Inspired

Deida: In the Spirit of Love

.....I will quote David Dieda from his newest book, "Instant Enlightement: Fast, Deep, and Sexy."

Praise
"Imagine praising the next person you see. Praise him or her as fully as possible, so you are embarrassed that you are so praiseful. What praise would you give? Picture someone you know - anyone - and feel what is the most magnanimous praise you can offer them.

Remember your mother and father as you offer this praise. Imagine doing so now. How do you feel?

You have probably chosen a career and sought an intimate partner in reaction to the praise you never got from your parents. Take time to remember what you didn't get from (them), and look at what you seek through your career and intimate relationship.

What do you wish your parents had told you more? Really feel into your childhood. Feel, as a child, what your parents said or didn't say to you. What do you wish your parents had given you more of? What do you wish your parents had said to you?

To the next person you see, silently give the praise you didn't get enough of from your parents but wish you had. Give this praise silently to everyone you see for the next three days. In your imagination, give this praise silently to your parents, right now. How does it feel to offer the praise you never got, but wished you had?

Holding back praise limits all the love you are willing to give - through speech, sex, and touch. It also restrains the love you could offer through your life's work. Give the praise that you wish your parents had given you more of. Give it silently to everyone, and give it out loud to your lover, whether you feel they deserve it or not. Find out what happens when you do. Discover the full offering you were born to give, as a gift, to everyone."

Happy Love Day everyone. May your heart be opened more deeply.

Fecundity

a. the intellectual productivity of a creative imagination
b. fertility: the state of being fertile; capable of producing offspring
c. fruitfulness: the quality of something that causes or assists healthy growth

Quan Yin: art and healing

This gorgeous carving of Quan Yin from the Portland Art Museum has every element of beauty and healing I strive for in my work, from medicine to art.

~proportion & balance~

+ pure presence +

>^ compassion ^<

*elegance*

)sensuality(

/ calm /

! JOY !

7 is an auspicious number in all spiritual practices, including yogic and martial arts. Did you know 7 is the number of stages of healing as well?

1. acknowledging the need for healing
2. finding a practioner as guide
3. making a committment to the process; establishing personal healing goals
4. following the prescribed protocols and practices
5. periodic self-reflection and re-committment to self-trust
6. opening emotionally, psychically, and physically to being well
7. peeling away layers of illness towards transformation

Finding an image that represents your ultimate wellness, whatever form that takes for you, and gazing upon it while reflecting on it's power to transform you, is a wonderful jumpstart to being on your path.

(Just don't get caught with your camera out in the museum.)

Happier After Cancer?

This article ( ~ ) really rang my bell today, on being happier after having gone through treatment for cancer. I also thought it was a nice follow-up to the launching of my fall workshop series for women survivors. If you or someone you know has had cancer, you're hip to the fact that nothing really comes close in terms of re-evaluating your life. When a part of you dies, there's a rebirth. That rebirth can take various forms and for me it was all about expression with paint. For others it's about words, song, music, dance, creating community; the list is endless. But you'll never see life the same way again.

Amen!

Retreat Series for Women Cancer "Survivors"

Are you a woman in the Seattle area that has been through cancer treatment? Support groups are over? You're wondering "now what?"

"Awakening the Intuitive Self" is specifically for women who have experienced cancer and are ready to AWAKEN THE INNER WARRIOR/CREATOR. In these daylong retreats you’ll use creative visualization, writing, painting and discussion to wake up your inner voice.

))) explore the hidden world of your dreams through color & words
))) reconnect with your innate wisdom and intuition
))) uncover your personal healing symbols
))) open wide to your heart’s desires and come alive

Vashon Island, Saturdays 10-4.

Sept 22, Oct 12, Nov 10, and Jan 26

$135 includes all materials and an organic vegetarian lunch.

Class size limited to SIX women, so call NOW to have questions answered and reserve your spot. 206-650-9197.

See photos from previous retreats: "creativity retreats."

Creativity, Happiness, and Evolution

Don't you love it when you start reading a new book, or listening to new music, or watching a show and you feel as though the artist or author read your mind? That seems to be happening a lot for me lately. I usually take it to mean that I'm "on the path," as it were. Now if I could only figure out how to stay on the path... maybe some orange spray paint would help!

I believe in this thing called synchronicity: when you starting filling your mind, your heart, your energy field with something you feel called to, the law of physics otherwise known as the UNIVERSE, delivers. The more specific we are in focus, the closer is the reflection that comes back to us in the form of resources, people, and support.

Lots of people are familiar with this idea from "The Secret." Or quantum mechanics if you're a systems geek. But the key here is figuring out WHAT makes us truly happy, and then staying focused on it. So many of us are busy taking care of business, family, etc. that we never step back to question if the Deeper Need is being fulfilled. Instead, we feel this sense of discomfort and stuff it with more sugar, more toys, more activity. Or obsess on what's missing, right? Sooooo easy to do. Suddenly we've lost track of what we want, we're so focused on what isn't here yet.

What role does creativity play in fulfilling the Deeper Need? When we take the time to explore our own place of magic, finding out what makes us unique, discovering how we want to share it in a way nobody else can--THAT is where our inner creator/creatrix comes out to play. THAT is where we tap into Spirit, because all of our greatest inspirations come from Spirit.

Inspire.....is to take in (receive), from which we can create something new. When we make new (fill in the blank.....) we evolve.

On that note, I invite you to sing, dance, draw, make something, prepare a beautiful meal. You'll find out something about yourself, and take one more step in your personal evolution.

Return to Venus

3 days at Breitenbush Hot Springs: spirit renewed. body rested. soul peaceful. clarity of mind. creativity inspired. just look:

Creativity and Making Art

"For me painting is a means through which I find expression of life's joy and fulfillment, and I believe art, more than merely being a means of expression itself, also serves as a medium to help us to make peace with our lives through positive and enthusiastic sentiments and regard for the brighter aspects of our existence, escaping from protest, cynicism and selfishness."

Patricia Govezensky

How beautifully put!
Found this on Wikipedia

Happy Valentine's Day

I wasn't sure whether to giggle or just feel hopeful about the future while reading this article on safe sex for the elderly....It's Valentines Day and I guess many of us have luv, as well as love, on the brain. But you don't need Hallmark or lingerie to have fun.

If you find yourself feeling lonely because you don't have a sweetie, and your friends have other plans, take heart: have a love affair with yourself just for tonight. I suggest you make a beautiful dinner for yourself. I'm not talking about a binge-out for one: au contraire, I think this binging phenomenon occurs because we don't give enough to ourselves.

I suggest you prepare your favorite meal including some special beverage and desert. Set out candles, tablecloth, and put some fresh flowers in a vase. Put on your favorite, most relaxing music. If you don't have time to prepare everything from scratch, at least serve it to yourself on nice plates. Make a toast to yourself and feel gratitude for how amazing your life is. Give yourself credit for all you have overcome and the love you have given to others. Tap into the love you have experienced in your life and feel it filling every cell in your body. See how long you can keep marinating in this potion and set an intention for yourself out of this fullness.

Here's my suggestion for cultivating loving feelings towards yourself for the next few months (I'm sure Sark would agree): write little love notes to yourself. They can be one line or a whole letter. Then hide them in your socks, under your shirts, in the pockets of your coats and pants. You will forget all about them and believe me, you'll stumble upon them with perfect timing. And if you want to write back, I would love to hear if you have any great stories or ideas on the subject.

Happy Valentine's!

What does beauty mean to you?

Is it a pretty face, a piece of lace, a mountainous Seattle landscape complete with streams of light pouring through the clouds? Is it some object you pick up to hold in your hand, rolling it over and feeling it's coolness (or hotness?) Or maybe it's the feeling you get when you are at peace with your heart...and for a moment you revel at the endless mystery that life is.....

If you find yourself depleted at the end of the day even after you've practiced the Four Agreements, create something that brings immediate joy and sensual pleasure to your life. For example, make a simple, delicious meal and light some candles. Sit down and give thanks for the nourishment you are giving yourself. Share your food with your Love or a friend and take your time. Turn off the TV, put down the book, no radio, nothing. Just food, you, and your senses.

Then take some time to find one thing in your home that delights your eyes. Turn off the computer. Walk away from your email. Put away the bills. Maybe you'll look in the mirror. Hold your baby or child. Walk outside to your garden...and find the first crocus of the season. Perhaps it's your favorite painting, or some gorgeous sweater or pair of boots you found in a boutique in Europe. Or at the Goodwill. Spend at least a half hour taking it in; seeing becomes perceiving. Feel it in your pores, in your solar plexus, in your heart, all the way to your soul. Drink it in like the aroma of a rose in June.

Take it in, take it in, take it in deeper. Beyond the fatigue, beyond the dissapointments, beyond the confusion, misunderstandings, and anger. Find your joy and make it a point to slow down, take a huge breath, exhale, and smell the roses.