Navigating the Intersection of Fear, Faith, and Personal Growth

In an age where fear and uncertainty often dominate the headlines, finding a path to personal growth and spiritual fulfillment can seem daunting. The journey, however, is not about eradicating fear but learning to embrace and navigate through it with faith. This exploration delves into how we can transform fear into a catalyst for growth, the empowering role of faith in our lives, and the impact of media on our mental well-being.

Understanding and Embracing Fear: Fear is a universal experience, an emotion that can either paralyze or propel us forward. The key to leveraging fear lies in understanding it not as an enemy, but as a guide towards deeper self-awareness. The traditional approach of 'feeling the fear and doing it anyway' is evolving. In today's context, a more nuanced approach is needed, one that acknowledges fear and uses it as a stepping stone for growth and service to others. This shift in perspective transforms fear from a debilitating force into a powerful tool for...

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Unlocking Spiritual Enlightenment Through Journaling: A Path to Inner Peace and Self-Discovery

In today's fast-paced and ever-changing world, where the relentless pace of life can leave us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from our inner selves, finding moments for introspection and self-reflection has become essential for our overall well-being. One timeless practice that offers a unique pathway to this much-needed inner contemplation is journaling. In this article, we will explore the profound world of journaling for spiritual growth, transcending the mere act of diary-keeping, and delving into the depths of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment. Join us on this transformative journey as we uncover the hidden gems of soul journaling.

The Art of Soul Journaling: A Gateway to the Inner Self

Journaling for spiritual growth goes beyond the conventional idea of maintaining a diary. It is a deeply introspective endeavor, a form of reflective writing that bridges the chasm between our everyday experiences and the profound currents of our inner world. Often referred...

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Being the Artists of Our Lives

I spoke to Dr. Lynn Carey for a wonderful conversation about creativity and healing, and I am sharing some of the takeaways here with you.

In an era where quick fixes and instant gratification are often the norm, Dr. Carey's approach is a breath of fresh air. She emphasizes that true healing comes from within, by aligning our physical bodies with our emotional and mental states.

This holistic approach to health doesn't just stop at physical ailments; it extends into every aspect of life. From her own experiences, she learned that living in alignment with your passions can be a potent source of happiness and fulfillment. This isn’t just some abstract idea either—it’s backed up by science! Studies have shown that engaging in activities we love boosts our immune system, reduces stress levels, and contributes to overall well-being.

But how does creativity factor into this? Well, according to Dr. Carey, everyone has the potential for creative expression—whether...

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Some of My Favorite Art Supplies

Art supplies can be very personal, and everyone will tell you something different,  but if you don't know where to start, here are a few of my absolute favorites for creating.

Gesso is a must-have for painting and art journaling, the brand I use typically is Liquitex. I buy it in larger containers and add smaller amounts to a jar for ease of access, plus it keeps it cleaner. I think most brands would be fine I just know and love Liquitex.

Matte Medium

I typically use Golden Matte Medium as my all-things collage adhesive, any time you need to stick something down this is perfect. Liquitex also has a great Matte Medium that I occasionally get. Matte is the finish, it also comes in gloss, but that to me is more for a final coat.

Gel Matte Medium is great for sticking things that are a little thicker or are not completely flat. It is also great to add to your paint to make it a bit more heavy bodied so you can add some texture. Again, I use Golden, but I am sure...

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Why Productivity in Art is Overrated

Over the past few years as I’ve been doing more and more art, I have kept hearing comments like “You should start trying to sell that”, “if you finished enough pieces you could exhibit”, and similar comments that all seem tied to the idea that I should become some sort of art machine or production line. I have visions of the person talking to me assuming that I am in a little workshop somewhere churning out copies of Van Gogh’s Starry Night for pennies on the pound.

Recently I have been listening to an audiobook written by Nick Hornby called Dickens and Prince: A Particular Kind of Genius. In this short tome (which I highly recommend, Mr. Hornby is a fine writer and observer of the British character, and no, I’m not paid to write this recommendation) the author makes the following points

Dickens' first long novel is The Pickwick Papers, before he finishes publishing it, he starts publishing Oliver Twist, and before he finishes publishing...

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Mindful Mandala Art

Over the years, I have created more than 1000 mandalas. Each mandala is an exquisite sanctuary that holds the transformative power of creativity and soothing meditation. This mindful practice anchors me into the present moment where I find peace and balance.  

This sacred circle has aided my ability to focus and concentrate.  I feel balanced and at rest.  Mandalas are an exercise in connecting with my deeper self.  They have aided me in opening up to new ideas and explorations.  Allowing each mark to work its magic aids me in practicing self-tenderness and compassion.  Recognizing my unlimited soul as a perfect place for rest.  This place where I am always enough.

Carl Jung calls the circle the archetype of wholeness.  Wholeness means complete and lacking nothing.  Harmony and unity, infinite, and eternity are notions also connected to the circle.  It makes sense that so many wisdom traditions make use of a circle  The...

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Use Creativity to Embrace Change and Live Your Best Life

Change can be hard, but it can also be a wonderful opportunity to discover and showcase your creativity. Whether it’s a change in your job, home, or lifestyle, creativity can help you make the most of the situation and live your best life.

Using your creativity is also a great way to relax at the end of a difficult day. Activities such as painting, crafting, music, and writing can help take your mind off of the stress and onto something more positive. Plus, it’s a great way to express yourself without saying a word.

Creativity is not just about producing works of art. It can also be used in everyday life to problem solve and make decisions. Thinking outside the box and considering different perspectives can help you come up with unique solutions to problems that may have been difficult to solve before.

Let’s explore some easy ways to use creativity to embrace change.

1. Think Outside the Box

The best way to use creativity to embrace change is to think outside the...

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Resolutions or Intentions?

The Oxford dictionary defines:

res·o·lu·tion

/ˌrezəˈlooSH(ə)n/

noun

  1. a firm decision to do or not to do something.
    "she kept her resolution not to see Anne anymore"

in·ten·tion

/inˈten(t)SHən/

noun

  1. a thing intended; an aim or plan.
    "she was full of good intentions"

 

Every year at this time we hear about resolutions and people ask what are resolutions are for the next year, and each year millions of people set resolutions, and typically by the end of January, they are forgotten. The gym is always busiest in January, the diet industry makes billions in January, and we vow to declutter, lose weight, get healthy, and more. But, it just doesn’t work.

Why?

Well first of all this is the season of rest, this is the time we should be hibernating, rebuilding our immune system, and rejuvenating our bodies with meditation, sleep, so much sleep, and time to reflect, and contemplate. It is not the time to set big goals and jump in with both feet and...

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Holiday Gifts for You and Your Loved Ones

Looking for the Perfect Gift?

Maybe your even looking for some great ideas for yourself. You could even leave some hints for your Santa, and maybe some will end up in your stocking. 

I always find it so difficult to come up with new and exciting ideas for holiday gift-giving. So this year I reached out to some friends to see what they were asking for and here are some of the ideas they came up with, plus a few of the things I have loved this year. Creativity is the theme throughout. Create, Express, Learn and Enjoy.

Gifts for Her (or You)

Art Snacks Subscription Box is an art supply subscription box loved by thousands of artists, curated to inspire you to create every month. And they now have a watercolor box and an art journal box. Gift one, or a whole year. I loved mine, it is so fun to receive new items to play with.

There are some other amazing art subscription boxes I have tried Sketch Box and a fun one out of Europe (thank you Iris for that...

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Pouring Your Heart Out, Finding Your Ikigai

I just want to share a little about this past week and how I have been feeling.

I am not usually one to open up about how I am "feeling", I give space to others to share their feelings, and I may share the occasional thing I am struggling with, like my health, but I don't typically share my feelings.

I don't know if it is because I am feeling bone-weary tired (low iron again), if it is because I am speaking to Spirit on a regular basis, or if it is because I feel more comfortable in what I do. Or maybe it is a combination of all of that, and more. But, I do know I am feeling the need to share how I am feeling. 

This past week we released Transcendence: Art & Spirituality Summit, I could feel all the passion of this summit. I was so excited about it. It turned out amazing. Now, don't get me wrong, I have loved all my summits for different reasons, but this one really felt like 'home' to me.

Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means your 'reason for being.' 'Iki' in Japanese...
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