″ x 48″) Mixed media on gallery-wrapped canvas: acrylics, glass beads, ocean jasper stone. No framing required. Original SOLD  & prints in your desired medium & size are available.Thanks for supporting my art!

P. P.S. You can read the original post on the co-creative process for the painting “The Perfect Unfolding” on my blog here. 

 

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Reconnect Lesson 4: Shine Your Superpowers

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Lesson 4 in the Reconnect to Your True Self series was inspired by the creative process behind the painting “Supersoul”.

Did you know you’re on a hero’s journey?

How would your perspective on your life change if you truly understood that your soul had arranged to embark on this adventure with its series of blessings, challenges & people designed to help you be all you were meant to be in this lifetime?

Imagine that many of these people & events – be they mentors or petty tyrants, nightmares or dreams come true, were chosen by your soul before incarnation to fulfill the Path your spiritual self wanted to travel while in this human body.

Does that belief ring true to you? It does to me.

Looking back at your life through this belief system is one way of uncovering your unique set of superpowers, shaped by a life that is unlike anyone else’s.

You are an individualized expression of the Divine, crafted by your experiences on your hero’s journey. Your superpowers are what can propel you forward in your own journey to be of service to others. 

Isn’t that exciting?

Exercise 1: Uncover Your Superpowers

So what are your superpowers?

Here’s an exercise that can help you figure that out – recognition and acknowledgement are key to putting them to good use.

If you don’t use them, you lose them.

So for the sake of all others, let’s do that!

Take out a piece of paper and make 3 columns.

On the left, write 0-5, 5-10, 10-15, 15-20, …. all the way to your present age.

In the middle write down the significant blessings/gifts, challenges, people, places, etc. that have shaped you. Think of the 5W – Who, What, When, Where, Why.

On the right, acknowledge what superpowers these have given you.

For example:

5-10

lived in Germany

open to differences, connection to nature/ intuition, strong self-knowledge

10-15

was bullied

alignment to True Self vs. peer pressure

15-20

Mme George gave me lead roles in high school plays

effective public speaker

You’ll have more than 1 in every age increment – those are just memory triggers.

The important columns are 2 & 3 for you to take account of how the blessings, challenges and people in your life have shaped you to be your unique combination of skills, gifts, & superpowers you are today.

Exercise 2: Shine Your Superpowers

“Supersoul” Original & prints for sale.

Once you’ve recognized & acknowledged these superpowers, it’s time to celebrate them.

How can you shine your superpowers in your life today?

To illustrate:

The amount of time I spent alone in nature as a young child kept me highly connected to my Team of Divine Helpers. I’m using that superpower today to help others tune into their intuition through my workshops and intuitive services.

My being bullied gave me great empathy for those who feel they can’t be who they want to be in the world. I can understand how many don’t even know who they truly are because their circumstances shaped them to be part of a cookie-cutter society. Being bullied also helped me take inspired action to live a life that’s aligned with my True Self no matter social norms or peer pressure. Now, I can offer inspiration and insight to those who wish to walk their own path too.

And thanks to my teacher Mme George who assigned me lead roles in many of our high school plays (we were a small school), I love being in front of a group. Yes, I thrive in solitude and spend most of my creative time alone, but I still make sure I use this superpower to share & inspire through keynotes & workshops after 25 years of teaching ESL around the world.

What about you?

Look through your list for patterns. Some of your superpowers may be your strongest because of a series of related blessings, challenges & people that helped you strengthen them. 

Are you using these now in your life or in the service of others?

Brainstorm how you could do so more.

There’s nothing quite as empowering as recognizing that everything has happened for you, not to you – and that it all contributes to the amazing being that you are today.

You’re like no one else. So don’t try to be someone else.

Your Higher Self needs you to activate these superpowers for your Highest Good in designing a life that’s well-suited to who and what you are. The world needs your superpowers too.

Creating a life by design means seeing where both those needs intersect for the Greater Good of All. 

Thank you for being you!

P.S. You can read the original post on the co-creative process for the painting “Supersoul” on my blog here. 

P.P.S. You can order prints of “Supersoul” in your choice of size and medium or purchase the original. Thank you for supporting my art!

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Reconnect Lesson 3: Cheers to Your Tribe

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Do you remember the TV show “Cheers” – “Where everyone knows your name?”  Norm would walk in and the whole bar would greet him with an exuberant “Norm!”

The characters knew they belonged. They felt seen for who they truly were. Why? Because they were comfortable enough to be their authentic selves. At least that’s how I remember it almost 30 years later.

Lesson 3 in this Reconnect to Your True Self Series is about surrounding yourself with those who can see, accept, and love you for who you are. When that happens, you can blossom more fully and quickly into your potential. 

Here’s a caveat. You can’t control who that’s going to be. Not everyone will like or understand you. Don’t take it personally. Keep looking until you find where you belong.

Your goal in this lesson is to find your garden – where you can plant your seeds of authenticity, nourish your ground, grow, and bear fruit. 

Let’s break this down into 3 exercises inspired by the creation of the painting “With Arms Wide Open”, #3 in my Re-Connecting Collection..

Exercise 1: Spend more time with those who welcome you whole-heartedly.

“With Arms Wide Open” – Prints available here.

Who already welcomes you with open arms?

Yes, this could be literal – I’m big into hello hugs. But it also means those who light up when you enter a room. You can see it in their eyes, in their smile, in their vibe. They’re just plain happy to see you… the real you.

You don’t need to pretend or hide. You don’t need to play games and manipulate.

You know that you’ll be accepted and loved for who you are no matter what.

If several people come to mind for you – awesome! You’re lucky. Reach out to them.

If you grew up feeling like you didn’t belong anywhere and that no-one truly understood you, you’re not the only one.

Know, however, that you’re surrounded by a Team of Divine Helpers (from your Higher Self to Source – whomever that is in your belief system) who cherish you and are ready to embrace you if you ask.

What you want is to have more contact with those who can welcome you whole-heartedly. Connect by phone, Skype or in person.

Be it your dog, a friend, an old teacher, a relative, a neighbour, a priest, your favourite tree, or your Team of Divine Helpers, make sure you connect with that feeling of belonging and acceptance as often as possible.

Those reminders that you’re OK  just the way you are fuel your soul.

You’re not alone. You’re never alone. You’re loved. Open more to feeling it by connecting more often to those who already welcome you with open arms.

To help you connect on both the human and celestial levels,  I channeled this meditation on Unconditional Love back in 2016. Start there if you feel called to.

Exercise 2: Greet People Heart to Heart, Soul to Soul

I’m sure you’ve entered a house, office, or store where the person doesn’t even look up from their computer or phone. They may grunt a “hi” in response to yours, but wouldn’t even notice if you’d dyed your hair in rainbow colours.

How did it feel? Are you guilty of doing that too?

A friend’s son used to call me “smiley voice” because even on the phone, he could tell I was happy to hear him.

Exercise 2 is about welcoming others with open arms.

In the video above, I refer to how dogs greet their people when they come home. Now, I’m not suggesting you jump on someone and lick their face. But I am inviting you to acknowledge another soul, even if it’s for a minute when they enter a room before you return to your project.

Are you present when people enter your space? Do you make eye contact, genuinely smile, hug?

For the next few days, try greeting others soul to soul – at work, at home, in the streets. You’re all part of the Divine Oneness. Train yourself to truly seeing these people for the expressions of the Divine that they are.

Look past the masks & fears to discover them.

Be the one who knows their name… “Norm!”

Exercise 3: Find Your Tribe

You can live in a city for years feeling like no-one gets you. You may have gone through school feeling that way too.

Your tribe is out there though – people who understand your journey or share similar values, passions & purpose.

Finding them requires a bit of work, but it’s worth it. 

Keep taking a chance. Express your truth in small doses with those you meet. If they show genuine interest, keep expressing and sharing.

Even if you’re a loner who prefers Netflix to crowds, or are a busy mother who can’t imagine taking a few hours a week to socialize – prioritize finding your tribe.

They’ll boost you up and fill your cup. They’ll help you appreciate who and what you are so that you have more to give others.

I was 40 when I understood what soul family meant- and what a revelation that was! I’d always had 1 or 2 close friends in the many cities where I’d lived, but when I moved to Saskatoon, I suddenly found myself surrounded by people who spoke my language.

I blossomed in those 5 years because I felt appreciated and valued for who I truly was. They helped me see the gift that I was and what I had to offer on levels I hadn’t experienced before. Wow! What a feeling!

So whether it’s through an interest or support group, a spiritual community, or business meet-up – try a bunch of groups or settings until you find the right fit.  And if there’s truly no one in town, explore social media groups. They’re a lifeline for many.

As you show up more as yourself, you’ll soon know if it’s a match.

Remember, however, that you’re there to give as much as you are to receive.

And even if you’re too busy to meet them every week, you’ll know in your heart that you’re not alone – that you fit in. And that feels good.

Are you happy with the company you keep? In this lesson, you’re asked to show up as yourself to attract those who will be thrilled to get to know who that is.

No more hiding. Cheers!

 

P.S. Click here if you want to dive deeper into the creation of the painting “With Arms Wide Open”.

P.P.S. You can order prints in your choice of size and medium. Thank you for supporting my art!

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Reconnect Lesson 2 – Own Your Light

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Lesson 2 in the Reconnect to Your True Self series was inspired by the creative process behind the painting “Our Lady of Light”.

An amazing feeling washed over me when I was channeling the meditation for our small group at the Renews grotto (listen to it here).

Bringing a candle to Mother Mary to honour her felt completely natural. When she brought one in return to honour us, it transformed something within me. I was moved!

Why wouldn’t our Team of Divine Helpers – whomever they are for you – recognize and honour the Light within you?

If we’re all part of the Divine Oneness, isn’t that light of the same Source as theirs? Wouldn’t they too cherish us and the role our souls have come to Earth to fulfill?

Often, however, we don’t recognize our own light. We’ve been conditioned to minimize our importance and focus on our perceived faults & mistakes.

You are not less than anyone else. You are emerging more fully into the potential of who you have always been.

You are a Woman of Light, a Man of Light!

You hold within yourself a Light of the same essence as Father Mother God, as the grand masters, as all those who walk this earth and likely those from beyond (depending on your belief system).

Like a drop of water that is one with the ocean, your flame is part of the Divine Flame, the Great Light. Own it!

Today’s exercise may be a stretch of your comfort zone, but I guarantee you, it’ll help mirror your light so that you can see, accept, and love yourself more.

Once you’ve done that, it’ll be easier for you to shine bright in the world as the Light you already are.

Exercise: Your Collaborative Poem

When I painted “Our Lady of Light” (see original post), I wasn’t given a name for it.

I was guided to ask my online community for suggestions.

More than 50 name suggestions came in. I took all these, like pieces of a puzzle, and created this collaborative poem.

OUR LADY OF LIGHT

“Our Lady of Light” – Original SOLD)- prints available.

Hail Mary –
Divine Lady of Light & Love,
Mother’s Grace,
Gentle Woman,
Madona du Mondo,
Reine des bois,
Sacred Devi,
Angelica,
Lady of the Portal,
Mother of Light,
Devine Grace,
She who goes by ten thousand names –
Blessed are you
For you hold the Light of the world
In your hands.

Blessed Saphira,
Light of Grace,
Magnetic blue jewel,
Exquisite radiance,
Inspirational Lady of Light & Peace,
Mother of Renewing Life,
You are the vessel,
The Light Bearer,
Virtue embodied,
Radiant all embracing loving Light.

Oh Serene Mother
Light of Life
Connecting with Pure Essence
You have birthed
Divine Vibrations of Radiance
The Essence of Light
The Christ Light
Brought forth from your very being.
Continue to light the way
to Sacred Stillness

I bow to you Radiant Mother,
Luminator,
Wayshower,
Seed Planter of Light,
Mother Goddess.
Glory be thy names.
May you shine your Immaculate Light
That I may see my own divinity
For I too am one
With Mary’s Light
A Particle riding the blue wave
To enlightenment.

I am Light.

So be it. So I let it be. Amen.

Your Turn: Own Your Light

Your mission, if you choose to accept it (you won’t regret it) is to do exactly that.

  • Create a list of words & expressions of how you feel you’ve shone your Light in the world.
  • Ask your family, friends, colleagues and social media community for 3 words or expressions that describe the highlights of who you are to them. What qualities do they see in you? What do they perceive as your values? How do they see you shining your Light in the world.
  • Piece the puzzle together until you have a collaborative poem that makes your heart sing.
  • Place it on your bathroom mirror (or somewhere you’ll see it every day) and read it often – silently & out loud.
  • Shine even brighter in the world recognizing your Light and loving yourself for who you truly are – in the eyes of others and through the eyes of your own soul.

Yes, it can be a stretch of your comfort zones to ask others what they like or love about you.

Would you hesitate telling them if they asked you?

Present it as part of a creative exercise, homework. Tell them more if they ask.

If it helps, get a friend to agree to do this exercise for themselves too and hold each other accountable. Share in the joys and revelations of the process.

Please don’t take it personally if people don’t answer your call for loving words to describe you.

People are busy or may feel awkward. There are so many reasons they won’t answer – including not seeing your post or your email ending up in their spam folder.

Don’t give up. Call those near to you and ask them to get back to you within a few days. Send a second email if need be. Create a follow up post. Tell them you’re aiming for 50 and need more words & expressions to fulfill your homework.

You won’t grow if you don’t stretch.

Imagine how you’ll feel after you play with all those beautiful mirrors to your light to have your very own poem.

Don’t say “I’m not creative”. Others will have done most of the work here. You just need to phrase it all in a way that is pleasing to your own heart.

Yes, you have artistic license to embellish the list with your own phrasing, qualities, self-love.

Ready to play? Enjoy!

I’d love if you came back here to share your poem. Share it also on your social media. Inspire others to shine brighter through this same exercise.

The more we all shine as the Light we already are – the more loving & bright this world will become. For the love of beauty and the beauty of love, do it. You deserve it! We all do!

P.S. Feel free to use this text to reach out to your circle. It’s short, sweet, and you now have no excuse to do it. Love you!

Hi. I need your help with my homework please. I’m working on a creative exercise and need you to send me 3 words or expressions that describe what you see as my strongest qualities, values, or role in your life. What do you see me as representing in the world? I need these soon. Will you help? Thanks!

 

P.S.  Click here if you want to dive deeper into the creation of the painting “Our Lady of Light”.

P.P.S. You can order prints in your choice of size and medium. Thank you for supporting my art!

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Reconnect Lesson 1 – Every Sock a Prayer

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Welcome to this first edition of my Reconnect to your True Self series inspired by the 11 paintings in my Re-Connection Collection. 

Each post will start with a video followed by a more elaborate text version for those who prefer.

Co-creating “Every Dot a Prayer” in my studio resulted not only in this award-winning painting, but in life-enhancing lessons for you too.

Are you ready to emerge more fully into Divine Oneness through connection to your intuition & community? 

Exercise 1: Create Space to Listen In

As explained in a previous post on the creative process behind “Every Dot a Prayer”, the imagery that came forth from the intuitive & visionary processes led to my decision to make a sacred pilgrimage to Glastonbury last summer.

I’m sure glad I turned that intuition into action – what a trip!

Taking inspired action can only happen if you’re open to receiving Guidance.

You might have a specific goal in mind that you don’t know how to achieve. Or you just want to know what a next best step would be towards your Highest Good.

Either way, ask for Guidance and make space to listen. 

Your answers are within – provided by your heart and your connection to your Team of Divine Helpers, no matter what you call them.

The problem is that we live in a world of go-go-go with rocketing anxiety levels and blood pressure.

You first need to take the time to access that space of peace within yourself where wisdom lives.

Whether it’s carving 15 minutes out of your schedule every few days to contemplate nature or turning the TV off to meditate before sleep, you need to relax to hear the soft whispers of your soul.

What activities (or lack of activities) leads you to that peace?

Find what gives you that sense of inner peace, that purposeful silence. Reconnect with your True Self and with the ones who can see the big picture, who know the Way.

It might be through an activity like painting, knitting, gardening, solo nature walks, or washing the dishes. 

It could also be a more structured intuitive-listening activity like my guided visioning meditations. They”ll help you slow down and provide musical interlude in between the guided storyline to connect with guidance before taking inspired action.

Whatever it is, make regular quiet time for your Self. Write it in your schedule or do it 21 days in a row to engrain the habit.

If you never get off the hamster wheel, you’ll never relax enough to open the communication channels with your intuition.

Reconnecting to your True Self, means being able to hear what she/he has to say. So go ahead, make the time for Your Self. You need it! You’re worth it!

Exercise 2: Every Sock a Prayer

“Every Dot a Prayer” prints available in your choice of size & medium.

You may be an individualized expression of the Divine, but you’re also a part of the Divine Oneness.

If you feel lonely, disconnected from others and are suffering from your perceived separateness, this exercise can take care of that.

While making the first dots in “Every Dot a Prayer”, I started chanting and praying for loved ones – my family and friends.

I then extended that to situations that needed an extra layer of love & beauty through my energy-work and focused love.

That lasted a while, but nowhere near the days of dot-making I knew would be involved in this piece.

So for the first time, I asked my friends & fans on social media if anyone needed prayers.

Around 100 names came in – those asking for prayers and the first names of those they wanted me to pray for.

As I sat alone in my studio for very long hours, I became more connected to loved ones, strangers, society and Mother Earth than I had in a long while.

The more I prayed/chanted for others, the more connected and uplifted I felt. I’d reconnected to that part of myself that is connected to all that is. I’d tapped into the web of light & life that connects us all. What a feeling!

You don’t need to make dots to practice this. And you don’t need to do it for hours straight like I did that time.

Dedicate one of your repetitive activities to others. It could be:

  • cleaning up toys
  • folding socks
  • a flow of yoga postures
  • brushing your teeth
  • putting away dishes
  • mindful walking
  • climbing steps

The possibilities are endless. What counts is that you get in the groove to remove the veil of separateness.

As you do so, send love or prayers (whatever you call it) to whomever you know could use your love.

Reconnecting to your True Self means reconnecting to that unconditional love that is generated by your heart & soul. 

So no matter if it’s “Every Dot a Prayer” or “Every Sock a Prayer”, be an active part of the Divine Oneness by nourishing it with your love. You’ll see… you won’t feel lonely after that!

 

P.S.  Click here if you want to dive deeper into the creation of the painting “Every Dot A Prayer”.

P.P.S. You can order prints of  in your choice of size and medium. Thank you for supporting my art!

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Spiritual Photo Tip 2: Simplicity

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I’m a big fan of simplicity – in my life and in my photography.

By de-cluttering your images, conversations, schedules, homes, and so much more, you focus your attention on what’s truly important.

This gives you, your priorities, and your creations room to breathe and shine without distractions.

May this 2nd element in my bi-weekly spiritual photography series help you open new ways of seeing your world & your life.

Spiritual Photo Tip 2: Simplicity

Simple Subjects

Absolutely no-one sees the world the way you do. What catches your attention may go totally unnoticed by others. By sharing it in a photograph, you’re sharing your way of seeing.

It’s wonderful to get pleasure from the simple things in life.

For example, the line of the white fence against the blue ocean at a lighthouse on Bell Island (see above) caught my attention. Yes, I took  dozens of photos of the lighthouse… but this one was my favourite as it captured the sense of open space I was so grateful for.

Simplify Your Subjects

When someone looks at your image, it’s great if they can immediately identify its subject.  What is this photo about?

If you want to focus on your best friend, don’t place her in a crowd unless you can find a way to make it clear she’s your subject. If the crowd itself is the subject, then that’s different.

Here, the bush and water hose caught my attention. I liked the simplicity of lines and shapes as well as the questions it left in my mind.

 

If I’d photographed a wider shot of the scene, including the building behind the fence, you wouldn’t know what I was trying to show you. Even including a sliver above the fence was distracting (on left). So I took another shot without it. Do you agree that it’s better? (Note: click on an image to see it full screen.)

Clean Up Your Edges

This butterfly image was never a strong one, but it captured a moment before it flew away.

That’s where cropping comes in handy if it’s too late to take another photo. Smart phones make this easy with their built-in app or you can do it on your computer.

As the human eye is drawn to white/light first, the eye kept being drawn to the bottom left corner and a few other distractions on the edges. After cropping, the image was better. Not great, but better.

In the windowsill shot of the geraniums, the white sky totally takes away from the image. Simply change the height and tilt of your camera to cut out the sky.

By the way, white skies rarely look good in a photo. Cut them out. Overcast days, however, are the best for close ups, portraits, or many other kinds of shots without sky because there aren’t any harsh shadows!

Here’s another important reason to watch your edges. When I looked at the first photo of the wild grasses, I got a queasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. I’d cut off just the tip of that one stem, making it very uncomfortable.

It’s that same feeling if you have an almost full body shot of someone but cut off their feet at the ankles. There are natural places to cut off your shot... not at the tips/ankles. By taking another photo with a bit of space above that tallest stem, nothing distracts from the simple beauty of the scene.

Simplify Your Background

I rarely only take one photo of a subject, especially during this era of digital photography.

I’ll often grab a photo to capture that first feeling of excitement. Then I’ll come in closer or move around until my subject isn’t lost in its background.

Here, shifting just a bit put the shed to the side instead of behind the flowers, making it stronger.

With this hummingbird, I took dozens of shots before it flew off.

See how it’s lost in the chaos of the first photo?

I did 2 things to improve on that. First, I kept taking photos until we were both positioned to have a less busy background.

Next, I changed the depth of field for a shallow one (low f stop) on my SLR camera.  You can also do this on your smart phone. If you tap on the subject that’s close to you, you’re telling your phone where to focus.

The closer it is, the blurrier the background. With a soft background, your subject stands out.

Here, there are 2 photos of the hummingbird with a simple soft background. Whether you prefer the lighter or darker one is a matter of personal choice.

Here’s another example before you go out to practice.  With these lady slippers, I wanted an overall context shot. But the first was too chaotic. The second made it clearer what my subject was within its context. Then I kept working my subject to simplify both the subject & background.

Heart Sight: Simplicity

Simplify Your Subjects

It’s the same in your life as it is with photography.

By simplifying, you’re focusing your attention and others’ on what matters most.

When you’re talking to someone or writing a social media post, can you keep it simple and to the point? Or do you suffer from verbal diarrhea? 

Customer service reps will be the first to report that those who get the best service are those that clearly identify the point or question without going too far into the details or drama.

Simplifying your conversations gives more room for both to talk & listen. It takes the interaction from me to we. It can also be a sign that you’re coming from love, not fear of not being heard or other fears.

I’ve been accused of writing way too much in my blog posts. And although I can easily spend days without talking to anyone but myself, I can also embark on a monologue that takes the listeners all over the place or right out of the conversation (and connection). Awareness is key.

After all, it’s what I teach when it comes to asking your Team of Divine Helpers for Guidance. Stick to one subject at a time. With a clear question comes a clearer answer.

Avoid Distractions

How good are you at cleaning up your edges? your distractions?

When I’m in the writing or painting flow, it’s so important that I block out solid periods of time in my schedule without appointments, dinner dates, interruptions, social media notifications, etc.

According to Gloria Mark, it takes almost 25 minutes for the mind to refocus after checking Facebook (23 minutes and 15 seconds, to be exact). Wow!

I’m definitely the most connected & fruitful during my 12 to 16-hour marathons. They don’t happen every week, but if I have a big project, I prefer focusing on 1 thing at a time for a long time.

It’s the same for my nature walks. They’re so much more enjoyable if I don’t have a fixed time to get back home.

The less things in my schedule, the more space I have to follow my intuition and work on what matters most.

And if I do have a series of errands to run, I like to borrow the car once and get them all done effectively in a loop. Getting easily drained in crowded spaces has helped me become very organized.

Simplify Your Background

How do you function when surrounded by chaos? 

If my desk, desktop, walls, studio, or fridge are too cluttered, I don’t feel as motivated to create.

If my house is too cluttered, I don’t feel as comfortable or at ease.

And if my schedule is too cluttered, I can easily tip into overwhelm or frustration.

Creating a life by design that focuses on who or what’s important to you means saying no to other things. It’s all about priorities. 

Focus, clarity, beauty, and love stand out when you let go of the rest.

It may not have been easy financially to become a full-time artist – yet! – but I’m so grateful for the simple life I lead focused on what I value most: time in nature, creating art, sharing inspiration, 2-week trips to Ottawa to be with my family, studying, etc.

I’m certainly not suffering! I’ve just learned to spend wisely and earn creatively.

When I returned from a year of art studies overseas in 2014, I rented a room in a beautifully peaceful home by the river close to downtown St. John’s. I live in the lap of luxury at a fraction of the cost! I not only get to share this beautiful nature sanctuary and car with my generous house-sister, but I get to spend my time creating and sharing in ways that are aligned with my values.

I’ll admit, more painting sales would simplify both the management of my inventory and occasional concerns about finances. So if you’re moved to beautify your space & your life, check out my energy-infused art & intuitive services.

Have Fun!

How can you apply the photo & life tips in this blog post to live a simpler & richer life?

And please share some of your photos with your friends online or in person. It’s a great way for them to get to know how you see the world.

Remember last week’s Spiritual Photo Tip on Context and add Simplicity to the mix.

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Re-Connect to Your True Self Series- Lessons in Being

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Spiritual Photo Tip 1: Context

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Who wouldn’t want more love & beauty in their lives?

This spiritual photo tip series is a about a lot more than just taking better pictures.

It’s about opening a new way of seeing the world around you and those in it, including yourself!

Your camera, be it an SLR or your phone, can be a mindfulness tool for a greater appreciation of your environment and humanity.

If that appeals to you, make sure to come back every 2 weeks for the next 9 months.

Each post will start with a basic composition or element of photography tip followed by practical exercises to apply it to your life and the people in it.

Spiritual Photo Tip 1: Context

Wether you’re taking pictures for your own memory books or to share on social media, it’s good to give your viewer a context.

Go wide, medium, close & closer.

Give people a better idea of where you are. It not only creates variety in your snapshots, but brings people in with you.

I’m a big fan of close-ups. They’ve taught me to slow down and truly look at the world around me – the intricately fascinating details that can only be seen through a long lens or down on your belly.

But if I only shared an album of close-ups, it wouldn’t help my Friends from around the world know where these were taken. I like to give them the full picture of my experiences.

Try it yourself this week – on your walks, in your office, or in a new location. Take at least 4 shots: wide, medium, close, and closer.

Then share them! Let people in to your way of seeing. It’s as unique as you are!

Heart Sight Practice: Giving a Fuller Picture

The only way you can be unconditionally loved is if you know you’re being accepted for who you truly are.

And the only way to know that, is if you’re showing who that is to the people around you.

As Dr. Greg Baer explains in his amazing book series on Real Love, you first have to be seen to be accepted and really loved.

If you’re only loved for your masks, then you’ll never really feel loved.

Sure, it may not be appropriate or safe even to divulge your whole truth in certain contexts, but with this week’s spiritual photo tip, I ask you to think about where or with whom you can give a fuller picture of who you are.

First, think about where people already get to see either the big picture or just the close-up details of your life.

Then share a little more about the context of your life: wide (background, history), medium (how you spend or would like to spend your days), close (what’s most important to you), closer  (challenges, opinions, beliefs, feelings).

If people aren’t interested, that’s OK. Move on.

By showing more of the real you in more contexts, you’ll eventually find Real Love: true friends, a loving partner, more understanding colleagues, a closer knit family, etc.

Heart Sight Reflection: Seeing a Bigger Picture

The same is true in reverse.

Where are you so caught up in the details or drama of someone’s life that you’ve forgotten to look at the big picture?

Where in your life are you being asked to take a step back to breathe, regain perspective, and understand why that other person or situation is the way he/she/it is?

Have you asked? Or are you in reaction mode because of how it affects you?

Looking at the context can help give you a better appreciation for that person/situation and open your heart to compassion. 

How can you become unconditionally loving by truly seeing past the masks so that you too can see, accept and love the truth?

By the way, this applies as much to yourself as it does to others. Re-read this section with you in mind/heart.

Please Share Your Photos With Your Friends

Photography has taught me so much about being present, slowing down, and truly seeing the beauty around me. It’s everywhere.

I share thousands of nature & travel photos on Flickr & Facebook (my Page & Profile).

Why? It’s one way I honour & celebrate Creation. It’s part of how I explore & express my love of beauty and the beauty of love – my purpose in life.

It’s also inspiring more people to get outdoors for their own wellness walks. And for those that can’t, it’s bringing some of the energetic benefits of nature in to them.

Beauty is healing. It’s inspiring! And beauty breaks can be taken anywhere.

The principles you’ll be learning in this series apply no matter where you are, what type of camera you’re using, or your subject – indoors or outdoors.

But as you can see, it’s about a lot more than just photography.

If you’re looking for beauty, you’ll find it!

So join me for the next 9 months to train yourself into new ways of seeing yourself & the world around you.

Enjoy the transformational journey and remember to share it with your friends too, spreading love & beauty in the world.

P.S. My current home of Newfoundland & Labrador in Canada is rich in natural beauty, but the principles here can be applied to a city street or your backyard. The icebergs featured here were photographed in Twillingate & St. John’s. The other photos were of this past weekend’s hike with my friends Leslie Bridger & Benny Dalton along the East Coast Trail from Cape Spear, the most easterly point of North America.

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Learning from the 12 Universal Laws

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“All In One” – A summary of the 12 Universal Law mandalas.

I’m not proud of how this story starts. But I’m thrilled with what it taught me about how to apply the 12 Universal Laws in times of stress. May you learn from my experience.

I’d just come home from an evening of empowering stories during a Fearless Women’s Summit. I felt inspired, strong, and definitely ready for bed.

Instead of quickly drifting into blissful sleep, however, I checked my emails (first mistake).

A message from the organizer of CB Nuit (a Corner Brook art festival on Sept. 28) triggered my little-self into immediate overwhelm followed by hours of restless turning and tossing filled with anxiety, questions, a perceived lack of control, some excitement, and confusion at my unexpected and uncharacteristic state of being.

Here I was so easily thrown into reaction mode, even after a few weeks of recharging my batteries in the UK and an evening of fearless stories. I found myself far from being flexible and adaptable in my thoughts or my spirit. I was stuck in fixed ideas. I couldn’t see past my fear of failure to envisage the possibilities. Creativity was out the door. Instead, I was drowning in a perceived lack of control and capability, keeping me from my usual deep and restful sleep.

Where was that confidence, open-mindedness and open-heartedness I’d been nurturing these past few decades?

Why was I so easily taken out of my peace?

It certainly had nothing to do with the content of the email – details of a great location for my exhibition & workshops.

Sure, some of the parameters were different than what I’d imagined or experienced the year before when I got to share this same Enter the Mandala: 12 Universal Laws exhibition & workshops as godmother at the Atlantic Festival of Visual Arts (FAVA) in New Brunswick.

No big deal?! Right?!

For some reason, some small insecure part of me made it a big deal. I threw myself into a tizzy of frantic thoughts and emails. It was only hours later that I finally put on a guided meditation to help me fall asleep.

The next morning, I woke up with a fresher perspective and a few intuitive answers but still an undercurrent of stress. This time, I remembered to consciously ask for guidance on how best to plan my event and how to understand my mind’s  mishandling of the whole situation.

The Irony

My strength had turned against me. Or should I say that one of my shadows that had always helped me excel was now taking its toll.

You see, one reason I climbed the ladder so quickly in my first career in recreation is that my detail-oriented mind is excellent at imagining worst-case scenarios. Fear had helped me compensate by becoming an excellent planner and over achiever.

Somehow, lying in bed, I got stuck in the fear and its negative byproducts.

My Team of Divine Helpers highlighted the irony of the situation.

Here I was getting ready to bring my Universal Law mandalas and teachings to Corner Brook, but I wasn’t practicing them to my advantage!

I had a good laugh at myself when they told me that – a welcome bit of comic relief. The answers I sought had been in the project I was presenting. Too funny!

“Let’s review” – they advised.

So I spent the next while reviewing each of the Universal Laws in my mind and how I could use them to my advantage in this situation.

It was time to practice what I preach. What a great way to align to what I’ll be offering at the end of the month. 

Using the 12 Universal Laws For Our Highest Good

If you’re new to the 12 Universal Laws, the more you understand them, the happier you’ll be. They help you transform your life from the inside out so you can become the conscious creator you were meant to be.

The Enter the Mandala Collection was created over the span of a year in 2015 while my Team of Divine Helpers was teaching them to me. To learn more about the collection and access all 12 original blog posts with the intuitive reading recordings, click here.

Today, let me share how reviewing the 12 Universal Laws changed my internal experience and no doubt my upcoming results.  You’ll notice as you read that they’re interconnected and sometimes overlap.

1.  Law of Divine Oneness:  

Remembering that all that is seen and unseen comes from a field of infinite possibilities, I realized my reactionary thought stream came from an unwelcome “the world against me” point of view. Where did this feeling of not only separateness but conflict come from? There were many healthier perspectives and possibilities to choose from. I wasn’t seeing all the people and logistical details as moving together as one web of interconnectedness. Instead of adding beauty and harmony to the dance, my thoughts were like an out-of-control child having a temper tantrum on the dance floor. For me to move more harmoniously as part of the Divine Oneness, I had to reposition myself in my mind as a willing and joyful dance partner, trusting that everyone and everything (including myself) was moving together to make this festival – and my part in it – a success. Me as we and we as me…

 

2.  Law of Vibration:

Absolutely everything is alive with pure energy vibrating at different frequencies. As a vibration manager, my role was to reach for higher frequencies to attract more of what resonates at that same frequency. There’s no way I was going to have a positive experience or attract positive outcomes if I stayed stuck in that low vibe that was so far from my usual frequency. I might not have been able to  jump from fear straight up to love, but I finally used that guided meditation to feel better and fall asleep.

For my event to create a space of joyful manifestation for its participants, I have to bring more joy into my days and every step of the planning process. This means breathing deeply when I’m scared and doing what I need to do more quickly to raise my vibration. Since then, whenever I feel myself go into overwhelm, I immediately take time out for yoga, a backyard break, walk, prayer, affirmations, or meditation. My tolerance for ego-generated negative stress is much lower now. Or rather, my ability to recognize it as signalling a need for change is better.

 

3.  The Law of Action:

I’ve regularly experienced how, when fuelled by the fires of purpose and passion, each inspired step towards our dreams leads to the opportunities and tools we need to achieve them. In terms of this festival, I’d been guided into proposing new events, was chosen to participate, received funding to pay for my travels, and offered housing for my stay in Corner Brook. Through the continuous process of tuning in, communicating to the Universe, staying open and receptive, and following through on guidance, I’d been creating the necessary momentum to manifest my vision.

Fear on that sleepless night had cut me off from my intuition. When I was reacting in a state of stress, I sent off a series of uninspired emails about details that could have been better handled in the morning. Although the next day’s outer work started off much later than I like, I’m so glad I listened when I was guided upon waking to do some inner work with Derek Rydall’s Shadow Dancing meditation. Wisely investing the time to understand what was at the root of my fears helped me flow to the right questions to ask the organizer, the creative ideas of how to set up my exhibition, and more.

 

4. The Law of Correspondence:

The world as we see and experience it stems from our thoughts and feelings. The more you nurture and cultivate your inner world, the more your outer world will match your true essence. Moment-by-moment, are you choosing light or darkness – love or fear?

For me to be so easily triggered into overwhelm was both surprising and revealing. I had obviously chosen fear in that moment- showing me that there’s still a lot happening in my inner world that could use more love. Being honest about what happened – to myself, a confidante, and now the whole world via this blog post – is all part of cultivating love in myself and the world around me. I know how important it is to do the inner work. It’s made such a difference in so many areas of my life already. Whatever triggered that anxiety bout was an opportunity to heal something deep within. I’m glad to report that similar situations since have been met with greater trust, openness, and action vs. reaction.

 

5.  The Law of Cause & Effect:

Everything happens for a reason. Even that sleepless night.

My reaction was an obvious result of my shadows and fears developed throughout the years. I’d learned to be control-hungry as a way of coping with my fear of the unknowns. I’d also learned to be defensive because I’d been bullied as a child. My reaction was a leftover from my past.

My future, however, is being shaped through my thoughts and actions of today. By laughing with myself while embracing this seeming debacle of an evening was a start. Learning & teaching from my experience is definitely helping me become more flexible, adaptable and self-loving. The time invested in understanding & accepting myself so I can emerge more fully as my True Self is shaping my future.

 

6.  The Law of Compensation:

The more you give, the more you get. The opposite is also true.

With my ego having such set expectations and fear-based thinking, I was closing the doors to my mind, my heart, and the greater good of my participants. I’d made “me” the centre of my event. Yikes! As soon as I realized that, I asked myself  “How can I be kinder to myself and with others as I prepare? How can I be more generous in what I’m offering? ”  Once I remembered what I really wanted to contribute and build in the world by sharing this art collection and related events, my whole experience changed.

As my heart expanded, so did my vision for my role in CB Nuit. I know I’ll receive so much from leading my workshops and ongoing nighttime event on the 28th. I come alive in front of groups and get such joy from sharing uplifting experiences. May I be a channel of the Universe’s abundance for the thousands who visit this festival.

 

7.  The Law of Attraction:

Like attracts like. I know that if I follow my bliss, I’ll attract more bliss that helps me shine my Light.

The Universe is already answering my prayers.  My absolute thrill and gratitude for my role at the FAVA last years definitely led to this opportunity to expand on the same offerings.

By repeatedly accepting my Team of Divine Helpers’ invitation to stretch my comfort zones and grow, I open myself to more emergence into my True Self.  I know that if I dwell on the negative possibilities, I’m going to bring them into my reality. No thank you! Instead, I’ll keep on connecting to love, beauty, joy & peace every day. I’ll also focus on my gratitude for the art, the teaching, the travel, and the opportunities for connection at CB Nuit. I love my life! When I focus on that, I attract a lot more to love! 

8. The Law of Perpetual Transmutation of Energy:

Energy is constantly moving in response to our thoughts and emotions. By consciously focusing our attention, we can create the world we want. Turn your face to the sunshine, and watch your reality transform itself.

Through change comes growth, through growth comes change.  It never stops. As soon as I focused on all that was amazing about CB Nuit and my participation in it, the more I realized how I was freaking out about a few tiny pieces of the puzzle. By redirecting my thoughts, I shifted my internal and external reality and those pieces appeared in perfect timing. When I need help shifting my focus, I take the time to do do a guided meditation or hypnotherapy audio program.

If I’d ignored the experiences of that restless night, what triggered it would continue to fester below the surface. By changing my thoughts and emotions through self-awareness and choice, I changed the flow of energy.

 

9.  The Law of Relativity:

Everything is relative. We create our misery by comparing ourself and our life to what we judge as better people, circumstances, or times. Nothing has meaning except the meaning you give it. Use your judgements to guide you out of the darkness and into the Light. Love what is, and be happy.

Instead of loving what was, or even acknowledging it, I got caught in a deadly game of shoulds, coulds, and comparisons. I gave the uncertainties an unhealthy meaning. Instead of seeing the challenges as possibilities, my fear triggered anger & anxiety. I dove deep into my darkness instead of sleeping. I could have said “Fun, a new situation to explore and play with in the days to come”, but instead I said “I don’t know what to do with this and I can’t handle that!”.  Luckily, I eventually used this unhappiness to guide me out of my judgments and back into a more loving way to approach life. Yay!

 

10. The Law of Polarity:

We live in a dualistic world. It’s what makes existence possible. There’s no north without south, hot without cold, sweet without sour, etc. The beauty is that there’s a whole continuum of existence between those polar opposites. When we focus on the opposite of what we don’t want, we start moving along the continuum towards what we do want. Where attention goes, energy flows. You always have a choice. Which way do you want to tip the scale?

I spent hours focusing on what could go wrong, how it was too much for me to do alone, and how things were different than I’d imagined. Thankfully, the next day I was able to start visioning the magical event I wanted to co-create. That got me heading in the right direction. The details have continued to fall into place, one at a time as I aim towards what I want to open for my participants. I even recruited a skilled volunteer to help me. I’m not doing this alone!

 

11. The Law of Rhythm:

Nothing is random. There’s order in the Universe through the repetitive movement, patterns, and cycles in everything. This is as true about the seasons as it is about relationships and the economy. Don’t fight the cycles. Work with them to your advantage. Mastering the Law of Rhythm means finding balance and equanimity no matter which way the pendulum is swinging.  Are you riding an emotional roller coaster or are you in a state of inner peace and joy, no matter what?

Well, that night I’d jumped on the emotional roller coaster! I wasn’t respecting the fact I was tired and in need of sleep. Being a morning person is part of my fear – will I be able to enthusiastically lead events until midnight and get everything packed up / cleaned up by 2am ? I usually go to bed at 9pm because I wake up at 4 or 5am. Knowing this, however, I’ve planned my trip to arrive 2 days before so I can regulate my sleep and energy levels. I’ll make sure to have enough me-time to recharge my batteries, so I can be at my optimum to teach a morning & afternoon workshop before leading 5 hours of programming at night. I can do this if I eat well, sleep well, and manage my energy. Self-knowledge is key!

 

12. The Law of Gender:

First, gender exists in everything and on all planes: physical, mental, and spiritual. It takes both male properties (will, penetration, action, expression) and female properties (intuition, openness, allowing, nurturing) for all creation. Second, everything needs time to gestate and grow. The more you focus on and nurture your dreams, the faster they’ll come to fruition. Any doubt or negativity will stunt or kill their growth.

I didn’t need to know all the answers that night. Getting swallowed up by fear wasn’t healthy. If I’d stayed there, I’d have killed any chance of creating something beautiful at CB Nuit. Thankfully, I was guided to do what I needed to do to be what I needed to be – my true creative loving self co-creating the life of my dreams by helping others do the same. In the 2 weeks that followed that restless night, many of the details came together with ease & grace. I just had to be patient and trust. I still don’t know how many people will show up and exactly how I’ll set up the exhibition. I’ll prepare as much as I can (the masculine) and be open to the possibilities that present themselves once I’m on location (the feminine). I’ve led a fulfilling intuitive life so far by feeling the fear and doing it anyway. This is just another opportunity to do so and grow.

 

I may not be a master yet, but I’m an enthusiastic student of the 12 Universal Laws and look forward to teaching more about them through my art & events at CB Nuit in Corner Brook on September 28th. Join me!

Order Mandala Prints in many sizes / mediums
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Permission Granted – On Summer Sabbatical

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horse painting with sunset colours

“Spirit Horse” (12″ x 24″) – $867 – Buy it here

How good are you at giving yourself permission?

I still can’t believe I’m doing this, but what a relief! Permission granted! 

I’m taking a break from online work while on sacred pilgrimage to Glastonbury. No blog posts. No newsletters until September. I’m not even bringing my computer! I have my skating injury to thank for inspiring this lightening of the load since my shoulders can’t take the weight.

As a full-time artist, sole bread winner & ex-workaholic, this decision wasn’t made easily.

But who would I be if I didn’t practice what I preach, including self-care.

I haven’t missed a newsletter since I started 5 years ago or a blog post in almost twice that time.

But all year, my eyes have been drawn to a magazine clipping in the corner of my Intuitive Vision Board that says “Yes, you can pull off a sabbatical.” 

So I am…. I’m taking a summer sabbatical. This will be your last blog post until September.

That’s not all. I’m going on a total digital detox! 

Despite what the marketing experts say about “out of sight, out of mind” and the potential impact on my income, I’m breaking my pattern of persistency and consistency.

In this day & technological age, we’ve not only become dependent on technology for our life but have started living for it. 

You know I enjoy sharing the love & beauty I experience. I’m all for exploring & expressing it. But I too have been guilty of living only partly in the moment while thinking of what I’ll be posting about it.  I’ll even draft the accompanying text in my mind as I swim, walk, or cycle.

I need a break from that to break that pattern.

This is no ordinary holiday I’m on. It’s a divinely guided sacred pilgrimage and what my Team of Divine Helpers have called a Gateway. 

So I’m giving myself permission to get off my personal Facebook and Instagram while I’m out of the country.

It’s time to disconnect to reconnect. After all, this trip is part of my Re-Connecting project and the build-up to my last painting in the series. 

I have, however, pre-sheduled 3 posts a day on my professional Facebook Page, so feel free to login there if you’re in the mood for a bit of Dominique Hurley art & inspiration. Or peruse the wealth of resources here on my website.

Or maybe this will inspire you to try a digital detox of your own.

Turn your social media off for blocks of time. Check emails only every few days. Give yourself the time and space to be with and for yourself.

And if you’re already great at this, take a look at what other area in your life you don’t give yourself permission in.

Have a great month and I’ll be in touch sometime after I get back. Until then,

Love & Blessings,

Dominique

P.S.  A few days after preparing this post, I found out I didn’t get the $25K art grant I was hoping for to cover my investment in the 9-month project I’ve been working on. The Universe obviously has other plans.. “When one door closes, God opens a window”. I don’t regret spending 2 full weeks preparing the grant application package early in the year. It helped me open up to the inspiration for the details of this guided project, including my amazing week as Artist in Residence in Carbonear. My job is to stay happy no matter what. I appreciate all the abundance in my life, and there’s so much of it. I’ll admit the ego had its few minutes of coping with rejection and expectations. But after grieving what I thought was going to happen, it quickly became time to embrace the mystery of what’s to unfold. I’ve always been creatively resourceful in the past, and so it continues. May we all journey on our Path to our Highest Good with ease & grace. Peace be with us.

Title: Spirit Horse
Year: © 2019
Size:  24“ x  12“ (61 cm x 30.48 cm)
Artist: Dominique Hurley
Materials: Professional acrylics & channeled energy work on gallery-wrapped canvas with painted edges. No framing required. 
Genre: intuitive painting, visionary art, energism art, spiritual art, inspirational art
Price: $867 CAD – Buy it here
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