tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14858108151424720142024-03-21T19:20:08.672-04:00Women In-SpiritCelebrating the Creative Feminine Journey...
Noelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00182591853923154086noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1485810815142472014.post-92179983299758597992022-07-21T16:41:00.002-04:002022-07-21T16:42:57.522-04:00Moving Towards Purpose<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpJqQzx5QRrRAXj9LHi7FAMLF65ZfqykAfcxGbm2DdnnFM_EJoldhNqXEncpdRN_CKm9avjCiK4GCVV2ZvvHBa4QHrKUUxZY6m89RMUWZDqLFLEGkMGAIn4CcQLurI-RaRzGmjkWXHtYR7-aRRyU7zuPA9YLMsFIgDJ5v2Yd5OFuGJ7RnkIayLX7nPA/s3937/1DCE14CE-0F68-4B4F-8A97-1345C7B846F9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3937" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpJqQzx5QRrRAXj9LHi7FAMLF65ZfqykAfcxGbm2DdnnFM_EJoldhNqXEncpdRN_CKm9avjCiK4GCVV2ZvvHBa4QHrKUUxZY6m89RMUWZDqLFLEGkMGAIn4CcQLurI-RaRzGmjkWXHtYR7-aRRyU7zuPA9YLMsFIgDJ5v2Yd5OFuGJ7RnkIayLX7nPA/w493-h640/1DCE14CE-0F68-4B4F-8A97-1345C7B846F9.jpeg" width="493" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><i>"At dawn, the moon appeared</i></p><p><i>and swooped down from the sky to look at me...” </i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEGMjov8Hom-Lmr5xKwDNFUKDCaGCzwCSGsZKOsdStDKpQvC7z3harlK6yIN6EmcrzbxalerdUKPakKVyW5FTOONwq-cdZ1NrCXwOjWQuPmV9CiuRflOEiMziGa_OWKeqkDKgu4Uvmt-0aIXdPhvNHFvWCmScqHuI37H_7aOSxJJ2_ReM15PlO62XBQ/s3354/6D4CA6BF-5445-42D0-ADF2-240BE7DC13C5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3354" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEGMjov8Hom-Lmr5xKwDNFUKDCaGCzwCSGsZKOsdStDKpQvC7z3harlK6yIN6EmcrzbxalerdUKPakKVyW5FTOONwq-cdZ1NrCXwOjWQuPmV9CiuRflOEiMziGa_OWKeqkDKgu4Uvmt-0aIXdPhvNHFvWCmScqHuI37H_7aOSxJJ2_ReM15PlO62XBQ/w578-h640/6D4CA6BF-5445-42D0-ADF2-240BE7DC13C5.jpeg" width="578" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>We have all had experiences that, in the moment, challenged us to look closely at how we live and our perceptions of that life.. as it really is, not just what we have imagined or convinced ourselves that it is. It is a valuable opportunity to take stock and make adjustments. "Experience Life at its Peak," the 36th pathway is my focus today. From Neil Douglas-Klotz's book, entitled "The Sufi Book of Life-99 Pathways to the Heart" I explore each through the medium of art. Years ago I was inspired to create an art journal page for each path. I read the path, meditate upon it and then gather the images that 'speak' to me. Here I share the collage and what the images represent to me in my spiritual journey with the idea that this exploration will lead towards greater understanding. Rumi shares this experience in this poem.</p><p><br /></p><p>"<i>Like a falcon hunting a meal,</i></p><p><i>the moon grabbed me and away we went!</i></p><p>"<i>I looked for my self, but my self was gone,</i></p><p><i>In the Moon, by grace, my body became like soul</i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p>Many years ago I had a vision which was one of those moments in life that fill you with awe and wonder. A moment truly ecstatic. I would say I was definitely a 'meal for the falcon' whisked away on the wind and gobbled up by the experience. It was a defining moment. and one that altered my consciousness and how I viewed my self and my existence My self/ego disappeared in that moment. The word ecstatic means "to put out of place" and was used early on to describe an out of body experience, a trance-like state or a heightened state of emotion. </p><p><br /></p><p><i>"Luminous, I journeyed on as soul,</i></p><p><i>until the mystery of Self and self was clear.</i></p><p><i>Nine shimmering heavens mingled in that moon,</i></p><p><i>and the boundaries of my being disappeared in the sea."</i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLhmzyFWgjgiGbBlPBc7VO-9lkyII041KFzQZnzMX6r-96r-hkDlrjcnf6rcmIiDhnyE2bxZdaEULwWqkDmkDv3v5rgP5qB7DAn626YeL8BoOrG_2LnBkbb0fNHWaCXk_Kn6U6r9Be7PHxbtY_eQ_Vka_R4-0ZeG2EVEwvvBmjMsmx_MUJ48KItkr4g/s4032/7C645A57-562B-4D69-9BFC-1A1954A44924.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLhmzyFWgjgiGbBlPBc7VO-9lkyII041KFzQZnzMX6r-96r-hkDlrjcnf6rcmIiDhnyE2bxZdaEULwWqkDmkDv3v5rgP5qB7DAn626YeL8BoOrG_2LnBkbb0fNHWaCXk_Kn6U6r9Be7PHxbtY_eQ_Vka_R4-0ZeG2EVEwvvBmjMsmx_MUJ48KItkr4g/w640-h480/7C645A57-562B-4D69-9BFC-1A1954A44924.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>It is so important to ground oneself after experiencing Self, pure consciousness, because as he explains in this chapter once we start to use words to try to describe it, analyze it, to figure out its meaning, or to share it excitedly with others the mind has already taken over and we've returned to self, our identity that is mired in matter, our false identity; the you that you attach a multitude of labels and stories to. The separate self. But what is Self? To me it is ultimately Love. We are all but reflections of the One unifying force of life. In that precious moment of realization you "see" and know that the experience does not belong to you. Accept it as a gift with Love and let it sink into you and your understanding. <i>Al-Ali, (pronounced Ya' A-Lee), </i>he calls this "remembrance of the divine potential." In this moment we remember where we come from.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXa3d8xZ_QfzavHNR8K7Rm8ClFV3YypMkC0DlPu7pDDipQ-vPzCBftDkeCthU31yyMRdD5TMXVdhtWlq8mcmgjX_VqkdDqEQ7myPzGBYJEv86Cg3ICoxJzceW6jLCuthL4N2E1_VQXKDjoLQum3n5WjSPj26YPcwn6YAHUR5LLcgQ72KmonvZTiNgzQ/s4032/61D777CF-FC4A-4759-AF6E-3E1F1EE22139.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXa3d8xZ_QfzavHNR8K7Rm8ClFV3YypMkC0DlPu7pDDipQ-vPzCBftDkeCthU31yyMRdD5TMXVdhtWlq8mcmgjX_VqkdDqEQ7myPzGBYJEv86Cg3ICoxJzceW6jLCuthL4N2E1_VQXKDjoLQum3n5WjSPj26YPcwn6YAHUR5LLcgQ72KmonvZTiNgzQ/w480-h640/61D777CF-FC4A-4759-AF6E-3E1F1EE22139.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>In my collage the moon is the focal point, a small figure stands upon a rock (a solid foundation) and gazes upwards at the moon. Before the figure the landscape is melting into itself. The boat floats upon the waters to symbolize the journey but the nets are pulled in because in this moment there is nothing to catch, you can't hold onto it. The cactus illuminated by light represents endurance, the ability to move forward on one's journey towards your purpose. "Your ('re) Light, So Shine! Know where you come from. Hold it in your heart and know it is sacred and then pass it on! Love comes in many forms and is meant to be shared. Ask yourself; how do I express love in this world? Are you a mirror of the divine at work? Let love move you ever forward confidently knowing that you are but an agent of the One. You are free to be your self and experience this life in the way that you wish but remember the Self within is who you really are. Listen, remember and move forward. Shine!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Noelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00182591853923154086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1485810815142472014.post-4008591308987679342022-05-31T16:00:00.000-04:002022-05-31T16:00:28.973-04:00Exploring Gratitude<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAm2kC5v4OgXWg76WIhY3TZJDTpOCOmsc9BZUojFH3TFUnoGZY_pNTuIZS8NKFFPi49eo9Pbu0b81sWAPLoNOQmDXvZdjrBdH1tDdYLaSz6LdLdCv4I5QGsXGLRTh7L4_Lk6l_x08ytNCeNaN08KNgfLaAHE_48e49sfnlR2JEusy_hDI94SrwNVZkVA/s4032/59E094EA-54EF-4AAB-A305-1C956C88F501.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAm2kC5v4OgXWg76WIhY3TZJDTpOCOmsc9BZUojFH3TFUnoGZY_pNTuIZS8NKFFPi49eo9Pbu0b81sWAPLoNOQmDXvZdjrBdH1tDdYLaSz6LdLdCv4I5QGsXGLRTh7L4_Lk6l_x08ytNCeNaN08KNgfLaAHE_48e49sfnlR2JEusy_hDI94SrwNVZkVA/w480-h640/59E094EA-54EF-4AAB-A305-1C956C88F501.jpeg" title="Gratitude, Giving Back Pathway 35" width="480" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p> It seems timely that on the day I suddenly felt the need to reconnect with a much beloved heart-project that the subject should be "Gratitude, Giving Back." Some years ago now I had an inspiration to explore "The Sufi Book of Life- 99 Pathways to the Heart" by Neil Douglas-Klotz, through the medium of collage. With this collage, Pathway 35, I take up the journey once again. It had become a spiritual practice and one, after much time devoted to other things like starting a new business over the past year, that I have greatly missed in my life. Considering that it is Mercury Retrograde, a time of review, revision and return, it is appropriate that I am now hearing the call to bring it back in. </p><p> I think we all go through periods in our lives where our spiritual practices change. In fact I would say it's a good thing because practices can become habit somehow losing their initial meaning and place in our daily life. And going into this I knew it was a monumental undertaking from the beginning and I wanted it to always feel fresh and flowing, not like something I had to do because I had committed myself to it, so I knew if it ever felt forced I'd step away for awhile. I know now that I feel refreshed to continue this art journey once again. </p><p> In the accompanying meditation for this pathway it directs one to take a midday break and imagine that your heart is a garden of exquisite beauty, it is the entrance into a "secret rose garden". Look for things to be thankful for; the people in your life, animals, the beauty, your community, and all the different parts of your Self. Thank them all and welcome them in to your garden, your heart space. </p><p> We all get caught up in our own concerns; our jobs, our problems and the problems of others, our endless to-do lists, and a multitude of our many perceived responsibilities. But what if we spent more time exploring gratitude in every moment? If we started saying "thank you" before having received anything. As the author writes, "this pathway is not a matter of business, of give and take, it is the sign of a heart that remembers Unity." </p><p> It is not enough to merely utter words of gratitude rather you must truly feel gratitude in your Being. Releasing the limiting hold we put on our own hearts we are then open to feeling true gratitude. He shares a Shabistari poem-</p><p><i>In the Secret Rose Garden, </i></p><p><i>Roses bloom that reveal</i></p><p><i>the mysteries of the human heart.</i></p><p><i>Lilies sing and the narcissus</i></p><p><i>sees everything perfectly.</i></p><p><i>To enter this garden,</i></p><p><i>see with your heart's eyes and</i></p><p><i>gaze gently on these blossoms.</i></p><p><i>All your doubts will fade away.</i></p><p><i>Don't look for mistakes;</i></p><p><i>The Roses may turn to thorns.</i></p><p><i>Ingratitude reveals ignorance,</i></p><p><i>and the friends of truth are truly thankful. </i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3j-F3xVIKDClNhu34PUhNVf2hHieX_IJsg6azjnc_saZXowzNYuSr7WjFK1m2gdTqdoKn249CfnwV1SRxUXLcnBt7xAqhUWo-r392x8mImTpyoIpKyvkX_iTNRSpd3H3BaZ8X55rjq17bTyrn28eWhthaq5Hten_Rros2n-BwZhXHQ3e7Mdt8TTxZVw/s3482/B4D363CF-F18D-4CA0-9E68-0434CC026958.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3482" data-original-width="2626" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3j-F3xVIKDClNhu34PUhNVf2hHieX_IJsg6azjnc_saZXowzNYuSr7WjFK1m2gdTqdoKn249CfnwV1SRxUXLcnBt7xAqhUWo-r392x8mImTpyoIpKyvkX_iTNRSpd3H3BaZ8X55rjq17bTyrn28eWhthaq5Hten_Rros2n-BwZhXHQ3e7Mdt8TTxZVw/w482-h640/B4D363CF-F18D-4CA0-9E68-0434CC026958.jpeg" width="482" /></a></div><i><br /></i><p></p><p><i> </i>So what did I see to be grateful for when I went to create my collage...Life! A beautiful garden overflowing with abundant flowers, butterflies flitting through the blooms, the heart of Unity from which these flowers/blessings are pouring forth from and an all seeing eye, the spirit of the Divine Mother of Creation, of Source. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFECXA-TbMHB7CVXGv03mHdy9K_oBLRlq5dPBz8eQZ6OfpwoYreccj5_hDg04Azp5tosz_oBqvKHL4w5wCJf9Nun_8UGaGSJ8HEyTlGrYw8GVwvd3pnksQ-tyNKpd4hrwTp36GQI6mJ5fE79D7VA1J606YA4L3nVwbBD9oPEeoW38gal_a9fOmP7V4rQ/s4032/9888C3B1-3505-45E2-AEB8-8344DBA3528F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFECXA-TbMHB7CVXGv03mHdy9K_oBLRlq5dPBz8eQZ6OfpwoYreccj5_hDg04Azp5tosz_oBqvKHL4w5wCJf9Nun_8UGaGSJ8HEyTlGrYw8GVwvd3pnksQ-tyNKpd4hrwTp36GQI6mJ5fE79D7VA1J606YA4L3nVwbBD9oPEeoW38gal_a9fOmP7V4rQ/w480-h640/9888C3B1-3505-45E2-AEB8-8344DBA3528F.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p> Every day that I am able to be surrounded by flowers and to be able to create beauty to share with others is a blessing. I am grateful for my business, Flora Sophia, the Wisdom of Flowers. I am grateful for the flowers, my gifts and abilities, for those who truly see and connect with what I create. I am grateful for continued creativity. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVnQYfhsk9kFRKKUz3QXbvsvw0DZCZIQqELhLkQQE03Zfk4fesM6XY_OmRK_qAjkFTTZPchrUcoL8sQDHa3Zm57xVJB81gLjeLLPm1tnW6CLt-61Jucby4TZqXVNE8nhEuxKA7GCF_p0UrQPfIoySsnYZrxTqVAr0IYjqXIacIbcob2HmBm1ONkPlNw/s4032/166489AD-3093-468E-971D-A4939B67230D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVnQYfhsk9kFRKKUz3QXbvsvw0DZCZIQqELhLkQQE03Zfk4fesM6XY_OmRK_qAjkFTTZPchrUcoL8sQDHa3Zm57xVJB81gLjeLLPm1tnW6CLt-61Jucby4TZqXVNE8nhEuxKA7GCF_p0UrQPfIoySsnYZrxTqVAr0IYjqXIacIbcob2HmBm1ONkPlNw/w480-h640/166489AD-3093-468E-971D-A4939B67230D.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p> Every day that I am able to move my body and walk in Nature is a blessing. I am grateful for this body and the use of my limbs; for my eyes to see this beauty; for my ears to hear the birds singing; for my nose to smell the aromas of flowers on the breeze; for my hands that I may reach out and touch and feel the smoothness of a leaf, the roughness of bark on a tree, or feel cool water droplets on my fingertips; for my tongue that I may taste the sweetness of a strawberry or the bite of arugula. I am grateful for everything I will encounter and experience in the future.</p><p> Every day that I am able to spend with friends and family is a blessing and not one I take for granted. I am grateful for those people who I share my life with now, with those who share their Light with me and those that have since left this world but their light continues on. And I am grateful for all beings that I share my life with...namely my fluff muffins aka cats, kitty companions. I am grateful for their love, play, cuddles, and for their presence every day. And I am grateful for all those beings in the future who will enter my life.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3w2mF_JH9LSmF8hxNJTHYkZdcrcq6keR9xdX7fD0T14ZJu5Aha3ul3xdHXRna97_czB9FIEJRukCe8PZDITR3jkXhUWPjOu4URAJK6wptDSlmnpjmktcckTJnZhqC32UKW7jDhR2fzhn00CO3up1MDjBCoByGfmfVE7ZFueFwVcVUyqMrqAzMABZFA/s4032/F960ECA7-B262-48E7-BB2E-B26A59EFE2DB.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3w2mF_JH9LSmF8hxNJTHYkZdcrcq6keR9xdX7fD0T14ZJu5Aha3ul3xdHXRna97_czB9FIEJRukCe8PZDITR3jkXhUWPjOu4URAJK6wptDSlmnpjmktcckTJnZhqC32UKW7jDhR2fzhn00CO3up1MDjBCoByGfmfVE7ZFueFwVcVUyqMrqAzMABZFA/w480-h640/F960ECA7-B262-48E7-BB2E-B26A59EFE2DB.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p> And the list goes on...but how do I give back you might ask...simply by recognizing and acknowledging that for which you are grateful and thankful for. Let go and release, allow your gratitude to illuminate your path forward and welcome all who enter into your garden with open arms and an open heart. Know that source is shining its light through You and every Being you encounter. "Ash- Shakur- Thankfulness Changes things." </p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>Noelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00182591853923154086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1485810815142472014.post-66638916835898724882021-09-06T17:16:00.000-04:002021-09-06T17:16:44.735-04:00Introspection, Change, and Decision- Tarot Journey Continues<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaH5yGVSqP-HZUTd0hu5tpom5VC_RyoMUfWLOuM0jySr6bYdPv-PAOg-mSuOFA57bzpBV5Ox9YnkiKDhKTO2eDnMnE3whoh_qkCieR_PAuvwQbjxXmwQKthrlrSgTRaTpoah85PhbVv7Oa/s2048/IMG_3119.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1308" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaH5yGVSqP-HZUTd0hu5tpom5VC_RyoMUfWLOuM0jySr6bYdPv-PAOg-mSuOFA57bzpBV5Ox9YnkiKDhKTO2eDnMnE3whoh_qkCieR_PAuvwQbjxXmwQKthrlrSgTRaTpoah85PhbVv7Oa/w408-h640/IMG_3119.jpg" width="408" /></a></div><p></p><p> And the journey continues into exploring the tarot through the medium of collage. In this post I will share the Major Arcana cards Hermit IX, Wheel of Fortune X, and Justice XI. A friend and I are creating our way through the tarot artistically and it has been a rich field of discovery. After meditating upon the card I move into finding images that speak to me, I may not understand why they call to be used but I trust the process. Then the creating takes place and finally looking closer to see what has been revealed in the images used. It's always fascinating. I am using <i>The Gilded Tarot</i> as my foundation, my oldest and fondest deck, truth be told.</p><p> The Hermit carrying his staff and lantern leads the way. A red bridge extends towards the mountains in the distance and the sunlight illuminates the top of its peak. There are flowers growing on either side of the bridge. A woman sits upon a rock contemplating the path ahead while strangely enough a very large peacock peers over the bridge looking like some sort of Loch Ness monster risen from the deep gorge below. Like I said, I use the images that called to be used!</p><p> The Hermit carries a lit lantern which represents his mind and his staff the power of his will. The illuminated mountain in the distance also represents the illuminated mind. The bridge seemingly floats across an expanse, the color red represents passion. What do you believe? Who are you? This card being is about being alone with your thoughts., the need to ponder these questions and go within. To me this means that you must trust that your passions will bring you home to yourself, its all about the trust. </p><p> The woman sitting upon the rock is contemplating her next move. She is wearing hiking boots, she is prepared but she is not rushing towards the bridge. She must spend time in introspection getting to know herself and her beliefs before she sets off. Is she ready to trust? Does she have the tool box? These questions I have asked myself in the past 6 months starting a new business but it is my passion, my bliss and to not venture forth would not have been an option. You must trust. It reminds me of the quote, <i>"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."<span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span></i></p><p> The peacock has shown up for me before in collages...Peacocks represent guidance and watchfulness, knowledge and strength of purpose. There is a holiness that this regal birds presence holds. He has his eyes on the way forward. When you are ready and have harnessed your courage he will be looking over you.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJ3RWchBbGTtI5o1yDfhWCuwddfj8bnO8d-7EyFCsk9UYgy-mpjfiNjZZ048wRkJ1R7TL1633LmvFHOD9olff8bkUuE5Z6kN7azqFBMOxRz0hXIxlyaqIR4ZhiXGwuEIdiAWyPgBwWPBu/s2048/IMG_3128.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1587" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJ3RWchBbGTtI5o1yDfhWCuwddfj8bnO8d-7EyFCsk9UYgy-mpjfiNjZZ048wRkJ1R7TL1633LmvFHOD9olff8bkUuE5Z6kN7azqFBMOxRz0hXIxlyaqIR4ZhiXGwuEIdiAWyPgBwWPBu/w496-h640/IMG_3128.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> A hand spins the the Wheel of Fortune...where will it land? Life spirals, is cyclical. It encompasses the stars and Moon and all of nature. A wheel of sorts is in the center of my collage and the elements surround it; a canyon representing the Earth; clouds for Air; a red walled adobe house in the desert for Fire; and a fisherman on the beach for Water. Within the Wheel are more personal representatives of the elements; a hand holding herbs-the physical body; a fire burning within a vessel, our passion; an eye representing the mind, our perception/knowledge; and a sailing ship, our emotions and the spiritual journey that we are on. On either side of the wheel...bombs dropping and marquees on a city street represent the distractions of Life, the pain, the noise, those things that throw us off center. But in the center is a woman with her chakras illuminated, her arms extended. We have the ability to control our energies, nurture and nourish them. And finally a conch shell which is a symbol of courage, optimism, and will power. It emits psychological vibrations. It is sacred. Hold it up to your ear and listen to the ocean like you did as a child. Change is always afoot, learn to listen and adapt. </div><div><br /></div><div> Justice is at the center of this collage and she holds a scale in her hands, the sun behind her represents you and you are standing in the mid center of your past and future. She is shown blindfolded because she can not help you or hurt you. You create your future by what you have done in the past. This card is about Karmic repercussions. Your actions create your future. This is a card about responsibility and making good choices. </div><div><br /></div><div> The image that first made an impression upon me for this collage was the bottom one and actually it angered me deeply. It was part of an advertisement for some high-fashion house. It showed an expanse of carpet with the prostate body of a woman on the ground in white high heels. Is she a victim of a crime, has she fallen? It is an image that disturbed me to my core. The societal view of women as a victim and her vulnerability. It also speaks of servitude, perhaps she is a slave to fashion. But, white shoes can also be symbols of power so at the top I have a "power pump," it's all business. It's giving power back to the woman at the bottom. </div><div> </div><div> So perhaps that is why I chose images of women athletes, they are symbols of power as well. They are warriors. They are passionate and driven, dedicated. Their physical choices today will impact their future abilities. You can't lie on the sofa and eat pizzas and chips all day and expect to perform well on the field tomorrow! Theirs is a special dedication; to their bodies, their minds, their emotional health and on some level spiritually I am sure. They must be strong on all levels to compete. </div><div> </div><div> Behind the soccer player is a winding, upward turning road with a woman running uphill. She is changing the game, competing against her self. At times it can feel like everything we do as women is an uphill battle from equal pay to social justice and women's rights. We have the responsibility though of envisioning our future and being warrioresses for each other and the women who will come later. Justice is in our hands. Choose well.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOSJPmS1vAIFnr5GNQ_gS-WMxdQLCun40FisU_5sQ_8ONWrmBU4ASI56IB44YF-XKowvoPongBHjqJNBoz43HSg4p-1YRiH1Kt3nBbMqZCADmOT_ZZjoPrDpXjP0FB6t_qwVUqIEww_qZ/s2048/IMG_3255.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1360" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOSJPmS1vAIFnr5GNQ_gS-WMxdQLCun40FisU_5sQ_8ONWrmBU4ASI56IB44YF-XKowvoPongBHjqJNBoz43HSg4p-1YRiH1Kt3nBbMqZCADmOT_ZZjoPrDpXjP0FB6t_qwVUqIEww_qZ/w426-h640/IMG_3255.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><p> Three cards that ask us to look within and contemplate before we take action. That those decisions and subsequent changes hold great responsibility. And finally that we can learn from our mistakes and envision a happier and more balanced future coming to live in right relationship. </p><p>Wishing you blessings of light and love...</p>Noelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00182591853923154086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1485810815142472014.post-90397977370746643472021-08-17T20:26:00.001-04:002021-08-17T20:27:29.786-04:00Art Journey through the Tarot Continued...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsES4Y0a3qGcInbw50nVVvQ2yMQhrhcL4puTIJ24wdzntkUdchju_wk2Ji6QWd50qP2ak0NPUuvVc-tIWum13x10-SbGIMYThxeMzn8euPju3WRHP867P5vdTn28oWbT9FBFIrDUrIJ_uB/s2048/06A03C90-8E61-4A33-B297-9969001E3393.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1358" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsES4Y0a3qGcInbw50nVVvQ2yMQhrhcL4puTIJ24wdzntkUdchju_wk2Ji6QWd50qP2ak0NPUuvVc-tIWum13x10-SbGIMYThxeMzn8euPju3WRHP867P5vdTn28oWbT9FBFIrDUrIJ_uB/w424-h640/06A03C90-8E61-4A33-B297-9969001E3393.jpeg" width="424" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> I woke this morning to grey skies heavy with rain and a headache between my eyes. So I eased into my day; sipping hot chamomile tea, holding a warmed lavender pillow to my forehead, and going slow. Feeling the headache eventually lifting I decided to sit down and right a blog post on the latest series of collages I've done continuing the deep dive into the Tarot through art that I am exploring with a friend. So, I sat down and composed a blog. Not this one. I hit something wrong and completely erased the first one after two hours of writing! Seriously...really? I always wonder when that happens if it was just an accident or if...meant to be. So let's try again. This time I explored VI, The Lovers, VII, The Chariot, and VIII, Strength. All deal with making choices, with courage and with personal power...movement on different levels. I am using the Gilded Tarot as my guide, my oldest and first deck. So let's dive in.</span></div><p> The Lovers, a passionate couple embrace and are lifted upwards representing a commitment to a union with a higher spiritual aim. I find that I look at this card though and its not so much about a relationship with another but rather with oneself. I find it intriguing that the original artwork for this card was actually a man choosing between two women. He may have had a romantic vision of a perfect wife and an idealized dream of the perfect marriage but what is the reality that stands before him now and how does he make a balanced and good choice? Could it not be rather that he stands with the vision of two different sides of himself, one that he sees with his heart and the other his mind? To "Know Thy Self" fully and make choices based on that knowing is living with true authenticity. And also could we look at it as the relationship we each have within of the Sacred Masculine and the Divine Feminine and coming into balance with those energies? All points to ponder...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpacJUaDDFs6QtjZ7nj7oW179KEWkTFAMzxFNF363as3eJFxquFUbvnuKuu3QPMlkdFlb-9EWAQKcNFa_KUEaiYk75-24P3YLpf7RiZN_CMRvt5_ljzHbXXCYkJZi_G2sZoCEQ78T5Xej/s2048/A82DF57F-DF37-4D98-A38F-7594CB19D8BA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1358" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpacJUaDDFs6QtjZ7nj7oW179KEWkTFAMzxFNF363as3eJFxquFUbvnuKuu3QPMlkdFlb-9EWAQKcNFa_KUEaiYk75-24P3YLpf7RiZN_CMRvt5_ljzHbXXCYkJZi_G2sZoCEQ78T5Xej/w424-h640/A82DF57F-DF37-4D98-A38F-7594CB19D8BA.jpeg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> I chose images of the elements for my collage- gentle ocean waves representing Water; a lush tree canopy for Earth, a Monarch butterfly migration for Air and a flaming iron torch for Fire which I have the couple emerging from. My thought being that each decision we make in life should be centered within each element because we need the energies of each in making balanced decisions and creating a strong foundation. Water brings a deep connection with our emotions, it's heart centered, intuitive, and sensitive. Air brings intelligence and thought, logic and communication. Fire is of course about passion, a strong will, being energetic and enthusiastic and finding inspiration. Earth is grounding and practical, and values common sense over impulsiveness. The fifth element is Spirit, the bridge between the physical and celestial realms, between body and soul. I have white lilies strewn about the collage representing rebirth and rejuvenation, the commitment we are asked to make to our decisions. </span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWnWLxVmXQW-jVCaS_q5bABBfuLcu0QIkuJx9GxUHbc24FxKq7lsi3fmTjA8qP7UKalH-htjdTd2hkT1W6V48gcZnmb9a2swgpcmPbqpvM-eQYg70qpIHZdLi-hwS_ZZufuGLs66haaaF/s2048/IMG_3085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1341" data-original-width="2048" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWnWLxVmXQW-jVCaS_q5bABBfuLcu0QIkuJx9GxUHbc24FxKq7lsi3fmTjA8qP7UKalH-htjdTd2hkT1W6V48gcZnmb9a2swgpcmPbqpvM-eQYg70qpIHZdLi-hwS_ZZufuGLs66haaaF/w640-h420/IMG_3085.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p> The Chariot, I had fun with this card and its images. A regal woman rides side saddle on a motorcycle rather precariously. She is not concerned with where she is going or what is in front of her. She may be riding into trouble but she is not concerned in the least. She represents achievement but not understanding. The woman crowned in purple Orchids also looks away but she has an air of dignity about her. She knows she is admired. She recognizes her own strength and celebrates her accomplishments. She knows that she can achieve anything she sets her mind to. In the center a woman drives a horseless chariot drawn by sphinxes. There is movement here even though she has no reins. It shows us that we must keep going, that there is always something new to learn and more to experience. Life is about movement, don't come to a complete stop. Use your will power and control to steer your way through the chaos. Learn to trust yourself and your journey. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzLcGOW7aiKDfcEFomf67LzM5VWF8_Kfp3V-ue7EjsaaQjRAhIfZxHDTWb3FPi53HORy7QM8JI3a2LiCbf2hACvI-SJaqF1_irLzm3BgsN3L9bUwYktf3Jr0jxrKSK68WfvHIicCXw-4G/s2048/IMG_3087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1436" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzLcGOW7aiKDfcEFomf67LzM5VWF8_Kfp3V-ue7EjsaaQjRAhIfZxHDTWb3FPi53HORy7QM8JI3a2LiCbf2hACvI-SJaqF1_irLzm3BgsN3L9bUwYktf3Jr0jxrKSK68WfvHIicCXw-4G/w448-h640/IMG_3087.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><br /><p> I must admit I LOVE the images I "found" for the card Strength! They came fast and furiously. My dilemma was how to squeeze them all in. The stance of the Woman, Her back straight and strong, Her thick braid, Her hardware, the weight of Her earrings all made me believe She is a warrioress with Purpose. The lion represents her animal instincts that she holds in reserve; strength, courage, and power. She can call on them whenever she needs them. The bejeweled silver chain neither binds her nor weighs her down. She adorns herself with them. She has learned to walk in her power and with her gifts and strengths. She neither denies her Power nor is controlled by her strengths, she has learned to live and work with them. She stands confident and Self-Aware. </p><p> This journey into the tarot is rich and delicious and if you are interested in other tarot collages please see previous posts starting with the The Fool. And I encourage you to dive into the conversation and collage along. I usually start with an intention, pull the card and then start searching for images in magazines that "ask" to be used. You will know, they call out, catch your eye and frequently if you have passed them by they will call on you until you pay attention. Listen. Cut and paste and follow your instincts. Enjoy the journey...</p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p> </p>Noelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00182591853923154086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1485810815142472014.post-62120413696318524282021-08-08T19:55:00.008-04:002021-08-08T19:55:57.639-04:00 The Grateful Heart Portal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxrng8B4-O99IIKpdTInWMcntJviAzhvzyFXM07FGyBln3BBYxUR5GA2OXk35yx2g5bp6TORa_QfKILPfaDNPIG2zygEFyz0QTA_ImJ6GAf0qjvQjDI2ziSlUrD1Kg8p8H6XqcSKEvIoM/s2048/37A767C5-469B-478F-A9AC-2CFBD5646B3D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1663" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxrng8B4-O99IIKpdTInWMcntJviAzhvzyFXM07FGyBln3BBYxUR5GA2OXk35yx2g5bp6TORa_QfKILPfaDNPIG2zygEFyz0QTA_ImJ6GAf0qjvQjDI2ziSlUrD1Kg8p8H6XqcSKEvIoM/w520-h640/37A767C5-469B-478F-A9AC-2CFBD5646B3D.jpeg" width="520" /></a></div><p>Today is the Lion's Gate, a portal, August 8, 2021 the New Moon in Leo which appropriately is a pathway to the Heart. I love synchronicities, those little moments that line up just so, that make you stop, ponder, recognize and smile. A few days ago the <i>Sufi Book of Life, 99 Pathways to the Heart, Practices for the Modern Dervish </i>by Neil Douglas-Klotz called to me to create once again. Using the book has been part of my on-going spiritual practice since I "found" it back in 2015. Then one day in 2017 inspiration came to me to explore each path through the medium of collage. I wished to delve deeper into each of the pathways and through creativity and art seemed only natural. <i>Gratitude, Giving Back </i>is the 35th pathway. I have shared each of the previous paths here on this blog if you wish to view them in order.</p><p>It's been six months since I explored a Sufi pathway through art. I have been immersed in starting a business, Flora Sophia, the Wisdom of Flowers, a real hearts passion for me. I've also been involved in a deep-dive into the Tarot with a friend also through collage and I've spent much time in writing. Suddenly out of the blue the other day I heard it calling. Yesterday I sat down, suddenly compelled, and went about creating the collage. Today was for writing and sharing and I see now why it had to be today...the portal. In fact this morning attending my spiritual community via Zoom we explored Meta Meditation-Loving Kindness and looked at how our society has been creating an environment of fear with the intent to divide us further. This pathway holds the answer to division, Gratitude. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLU2WKd-NT70vOE6KM1zR1swsvfIcVODrsRN0qwTKQp1m_-leNAi-lCM3ZBXw1AMSGwTr8AWz4qJlKakAS0pcdt90hjoIpFWngnnPoBSWOdYubBLGvGky3wcsKMLXbZ_L_6Ua55FJCSRpk/s2048/FE1F4AF9-9574-40E9-8E36-5C37CEE0DE06.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLU2WKd-NT70vOE6KM1zR1swsvfIcVODrsRN0qwTKQp1m_-leNAi-lCM3ZBXw1AMSGwTr8AWz4qJlKakAS0pcdt90hjoIpFWngnnPoBSWOdYubBLGvGky3wcsKMLXbZ_L_6Ua55FJCSRpk/w480-h640/FE1F4AF9-9574-40E9-8E36-5C37CEE0DE06.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p>What does it mean though to be grateful? Really think about what gratitude and being grateful means to you. We hear these words all the time; we see them written on home décor, art and clothing, people keep gratitude jars, endless social media posts are dedicated to gratitude and countless books have been written on the subject but, if we are truly living lives filled with gratitude in our hearts than why is our society so divided, more so now than ever before with hearts filled with judgment and hate? </p><p>The definition of gratitude is " the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness." Ash-Shakur, the name of this pathway in Arabic, translates to "the attitude of recognition and appreciation, rather than with the "specific" facts of a situation...which indicates a circle opening to include more, the rays of the sun...that shine on the just and the unjust." It means we need to follow the light rather than the shadow because light leads to transformation and growth. Being thankful changes everything. If we feel that everything is a personal attack, if we hold on to these perceived affronts then our hearts are constricted and not able to truly see and appreciate the many blessings that surround us every day. We aren't able to see the Divine Intelligence that is at work. Everything has a purpose. Everyone has a light within. Every being has beauty within them. We have to learn to see clearly; to look beyond the differences of opinion, the threats, the shadows that threaten to engulf us; the thorns we feel are surely just below the surface ready to pierce us at any moment. We have to learn what true gratitude looks like.</p><p>Klotz shares this from Shabistari, a Sufi poet of the 14th century;</p><p><i>In the Secret Rose Garden, roses bloom that reveal the mysteries of the human heart, Lilies sing and the narcissus sees everything perfectly. To enter this garden, see with your heart's eyes and gaze gently on these blossoms. All your doubts will fade away. Don't look for mistakes: The roses may turn to thorns. Ingratitude reveals ignorance, and the friends of truth are truly thankful.</i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vubWl161lDcoGd0Fa6KFVYBwbzhyEngs5e-3tlWPT0hdU0NzxunkYh4KtuZUTpxrQelLxcN3BnAmptgj541hhJuXN8FJHZkEePMXfn27LwbPsKjFZ6FIBtAgYsdBjqpWTRQoY0PBcOML/s2048/647F2541-9683-430A-8277-E35A8832D719.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vubWl161lDcoGd0Fa6KFVYBwbzhyEngs5e-3tlWPT0hdU0NzxunkYh4KtuZUTpxrQelLxcN3BnAmptgj541hhJuXN8FJHZkEePMXfn27LwbPsKjFZ6FIBtAgYsdBjqpWTRQoY0PBcOML/w480-h640/647F2541-9683-430A-8277-E35A8832D719.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>This poem acted as my inspiration into the collage. Everything begins in a garden. An eye, mirror of the soul, beholds the beauty of the flowers that issue from the heart in the center. Flowers are grateful for the sun, the soil, the rain and they spontaneously and freely bloom. The garden starts with a seed. We nurture it into being. When I see a flower I thank it for its beauty, for its being. When I see a field of corn I thank it for its sacrifice to feed. When I see a person acting out of the kindness of their heart and helping someone I am moved to appreciate that they are acting out of love. The butterfly is a symbol of transformation, joy and beauty. But did you see that the heart is half buried in what appears to be rock and mud? Life is messy. You don't get a fertile garden with blooms without digging, without getting dirty, without the struggle of mud, but that experience will make that future moment of wonder ever more sweet. In this instance the mud is a sacred vessel. Darkness is needed as surely as is the Light. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqqE5zIP01NhPkcT8IF1CQuCQITU2Sqe4WKdRx_3hCIJ67u7zzIZeywOfMhB1Q5qzV_Av-YWxKJNlXPTA0ow8jOnmGzMBgBL4PQUetrl9a0dXvvnZJ_Yo_F_GHAyaaq-Otu-jB6b-YIRi/s2048/92829EF5-9FEA-4202-AD63-B9E7B650B0A6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqqE5zIP01NhPkcT8IF1CQuCQITU2Sqe4WKdRx_3hCIJ67u7zzIZeywOfMhB1Q5qzV_Av-YWxKJNlXPTA0ow8jOnmGzMBgBL4PQUetrl9a0dXvvnZJ_Yo_F_GHAyaaq-Otu-jB6b-YIRi/w480-h640/92829EF5-9FEA-4202-AD63-B9E7B650B0A6.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p>Isn't gratitude more about learning to see and feel with your heart and responding in kind authentically and spontaneously rather than with what your mind believes is the correct response which is always going to be measured with reason in some way? </p><p>Klotz then writes after asking you to thoroughly delve into gratitude to then look around you for the smallest things to be thankful for, "This pathway is not a matter of business, of give and take. It's the sign of a heart that remembers Unity." To be truly thankful is to recognize that we are all connected. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigb5JsRpkzU6_VrTXj9L5osHoYIzkBcwmntYdca7KgLw9e28wtAFM15syN2KLgIOC4t_3a4HzNRsGn_knrV-nODzR1VnIzLsYKNxe_FtVc5YdiWray-FiSOzQmni3L93X4I7-3U_Zwt9wC/s2048/E5947F78-188B-4E63-8AB4-F1C1F868133E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigb5JsRpkzU6_VrTXj9L5osHoYIzkBcwmntYdca7KgLw9e28wtAFM15syN2KLgIOC4t_3a4HzNRsGn_knrV-nODzR1VnIzLsYKNxe_FtVc5YdiWray-FiSOzQmni3L93X4I7-3U_Zwt9wC/w480-h640/E5947F78-188B-4E63-8AB4-F1C1F868133E.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p>If "<i>each individual being is really a verse of the "sacred manuscript of nature" </i>the "Mother of the Book" which all traditions descend from, then Love is surely the one thing they all have in common. Love is the source. What would this world look like if we All followed our hearts song? If we All loved ourselves and were grateful for this life to the extent that we lived without fear? If we All planted seeds rather than throwing weed killer on our own or another's dreams? If we simply allowed every being to Be what they intended, without judgement, without comment, without strings attached? That would be true gratitude, creating an environment of acknowledgement and acceptance, heart centered Unity. Stop looking for the thorns. Flowers follow light, what if we did too? Gratitude is shown through the actions we take in response to kindness, and we receive so very much more than we even realize. </p><p> On this new moon go within, plant a seed, set your heart centered intention, and give thanks, true thanks. The Lions gate asks us to allow freely the life that wishes to be expressed through us. If you followed your heart, no matter what, where would it lead you? Be Grateful. Be Brave. Be Confident. Be Light. Be Love. Believe.</p><p>And thank you for reading and seeing me. I see, hear and am grateful for you. </p><p>Bright Blessings. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Noelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00182591853923154086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1485810815142472014.post-89764432003006093892021-07-21T15:40:00.000-04:002021-07-21T15:40:07.912-04:00Journey through the Major Arcana<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58JXJZygCeQGreqN1luoHQhSTpa-EwTLSwUQiJ9UVMEk0zhOCVwUX7jpjhlHaPLVhNkSqsfJqSnjANFaPLB67fv_7dEu-eGMTGuPI-a-GQtJh1qxlUoPJ-PaJEpBT2eR3-vtgXh1X6Dkt/s2048/EC9CC2FC-3622-41EB-A889-3663F4D1FCB8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1784" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58JXJZygCeQGreqN1luoHQhSTpa-EwTLSwUQiJ9UVMEk0zhOCVwUX7jpjhlHaPLVhNkSqsfJqSnjANFaPLB67fv_7dEu-eGMTGuPI-a-GQtJh1qxlUoPJ-PaJEpBT2eR3-vtgXh1X6Dkt/w558-h640/EC9CC2FC-3622-41EB-A889-3663F4D1FCB8.jpeg" width="558" /></a></div><p> The Major Arcana of the tarot are those cards that represent the major themes in our lives, those threads that seem to weave in and out, those life lessons that seem to repeat themselves until we pay attention and make changes to transform them. They represent the structures we build the foundations of our consciousness upon. There are 22 major arcana cards starting with 0- The Fool, the journey begins and ending with the 21st card- The World, completion. </p><p> A friend invited me to explore tarot through the medium of art collage with her. So, we have embarked on this deep dive into the cards together. We each create a collage and share the images and sometimes the meanings with each other. It has proven to be a significant practice, one that has brought a renewed sense of meaning and connectedness to the cards. It's fascinating to see the images take shape, the messages uncovered, the Creative at work. In this post I will share the collages I have created for The Empress, The Emperor and The Hierophant. I used The Gilded Tarot, one of my favorite decks, as my guide on this journey and added pieces of the card photocopied into each collage. </p><p> <b> The Empress</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JDi9PwVNY5mu2NyHVXr2exErAR1g6itJKjgp992mJjNa1dfAbPq_RU-ZPW-_3K2BNBok0EQAd3547jAY2LJQmwRJJkaqCr5Lx2M1NIcok8nq2YA6-lm3axlY6yxmYQOp3u0B7hWdTxun/s2048/IMG_2046.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1338" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JDi9PwVNY5mu2NyHVXr2exErAR1g6itJKjgp992mJjNa1dfAbPq_RU-ZPW-_3K2BNBok0EQAd3547jAY2LJQmwRJJkaqCr5Lx2M1NIcok8nq2YA6-lm3axlY6yxmYQOp3u0B7hWdTxun/w418-h640/IMG_2046.jpg" width="418" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is a seductiveness about the Empress, an underlying passion. The necklace lies open to reveal the beauty of creation beneath the surface. Infinite possibilities, creativity, what is moving you to create? What are you passionate about it whispers. The pear is a feminine fruit that represents fertility and Divine sustenance. The Empress is a mother archetype, she nurtures. The figs, again are symbols of the Feminine and the womb, a vessel, and speaks to the seeds of inspiration we hold inside and nurture into manifestation. But this is also an "earthy" card, it is telling us to experience life fully with our bodies and our senses. Eat a juicy pear mindfully, fully in the moment, and celebrate it as the gift that it truly is...this is living with passion. What in your life brings you this same experience? What creative projects are you nurturing within? Give them time, nourishment and attention. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <b>The Emperor </b><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVZ6K_wDzdb_6ixGRZktmXRNGYN9bCbrzCycdwt1ccjFpl8VX5BCe7m3pmoOZjntAuu0KZzm8fvFEXRZAaIpmvzOEjxs0TysDlXDDDUOV3QOVzTA5LstcG7JGFKR9rtOIXITdQvgW8qNf/s2048/IMG_2100.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1322" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVZ6K_wDzdb_6ixGRZktmXRNGYN9bCbrzCycdwt1ccjFpl8VX5BCe7m3pmoOZjntAuu0KZzm8fvFEXRZAaIpmvzOEjxs0TysDlXDDDUOV3QOVzTA5LstcG7JGFKR9rtOIXITdQvgW8qNf/w414-h640/IMG_2100.JPG" width="414" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Whereas the Empress is more concerned with what we are nurturing within, the Emperor is more practical and deals with our outward physical actions. Like this athlete he is driven by his passion to succeed. An athlete must prepare himself physically in order to achieve his goals so he creates a plan of action. An athlete must create a balanced method of exercise, diet and rest, creating an environment that will help him to both succeed and strengthen his body for the physical challenges to come. What kind of environment have you created in your day to day life? Does it support your dreams and aspirations? Or does it put obstacles in your way? Life takes effort so do whatever it takes to create an environment that supports you fully.</div><div><br /></div><b>The Hierophant </b><div><b><br /></b><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ItI3mTzJl49aVpe4Tdv6L-32b4-xmVNIrLZhG4bx12CiHVE5J-ABaXk0x9RxR719XAq2EAmnXLCnwa0qdPtb8FC3L_5gb99ho-n0-MWU4abYqxnrfCumKFB8N6LR37I88udZpH9EKhE2/s2048/E6F9A582-B8EA-4C71-936C-7A28307E5E72.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ItI3mTzJl49aVpe4Tdv6L-32b4-xmVNIrLZhG4bx12CiHVE5J-ABaXk0x9RxR719XAq2EAmnXLCnwa0qdPtb8FC3L_5gb99ho-n0-MWU4abYqxnrfCumKFB8N6LR37I88udZpH9EKhE2/w480-h640/E6F9A582-B8EA-4C71-936C-7A28307E5E72.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><b> </b></div><div><b> </b>To be honest, in the beginning I struggled with this tarot card just as I struggle (and always have) with the concept of anything remotely connected to the patriarchy and organized religion. In preparing for collage I start with an intention and then I start combing magazines for images and start tearing. These images were what stood out for me. Wisdom and knowledge exist within our universe and the Hierophant represents how we relate to that wisdom physically and spiritually and how we share that understanding. We are asked to acknowledge and respect these teachings and to ultimately create something of beauty and usefulness with it in our own lives. </div><div> It is no surprise that I came away with an image of a garden which to me is a representation of "All that Is." It is also a symbol of what a person may create that encompasses both beauty and the spiritual. The Hierophant does suggest that we should not blindly follow traditions/religions. What is truth to you? What is in your heart? Nature, the Divine Feminine, is in my heart and encompasses my personal beliefs system...respect for the Earth and all sentient beings. I have spent a lifetime questioning authority and have come to the conclusion that 'My' authority is the only one that I can follow. If I discover a truth within another tradition and it resonates within me, then I will accept it. But, this is a two way street, we must allow and respect each others right to our own beliefs. Here in lies my problem with the patriarchy- the idea that all must conform and strictly adhere to a narrow minded system that does not embrace the belief that all beings are truly equal and free to live. </div><div> I can see beauty in all religions, the common belief within most is "Love". And that should be "love...period." Religion that condemns or puts conditions on "love" is not based on love. Love is all encompassing, it may not be confined. True love is freeing but with strings attached it is confining and restrictive, thus not love but rather control. Follow your heart in all things. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div></div></div>Noelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00182591853923154086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1485810815142472014.post-52920367609188854152021-04-30T10:48:00.004-04:002021-04-30T10:48:41.235-04:00Spring, A Reminder of Just How Beautiful Change Tastes <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnHnUpx8bXaCt_QWv27q29HjNOtkxCoc-1O12WMr1QhJx8-bpSVz6jvK_H1q2Wp9hWuElanzyEL-aUzCgBgzDkaUS5QzSWGvA_hOeJg0l2ozKp3lLMYyzOSy2Q16-deF1tVb6GGCZ_CfM/s2048/0DC7135C-4378-41CC-87C1-010A428A75C5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnHnUpx8bXaCt_QWv27q29HjNOtkxCoc-1O12WMr1QhJx8-bpSVz6jvK_H1q2Wp9hWuElanzyEL-aUzCgBgzDkaUS5QzSWGvA_hOeJg0l2ozKp3lLMYyzOSy2Q16-deF1tVb6GGCZ_CfM/w480-h640/0DC7135C-4378-41CC-87C1-010A428A75C5.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p> Is it the vividness of bright green leaves or the blush on trees just before they bud, or perhaps the star bursts of color pushing upwards through the brown left-over detritus of winter that sparks the eye and fills the heart with happiness and yes, even glee after months of monotone landscape? Spring at last, Spring at last! My eyes and heart thirsty for color, for life, for change drink deeply of this richness, drink of it deeply into my Soul, into my Bones, and into my Being. I flit from flower to flower sipping sweet nectar from Daffodils, plunge my nose into Lilacs like a Bee, and hover above the Tulips as a Hummingbird surveying all of her delicious choices. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DV5LbpVw-CRCMLfV5nY-OaGZ0kF6SXqkGL63FMSMRnYwjn5zdZEdxQGkDCbJNtcQBr7u7Vg_3905Ebxbf1-3bTncLMrJ72ZgP4mdZzWJKjIXY3YB98QSx1HZbQvMyufU_E0feBqmiyDy/s2048/17C33A10-C734-419D-853F-D80676F4E52B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1485" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DV5LbpVw-CRCMLfV5nY-OaGZ0kF6SXqkGL63FMSMRnYwjn5zdZEdxQGkDCbJNtcQBr7u7Vg_3905Ebxbf1-3bTncLMrJ72ZgP4mdZzWJKjIXY3YB98QSx1HZbQvMyufU_E0feBqmiyDy/w464-h640/17C33A10-C734-419D-853F-D80676F4E52B.jpeg" title="Lilacs Wegerzyn Park" width="464" /></a></div><p> The Spring landscape, a smorgasbord laid abundantly before us, beckons us to delight in the beauty of change, of new possibilities, of a newness of form. Rise up out of your winter den and cast off your layers, shed your old skin, stretch your limbs, rub the sleepy seeds from your eyes and plant them all in the fertile soil of all things new. Yesterday has been laid to rest in the soil. Today is for nurturing the seedling that is in front of you. Tomorrow, who knows, so just revel and delight in the beauty before you today... </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TCctQd2f0gTHA3BoiBgf0ws-LcY-TQxknWxyT2In-jei44S5c2vmN5GIFce52WmooIz9DvGAULXj8U5OAAOhFTtZ5t4THMwsh4Tk6LgYiXhTX-QizX7xs7Kaf7UOdXNiVJ2TGIqkzEw3/s2048/5CF3AA23-A6CF-46D0-8859-08CE845AC9E1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TCctQd2f0gTHA3BoiBgf0ws-LcY-TQxknWxyT2In-jei44S5c2vmN5GIFce52WmooIz9DvGAULXj8U5OAAOhFTtZ5t4THMwsh4Tk6LgYiXhTX-QizX7xs7Kaf7UOdXNiVJ2TGIqkzEw3/w480-h640/5CF3AA23-A6CF-46D0-8859-08CE845AC9E1.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLbS0-qWSfqrCG9_va2t2IHR3xBCQ9etEmtJEvoewaEA87JxYkXu0wUzKZj7IkQ5SfI69941CWjt8uLjiXb03xDAPJYq7ncKrkXiI278HMQZgLvT9uaycnmt9_uD3NT_BxNhFJHA_IoIX/s2048/72D9B9BF-BEA6-402D-A0A7-6FA40D3BF96F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLbS0-qWSfqrCG9_va2t2IHR3xBCQ9etEmtJEvoewaEA87JxYkXu0wUzKZj7IkQ5SfI69941CWjt8uLjiXb03xDAPJYq7ncKrkXiI278HMQZgLvT9uaycnmt9_uD3NT_BxNhFJHA_IoIX/w480-h640/72D9B9BF-BEA6-402D-A0A7-6FA40D3BF96F.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ3nd4d1zLv7InnQ28vs1ZSImLeiiFwjxuLpUh8RMKeiIjXxhABkXhyF6PoVLou9QqXGMHAILYNHWt4PU4oRhelMGmogwV21XfExMmUSDLVS72sN7oG1ut4aHrHcBHAmGhQDjisJB_LKBN/s2048/86FDB169-D331-4593-A0B3-F26C1244705E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ3nd4d1zLv7InnQ28vs1ZSImLeiiFwjxuLpUh8RMKeiIjXxhABkXhyF6PoVLou9QqXGMHAILYNHWt4PU4oRhelMGmogwV21XfExMmUSDLVS72sN7oG1ut4aHrHcBHAmGhQDjisJB_LKBN/w480-h640/86FDB169-D331-4593-A0B3-F26C1244705E.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwV8p5KMS8zOQmYwWokWAG1rOFVqSp6L1qSD07yoy_xkjpy6VEHLxdj-rICxoknQEfRER-rwknkBtvC_hPJQoddQCaWdnXrUktfm21aRodUlRKP8AR_HSXNHVvbMa2OXa72fp2_rtLrhLV/w480-h640/CB6EB3D7-A02E-400A-994E-C168FDA0BA3C.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEv6GmiH1A_TfVUVubOEzVZVysQIx6WW6sMh4NCOhsGgCSIr0bdtYSc3UO84qPWhsTBUBLCI4bgRt4nvZtgMnKCypIBKVVErq1ttwQ831EvkWhQ_rQRFlECA6Te_R8LMpmTlgTfWP3E_pQ/s2048/D69E6551-FFFF-47C3-9639-5BC654472999.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEv6GmiH1A_TfVUVubOEzVZVysQIx6WW6sMh4NCOhsGgCSIr0bdtYSc3UO84qPWhsTBUBLCI4bgRt4nvZtgMnKCypIBKVVErq1ttwQ831EvkWhQ_rQRFlECA6Te_R8LMpmTlgTfWP3E_pQ/w480-h640/D69E6551-FFFF-47C3-9639-5BC654472999.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p> Photographs taken at area parks including Cox Arboretum, Smith Memorial Park, Wegerzyn Metropark, and the Grotto at the Old Soldiers Home. </p><p> Immerse in the newness of this beautiful Spring day!</p><p> Blessings </p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p> </p>Noelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00182591853923154086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1485810815142472014.post-72302741594440658772021-03-13T08:18:00.000-05:002021-03-13T08:18:27.366-05:00In The Beginning<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECDGJkCyILGB5AqMOH11-PNrlvxtu9HpNf9TXuaAfGLtiGzBoFPlImuS_XyG51_REgzFeZT1SzCoEWtRxjXTg1sTW7_aPSDvLJzvfyfkr4C9R7utQLEsuJzilJ_28KzD8KUiIThHFOANl/s2048/C44EB1D3-8CBF-46FC-A849-B85620159E3B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1535" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECDGJkCyILGB5AqMOH11-PNrlvxtu9HpNf9TXuaAfGLtiGzBoFPlImuS_XyG51_REgzFeZT1SzCoEWtRxjXTg1sTW7_aPSDvLJzvfyfkr4C9R7utQLEsuJzilJ_28KzD8KUiIThHFOANl/w480-h640/C44EB1D3-8CBF-46FC-A849-B85620159E3B.jpeg" title="The fools journey" width="480" /></a></div><p> A dear friend recently asked if I would be open to exploring the tarot through the medium of collage and of course I said Yes! Art, and collage in particular, invites a conversation, one that speaks to us through symbolism and archetypal voices. The process and expression ultimately leads to a deeper understanding of ourselves. Our unconscious is given voice, our soul speaks to us, and if we are willing and open we can reach a new understanding through the message being offered. Carl Jung had this to say about symbols;</p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><i> “Because there are innumerable things beyond the range of human understanding, we constantly use symbolic terms to represent concepts that we cannot define or fully comprehend. This is one reason why all religions employ symbolic language or images. But this conscious use of symbols is only one aspect of a psychological fact of great importance: Man also produces symbols unconsciously and spontaneously, in the form of dreams.”</i> From Man & His Symbols.</span></p><p> So like the collages I have been creating for each <i>Sufi Book of Life-99 Pathways of the Heart </i>project (check out other posts on this blog for that journey), I spend time contemplating each tarot card and then pull images that speak to me. I am using <i>The Gilded Tarot, </i>one of my favorite decks, as a starting off point. I take a photo copy of the card, cut out a piece of the image and include it in my collage. On the back side are words, thoughts, added images. I have quite a few decks of tarot cards but this one in particular has always been my go to. The book is by Barbara Moore and is through Llewellyn Worldwide, 2004. The incredible artwork is by Ciro Marchetti.</p><p> If you are not familiar with tarot it is a deck of 78 cards used in divination practice. Each card represents a point of your journey. Each card offers insight into your physical experience and into your spiritual path. The tarot is broken into sections; the major arcana which includes 22 cards which is also referred to as <i>The Fool's Journey, "a journey of self-development and spiritual growth"; </i>next is the minor arcana. The word <i>arcana </i>means "secrets." These 56 cards are broken into 4 suits like playing cards- W<i>ands</i> which equal clubs, C<i>ups</i> which equal hearts, S<i>words </i>which equal spades and P<i>entacles</i> which equal diamonds. Each suit deals with a particular element and the aspects of our lives that each represents. <i>Wands </i>represent fire or air and deal with inspiration, career, and any projects we may be working on. <i>Cups, </i>water element, deal with our emotions, relationships and creativity. <i>Swords, </i>these represent challenges and how we think. <i>Pentacles,</i> representing the earth element, deals with the physical world, money and our personal resources.<i> </i>The minor arcana, in each suit, includes the ace through ten and has four additional court cards; the page, the Knight, Queen and King. Each numbered card relates to an area of life while the court cards bring in the people that share our lives, as well as ourselves referred to as the querent, or an aspect of our self. As I make my way through the deck I will offer further insight into each card and its possible meanings. </p><p> While I'll not be using the tarot in its usual way which is to ask questions, divine, or seek guidance, I will be meditating upon each card and sharing the collages and insights. A great deal of tarot reading is intuition based, one can use the meanings in the book as a guide but ultimately it is what the individual interprets the message to be personally. So let the journey begin...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqvdn2LgYq3REjEgeNglsURnw5-6SJvf81r4tFw-jmdHUlO5bZZxt9GOjGJsGLDZknqw_dEgzTDdX2d_QUDS0Vs9OOA_yGpST181Wk7CFX5BB_TEtjeI3gQ4jpBcVMv_KCslY4d0ft2ds/s2048/41526BEA-553E-4AD5-BED3-3D3E66AD361B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqvdn2LgYq3REjEgeNglsURnw5-6SJvf81r4tFw-jmdHUlO5bZZxt9GOjGJsGLDZknqw_dEgzTDdX2d_QUDS0Vs9OOA_yGpST181Wk7CFX5BB_TEtjeI3gQ4jpBcVMv_KCslY4d0ft2ds/w480-h640/41526BEA-553E-4AD5-BED3-3D3E66AD361B.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p> 0-<i>The Fool, </i>that first all important step, the beginning of the journey, that moment when everything is possible, we are enthusiastic and perhaps impatient to get underway. It's the proverbial "taking a leap of faith" moment. Pick a path. Be enthusiastic. Be open to the new. Be courageous. Be prepared. Be mindful. Take a risk but don't be fool hardy, don't knowingly put yourself in harms way. </p><p> The images wishing to be used came to me fairly fast and furiously, I was just ripping and tearing my way through magazines and it was fun. I felt enthusiastic and gleeful to be starting this new art journey, just as I would be setting off on a physical journey. The collage came together quickly as well. The figures in my piece are off kilter, leaning in and leaning over, a little fool hearty perhaps but to my mind playful. The motorcycle and side car represents an unconventional mode of making one's way on the road of life. Personally I totally get that, I've never been conventional or a conformist. The road leading into an unknown destination disappears into the mountains which are cloaked in clouds but the sun is shining high above. The open road appears to drive straight into the clouds and mountain peaks. The 'Fool' balances upon one toe atop the helmeted head of the driver. The Fool is juggling the signs of the zodiac. The artist of the 'fool' image said that it represents all of our possible personality traits and the not knowing of what we will end up with... but who cares he lives in the moment! This speaks to me of our ability to reinvent ourselves. Many of us do so so many times in our lives. </p><p> Looking at the rock formation in the foreground it looks like a face, quite unintentionally, which appears rather amused. A hiker is leaning far over the edge at the top. Perhaps he is considering a leap of faith and is 'looking before he leaps'. There is always a reminder with the 'fool' card that one needs to be wary of reckless behavior. Its good to task risks but don't be careless and/or foolhardy. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_yYV-rFt9dooGba_V-Bf4CiKwO9kPLDQgWDGIo3CLBDF-qty_QRCg7tBftR0l8Xb_cbOrirFMohJtyHGfoifvfLDTcyawawtqK_859ns9HL-kcOdHdDfz3UcQzAtiVXady9oLpX7w2uH/s2048/C366E617-7D4E-4A81-8E61-EEF9FAE1EBB6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_yYV-rFt9dooGba_V-Bf4CiKwO9kPLDQgWDGIo3CLBDF-qty_QRCg7tBftR0l8Xb_cbOrirFMohJtyHGfoifvfLDTcyawawtqK_859ns9HL-kcOdHdDfz3UcQzAtiVXady9oLpX7w2uH/w480-h640/C366E617-7D4E-4A81-8E61-EEF9FAE1EBB6.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /> Remember to live life playfully, have fun, climb those mountains and see what you can see. Taking a risk can be the first step to all sorts of new discoveries and possibilities, and new adventures. And right now I just happen to be setting off on a new venture...to be announced in the near future. <p></p><p> On the back of the collage I included words that are intentional for this card like inspiration and discovery. On my own path I have 'heard the call' and 'let the path lead me'.<span> The sand dollar is a symbol of renewal, the promise of a new day, a new start, A postcard hints at future destinations. The journey begins...</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRRDvzU7Ias8mnjlJXZvcsCp5MbfA6VIDVLtqwaQdVh0aY_n_fob-WKTcKCvqhd3UWNDN8y5mdEmk4s29qias1H5W0Z8xDG624vN2G-LqIcWR-JnkisLYFYkHdIN0_qvahfwkMu4ILKtMR/s2048/4EE5D88F-7EDA-4A7C-9E73-9812CF1FA839.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1520" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRRDvzU7Ias8mnjlJXZvcsCp5MbfA6VIDVLtqwaQdVh0aY_n_fob-WKTcKCvqhd3UWNDN8y5mdEmk4s29qias1H5W0Z8xDG624vN2G-LqIcWR-JnkisLYFYkHdIN0_qvahfwkMu4ILKtMR/w476-h640/4EE5D88F-7EDA-4A7C-9E73-9812CF1FA839.jpeg" width="476" /></a></div><p></p><p> A mysterious man peers at you from the next card, the 1- Magician, he is intense and focused. He is a master of his craft, fully aware of his responsibilities and of just how powerful his will is. He understands the laws of the Universe, of cause and effect. Using the elements and his intent he can makes thing happen. This a card that tells you that you can accomplish anything if you focus your attention and put in the work. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkV4avMwIE2oeMRWzhqR7QgAyVldIHKDYu5cKYMclx_FfApjzMNvH-7aghJBeHvNNWHWMUattySO7p3f6x0y9BEA5sr3dSue0KKjJ-FsgLdvHFv5CdtTXXES-rwotsAVzU_grSyRVp2Yq1/s2048/C0007BC6-F85B-4823-8B06-53C2F49D87AA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1301" data-original-width="2048" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkV4avMwIE2oeMRWzhqR7QgAyVldIHKDYu5cKYMclx_FfApjzMNvH-7aghJBeHvNNWHWMUattySO7p3f6x0y9BEA5sr3dSue0KKjJ-FsgLdvHFv5CdtTXXES-rwotsAVzU_grSyRVp2Yq1/w640-h406/C0007BC6-F85B-4823-8B06-53C2F49D87AA.jpeg" title="The Magician" width="640" /></a></div><p> The images I used to express the intense energy of the Magician in my own life begins with fire in the center, which looks rather like a key hole. For me it represents the fire of inspiration which unlocks my creativity. As 'hearth' is my word for the year, it takes on a special meaning as a keeper of the flame.</p><p> In my writing I am always striving to improve my skills. Writing is a discipline. I first have to show up and sometimes that is the hardest step of all. Frequently when I write I feel like words appear like magic. I seem to wake up and when I reread the words that came out of me I wonder where they came from. Elizabeth Gilbert writes about this phenomenon in her book <i>"Big Magic", </i>and how she believes that story ideas come to a writer, whispering in their ear, asking them to bring them to life, and then the download begins. Will you honor the gift? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKw3_FHdFFQsbBRLEu61rl1eTnD2UIU5A927CBLWUsR_E4I-wvHCJZwTasDJWkhzsGYLFq97sPr5R8W5SwPPArN9iN7KjoBgGH1RAIU9H6PzWctxRc34iZhLQQay-1U3MQOPnhrscsa9V1/s2048/4B6247C2-4B6A-49A9-B244-A6D686774609.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKw3_FHdFFQsbBRLEu61rl1eTnD2UIU5A927CBLWUsR_E4I-wvHCJZwTasDJWkhzsGYLFq97sPr5R8W5SwPPArN9iN7KjoBgGH1RAIU9H6PzWctxRc34iZhLQQay-1U3MQOPnhrscsa9V1/w480-h640/4B6247C2-4B6A-49A9-B244-A6D686774609.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p> Finally the compass symbolizes following ones path. As long as you have a compass you have a certain degree of safety, it grounds us to the earth which is needed when we work with Magicians magic. </p><p> On the reverse side I used an art paper with words as the background to further honor writing as craft. A bell tolls communicating a message that asks you to pay attention, focus and dedicate yourself to your craft. Bells have long been symbols of communication, peace, the arrival of spirit, or the beginning or ending of a cycle. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lD93nfFx_A4Zp6mokbVcIiI-guVvQan5V9lg5NXX94erF6txCuY7hu_DLIfAAjIBIH6j_OCSVF9ZAp4ySXXquBqo8PK8nk4C979dgqs2-QjFwF99iAe4lZE8NlhN5uaBHNs_IAxV3ial/s2048/7C960B8D-2A9C-4C88-96EE-BB35FD557048.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1251" data-original-width="2048" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lD93nfFx_A4Zp6mokbVcIiI-guVvQan5V9lg5NXX94erF6txCuY7hu_DLIfAAjIBIH6j_OCSVF9ZAp4ySXXquBqo8PK8nk4C979dgqs2-QjFwF99iAe4lZE8NlhN5uaBHNs_IAxV3ial/w640-h390/7C960B8D-2A9C-4C88-96EE-BB35FD557048.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p> I felt led to include a sigil, a magical symbol, to seal the magicians wisdom.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxAKxJSwfGykTrN4qTkA7CC3O-jFe1JL5QR-t_dO1lt6bqrbL19ig4Pvnm2h7lHipr-NZKhvCZdUp0Npc4HrLIgnJcxvAEZOGqvrfwJNxwuSCRqWe0oT4y-es5S3aojb_aJlYh1QRFUCz/s2048/3F7C58FA-A8AA-4A38-838A-BD0605164C41.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1417" data-original-width="2048" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxAKxJSwfGykTrN4qTkA7CC3O-jFe1JL5QR-t_dO1lt6bqrbL19ig4Pvnm2h7lHipr-NZKhvCZdUp0Npc4HrLIgnJcxvAEZOGqvrfwJNxwuSCRqWe0oT4y-es5S3aojb_aJlYh1QRFUCz/w640-h442/3F7C58FA-A8AA-4A38-838A-BD0605164C41.jpeg" title="The High Priestess" width="640" /></a></div><p> 2- The High Priestess, floats above our subconscious, represented by water, above a bed of sea kelp. Sea kelp, come to find out, is a symbol of the deeper aspects of our Self, that which lies below the surface. She is the unknown, the intuitive, introspective, self reflective, and her message at times may contradict reason. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1tYb74kNy6-bhmDGQ5Ajy_5ze3xDUaBSFeNzJZrVkSWCgfb1ymFW4jMu6CODOaQdUcdvPw9sR7zZSgluDMIZpaG8Q9ZUtP5wIR7Lnv_EK3Kv4M7y5PWxTvGIW2A6YqinQvQgSHxMWTBl/s2048/4F5C9B53-5C9B-4E55-8AB2-CC7CC884B5C7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1tYb74kNy6-bhmDGQ5Ajy_5ze3xDUaBSFeNzJZrVkSWCgfb1ymFW4jMu6CODOaQdUcdvPw9sR7zZSgluDMIZpaG8Q9ZUtP5wIR7Lnv_EK3Kv4M7y5PWxTvGIW2A6YqinQvQgSHxMWTBl/w480-h640/4F5C9B53-5C9B-4E55-8AB2-CC7CC884B5C7.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p> The High Priestess is usually depicted between the two pillars of Solomon's Temple, Jachin the Pillar of Establishment on the right and Boaz on the left the Pillar of Strength...why? The original pillars represented opposing forces and were cast in brass or bronze representing the Sun, a masculine aspect. Chapiters, the uppermost parts of the columns, were decorated with carvings of pomegranates and lilies, both of which are symbols of fertility and power. Pomegranates for death. Lilies rebirth. And on top of these were large bowls one of which held water and the other fire. The pillar of establishment represents Divine Man, while strength the Earthly Man. Solomon's temple was the resting place of God, "a restored Eden". The pillars are representative of a gateway. All of this strikes me as yet another example of the domination of the patriarchy over the Feminine. There is no true balance in a temple that favors only one side.</p><p> So in my collage the High Priestess floats between two natural pillars of tufa stone, tufa being a variety of limestone, which holds healing and purifying properties. Limestone is grounding. Atop these earthly columns are white lilies representing a rejuvenation of the Divine Feminine, the Mother aspect. The landscape beyond-the sky, the mountains, the water, inspire awe and respect. A balance must be reached in order for their to be a truly "restored Eden", an Eden of the spiritual body in bliss, a balance between the Sacred Masculine and the Divine Feminine.</p><p> Ultimately there are different ways of knowing. Only you can make the choice between following reason, your intellect or your intuition. She holds the mystery, she inspires. She will lead you into your depths. The answers to all of your questions are within. You must listen and then take action. When you honor Her you honor your Self.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxrq9xo5jK5KdGV9lZTz9jRa7u_LJh5rVJpGv9ymj_hyphenhyphenY9JHQTJuuVX3jF_ol7J1E21tTQpDNdsQZXprmXSNPuAZCPDldBePxl939q6IsQcXzvpXelA_9gbiFOvk-9Vw6lSZ7iP9gSEh1/s2048/E36F565A-55BE-4AE5-AB85-86B9E4EA3C14.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="2048" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxrq9xo5jK5KdGV9lZTz9jRa7u_LJh5rVJpGv9ymj_hyphenhyphenY9JHQTJuuVX3jF_ol7J1E21tTQpDNdsQZXprmXSNPuAZCPDldBePxl939q6IsQcXzvpXelA_9gbiFOvk-9Vw6lSZ7iP9gSEh1/w640-h416/E36F565A-55BE-4AE5-AB85-86B9E4EA3C14.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p> On the reverse sea kelp insinuates itself around the Universe, the zodiac spiraling in the night sky as stars. Knowing, Introspection. Inspiration. Self-Reflection. All points that are so important to our journey of "Knowing Yourself". I encourage you to explore your world, your Self ever more deeply in these times of great change. Blessings.</p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Noelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00182591853923154086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1485810815142472014.post-19258401065505527902021-02-09T12:43:00.000-05:002021-02-09T12:43:33.749-05:00Looking Through A Holey Stone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-yhoz9xoX79PTr7LKDQum3LHIeywpMC9BM-Afi-ucxwLSUp0Y995eKECxQC0-mUBjMbGpxzcWWQxDdT3yiZrslYcL5yhzrHanNGXUPSpK2OrMsAIHcr02OBjNJ76RyMWdrYczNXtBupf/s2048/958ACB00-47FB-45C4-A187-697C40C30AB1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1707" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-yhoz9xoX79PTr7LKDQum3LHIeywpMC9BM-Afi-ucxwLSUp0Y995eKECxQC0-mUBjMbGpxzcWWQxDdT3yiZrslYcL5yhzrHanNGXUPSpK2OrMsAIHcr02OBjNJ76RyMWdrYczNXtBupf/w534-h640/958ACB00-47FB-45C4-A187-697C40C30AB1.jpeg" title="Mom, Noel and Mark on a Cape Cod beach in the late 60s." width="534" /></a></div><p class="yiv4637568794ydp1e55ab69MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> In a childhood photograph my Mother walks on a beach with her arms full of wind-dried sea grasses. With her gentle smile and her tousled blond curls peeking out from the hood of her coat, she exudes an aura of relaxed vitality. My brother and I, bundled in coats and hats, cheeks rosy pink from the wind, lead the way that day upon that wide, empty beach. I can still hear the seagulls screaming above the thundering surf of the Atlantic, feel the sharp wind slap, taste the salt on my lips. My pockets were assuredly filled with treasures; seashells, pebbles and bits of driftwood all polished smooth by the sea. And I remember how the ocean made me feel wide inside, open and wild, free and alive but also inextricably connected. </p><p class="yiv4637568794ydp1e55ab69MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> Mother loved to tell us stories of her childhood especially her early years growing up on the ocean; of being a mariner scout or when she and Grandpa were rescued by the Coast Guard one fateful fishing trip. She would look out to sea with a wistful look in her eyes and I’d look too, somehow understanding, as I slipped my hand into hers.</p><p class="yiv4637568794ydp1e55ab69MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> Shortly after her unexpected death I came upon a photograph snapped just six months earlier. For Mom’s birthday that year I had surprised her with a trip driving down the California coast. We had stopped to walk on a particularly lovely beach and before long our pockets were bulging. The wind off the Pacific was fierce that day. I turned to see Mom, broad smile on her face, standing with her arms extended wide looking as if she was about to take wing. “<i>You can fly,” </i>she shouted into the wind, <i>“Never forget, you can fly.” </i> And we laughed, clasped hands and walked on. Now wistfully I hold both photographs in my hands and whisper gratefully, “<i>I’ll never forget Mom, I’ll never forget.”</i></p><p class="yiv4637568794ydp1e55ab69MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i><br /></i></p><p class="yiv4637568794ydp1e55ab69MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDgP5Ex3JodHjIoHaIt2hEwjpbkys57IIh2htkgq1HDed1M_M_x6Bj2LC_fYaxKuPgN5OHbVR4SGu_Mp_hbF9tU1T82JpAB011-UYr23vYrUjmcAg0BiBOJQGLDUKE2SW0b02bZ0Om4OP/s768/9C05916C-C51F-42FA-BC3B-C2283B2A4753.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="706" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDgP5Ex3JodHjIoHaIt2hEwjpbkys57IIh2htkgq1HDed1M_M_x6Bj2LC_fYaxKuPgN5OHbVR4SGu_Mp_hbF9tU1T82JpAB011-UYr23vYrUjmcAg0BiBOJQGLDUKE2SW0b02bZ0Om4OP/w588-h640/9C05916C-C51F-42FA-BC3B-C2283B2A4753.jpeg" width="588" /></a></div><i><p class="yiv4637568794ydp1e55ab69MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i><br /></i></p> </i>My mind has been full of memories of the ocean these days. Funny my favorite time to be on the beach was actually in the winter. Alone without the crowds, the wind fiercely blowing, the beaches would be full of treasure washed and tossed on the beach by storms. I grew up on the beaches of New England and those of Southern California. I've walked beaches from Florida to the Gulf of Mexico, explored sea caves and tide pools, and collected so many shells, sea glass and stones and bits of driftwood, my treasures. <div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6pPNij-xQ0BvFlvm75zy3pIXr1kQ7PQ11K0Ev_mSTS7z1L_AdYWqDyYrnoAAKFK67xMm-ILhQoAoePW10Hp1bLJdJCFo88Lba1EwmgKbnu4kmJ_ptCnNlwb4b1mmn9NQ8dftmBB89-i5v/s960/11617175-5E63-41F2-9D5F-90C4216E473B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6pPNij-xQ0BvFlvm75zy3pIXr1kQ7PQ11K0Ev_mSTS7z1L_AdYWqDyYrnoAAKFK67xMm-ILhQoAoePW10Hp1bLJdJCFo88Lba1EwmgKbnu4kmJ_ptCnNlwb4b1mmn9NQ8dftmBB89-i5v/w480-h640/11617175-5E63-41F2-9D5F-90C4216E473B.jpeg" title="La Jolla Cove CA" width="480" /></a></div><div><p class="yiv4637568794ydp1e55ab69MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> One particular gift is a holey stone, a stone with a naturally occurring hole or holes caused by the force of water. Holey stones, also known as Hags stones or Odin Stones are rare to find so whenever we would come across one it was with great delight and excitement. Considered sacred they were worn around the neck or hung in your home for protection. If you looked through the holes at night it was believed you could see ethereal beings, or by day it would improve your eyesight. They were used for blessing water, healing and all sorts of magic. One favorite comes from the folklore of Papua, Indonesia where every year they would gather and feast in honor of the sacred holey stone;</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Xw4eUWOc7g4gO5cikWEbCEEzosTW3PUnnNNYh37idGq5yuclDmZOQiRHeZKwnps4wRtw4TY15XYPbM1sIXhVx9lliAlJSg_09noje4RlU2Md3B1iD40WXchPAzxfdtms3PictV1RL2dm/s2048/4F60ED44-12EA-43FB-A4FB-568D62B70715.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1939" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Xw4eUWOc7g4gO5cikWEbCEEzosTW3PUnnNNYh37idGq5yuclDmZOQiRHeZKwnps4wRtw4TY15XYPbM1sIXhVx9lliAlJSg_09noje4RlU2Md3B1iD40WXchPAzxfdtms3PictV1RL2dm/w606-h640/4F60ED44-12EA-43FB-A4FB-568D62B70715.jpeg" width="606" /></a></div><p class="yiv4637568794ydp1e55ab69MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> "...those who are distant become close, those who are apart become intimate, those who forget will remember, affection increases, love grows stronger, helping each other with no discrimination, being good then becomes natural." </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkl1kBOVybuoC1Y2SJtEGnjmYDogEIDspHLmAzgL6MQqw-ihsXtSCeUgsHPHMnRsE9DGF5lx1coq7boUA5FAnV1eBOwBn21a9SOSgw2Z8N_rfY2jBC5N59UjQk-LFpAF8gCsu5hDHvAdKF/s2048/483BC070-A816-472D-9EBE-631A57CFD585.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkl1kBOVybuoC1Y2SJtEGnjmYDogEIDspHLmAzgL6MQqw-ihsXtSCeUgsHPHMnRsE9DGF5lx1coq7boUA5FAnV1eBOwBn21a9SOSgw2Z8N_rfY2jBC5N59UjQk-LFpAF8gCsu5hDHvAdKF/w480-h640/483BC070-A816-472D-9EBE-631A57CFD585.jpeg" title="Looking through a holey stone..." width="480" /></a></div><p class="yiv4637568794ydp1e55ab69MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> Mom and I used to find them on one particular beach in Carlsbad, CA. We always found holey stones and sand dollars there by the breakwater. This is one of the smaller holey stones we found on our last trip. I've been thinking about the ocean as late perhaps spurred by writing a submission for a book, (later graciously rejected and shared above instead) but the ocean is never far from my mind. She calls to me even here in Ohio but I have surrounded myself with images of the sea and with my shell and coral collection. She is never far from my heart. When I am missing her especially I take up a shell and hold it to my ear to hear her voice. </p><p class="yiv4637568794ydp1e55ab69MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> I hold a lifetime of memories in my heart and Her waters and salt are held in my body and released in my tears. Shedding them I taste the salt on my lips again and <i>"those who are distant become close..."</i></p></div></div>Noelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00182591853923154086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1485810815142472014.post-8023186990408004312021-02-08T17:37:00.001-05:002021-02-08T17:37:40.738-05:00The Light of Forgiveness<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kLVMF5-vlBJRZPybodrHHMfpHR46cV8SZ1f9kmq3KQL2_RB9Y3TM8cWIvKhdRDOJ5W2ibs9iliit7Zz7_vLLMoHNi1h9v8pWoTNIYP8uUSZB6C8xMKFjSp1x4jrpdUt-HmGvVYnozPcb/s2048/F2873AF6-EF51-4EC7-A986-E3E63FA25D7B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kLVMF5-vlBJRZPybodrHHMfpHR46cV8SZ1f9kmq3KQL2_RB9Y3TM8cWIvKhdRDOJ5W2ibs9iliit7Zz7_vLLMoHNi1h9v8pWoTNIYP8uUSZB6C8xMKFjSp1x4jrpdUt-HmGvVYnozPcb/w480-h640/F2873AF6-EF51-4EC7-A986-E3E63FA25D7B.jpeg" title="Forgiveness of Light" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p> At this writing we are just in the 'dark of the moon' phase before Thursday's New Moon. The night sky is dark as there is no solar reflection off the face of the moon. Within three days a new crescent sliver will appear. Psychically this is a time ripe for inner retrospect, for deep listening. I usually find that I am tired mentally and physically and am instinctively introspective by this phase each month. Considering that we are also in a mercury retrograde I am especially so. It's time to honor and make space for extra rest, for journaling, and for spending time reviewing the past month. Somewhere under this veil of darkness there is something that unsettles me, something I need to hold and release. Holding on to it weakens me, so now is the time to circle round that wound casting it into the light of healing and forgiveness. </p><p> This particular pathway <i>The Forgiveness of Light, </i>#34,<i> </i>falls then at precisely the right time. Some years back I was inspired to collage my way through the<i> "Sufi Book of Life- 99 Pathways of the Heart for the Modern Dervish"</i> by Neil Douglas-Klotz. Through the expression of art I have experienced perhaps a deeper understanding and connection to the pathways more so then the years I spent reading them daily in my spiritual practice. Ever curious of symbols I find the hidden messages that speak through the images mystifying and always on point. I prepare for collage by asking for guidance and then pulling images that call to be used.</p><p> Why are we afraid of the dark? Because we don't know what is hiding there in the shadows waiting to jump out and scare us half to death, hurt us or worst case scenario, kill us. It's in our best interest to be cautious in the dark because the darkness is disorienting. When the power goes out in a storm we stumble about running into walls, stubbing our toes on the coffee table and tripping over the cat while we frantically search for a candle or flashlight to illuminate our path. But what if we stood still for a moment and allowed our eyes to get used to the dark? What if we allowed ourselves to be guided? What if we became so familiar with our surroundings that we knew exactly where the furniture was placed and how to navigate through our own rooms without sight? What if we learned to trust the darkness rather than fear it? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg041TuWHItmlaARvarYNo-v5OYGd_UvaEDrB8riwaLRJBjwxtSjVCI98rQQy8m1LXWEm01su8bbOVNq0YhAzI1SJHbHeclbsFw7Opa4IW68nRHAotnoM0KaIoy9NPe-B1OQeuroJ3z-YrG/s2048/016D854F-9C54-4343-92E9-73BCA78C91C4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="2048" height="613" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg041TuWHItmlaARvarYNo-v5OYGd_UvaEDrB8riwaLRJBjwxtSjVCI98rQQy8m1LXWEm01su8bbOVNq0YhAzI1SJHbHeclbsFw7Opa4IW68nRHAotnoM0KaIoy9NPe-B1OQeuroJ3z-YrG/w640-h613/016D854F-9C54-4343-92E9-73BCA78C91C4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p> I have an ancient wound, we all do. It hides in the dark and waits. It is deep. It is painful. It bleeds. It scabs over until life picks at it or tears the wound open causing it to bleed once again. The back ground of my collage is the darker rusty red of old blood and it shows its scars. </p><p> On either side there is a tumult of water and sand raging and churning. Being a water sign I understand the changing surface of my emotions that can go from still and serene to frothing and raging in mere moments. I know my depths as I dive deeply on a regular basis into the darkness below. I am at home there now, though it was not always the case. And being empathic so too I feel the emotions and pain from those I come in contact with. At times it feels as though I struggle to live in the divide, in the middle between what is mine and what is not mine to hold and not hold onto. For we are all containers and as containers we carry, but we have the power to decide what we will carry forth.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ejz5mir40_3kDDp_bLvu2qUL37ay9tr58bs7vnwIEEMsfWSSgperTxqcY5j86MKBgY8KsOkSyDO52K7xVlX7GMhFvPZobZnJA7BvtahS_xJErIxpi7FDmZ5-8TvY89L9VFlUlZKoLaND/s2048/E34870DB-33D9-4260-A324-09EF53161F99.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1661" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ejz5mir40_3kDDp_bLvu2qUL37ay9tr58bs7vnwIEEMsfWSSgperTxqcY5j86MKBgY8KsOkSyDO52K7xVlX7GMhFvPZobZnJA7BvtahS_xJErIxpi7FDmZ5-8TvY89L9VFlUlZKoLaND/w520-h640/E34870DB-33D9-4260-A324-09EF53161F99.jpeg" width="520" /></a></div><p> In the center of the raging water is an image of a deep, dark cave but in its roof there is a hole that allows light to enter. Down below a platform has been built which is surrounded by water. A lone figure stands in the center of the circle looking up while a beam of light illuminates the path behind him. It reminds me of the value of meditation; to stand within my own circle, my own vessel, in the dark while the chaos outside of myself rages. It is this light of understanding that illuminates the way back and I just realized the platform looks rather like a key. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJUEDw1pgdK2zKzTk3yZDmW1laPX7kkWsPD8a3UQ9Rk53DYh7OLzPj4nXoePvfUm6o3dytrIoqcMy2vIq_C8c02jNLq0otePaJ80n-SyJFuhYDkP41YdOznc4S-qO63TjIdsQGltBHzuh/s2048/63B20C49-4E04-4F15-868C-BE1DF061F660.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJUEDw1pgdK2zKzTk3yZDmW1laPX7kkWsPD8a3UQ9Rk53DYh7OLzPj4nXoePvfUm6o3dytrIoqcMy2vIq_C8c02jNLq0otePaJ80n-SyJFuhYDkP41YdOznc4S-qO63TjIdsQGltBHzuh/w640-h480/63B20C49-4E04-4F15-868C-BE1DF061F660.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p> In the center a rather ghostly figure flies across the expanse. She holds both darkness and light in the wide skirt of her dress as well as the figures of men; "a shroud or veil between a person and the ultimate Reality... Forgiveness can be a protective veil in that it reminds us that we are not always in a state of unity with Unity. We are still on the way." </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8YmmakKvhCNmATZV0FRdKHzKpKOhnpsNqMaHZXOT5Q-cf_9gmPsX4sdFaoguoBk38YOFhz8tdFEe2kPFs_2EYkEGwifv2dfX0_dnzmwEMtbRqYegL-S3HFILMbpvAU2h9PLsaKLeQZzV/s2048/F7968955-6668-4EFB-B958-64681C13F2C6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1352" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8YmmakKvhCNmATZV0FRdKHzKpKOhnpsNqMaHZXOT5Q-cf_9gmPsX4sdFaoguoBk38YOFhz8tdFEe2kPFs_2EYkEGwifv2dfX0_dnzmwEMtbRqYegL-S3HFILMbpvAU2h9PLsaKLeQZzV/w422-h640/F7968955-6668-4EFB-B958-64681C13F2C6.jpeg" width="422" /></a></div><p> A large iron bell tolls or rings out its message. Bells call to us, they wake us up, invite us to follow, they can both summon and ward us off. A compass overhead is a symbol of safety and protection being a tool of navigation. It always points north which spiritually to me means going in the direction of my own knowing and wisdom. Going home to my Self. It speaks to me of release and acceptance, forgiveness. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt35vqlryRNOxZY1LGQzJPQ4Wi1mhElXngOmPDcDgRfj4H9rFUh8YSTveXEYCp9ZXfOrQGrFQaJ6u9ieqlTVhUuOj4ZCKmp47WKKu5DnmHRZ2i7T9hZeWX-qyYR_fXy1Nh400gIG6wkJS5/s2048/35A30DBF-E494-42D5-B1EB-23EF6F8B7E4E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt35vqlryRNOxZY1LGQzJPQ4Wi1mhElXngOmPDcDgRfj4H9rFUh8YSTveXEYCp9ZXfOrQGrFQaJ6u9ieqlTVhUuOj4ZCKmp47WKKu5DnmHRZ2i7T9hZeWX-qyYR_fXy1Nh400gIG6wkJS5/w480-h640/35A30DBF-E494-42D5-B1EB-23EF6F8B7E4E.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p> And finally a small figure casts his net into the maelstrom. What does he hope to catch? A net is a woven tool. It can represent the 'process of creation and growth' and the constant unfolding of the universe and our lives but as a tool it can also ensnare and trap. Light and darkness are ultimately woven together, that which we know and that which we don't know yet, but there, in the liminal space, resides the promise and the hope. In the casting movement it asks us to trust and keep casting into the depths. Sometimes I think I need to tattoo the word "<i>TRUST" </i>on my forehead! Over and over again we cast our net out. Drawing our net back in we are never sure if it will be empty of what we hoped we would catch. Our only hint may be the weight of the net but even then it may not be what we hoped for. That is life. Like the tides going in and out we must continue to cast out and then draw back. Every month the darkness of the moon invites us to pull back our nets, take stock and then release that which no longer needs to be held. Only then can the forgiveness of light heal. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>Noelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00182591853923154086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1485810815142472014.post-76622482850213685422021-01-14T13:03:00.000-05:002021-01-14T13:03:39.250-05:00Dancing With Flexibility<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcc1qfyFra_usy66yGLuNmj5j4qVnH_k9YwgBXiYab0BofWi5JCCPjRl0gdIAGX5zKI4xJn4gIVYL-08Ltpt2oINgPgcLhAMqTr0NHhhyNdEUrvnqPUc88AyT5zoM3BlOXOCOWYU7iZozi/s2048/59B383FA-9A68-4C6A-95D7-AA1C6A33AFE8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1523" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcc1qfyFra_usy66yGLuNmj5j4qVnH_k9YwgBXiYab0BofWi5JCCPjRl0gdIAGX5zKI4xJn4gIVYL-08Ltpt2oINgPgcLhAMqTr0NHhhyNdEUrvnqPUc88AyT5zoM3BlOXOCOWYU7iZozi/s320/59B383FA-9A68-4C6A-95D7-AA1C6A33AFE8.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p> Considering the current upheaval on so many levels of our society this is an aptly themed discussion on having “Flexible Strength" which couldn't be more timely in my estimation.</p><p> Some years back now I was inspired to explore each of the 99 Pathways in the “Sufi Book of Life”, a book written by Neil Douglas-Klotz, through art and the medium of collage. I had been using the book as part of my daily spiritual practice and thought that exploring it through the expression of art would bring me a deeper experience and understanding. And it has! With this post I have now completed my 33rd pathway, I am one third of the way through. The synchronistic manner in which each creative process enfolds, sometimes over the course of days or even weeks; of images that make themselves seen, of how the collage 'becomes' in its own time, never fails to amaze me. It can't be rushed. And the creating of the collage is both separate yet connected with the writing of this blog, yet another creative layer and unfolding. My part in this 'relationship' is to one, show up. And two, to allow it to become whatever it wants to be. It's not about the aesthetics, it's about the creative journey, the conversation with my soul, and ultimately the spiritual journey. What am I learning about my Self in this process? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgg_j0oOW80kmr20y5buwRVgpzW7HrD9Oo0iSk_reskqzPAkQRYsIPCv0M6uVSRj8xq0dhOULCx5ssIo6cTz3_6FqkLLjBpWJUxP2FWW-3ruNsZn8fWvNuxqp9u8c3aHg8fBMoBLsFvEk0/s1200/91D404B3-D44A-4609-BA96-482DF53CF539.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgg_j0oOW80kmr20y5buwRVgpzW7HrD9Oo0iSk_reskqzPAkQRYsIPCv0M6uVSRj8xq0dhOULCx5ssIo6cTz3_6FqkLLjBpWJUxP2FWW-3ruNsZn8fWvNuxqp9u8c3aHg8fBMoBLsFvEk0/s320/91D404B3-D44A-4609-BA96-482DF53CF539.webp" /></a></div><p> I am a visual person, symbols to me are doorways into a deeper sense of meaning. Symbols are the language of the Universe, of our Soul, speaking to us subtly through our subconscious mind, through our senses. The process of creating art, opening oneself to the flow of inspiration, invites a dialogue rich in color, depth and texture, the symbols of which build the threshold of our entry. And I'll add that symbols are powerful. Currently in society we are seeing how symbols are being used to divide and wound, to send messages of hate and intimidation. Symbols are being stolen for selfish and narrow agendas far from their original meaning. With the mounting chaos we are faced with everyday how do we remain flexible and open, yet grounded and able to discern truth?</p><p> With this path that encourages us to “forget the past...just keep going” comes the shadow of regret. Those moments in life where we beat ourselves up with the ‘what if’s’ and ‘if only I had’... just stop right there! If you are still breathing there is always the possibility of... fill in the blank. Believe. Keep going. </p><p> There are different kinds of regrets which are realized by our ability to either take action or to not. Do you regret your non-action or your re-action to any given scenario? One thing for sure is that every movement taken or not taken has a ripple effect of results or repercussions. We must all take responsibility for our actions, cause and effect is a universal truth. You get back exactly what you put in. </p><p> And what of those times when you took action and you were disappointed with the results, or you felt that you failed? Failures are gifts wrapped in a not-so-pretty packaging but that doesn't mean that they are any less valuable. Learning from experience is far more valuable than the return in my estimation. Learning what doesn’t work in my life saves energy, stress and time down the road. Learning who my true Self is leads to honoring this journey, to being grateful and to learning to dance with this life. If I was to become rigid and inflexible to change I would only come up against obstacles and resistance. If rather I work with adapting to life's changes I flow around obstacles like water. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzig_UYUhj-UNZw4oJfMekczf9kfflzy53PAQdPMCiyK9xuw-UfDfnTTLFkuqelR896LG7JjpDf_q1EOgp-8_GFqMQ7FRNsMWZmWD6ErW2XvyNYnRlHETzOogCpP6qUiO-5mQLJA56mJ_B/s1200/61184B53-7E48-4290-8DEF-10295FFD67C2.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzig_UYUhj-UNZw4oJfMekczf9kfflzy53PAQdPMCiyK9xuw-UfDfnTTLFkuqelR896LG7JjpDf_q1EOgp-8_GFqMQ7FRNsMWZmWD6ErW2XvyNYnRlHETzOogCpP6qUiO-5mQLJA56mJ_B/s320/61184B53-7E48-4290-8DEF-10295FFD67C2.webp" /></a></div><p> Nature is my inspiration, my wise teacher and when first contemplating flexible strength and looking for symbols these called to be included; </p><p>Water- energy which flows and moves; source of life and power; circulation, ability to go around, adapt, change and fill; stillness and reflection. </p><p>Pine trees- strong trunks, rooted; able to bend, to flex in the wind but not snap; steadfast; longevity; they have the ability to adapt to harsh environments; Sacred and lend themselves to deep experiences of awe, experience of Spirit. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bTlDO9pKAOQm6X1cyM2HUUfunDsq9o3TGHlA2iWCXP0bZvF36ttjAUG82rf5sqPU-iK-lAw2KZD57v0W7ebY3e62i-f3PZboHV18fEv2Wkb_qOKjxO1hxH-L5mlH8isI8Rca6sjiJpxE/s1200/8C12E4C4-3CB0-40D1-B7E3-DC225BD99833.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bTlDO9pKAOQm6X1cyM2HUUfunDsq9o3TGHlA2iWCXP0bZvF36ttjAUG82rf5sqPU-iK-lAw2KZD57v0W7ebY3e62i-f3PZboHV18fEv2Wkb_qOKjxO1hxH-L5mlH8isI8Rca6sjiJpxE/s320/8C12E4C4-3CB0-40D1-B7E3-DC225BD99833.webp" /></a></div><p>Water Lily- Beauty, love, life, renewal; to bloom spiritually. The <i>Victoria Amazonica, </i>Amazonian water lily has leaves that may reach diameters of 10' and are able to support one hundred pounds. Their pads have webbed ribs underneath that insure strength yet they retain their flexibility. Joseph Paxton, Victorian garden designer and architect was inspired to build the Crystal Palace for the Great Exposition of 1851 in London by the water lily's leaf structure.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75uPeYk3vu9FK9rRf5F3XUQR2SiemW8thCzzxuk2XOtxcjsBsm7zxJIbWl3T9XUkIe6cTyZER1mWTj2__7B-E2ndskxYfSlqQ25Le7T2cYA8Tkhdhn6aaPaT7Z96ZTJOpmg74OMCNujw3/s1080/B2F2215B-15E8-4B8D-A7BF-9AB53F7A086E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75uPeYk3vu9FK9rRf5F3XUQR2SiemW8thCzzxuk2XOtxcjsBsm7zxJIbWl3T9XUkIe6cTyZER1mWTj2__7B-E2ndskxYfSlqQ25Le7T2cYA8Tkhdhn6aaPaT7Z96ZTJOpmg74OMCNujw3/s320/B2F2215B-15E8-4B8D-A7BF-9AB53F7A086E.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p> These are all symbols of strength and flexibility, each object moves yet has the ability to be still and each adapts to its environment. The seated meditating figure in the center represents our own ability to ground and be still. But what is inner strength and how do we cultivate it in our lives? It is having the courage to face challenges with an understanding of how life works and be able to adapt to those changes. Some of the characteristics of strength are courage, will power, authenticity, confidence, self awareness, gratitude and resilience. Meditation is a practice that helps cultivate inner strength. Daily meditation helps manage stress, reduces negative thoughts and promotes self awareness amongst other things.</p><p> Earlier I wrote that by learning about myself and knowing who I am I honor this journey, this dance of life, because it is a dance, a continual cycle of circling round attempting to find a balance between movement and stillness. The definition of dance is "a series of movements that match the speed and rhythm of the music" and life certainly is an ever changing composition of rhythms and notes. So when I came across these images of the artist/dancer/fabric sculptor Nick Cave's <i>sound suits</i> I knew they must dance in this collage. He calls them <i>sound suits </i>because of the unexpected sounds the costumes make when worn. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5X5WZFfMOwJb4T7qBn89JPfVrQqqZBNAmmyGFA78qJ8eMgUhGMs3AOjfhpGc5U6x8H7F8h4SK8Y23xosw0CpnvRjFte7VngOn4GM8pHvpW8smU-SBpGwoDdkLan9Tlzs7w9owIan6l_q/s2048/CEEC063E-71A1-4E20-B893-E1E0DA464DF6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5X5WZFfMOwJb4T7qBn89JPfVrQqqZBNAmmyGFA78qJ8eMgUhGMs3AOjfhpGc5U6x8H7F8h4SK8Y23xosw0CpnvRjFte7VngOn4GM8pHvpW8smU-SBpGwoDdkLan9Tlzs7w9owIan6l_q/s320/CEEC063E-71A1-4E20-B893-E1E0DA464DF6.jpeg" /></a></div><p> These particular synthetic hair suits whirling about as the dancers move were born of emotion, representing the armor he wears as a black man in this society. The suits shield race, gender and class of the dancer from the judgments of onlookers. The dancers demonstrate their strength and flexibility completely insulated from those who watch. Stripped of their identity they are empowered. Stripped of the labels we shackle each other with we are all freed. To be able to live and express your authentic self in this world without fear, without judgment, would there be any greater gift? In order to be flexible and strong we must embrace change. </p><p>Please be sure to check out Nick Cave's <i>Sound Suits </i>on video.</p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>Noelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00182591853923154086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1485810815142472014.post-32951610258399528712020-09-29T21:09:00.000-04:002020-09-29T21:09:13.187-04:00Artist Date<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIRrDXSl0GGfXQt5N_9R2LeIN3MzDxWCe7Flm4rQV0_s3DmCRavTWCV_6ZVoJJBPBr_JrgS60cRdVD7Sl3hZRDARHa3nb0oDztSzGWxYzNcQr8lakjY6xMf3NkSXckIwmKltKpj69vfSi/s2048/460D0404-BCF7-4485-850A-8A9CECC9351F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1896" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIRrDXSl0GGfXQt5N_9R2LeIN3MzDxWCe7Flm4rQV0_s3DmCRavTWCV_6ZVoJJBPBr_JrgS60cRdVD7Sl3hZRDARHa3nb0oDztSzGWxYzNcQr8lakjY6xMf3NkSXckIwmKltKpj69vfSi/s320/460D0404-BCF7-4485-850A-8A9CECC9351F.jpeg" /></a></div><p></p><p> Twenty-five plus years ago I read Julia Cameron’s book “<i>The Artist’s Way-A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity” </i>and to this day I practice her main tenets; morning pages, artist dates and walking. Mind you at different times some have gone by the way side temporarily or been adapted differently like morning pages became “whenever I can write the pages” pages, or for a time they were not handwritten but rather typed into a file on my computer. I’m never separated from them for long. They have become a ritual that feeds me.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSTHEoJ-rNTRGjKZS8pwIQchppwN0LEiBwUWRylCyUxc1Jwp2vPsMZsMDAVWeVmndLkvlKugqsLQy0YoHmnVdj34YOaT4yFLuFSorS4myoE7lI-07czsnsLC47us9n6U579Cy58HyAqhm/s960/E9F906DC-ECB6-48CE-AA01-C80747D3D639.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSTHEoJ-rNTRGjKZS8pwIQchppwN0LEiBwUWRylCyUxc1Jwp2vPsMZsMDAVWeVmndLkvlKugqsLQy0YoHmnVdj34YOaT4yFLuFSorS4myoE7lI-07czsnsLC47us9n6U579Cy58HyAqhm/s320/E9F906DC-ECB6-48CE-AA01-C80747D3D639.jpeg" /></a></div><p> I was reminded of the importance of “artist dates” this past Sunday when I attended an Art and Music festival in Hamilton, Ohio at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park. Strolling through tents looking at art under warm, sunny skies and trees changing into their colorful autumn wardrobe while enjoying classical music is near perfect an artist date as one can get! Especially since the pandemic has sent most of us to our rooms to wait it out, this rare opportunity was just what the doctor ordered. Held outside I noticed that everyone was conscientious about maintaining social distancing, everyone was masked and the crowds were kept to a manageable number. And everyone was happy; thrilled to be out on a beautiful day; talkative and friendly. It was like everyone was out on an “artist date”. So, to understand the principle you need to know what an artist date is exactly. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47fmCBaEG7-7J9GPH3KEV6t7JjAvWZvnE5wcJaS-4CeIolvGhxLf5wx32zAprco9DiDSAmaXIjCee-reLscgN544iVHXQ8qL6gX4TJHoSdWwMpy6iuFTe2STmtmxLuiZcaL4yFnwJ4uTI/s2048/47D233A1-E877-48FE-94B0-C25C240DFB7A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47fmCBaEG7-7J9GPH3KEV6t7JjAvWZvnE5wcJaS-4CeIolvGhxLf5wx32zAprco9DiDSAmaXIjCee-reLscgN544iVHXQ8qL6gX4TJHoSdWwMpy6iuFTe2STmtmxLuiZcaL4yFnwJ4uTI/s320/47D233A1-E877-48FE-94B0-C25C240DFB7A.jpeg" /></a></div><p> An artist date is basically about you asking yourself out; to explore; to experience something new; to see something different that stirs your imagination and reawakens your passions. A call to play. And ask you must, because a lot of the time we need to give our selves permission to go out beyond our comfort zones and do something just for ourselves. You leave the “I should’s” at home...I should work on my book, I should clean my apartment, I should...fill in the blank. There is always going to be an “I should” but there is value in replenishing your self and that’s what an artist date does. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQAxchKcflvh9VWP5EQIBpMoR-iBT8IMwmTrNBl4BuVIj2Rixli1o5W82ga3iL0KemD9aCvGT6W1XXBJxeRew51Sx97Yu_BLcyjiOs3weqvpz1FwDzBsE-J-IyXgNd336Vi3yLL2k5a52/s2048/9400947A-BF01-4C1D-873D-7F0A33B53091.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQAxchKcflvh9VWP5EQIBpMoR-iBT8IMwmTrNBl4BuVIj2Rixli1o5W82ga3iL0KemD9aCvGT6W1XXBJxeRew51Sx97Yu_BLcyjiOs3weqvpz1FwDzBsE-J-IyXgNd336Vi3yLL2k5a52/s320/9400947A-BF01-4C1D-873D-7F0A33B53091.jpeg" /></a></div><p> Strolling from booth to booth my senses were stirred by color, texture, sound, images, and ideas. In speaking with artists who were passionate about their art I couldn't help but be moved by their energy. Add to that the monumental sculptures that hold space in this park that have been thoughtfully and artfully placed in the beautiful and serene natural setting my soul could not help but be inspired. Inspiration was everywhere. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxgg3tk0GFKi-6tJgFcSAjRkf6bW5pHf-lEXJ6DJiak_TqDiJHrab6eFBS9Xo08axA-pkLkWzuSr6MgA81WA_txjRfX1j7DCenA_g-bNIEp9S30JC3TYnE3ftKrM1Snm0nAd9nW7tTlfw/s2048/0283BB0D-7DF0-444A-888E-462468BD0C37.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxgg3tk0GFKi-6tJgFcSAjRkf6bW5pHf-lEXJ6DJiak_TqDiJHrab6eFBS9Xo08axA-pkLkWzuSr6MgA81WA_txjRfX1j7DCenA_g-bNIEp9S30JC3TYnE3ftKrM1Snm0nAd9nW7tTlfw/s320/0283BB0D-7DF0-444A-888E-462468BD0C37.jpeg" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><p> A date with your self doesn’t have to be a grand day out though. It can be as simple as strolling for an hour or two through a different neighborhood, a thrift store, a museum, a hardware store, the library, an art gallery, a garden, an antique store, a farmers market, heck the Dollar store works in a pinch! Give yourself a budget of ten or twenty dollars and walk the aisles for things to create with. It may be a walk that takes you down a city block you’ve never explored with your camera looking for architectural details. Try a new ethnic restaurant. Open your eyes to your surroundings. Open your ears to the sounds, to conversations, dogs barking, to birdsong. Let your hands and fingers brush against surfaces, carvings, the leaves of plants, the bark on trees. What do you smell; flowers, exhaust, baking bread or perfume? What is inviting you to participate? What is catching your attention? What is resonating within you? Let everything you encounter fill you up. Take a journal to record your finds and thoughts. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70giRT0y4xSG87YkAdJL_HxYyYPKszqKXOabzyceDI1iN8C4oHb3y17N0W14Bx8lrFB-A1EhwURSLrSb_Ev4ODFZLHTRCJ9Lq7542EuwRfMZMGwbk0mZT53GLRvFwX6yX7fd5NkQ4Kc9q/s960/95EF4EE2-2D5B-43A0-8316-201E43FF29EC.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70giRT0y4xSG87YkAdJL_HxYyYPKszqKXOabzyceDI1iN8C4oHb3y17N0W14Bx8lrFB-A1EhwURSLrSb_Ev4ODFZLHTRCJ9Lq7542EuwRfMZMGwbk0mZT53GLRvFwX6yX7fd5NkQ4Kc9q/s320/95EF4EE2-2D5B-43A0-8316-201E43FF29EC.jpeg" /></a></div><p> Checking out the booth of photographer Elizabeth Barron, who’s charming photographs just make you instantly smile, was inspiring. Her business cards are simple squares of her photos that you want to collect like trading cards. And she gifts customers with a packet of wild flower seeds with your purchase. Like her photographs everything she does is with an eye for detail. The joy she exudes when someone chooses to give a home to one of her pieces warms the heart. It was such a hard decision but I bought caterpillars eating all in a row. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZ5ThfFjBKyzEche4SeA0UzkbYW5DiAywm4e15g1Z69h7RN2GCi1Ty0XDIVrpIWZ0NY-Grom8cS2fKimaJd3UF9EH5Li-lfr39xGI8w-SCdefx0hUIBCrYXfZp5uBVjKO-wuUCkFVtVnB/s2048/F4AC9FC0-24AB-4F37-8F46-5DBFD0838BB5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2017" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZ5ThfFjBKyzEche4SeA0UzkbYW5DiAywm4e15g1Z69h7RN2GCi1Ty0XDIVrpIWZ0NY-Grom8cS2fKimaJd3UF9EH5Li-lfr39xGI8w-SCdefx0hUIBCrYXfZp5uBVjKO-wuUCkFVtVnB/s320/F4AC9FC0-24AB-4F37-8F46-5DBFD0838BB5.jpeg" /></a></div><p> Later my brother Bret gifted me the other photo that I loved of a cardinal all fluffed out from behind. A lovely surprise. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLPB_1-PTEPUes9RqN_5KUNr3Zz060XMtnmRVnHL6aPopEapH1WBMUm3uj2QgRrtaqPOHcqUuI0oO1Gl14tzVRQfOTmKjRIlQHVM6_t3TGjecgG1jh5m-Vbc9inpdIcuANMPV6L11F1pj/s2046/DE863293-0775-44C5-BB76-BE198908FAA8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2046" data-original-width="1688" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLPB_1-PTEPUes9RqN_5KUNr3Zz060XMtnmRVnHL6aPopEapH1WBMUm3uj2QgRrtaqPOHcqUuI0oO1Gl14tzVRQfOTmKjRIlQHVM6_t3TGjecgG1jh5m-Vbc9inpdIcuANMPV6L11F1pj/s320/DE863293-0775-44C5-BB76-BE198908FAA8.jpeg" /></a></p><p>Now every time I pass these lovely images during the day I am reminded of that perfect artist date and the joy I encountered. Just like the caterpillars feeding on a leaf in her photograph I needed to refill. </p><p> Caterpillars are symbols of pure potential. They latch on to a delicious leaf, play with the food a bit and then hang on until they consume it all up, relishing in its flavor (they are very particular about their food). They go through the process of metamorphosis turning into something even more beautiful. Cardinals symbolize setting focused intentions and the importance of self-care. Artist dates are certainly about nurturing our selves. Two perfect creatures to represent the artists path. </p><p> So set your intentions to treat yourself often to an artist date and fill your creative tanks often. </p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p>Noelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00182591853923154086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1485810815142472014.post-77724789452980671312020-09-15T22:02:00.002-04:002020-09-15T22:02:48.594-04:00Dissolving Into Being<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8oF_q9WqElnW4aqjtiswJGWzWYHQMvO_Tdd5M5ykhn46JAt42zPuWkThx3ghw1wmznc3YeaqUeksth0YYrzR-_oAAk3G6O5_bRQcwbtGJhE2CkX856FHQS4gbopMsqTLP1LHLEw5GKmfZ/s2048/F4104139-EA15-4633-AD62-2D886B6462F6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1276" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8oF_q9WqElnW4aqjtiswJGWzWYHQMvO_Tdd5M5ykhn46JAt42zPuWkThx3ghw1wmznc3YeaqUeksth0YYrzR-_oAAk3G6O5_bRQcwbtGJhE2CkX856FHQS4gbopMsqTLP1LHLEw5GKmfZ/s320/F4104139-EA15-4633-AD62-2D886B6462F6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div><br /> “First, flashes of lightning<p></p><p> From an unknown horizon, </p><p> Then rays of light</p><p> Showing the path ahead,</p><p> Finally, light all around,</p><p> The brilliance revealed</p><p> Only to those who</p><p> Turn their senses within.”</p><p> -Al-Qushayri</p><p> Through Women Inspirit I share aspects of my spiritual life with truths that resonate with me personally; Nature my greatest teacher; my love for the Divine Feminine; Women who have inspired me along the path; but mostly ‘my intuitive wisdom’ garnered from my own experiences, all of which has led to a deeper knowing of myself which is really our ultimate goal, to find and see our own divine light. </p><p> It has been a couple of months since I created a collage based on a Sufi pathway and I felt it calling to me. I have been deeply involved in beginning a new book and tightening up the first one yet again. I tend to immerse myself which results in other things going by the wayside temporarily. It was some years ago that I decided to ‘create my way’ through Neil Douglas- Klotz’s book “The Sufi Book of Life-99 Pathways to the Heart” by creating a collage for each path. I had been using the book as a tool in my daily spiritual practice for a couple of years when I had the inspiration that I may glean a deeper understanding of each path if I explored it through the expression of art. </p><p> I love the process and expression of collage; combing through magazines until an image strikes me and before you know it the piece starts to take shape. For this collage the colors were the starting point. The paper in the background with its muted lavender, purple, mauve and grey colors struck me as restful. I saw the colors reflected in the sky above Mono Lake from an old calendar and Mono Lake, one of my most favorite places in the US, was a place on more than one occasion that I had profound experiences of connection. It lies in the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains, a large salt water lake, a magical place. The scene is at sunset, a time when the light and color distort the view of land, water and sky, making it difficult to discern where one starts and the other begins. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12L0rg4SugQrx2OyJ9nciWU45pSwJJcwGLpPfz7GsthzYxit99ktgugxuhpvi_rpSnTkRuwrjnfNljmoJsaOcexIxmOxjGRUKW3bhrCjJKs409b1V6lqVevdDr3FBMCSDv6xk8AxhRRIJ/s2048/52A75EFE-84C4-4F53-B210-3B9C64C0E734.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1496" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12L0rg4SugQrx2OyJ9nciWU45pSwJJcwGLpPfz7GsthzYxit99ktgugxuhpvi_rpSnTkRuwrjnfNljmoJsaOcexIxmOxjGRUKW3bhrCjJKs409b1V6lqVevdDr3FBMCSDv6xk8AxhRRIJ/s320/52A75EFE-84C4-4F53-B210-3B9C64C0E734.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p> In contemplating this pathway “Dissolving Chains” pathway 32, which is about those moments in life when you enter into an expanded state of awareness and as a result your perception changes. You may have a sudden flash of clarity, an epiphany which as a result leads you to new understanding. It may also be one of those moments while in nature when you experience an overwhelming feeling of interconnectedness. Either experience is an opportunity to walk through a new door. A moment that suddenly lifts the tension and dissolves the knots that you have been holding within your physical, emotional, psychic or mental body, enabling you to relax into yourself. It frees you from who you think you are, an unlearning. And really isn’t it another step on the road to self realization? As the author writes “something that passes away may be just as valuable as what remains.”</p><p> I’ve had other dramatic epiphanies but the one that was most life changing came.during the most difficult time of my life, the day my mother died. The trigger is no longer relevant but it’s force shattered the illusions that I had built around myself for years. It was like watching as a mirror shattered and the jagged shards laid in piles at my feet. Within each shard a reflection of a fear or judgment which had kept me bound for years to a soul sucking job, to a false sense of security and identity and to playing it safe, something I had never done before. In that moment I knew there was no going back. For the first time in years I felt a tremendous weight lift from my shoulders (which I will add is where I held the tension and my shoulders gave me such physical pain back then!) no longer!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCC4fi81g6Ffi58ue0tuaaxujOduZWbUHM-MrDRejN08i0FoBs-H70llDmQ5Yf_kssQK_gMa79Ptk0hnx6hfKqx2B75kjr9esXcerZptzR93Eb7r3wdlPWFDNOhd4PlQA5H0xlq1Y4zHqc/s2048/A764A66A-125D-44D9-AA93-029DA7E741D3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1575" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCC4fi81g6Ffi58ue0tuaaxujOduZWbUHM-MrDRejN08i0FoBs-H70llDmQ5Yf_kssQK_gMa79Ptk0hnx6hfKqx2B75kjr9esXcerZptzR93Eb7r3wdlPWFDNOhd4PlQA5H0xlq1Y4zHqc/s320/A764A66A-125D-44D9-AA93-029DA7E741D3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p> In the foreground the muddy bank represents the grief, the hardships I had been stuck in, the mire that had blocked me. Yet there is even beauty here in the texture and pattern created by water, and mud draws out impurities. So again there is value to the experience. A doorway framing a part of the scene offers an alternative way, it beckons for me to pass through. Above the door it says “Abandon tension all ye who enter here.” The doorway foundation is made of brick and mortar, solid foundation. Above the mountains in the distance eyes look over the landscape, and reflect the light of a new clear vision. All is calm. Your eyes as well as your Being are uplifted just as the clouds in the sky above. Relax into Being. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKF0g7eEhhpz3cdTPx4L0NQj8RKIM2508YYOBIsx9iSfT-IysW3H_FXhKHfhvJjBnT09V_mAxLXRI3xvacUmRVZeJkMJHTYM7SUyXLbn0mUc4LgWFSjh5ZNAQzTZCTHow9BAF6Qgslx222/s2674/3DD7314C-1E31-43AD-BE83-9E920530D170.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1176" data-original-width="2674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKF0g7eEhhpz3cdTPx4L0NQj8RKIM2508YYOBIsx9iSfT-IysW3H_FXhKHfhvJjBnT09V_mAxLXRI3xvacUmRVZeJkMJHTYM7SUyXLbn0mUc4LgWFSjh5ZNAQzTZCTHow9BAF6Qgslx222/s320/3DD7314C-1E31-43AD-BE83-9E920530D170.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Noelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00182591853923154086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1485810815142472014.post-28946461782303455982020-07-02T14:08:00.000-04:002020-07-02T20:26:02.267-04:00Offerings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvJZ21Vm16ZWV5WDjMidUMD6xxnf5m7BOX2d_8R24tSNUPbib3i2bl7gLbqAMMbFBOLj64cy3mq9PvtTiJizljtJRJVgcZKIN7pKU9m3gz8_0FGG432-IzZ4qD_FVFyvGedUE6eDM1dEI/s1600/AB66D8AF-CC19-4EE8-8E2D-34A20B039575.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="236" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvJZ21Vm16ZWV5WDjMidUMD6xxnf5m7BOX2d_8R24tSNUPbib3i2bl7gLbqAMMbFBOLj64cy3mq9PvtTiJizljtJRJVgcZKIN7pKU9m3gz8_0FGG432-IzZ4qD_FVFyvGedUE6eDM1dEI/s400/AB66D8AF-CC19-4EE8-8E2D-34A20B039575.jpeg" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cypriot Mother Goddess statuette.</td></tr>
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At the end of 2018 a friend in London posted a picture, similar to this one, of a bird-faced goddess figurine that she saw in an exhibit at a British museum. I was intrigued and my curiosity piqued. I was inspired to try my hand at needle-felting the statue which I eventually completed last year. And then sadly I placed her on a shelf and got on with other projects, not giving her much thought honestly again until just a couple of weeks ago. In my morning spiritual work I randomly choose a reading from a book. That day I picked up one of my favorite books called The Song of Eve by Manuela Dunn Mascetti. This beautifully illustrated book is a study in Feminine archetypes and how we as women embody these powerful personalities still today even though the patriarchy has tried its best to repress them. In my way I will hold a book in my hands and ask for guidance and direction and then randomly open the book. I was startled when I opened the book to a picture of the same bird goddess! It felt like I was getting a ‘wake up’ poke. So I picked up the little doll and wondered why I was so drawn to this particular ancient image. Why had I not thought to deepen my understanding of Her then? Perhaps it hadn’t been the right time before, but now I realized that She, my doll, was not complete. I sat down with her and She led me on a journey.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnpZRxHw99OeHSi29vw_zLgzZ7zZO18mgzXrWfkpRbhN-DR668xmPiYtr-z-ZY7TYDuNqKyg0XW3CiHOyeusBT816JSNP82EFY346dtknLae2kD80fGTqfrea7tZOq69Lh8e2KKZHRZG1/s1600/1ED4AD35-46AE-4EFA-9388-EA34E0E35F55.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1119" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnpZRxHw99OeHSi29vw_zLgzZ7zZO18mgzXrWfkpRbhN-DR668xmPiYtr-z-ZY7TYDuNqKyg0XW3CiHOyeusBT816JSNP82EFY346dtknLae2kD80fGTqfrea7tZOq69Lh8e2KKZHRZG1/s400/1ED4AD35-46AE-4EFA-9388-EA34E0E35F55.jpeg" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Needle-felted Bird Goddess</td></tr>
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The original terra-cotta or coroplastic art statue is attributed to the late Cypriot culture ca 1450-1200 B.C. The history of the island of Cyprus is infused with Greek, Syrian and Turkish influences. Particular characteristics of this statue points towards Syrian origin. These small statues depict a naked woman with a bird or owl like face. Breasts and pubic area are prominent, they have exaggerated hips, long legs that are close together fusing at the feet, beak like noses with large flat eyes and large earrings. Their arms are crossed and sometimes they are holding a child. These figures are sometimes referred to as Kourotrophos, depictions of women or goddesses, if they are indeed holding children, which would suggest a mother image. Those found were frequently discovered in tombs but not exclusively. The ongoing debate is whether they are depictions of a deity, a fertility or childbirth charm or a death companion. It’s just not known for sure. Irregardless of what their original intent artists at that time were making them in large numbers so this feminine image meant something very special. Bird goddesses transformed, nurtured, and protected life through all of its stages.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_eAfVSLAVYMsGqveNyp91CKjDzm7E8B6_uthQUHnE5FP_GDZ6sTbcMYKk9jZLNIQn-ZCR4kslkD_3AuE3MOnc-iDFFkPW7p9ILPHmkHnjnB67jdJvtZGgnCO-Q39_aB_OVawwy0VAYMN/s1600/02686E1A-8BBE-41E5-9404-8DFE679F7842.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="228" data-original-width="250" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_eAfVSLAVYMsGqveNyp91CKjDzm7E8B6_uthQUHnE5FP_GDZ6sTbcMYKk9jZLNIQn-ZCR4kslkD_3AuE3MOnc-iDFFkPW7p9ILPHmkHnjnB67jdJvtZGgnCO-Q39_aB_OVawwy0VAYMN/s400/02686E1A-8BBE-41E5-9404-8DFE679F7842.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greek coin.</td></tr>
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The Greek goddess of wisdom was the Virgin Athena who was usually depicted with an owl which symbolized knowledge and ‘seeing in the dark’, which I believe suggests woman’s intuition or knowing. The eyes of this owl on this Greek coin are very similar to the eyes of the figures.<br />
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My art expression of choice is collage and in particular my own form of soul art, a meditative process f you will. It is the same process that I use when I explore the Sufi pathways of life that I have shared in many other posts. I immerse, meditate, journal, search for images that ‘speak’ to be used and then create a collage. At its completion I go back and study the composition for symbolism and meaning. I’m always taken by what comes through. The synchronicity was not lost on me so I knew it was time to dive deeper.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woobie helping in the collage process.</td></tr>
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This prehistoric image of a bird or owl-faced Mother Goddess speaks to me of regeneration, of the spiraling cycles of life; birth, death and rebirth. The Earth as Mother, the vessel from which all life emerges. She is our true place of origin and we are connected to Her by an invisible umbilical cord, our life force and the light within our cells. So it is no wonder that the image of an ancient womb-like cave with animal paintings called to be used. Caves have always been realms of mystery, initiation, and sacredness. This cave picture has a narrow “birthing” path and prehistoric people traveled far into the depths of this cave using small bowls of burning moss for light in order to paint these animal images on the walls. These were considered places of great power where perhaps they asked Mother Earth for blessings, left offerings to Her for a successful hunt as well as a place to honor the spirits of the animals taken. Red ochre was used in many caves to represent blood and suggests the giving of life by Mother Earth through birthing or a place of death in the taking of animals for food.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Offerings collage.</td></tr>
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Images for this collage came quickly together; the spiral, the carved Bodhisattva, the white shell, pomegranates, the dancing nude figure, the Hamsa-ish hand, a boat to fill with flowers and the herb bundles-Sage, Rosemary and Thyme. I came across the circle tissue paper, that my cousin sent in a art supply box, and knew it was going to be the background as circles represent wholeness, cyclic movement, and the divine mystical journey. The Hamsa-like image is the right hand, palm up as a sign of protection and blessings and it too has circular decorations. I purposely have the channel from the cave connected to the carved Bodhisattvas head and to the left she is connected to the spiral, the creative and organizing principle of the universe which is intuitive of spiritual development and represents our identity with the universe. A Bodhisattva is one who has reached a high level of enlightenment. The natural spiral found in the shell mirrors the dynamic movement of growth and from this emerges the dancing nude young woman. Shells offer healing and the realization that movement disperses negativity and allows for change and infinite possibilities. Life. The word embodies movement and it certainly should embody joy. “Dance as if no one is watching” takes on a deeper meaning. Being present and engaged in this life regardless of the expectations and judgments of others. <br />
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Pomegranate, fruit of prosperity, power and fertility, eternity. Sage, sacred herb that purifies and heals, herb of wisdom. Thyme, herb of courage, braving and strength. Rosemary is the herb of remembrance, loyalty and honoring. All of these are my offerings. Along with a boat of flowers an ancient act to honor the deities of the water but also a ritual that one does for oneself. When you set your boat of flowers afloat you send with it a wish. I have a wish (not telling).<br />
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I can’t help but feel that here, within the act of ritually expressing love for this life, lies the key to this journey that I am on, that we are all on. Life is a journey of many layers but the most important one is into ourselves. It’s about remembering where we come from. Having the courage and the strength to keep searching for it. When we honor our inner most dreams and follow our hearts we are honoring our connection with life and acknowledging that it is sacred. We are each a reflection of the divine oneness in life. Every thought, action and word effects the whole. From darkness comes light, not knowing to knowing, lumen naturae, the light hidden within. Honor your pain, take responsibility for your life, value the journey, gain wisdom from your mistakes, celebrate your uniqueness and discover and use your gifts for the betterment of the whole. We all belong.<br />
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I see now in my collage that it is not just about the Mother archetype that I felt it was in the beginning. Mother is a part of the whole but I see now that it encompasses all of the stages; Maiden, Mother and Wise Woman. “In woman is the form of all beings.” “Woman is a prayer.” “Woman is the holiest place.” When the feminine was attacked and shackled by the patriarchy (the out of control masculine drive for consumption, greed and power) all of life suffered because anything seen as feminine was no longer looked upon as SACRED. Daily the news still reflects crimes against women and the rape of our beloved Earth. Nothing will change until this imbalance is corrected.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boat of flowers offering.</td></tr>
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Regardless if you are female or male we all share in the cycles of life by way of group consciousness. We all experience bleeding, pregnancy (inspiration), birth (creating) and menopause (wisdom), we all experience youth, adulthood and old age. Every part of our experience is a reflection of the divine in some aspect whether it is of the light or of darkness, whether it is beautiful or ugly, all serves. Without hatred would we appreciate love as much? Without experiencing anger and turmoil would we appreciate peace fully? Every expression, every breath, in the flap of a birds wing or to someone throwing garbage on the street all is part of the belonging. And ultimately we each have the choice of our expression. But with those choices comes responsibility and repercussions.<br />
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I hold my Bird Goddess in my hands, the wool is soft to the touch and light sparkles off the beads at her throat. Her body is a vessel and I know now what is missing. She needs to hold something. So I gather all of my intentions and dreams, my memories, the seed ideas of what I wish to plant and grow, my gratitude and thankfulness and I channel them down into a green heart stone that my Mother used to carry with her everywhere she went. Bird goddess I know will hold my heart lovingly within her arms because it too is sacred.<br />
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Noelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00182591853923154086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1485810815142472014.post-49036515295143693252020-06-12T14:08:00.002-04:002020-09-09T11:39:03.126-04:00A Call to a New Way of Being <br />
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“Be empty of what you think you know.” Rumi<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pathway 30, Subtle Mystery.</td></tr>
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In order for anything of value to come into Being it must be nurtured, nourished, paid attention to and held. This is a process that begins with a seed being planted. It is held in the dark embrace of its container. If it is nourished by what we feed it, soothed and bathed in the healing waters of life, nurtured by the warmth of our hearts and cultivated by our intent it will grow. And I’ll add, if we can look upon this process with eyes and hearts full of wonder and awe then it is not just the life of the seed that is enriched but truly our own lives as well.<br />
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This holds true for anything we wish to create; art, a garden, our spiritual path, healthy and loving relationships to each other and the Earth, and to our selves. It is not enough to just drop the seed and hope for the best. Tending to life takes work, dedication, mindfulness and respect. Respect for the process and for what you are growing. Mindfulness is being aware of what you are doing at all times and being aware of everything around you. It is also being mindful of the object of your attention. A seed can suffer from being overwatered and over fed just as easily as it can suffer from neglect. In order for anything to grow healthily balance needs to be maintained.<br />
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As I focused my attention upon these next two pathways from “The Sufi Book of Life -99 Pathways to the Heart” by Neil Douglas-Klotz, and the process of creating the collages in furthering my exploration and understanding of them, I was aware of just how relevant they are in relation to what is going on in the world in this moment. Pathway 30 “Subtle Mystery” asks us to stand and look upon what is going on in our lives, to hold no judgment, to empty ourselves of what we think we know, to contemplate and then to open to that mystery. Can we look upon all that is being uncovered and brought to light and see the “living presence of the divine?” Instead of fear can we chose wonder? Can we chose to react with loving attention and healthy intention? Can we admit to having lived without mindfulness? Ignorance is not bliss because for someone it will mean pain, loss and hardship. Inattention eventually catches up with you. For instance, if you don’t pay attention to the sensor lights in your vehicle one day you will either run out of gas or your engine won’t start. Worst case scenario your lack of attention caused damage that requires costly repairs. And isn’t this inattention and indifference, on so many levels, from racism to environmental destruction, the direct result of years of neglect?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pathway 31, The Seed of Potential</td></tr>
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Pathway 31 is the “Seed of Potential” which asks us to “rest in the place in your inner being that is germinating like a seed.” At some point in the future, when conditions are right, that seed will grow with proper care. What is called for now is patience and trust in the process. Anything of great value takes time to create. Awareness is the first step towards lasting growth. We are of nature so isn’t it natural that we should reflect it? Where there is imbalance challenges will arise and as of late more and more problems are being brought to light. “We must be the change we wish to see in this world” has never been so poignantly relevant. This pathway asks us “What universe is waiting to be born in your heart?” The world desperately needs to reflect love, tolerance and joy.<br />
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As always I create my collages after meditation with found images that called to me to be used. After it is complete I study the symbolism behind the images. In creating the collage for “Subtle Mystery” I knew it would start with a black background to stand for the “container”, darkness or that which we do not know yet, the mystery. The dramatic and large pink rose took center stage though the subtle outer “petals” are from the aurora borealis, the northern lights, a beautiful mystery. A woodland path leads you towards the center of the rose, a divine light sparkles within. You are drawn within to the unfolding of the mystery. The path beckons you to follow into the very heart of the rose, your Self, your divine center where the light is hidden. A pink rose is sacred to the divine presence. It represents the unfolding of spiritual wisdom, the sacredness of the soul, it’s scent is the sweetness of love. No matter what we learn about life there will always be mystery. Everything does not need to be explained. Leave room in your life for magic, empty your self of what you think you know. Instead fill your heart with the wonder and awe that surrounds you. And then be grateful. When we look at life this way we see the beauty, the light hidden within every living thing. Allow nature to be your doorway into a new way of seeing and healing.<br />
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While I was creating this collage the word rosary popped into my head. I know what it is but not being Catholic I didn’t know how it came to be called a rosary. A rosary is a crown of roses, “a bouquet of spiritual prayers.” A tool to connect our hearts with the divine Mother aspect. What a beautiful symbol. Multiple religions use beads as a way to focus upon prayers or mantras to bring peace and love into ones heart, to still the mind of the chatter. Though I did not include an image of a rosary in the collage I consider this rose the first bead or prayer of gratitude in my own bouquet.<br />
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Further meditation upon the collage brought to mind Jung’s thoughts on the hidden soul of things, the mystery held within. Each of us has a small hidden doorway that leads inward but the way is barred by our own prejudices and mistaken assumptions that we as individuals need to work with in order to pass through and begin the healing. And it’s ALL about the healing! In order to “be the change we want to see in this world” we first have to heal ourselves.<br />
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Starting on the 31st pathway “The Seed of Potential,” I painted the background green with a pattern to look like grasses. Green for vitality, freshness, and it’s healing powers. I found a silhouette of a woman’s profile that was filled with a cityscape; buildings and roads devoid of color and to me this represents our society and the barriers, narrow scopes and limited thoughts that keep us from fully exploring what brings us true joy. Beneath this profile is a blank page that I<br />
journaled my “seed thoughts” upon. Then I decided to cut out more profiles representing my many layers. All are things that I have given a lot of attention to personally throughout my life, things that hold special meaning to me. One layer is dedicated to books, words and art. Another holds natural objects like feathers, seeds, nests and pods and finally the last flowers., Ranunculus. Flowers have always been my bliss but as a symbol they represent joy, new beginnings and renewal, all aspects that I have embraced throughout my life. Each of us has many layers and there are layers we haven’t even discovered yet. The last images that wished to be included in this collage were the salvia and the hummingbird. Salvia surrounds my profiles in its healing and calming attributes and hummingbird, considered a healer and a bringer of joy hovers above all. Overall it is what we come to know and understand about ourselves that sets us free, that releases us from our limiting thoughts.<br />
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These two pathways together ask us to acknowledge and embrace mystery in our lives and then to go deeper still and recognize that within yourself you hold a seed that is uniquely you. Nourish it. Feed it. Talk to it. Love it. Allow it to grow. “What is waiting to be born in your heart?”<br />
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Noelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00182591853923154086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1485810815142472014.post-83993074296864435972020-05-17T09:49:00.003-04:002020-05-17T09:50:58.089-04:00In An Orderly Fashion <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GpvCpM3sja7xhOZ5kG-LuK9efpOultc8pSW42D8uOnkW59sk3eSarZAyINl_TeHJvMV9WLp3sn8pfGhJLcRimgmW6l4zktoRCz0kOBQoxLM2nIoK4RynMPvv4rojGlUb-LUW21zE3qIs/s1600/2C7165CA-A5E0-4997-986B-6F5DB2C1FEF8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1443" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GpvCpM3sja7xhOZ5kG-LuK9efpOultc8pSW42D8uOnkW59sk3eSarZAyINl_TeHJvMV9WLp3sn8pfGhJLcRimgmW6l4zktoRCz0kOBQoxLM2nIoK4RynMPvv4rojGlUb-LUW21zE3qIs/s400/2C7165CA-A5E0-4997-986B-6F5DB2C1FEF8.jpeg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Passion flower, <i>Passiflora caeulea, </i>an exotic looking vining perennial with a quite distinctive flower seems an especially fitting representation for the energy of this pathway entitled <i>Putting Things in Order. </i>In my continuing journey to explore <i>The Sufi Book of Life- </i>99 <i>Pathways to the Heart, by </i>Neil Douglas-Klotz, through art, I am always pleasantly surprised by the images that call<br />
to be used and later prove to be symbolically apropos.<br />
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It seems to me that during this extended period of quarantine and isolation that many of us have been doing just this, putting various things in order in our lives. I know for myself I have spent time organizing closets, kitchen cabinets, drawers and art supplies (always a never ending battle). Everyday I hear from friends and family busy tackling house renovations from flooring to painting rooms; putting in gardens; and cleaning out garages and basements. The quest to keep busy. Psychologically I wouldn’t doubt that some of this activity is a reaction to feeling that we have no control over what is going on in the world around us. So we channel our energy into what we feel we can control, our immediate surroundings and our little corners of this world where we have some sense of belonging that brings us comfort.<br />
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We don’t have control over anything except how we react to these challenging times. On so many levels this is a time of great change, a call to return to balance by putting things right. This isn’t just about physical, material objects though. This is about going deeper in mind and spirit and starting the healing process by illuminating that which has been lurking in the shadows of our group subconscious. Issues need to be addressed, cracks in the foundation need to be repaired, and outmoded ways of thinking and Being need to be released. We need to re-view, re-vision, and re-store. And that all begins within the stillness we must create within ourselves.<br />
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In this pathway the author directs us to examine the place within ourselves that is capable of organizing and putting things in our lives into order. This ability manages our mental, emotional and material needs. It is the inner practical you that balances the check book, that is able to nurture yourself when you are ill, that deals with relationship problems or that plans a diet and exercise plan for better health. However just as this inner manager organizes the details it is equally important to seek balance from your inner “Soloman” or judge. We can be our own worst critics and judge ourselves harshly if we don’t stick to the rule book we have laid out. No one likes to be micro-managed! So as we put things in order we need to do so with “loving wisdom”. Be kind to yourself in the process. Life is dull and meaningless without joy, spontaneity, inspiration and sweetness along the way. Don’t starve yourself.<br />
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In our society if you are not doing, not reaching goals you are judged as lazy, as a slacker or just unambitious. We label ourselves with titles and job descriptions to announce what it is we DO. Our little bit of time is spent madly dashing from one project to another, from managing and juggling schedules, our relationships and our resumes to prove our worth. But to whom are we proving ourselves to and why? The author asks us to contemplate how we live our daily lives? How do you spend your time? What is MOST important right now? Is what you are doing furthering your life’s purpose? The answer to all of these questions should be ultimately the same thing...love. <br />
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Time spent doing what you love leads to a state of Being rather than a state of doing all the time. For me, in my career as a florist, flowers, design, creating environments and helping people express their emotions with the help of nature was my bliss. However I was almost always also seen professionally as the “manager” which so many times in my career led me to be put into that position which meant I had less time for doing that which I truly loved. When I was surrounded in and immersed in my profession I lost all track of time because I was doing what I loved. At that point I was Being not Doing. There is a shift. I now experience the same bliss when I write or create art. Collage for me is an exercise in putting things in order. There is a process; the plan of action based on the inspiration, meditation upon the theme, the gathering of images and supplies, the preparation of the paper, the laying out until it feels right, applying the medium, drying time and the finishing. There is then one more step after completion for me though and that is studying the composition for the deeper message, the light hidden within.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pathway 29 collage.</td></tr>
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I actually started by painting the background white at first. I had a completely different thought as to composition and placement but then I started my search for images and it was apparent that it was going in a different direction. A woman sits upon a boulder at day break meditating. Behind her is a still pool of water. Her figure appears to be balanced upon the rock. There is a sense of serenity and peace, the stillness of the pond reflects the order of the woman’s emptied mind as she meditates.<br />
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The image of the beautifully carved archways leading to a garden beyond is a study in precision and order. There must be tremendous strength in the foundation just as there is beauty and meaning in the carving and design. It has a sense of ascension as you pass through each archway. Each time we create a new level of order in our lives by unlearning behaviors, by choosing to not react in old ways which only perpetuates past habits of doing, we free ourselves.<br />
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Then there was this tent aglow in the black of night. Such a welcoming sight. To me it was a symbol of the illuminated mind and/or the spirit, the light of the soul. The light being held, embraced within the vessel holding it in the darkness. The light being what we do know and the vast darkness being that which we don’t know yet. I find comfort in the knowing and rather than fear of the unknown I hold a sense of curiosity and hope.<br />
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So the next thing I did was paint the background black, I covered the light with darkness. Then I arranged images of knowing over that which I don’t know yet. They are each portals. But it was not complete yet and that’s when the Passion flower vine called to me and wished to connect all three. Passion flower urges us to live our lives with passion! In some cultures they believed the flower to have the shape of the sun or a clock thus we are asked to pay attention to how we spend the time we have been given. It is also believed that it has the ability to attract love into your life in all of its forms. At first I didn’t notice that the blossom also held a bee. Bees teach us to focus on the moment, mindfulness. Are you aligned with that which you love?<br />
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So in considering my collage at this point it still felt like something was missing. Then I found an image of a perfectly ordered closet (it was an advertisement) something honestly that I have always strived for but have never been able to maintain for any length of time! I can and have maintained large inventories and have managed multi million dollar businesses all of my life but the order of my own closet never, Lol. So I decided to affix the closet to an envelope that I have tucked my thoughts and intentions into. (Yes, one of them is an orderly closet!)<br />
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But that being said this pathway is about Being human, about living mindfully, not filling time for the sake of doing. And it’s about being kind to myself and not judgmental of the state of my closets! When you rest, rest. When you play, play. When you live, live. When you create, create. And each time you reach a new level of order in your life ask yourself “Am I aligned with love?” To live a life based in love takes discipline and I wish to live my life as a disciple to that love.<br />
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Noelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00182591853923154086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1485810815142472014.post-38238341790693175132020-04-18T15:25:00.003-04:002020-07-28T06:50:09.046-04:00Becoming<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pathway 28, The Sacred Sixth Sense.</td></tr>
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I am continuing on my journey through Neil Douglas- Klotzs book, “The Sufi Book of Life- 99 Pathways to the Heart,” by exploring each spiritual passage through art and in particular, collage.<br />
Exploring spiritual concepts through the expression of art has brought a new depth of understanding for me personally because I am someone who craves real depth and I relate especially to symbols and their meanings. Collage I find is the perfect medium for this.<br />
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I find as I get older or perhaps rather as I become more at home in my own skin I do not want to be chained to labels. By compartmentalizing ourselves into groups we stop our growth or at least stunt it because by excepting that marker you are saying I’ve found my spot and I’m not budging. One can argue that they are happy in that imagined, comfortable place but the universe is in constant motion between stages of birth, living and dying. Nothing stays the same and that includes humans. I am not the same person I was 10 years ago let alone last week and that’s because of my life experiences in all of its myriad forms. My goal spiritually is to stay in the middle in a position of neutrality and experience this life fully yet at the same time to not grow attached to any one way of Being. So when I say for instance that I am a Spiritual Being rather than a religious one I am saying I do not relate or label myself as belonging to one faith with its set beliefs. I am ever growing and Becoming. My path and experience is uniquely my own. My spirit resonates with philosophies from Buddhism to Paganism, and from Sufism to the Kabbalah. I’m eclectic...and everything I experience is and will be a part of me forever, they are stepping stones, movement that keeps propelling me forward. I also find that labels divide us into groups rather than unite us. We are all spiritual beings having a human experience.<br />
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We experience this life through our senses; seeing, hearing, tasting, touching, and smelling. These senses break down what we are experiencing into manageable impressions. They help us to move through life and to experience life on a deeper level. For me if I smell freshly baking bread I move towards the source... usually pretty quickly. If I am out walking and I suddenly smell the distinctive odor of a skunk I stop to look about and then change my route. Our senses make life more enjoyable and they protect us. Not all of us have full use of all five senses and in that case the individuals other senses grow stronger to compensate. What all of the senses have in common is movement. They reach out instinctively in their different ways to analyze and communicate what we are experiencing.<br />
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In my collage there are five circles representing our senses; an eye for sight; watermelon for taste; a woman smelling the bouquet of a glass of wine; a Jazz trumpet for hearing and the center of a flower to show the texture of touching. The upper border shows an eye with a reflection of a city, piles of fruit and candy, the texture and colors of a woven rug. Our senses are receiving thousands of images, smells, tastes, textures and sounds every day. If we didn’t have an organizing center we would be inundated and over taxed. The lower border has scenes from cities and nature, and the word “divisibility.” Our senses send us multiple messages constantly. That loaf of bread just out of the oven smells wonderful, we tap the loaf to hear the hollow sound that says it’s done baking, we note with our eyes the golden brown color, and when we bite into a slice we feel the texture of the bread, the crispness of the crust and finally we taste the yeast dough and the butter. All of these messages are divided into compartments in our minds but we come to a conclusion based on all of those factors. Now stop. Witness. What breathes in that scent? What is feeding you? What is beyond your senses?<br />
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The title of this pathway is the “Sacred Sixth Sense”. What does sacred mean though in this context? To most people the word means God or something of God. They relate it to their experience through their idea of religion. To a Catholic the Virgin Mary is sacred as are their Holy relics, saints and of course the Pope. To a Buddhist the Lumbini Grove, the birthplace of Buddha is a sacred place as is the Tipitaka, their Holy Books, the three baskets of wisdom. And to a Wiccan the Earth Herself and all living beings are sacred.<br />
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Something that is sacred is said then to be “set apart”. Our sixth sense is our instinctual Self, our center. This pathway asks us to consider it as a sacred place, the point of our connection with Source.<br />
It asks us to consider where our sensing comes from? In the center of my collage is a circle of light representing our connection to Source and to our senses that feed that center. In this space consciousness is born. Awaken to Unity.<br />
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Noelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00182591853923154086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1485810815142472014.post-9148759532748109942020-04-09T22:00:00.001-04:002020-06-21T06:31:14.677-04:00Seeing<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awakened Sight Pathway 27.</td></tr>
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Continuing my exploration of Neil Douglas-Klotz’s “The Sufi Book of Life- 99 Pathways to the Heart” through art collage the next pathway introduces us to Awakened Sight. In my last post I delved into Awakened Hearing which asked us to consider experiencing our senses from a different perspective, from a Spiritual one. Awakened hearing asked us to receive beyond what we hear, beyond words, to hear the Universe through our own ears and not through what others believe it should sound like. It too can be a point of reconnection.<br />
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Pathway 27, Awakened Sight, asks us to look beyond the thousands upon thousands of images that we are “bombarded” with every day. I know that sometimes I feel overloaded from the constant stream on social media, the news and in advertising. We spend a lot of time viewing life through a screen these days rather than experiencing life ourselves and seeing it with our own eyes. Which reminds me of a television commercial where a father and daughter are in a beautiful place such as the Grand Canyon or Yosemite and the daughter immediately reaches for her phone to take a picture. Dad stops her and says let’s just Be here now together in this moment.<br />
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Rather than taking an image for face value look deeper, look into the eyes and connect with the light of the Universe that resides within us all. In the body prayer of Namaste you look into the eyes of another, connect with their light, and bow. This is a way of honoring the light within yourself and acknowledging and honoring the light within another. You are silently saying I see you and I recognize your divinity.<br />
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If our eyes are the windows to our souls then give them every opportunity to see the Light of the Universe reflected back to you. You will never connect on a spiritual level to a plastic screen for it has no soul, no life. You are merely viewing not making a true connection.<br />
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In my collage I chose a mandala image for the background as it is a tool for meditation. One follows the patterns with their eyes allowing the images to work on their unconscious mind. Your mind empty’s and becomes like a peaceful pool of water.<br />
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In the lower right corner I have an example of a Taoist painting. The landscapes were of mountains and trees but it is the negative spaces between the images that the Taoists focused upon, the actual spiritual practice. These painting too were used for meditation. These were reflections of Taoist philosophy. The two fundamental principles of the Tao, the Path or Way, is absence and presence. The world is always in a state of change and renewal, things die and are absent and then something else arises, takes its place and is present. Thus there are two ways of seeing the world.<br />
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The image of the white wolf and it’s intense amber eyes caught my attention just as the soft gentle eyes of the horse did. The white wolf, thought of as a highly spiritual animal represents strength and solitude. His eyes simultaneously hold you in their gaze and draw you in. What wisdom do they hold? He is a spiritual warrior and the great mystery is his territory.<br />
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The horse with its gentle knowing eyes and beautiful long lashes asks you to look on life as a journey. He is the spirit of freedom and the bringer of messages. Horses act as a bridge between humans and spirit. If you have ever ridden at full gallop then you understand. Look into the eyes of all animals and you will see intelligence, you will see the light of consciousness. Honor them as you would another human being.<br />
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Namaste.<br />
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<br />Noelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00182591853923154086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1485810815142472014.post-50472056074536652372020-04-06T12:40:00.004-04:002020-06-21T06:32:25.901-04:00Do you Hear what I Hear?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pathway 26, Awakened Hearing. </td></tr>
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What is sound? Sound is defined as “vibration that travels through the air or another medium and can be heard when it reaches the ear.’ That being said everything has a vibration, it’s own pulse if you will; trees, plants, rocks, the Earth, but we don’t necessarily hear them with our ears. We may feel them or sense them which is a different kind of “hearing”, “Awakened Hearing”, As- Sami, which means “the all-hearing.” Pathway 26, “Awakened Hearing” asks us to contemplate where sound begins within ourselves. Hearing as a spiritual practice asks us to listen more intently.<br />
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“We are here to hold within us the consciousness of all the beings that have traveled before us in the caravan of life, and to include the view of the whole cosmos in our vision.” Neil Douglas- Klotz .<br />
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These next three pathways from his book “The Sufi Book of Life- 99 Pathways to the Heart” all deal with our ability to listen and truly hear or see or sense the sacredness all around us which results in our realization of our own connectedness to Source. I continue to journey through the pathways exploring through spiritual practice and art, in particular collage. Here in this blog I share my thoughts and experiences. This particular post will focus on Awakened Hearing.<br />
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If we believe that we are all sparks from a divine source then it’s fair to say that what we experience, see, hear and feel is being generated by and experienced by that source as well. So all that we experience around us is indeed a sacred conversation. So then we ask ourselves how closely are we listening or seeing or feeling? If we look at the state of our world and our Beloved Earth right now, in this moment, I would suggest we aren’t listening as deeply as we should or need to be. We are being asked to listen deeply and with greater clarity so that we may bring about a more balanced and respectful way of Being. We are being shown that we must realize our connectedness before it’s too late. You do not bring harm upon that which you love and respect.<br />
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In my collage I have a picture from under the oceans stormy surface. One can hear the sounds of a storm ravaged sea in their imagination from past experience. You know that above this peaceful scene the wind is howling, that waves are crashing, and that rain is lashing against the surface. Yet all is calm and serene, seemingly quiet. Our ears don’t necessarily have the experience or ability to hear sound under water. Though we are able to hear larger species like the songs of whales. We assume because we can’t hear it that there is no sound. Which brings to mind the old question of “if a tree falls in the forest does it make a sound?” The large school of fish communicate with each other. And on a different level your experience of this image may speak to you through your other senses. The same is true of the far north, of the land under the Northern Lights. What do you hear if anything? What speaks to you? Where in your body do you receive communication beyond what you hear, see or feel?<br />
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Then there is the image of the migrating birds on a lake. Most of us has experienced the cacophonous sound of thousands of birds. Is there a deeper conversation being held beneath its raucous tones though? It’s rather an uncontrolled chaos of sound. The sound of exuberant life, of joy, of untamed wildness.<br />
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In contrast I’ve included images of “controlled” sound. A drawing of a cellist, the individual musician. Again we are familiar with the deep tones of the instrument and its vibration To play a cello a bow of wood and horsehair is drawn across metal wrapped strings stretched over a hollow wooden form. When the wire is plucked or bowed it vibrates and moves the air around it resulting in sound waves. The hollow body of the instrument amplify’s the sound made. The notes played are controlled by wire tension, placement and the musician.<br />
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The orchestra is another example of controlled and directed sound. You have each musician and instrument adding their unique ”voice” to the whole while the conductor leads the symphony in expressing the composers work. What happens if the conductor doesn’t lead though? Each musician would be expressing the music from their own perspective and would result in your inability to experience and enjoy the beauty of the original work as it was created. Mastering a musical instrument demands discipline and full attention. When you truly connect with the music or vibration you connect with the musicians essence or their divine spark. In Hebrew A-dam means essence-being, “living up to our divine image.” The listener has a responsibility as well, to give their full attention to the source of the sound.<br />
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In the center of the collage is a little girl holding a shell to her ear. I so connected with this image because I too frequently held a shell to my ear as a child. I was inspired by my great aunt Gladys to collect shells as she did. I was mesmerized by the myriad of shapes and textures, the colors and their symbolism. When I was away from the ocean (or the water in some form) my favorite place, all I had to do was hold a shell to my ear to be transported. It was magical, (still is)<br />
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I can still hear the sound. What we actually hear is the sound of our surrounding environment resonating within the shells cavity. For the shell perhaps it is resonating within its own cell memory of the sea, it’s home.<br />
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For us perhaps it is the same, a reminder of the importance of listening in the moment, to resonate with the sounds of the environment we find ourselves in at this time in our lives and to realize our connection to the Whole. Three birds sit upon the guitar of a woman playing a song. Imagine all have their voices raised , each singing their own wild song from their hearts. It does not matter if one is off key for it matters more that we hear their true voice raised in celebration of life.<br />
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<br />Noelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00182591853923154086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1485810815142472014.post-59991227358145786562020-03-30T16:49:00.000-04:002020-04-01T20:27:42.311-04:00Embracing the Highs and Lows of My Weirdness<br />
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Where does time go? It's been over a year since I posted on Women In-Spirit. I tried a number of times to rally, to breathe new being into my creative life, but I just wasn't feeling it no matter what I did. I hadn't written or collaged much, here and there at best, but again it felt like an uphill climb in high altitude. So I decided to stop and look about me, change directions for awhile, and catch my breath. All the while I knew I would return to my blog because I don't like to start something and not finish it. My spiritual art exploration of the "Sufi Book of Life-99 Pathways of the Heart", by Neil Douglas-Klotz, through collage was far from complete. Sometimes you just have to trust the process. I needed to rediscover my passion.<br />
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So off in a new direction I went. Last March, a year ago, I saw an ad for a seasonal, part time job opening at a local greenhouse and garden center. It kept nudging at me so I answered, and it was just what I needed. Now, I will say, it has been the most physically demanding job I have ever had. I was always exhausted, my body and feet hurt daily and yet it didn’t feel like work, it was play to me. I came home and promptly fell asleep for hours every day but at the same time it renewed my spirit and brought me joy. I worked longer than the usual season last year but had just returned for a second season when unfortunately the pandemic hit and now we are on hold indefinitely.<br />
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Having been a professional florist and manager for the majority of my working life flowers, plants and creating beauty has been my bliss. For a time I redirected into interior design but it wasn't the same. But what I was to discover was my love for the stories that people share in regards to their emotional connections with flowers, gardening and nature. And, in turn, writing about those deep connections. It was also an opportunity to practice mindfulness and gratitude. With every plant I handled I silently offered up love and blessings.<br />
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I've recently been reading "Creative Calling" by Chase Jarvis which shares his philosophy and experience with living a creative life and creating a practice for your passions. He writes passionately about embracing our own "weirdness" or in other words our authentic selves. And as he states "we are all weird" and it's up to us to share our unique vision with others and in return they will resonate from the connection made with our truth.<br />
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These next two pathways , "High Self Esteem" and "Low Self Esteem" couldn't have been more appropriate for my return. Our Self esteem is one of the ways we experience our Self. It is the ground from which we respond to life, people, our successes and our failures. “Everything is <span style="color: #2f3334; font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">affected by our deepest sense of who and what we think we are, what we are capable of, what we deserve, and what is appropriate to us, “ as Nathaniel Brandon, noted expert/writer on Self Esteem, said. </span><br />
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Pathway 24, High "Self" Esteem. My favorite passage from this pathway is from Rumi as he speaks about chickpeas cooking in a pot and how they try to jump out, and the cook keeps batting them back down with a spoon; "you were once drinking fresh dew in the garden. That was so you could be a nice meal for the Guest. Don't dwell on the self you think you are. Let yourself be transformed into something even better- a meal for the Beloved! We don’t know what our life’s purpose is so we resist being cooked just like those chickpeas. We let our ego dictate or we convince ourselves that we couldn’t possibly do what we enjoy because we “can’t” make a living doing it. Follow your passion, those weird things that make you, you. The light within both is a reflection of the Universe.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pathway 24 High “Self Esteem”.</td></tr>
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Sometimes we just have to look at ourselves squarely in that mirror. Looking deeply and clearly. Acknowledge. Recognize. Accept. Embrace. It's the only way to move forward. I have always been passionate about flowers, plants, nature and writing. These passions started when I was a young child. My pockets were always full of rocks and shells; I was always dragging home branches, bigger rocks, and birds nests; my room always looked like a science project; I was always up a tree or under the lilac bushes, wading in a creek or digging in the garden and I hated to wear shoes; and I was always reading about nature or writing stories about nature. It was natural I suppose that I went into floristry. Design was how I expressed myself. When I write 80% of the time it is about nature or our relationship to it. So why have I not always combined the two? So I wrote a book... still in the “what do I do with it now phase”! But, it combines everything that I love, it’s a testament to my weirdness!<br />
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In my collage a butterfly feeds upon the pollen of a flower. Butterflies are symbols of transformation. Each has a light within. Each is a reflection of the Divine. Everything in nature is always in a state of transformation, eating or being eaten, “For the sake of an evolution driven by love.” That part of your Self that is confident is also a reflection. By honoring your gifts, your weirdness, you honor the universe. It has nothing to do with ego, with who we think we are but rather<br />
High self esteem is when we honor “the certainty” , the strength that we have that comes from source. Let it be your anchor.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pathway 25, Low Self Esteem.</td></tr>
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At various times in my life I have felt fractured, weak, exhausted, and as if I just couldn’t manage anything more. Usually this follows when I start doing things that don’t resonate with my spirit. My natural inclination is to pull away, hide, sit all alone off by myself. And honestly that is because no one wants to see it, hear it, or be reminded of it. Society dictates that if you are out of sorts, moody, or depressed that you should just stay home, see a shrink, and don’t surface until you are back up again. This pathway asks us rather to acknowledge and embrace these feelings because they too are sacred. These are opportunities to learn from your Self. They are signposts that perhaps you are following other people’s agendas and not being true to your Self. It leads ultimately to unlearning the false beliefs we hold about ourselves.<br />
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Go seek, don’t hide from your self because we really can’t, eventually it will catch up to you. Better to go deep into why we feel isolated, alone, exhausted and out of sorts. It’s the first step towards freedom. If we look on self esteem as a spiritual practice we can strengthen our responses and our resolve towards personal integrity, self confidence, self assertiveness, living a conscious life, living responsibly and living a purposeful life.<br />
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Noelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00182591853923154086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1485810815142472014.post-28030255066471960412018-10-10T12:22:00.002-04:002018-10-10T12:24:28.778-04:00Weaving My Life.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spider in the garden sitting pretty...</td></tr>
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Spider has been trying to get my attention this past week. It seems that I wasn't paying attention to her subtle and stealthy movements around me so the other night I suddenly awoke from a sound sleep as I caught movement above my bed. Between the darkness, being half asleep and the fact that I didn't have my glasses on I saw something seemingly hovering above me but it didn't register until I put the light on. It was a fairly large spider dancing on the end of her silk suspended from the overhead light fixture! She got my attention!</div>
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Then upon reflection I realized that spider had been spinning about me for at least a week on a number of walks, in books and articles, as well as in the house. I even had unconsciously started wearing my spider ring this past week. Yes. I own a spider ring. It was my Moms and is a silver Native American ring. It had been sitting in my jewelry box and the other day I must have slipped it on. I actually have a small collection of spider jewelry; pins, bracelet, earrings, etc.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spider ring.</td></tr>
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Looking at spider as a symbol it is a teacher of balance. Hm mm. I 've been working with this energy as late. Finding balance between my physical and my spiritual life. Balancing the Divine Feminine and Sacred Masculine energies within. Finding my own healthy rhythms daily. Maintaining a mindful balance between the past, the present and the future with the thought that I am weaving my life. If you look at a spiders web there is a central point and it spirals out representing focus and having a goal but at the same time maintaining a balance so that you do not become self absorbed.<br />
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Spider represents the creative and is a teacher of writing and language, a story teller. As an artist and writer it is my desire to weave magic into my creations. I also realize that the more balanced I am in other aspects of my life the more my creativity flows. </div>
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I took a picture of this large web in the woods. The silken threads are so delicate that you can barely see them unless you are positioned just right so that the sunlight glistens on them.</div>
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So thank you spider for weaving your magic and presence into my life. With your help may I weave a magical life.</div>
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Noelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00182591853923154086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1485810815142472014.post-6880066396010886622018-09-24T14:36:00.002-04:002020-06-21T06:34:44.998-04:00Finding Balance Ultimately I believe that we continue to experience certain lessons in life, over and over again, until we become mindful of the patterns that we actually have a big hand in creating. It's easy to fall into the trap of being a victim and of the blame game; conditions, other people, the planets, etc.. Whatever the circumstances the responsibility ultimately is our own.<br />
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Life is uncertain. Something may work today and not tomorrow. People can be mean, rude, unfair, cruel and demanding. Things may not go the way you want them to; your current path may suddenly take an unexpected detour and send you spiraling in another direction; or someone you love may treat you unfairly or callously or even fall completely from your life. Things change. Period.<br />
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And, what do we do? We react. We complain, whine, cry, rant and rave about the unfairness of it all. We hide, escape, criticize, and punish others and ourselves, and the list goes on. You name it, we do it all except take responsibility for it ourselves.<br />
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When you don't learn something the first time you can wager you will experience it again and again until you do get it. And then usually once more as the Universe wants to make sure you truly did learn the lesson. No person, no situation, no anything can make you feel less than, wounded, or hurt, that is entirely up to You. You chose how you react, how you see something, how you are going to respond. We can choose retaliation. We can choose to react in kind...a tooth for a tooth. Or we can choose to immerse ourselves in the pain of the moment, diving deeply into the darkness so that we may explore it's depths. This path leads to unlearning the behaviors that set us up in the first place. Once recognized then those conditioned ways of life, that we repeat over and over again, can be replaced with healthier more life affirming practises.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaf eaten away by beetles.</td></tr>
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This 'skeleton' of a leaf was eaten away by beetles. I found it and many more on my daily walk. It's still beautiful in its lace work, different than before but it remains whole. Sometimes this is how I feel, eaten away at, full of holes but my edges are intact and I am still beautiful within my form, still intact but different than before.<br />
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I am frequently aware that just when I need it a teaching comes before me that I need in that moment. Call it synchronicity or call it coincidence what have you, but it fills me with gratefulness. In my continuing exploration of 'The Sufi Book of Life 99 Pathways to the Heart' by Neil Douglas-Klotz, through art journaling and collage, this has happened before. The two pathways I have currently been studying, 22 Diminishment and 23 Exaltation have come at a time in my life when it seems that I am swinging between two emotional poles and I need to find middle ground so I may balance myself upon a firm foundation.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pathway 22, Diminishment.</td></tr>
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In the past few weeks I have once again been experiencing feelings of being less than, of feeling diminished. My moods were swinging between anger and hurt; of feeling unappreciated, used, and under valued; abandoned, unlovable and lonely.<br />
I was down, depressed and dark.<br />
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I recognize when I need some art therapy and spiritual guidance so I picked up my Sufi Book and got out the art supplies and ... opened to Diminishment! And I read, "sometimes your worst is good enough" it's called "divine depression". Honor that part of yourself that feels low, depressed, small and insignificant. It encourages you to go within and look closely into your own darkness. So that's what I did. It's not fun, it's not pleasurable. But it is necessary for growth, for uncovering just a little bit more of your own humanity, your soul. And once you recognize and accept what you find there then you can release it and begin the healing process.<br />
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I learned that my woundedness and my reaction of anger was not really aimed towards the people that I felt had attacked me but rather I was angry at myself. In my deep seeded need for belonging and depth I opened myself too much. I was angry at myself for not standing up for myself, for not using my voice to say "No" and for just taking their harsh and hurtful comments and letting it effect me. What other people think of me is none of my business and I don't have to agree with them. I don't need those type of people in my life. The fact that they have to lash out and make others feel less than is a reflection of themselves.<br />
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So in a way I am thankful for this time of darkness as it was a lesson I have visited time and again throughout my life but until now I hadn't fully grasped! I needed to see it so I could move on. Only I can make myself feel less than. I choose to stand strong and tall in my truth. "The one may be hiding in the smallest face of our inner nature. Hold this part of yourself in your heart, look into the dark."<br />
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I release all of my preconceptions of my self, all of those things that I believe. I allow the One to penetrate that part of me that feels less than with healing light.<br />
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My collage for 'diminishment' is set against a night sky representing the darkness I was experiencing. A statue of a screaming and cowering figure reels backwards in pain. But then across the sky a dramatic green aborealis appears and dances, the light hidden in darkness. The silhouette of a dandelion head illuminated by light supports the figure and seeds burst forth and fly into the night representing the seeds of creativity born of the experience. Where will those seeds land and take root? A small lacy leaf in the corner reminds us that the One can be found "also in the darkest recesses."<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pathway 23, Exaltation.</td></tr>
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Moving from Diminishment then we swing to the other extreme 'Exaltation' pathway 23! This is about joy swelling and filling within you to the point where you could dance. These are the moments in life when you are carried away on a wave of happy emotion, elation. You feel refreshed and redeemed. "Ooh La La"!<br />
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This pathway is also about extremes, about being way up or way down low and about the action of swinging between the two emotionally. I thought dance was the perfect representation of these emotions. Ballet dancers wear specially made pointe slippers that have a reinforced structure giving them the ability to perform difficult movements. My spiritual practice is my foundation. That enables me to move gracefully through this life...at least most of the time, I am human after all.<br />
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A ballet dancer draped in dark colors represents the flowing, watery element of emotion at its lowest expression, sadness, hurt, and pain. A ballerina in bright pink flies through the air joyfully on the other extreme. A pair of dancers in the lower center represents the balance between the two in a dance as they support and uplift each other.<br />
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Behind the dancers a profile swirled in colors representing the mind and it's many moods, emotions held and experienced. Ballet is a discipline just as being mindful to the constant voices of the ego is. All of our emotions can be acknowledged and all have their place but in the end all should be let go so that only balance remains. The beauty of the dance is in the moment and then it is over. Feel jubilant, feel down and out but know it will come to pass and then it is over. It is an invitation and a blessing all at once.Noelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00182591853923154086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1485810815142472014.post-12654185489830048712018-06-04T15:10:00.001-04:002020-06-21T06:37:13.233-04:00Contracting and Expanding Boundaries<br />
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The next two art journal explorations in my continuing journey through "The Sufi Book of Life- 99 Pathways to the Heart", by Neil Douglas-Klotz, deal with the opening and closing of our own boundaries. I believe most of us struggle with the setting and keeping of boundaries throughout our lives.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pathway 20, Contracting Boundaries.</td></tr>
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To be honest, when I sat down initially to read and collect images for collaging pathway 20, <i>Contracting Boundaries, </i>my thoughts and the images I chose, were decidedly dark. I had been experiencing feelings of hurt and was in the process of closing myself down, retreating to the safety of my cave in true Scorpio fashion to lick my wounds. In other words contracting my boundaries. I realize though that I needed to sit with those feelings and cry and get it out, to voice my pain to my Self so that I could clear it. When you stop and witness your emotions their power over you dissipates. I could sit with myself and just be my own best friend. As the author states "The first step to capacity is consciousness. Feeling a muscle (or capability of emotion or mind) precedes using it properly. Not-feeling ties up energy that could be used in service to the Real." So then I was able to get to the true meaning of this path for me and turn to the more positive, healing aspects of contracting boundaries. As Rumi's poem says...<br />
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<i>"So your heart also contracts and expands,</i><br />
<i>Just like a bird needs to close and open </i><br />
<i>It's wings to fly."</i><br />
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<i> </i> To me my spiritual<i> Self</i> is very much like a garden, a contained, sacred space where I go to clear my head and heart. So my first thought was to make this page a garden refuge, A place that is beautiful, nurturing, and peaceful. Why recreate the reasons for going within? Rather focus on the positive aspects of contracting.<br />
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I covered the page in green tissue paper and contained the space with a border of brightly colored flowers. At the top of the page I placed an image of a machine, into it's opening are stuffed phones, computers, and all the stuff that is vying for our attention daily. A woman is cranking the mechanism to chew it all up. I love her mischievous yet purposeful grin. Below the machine is a woman in a yoga pose, serene, empty, and peaceful. A silhouette of another woman, clouds floating across her mind represents a visualization that I do, letting the thoughts of my mind float away.<br />
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To have a productive garden you need to prepare the soil so your seeds have a good growing ground. They need nourishment as they incubate, and most importantly, they need time. I go to this place within when I need to recenter so I can face they world outside with strength and a clear head.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pathway 21, Expanding Boundaries.</td></tr>
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After contraction comes expansion, pathway 21, <i>Expanding Boundaries. </i>I worked on these two pathways within 2 days of each other as I felt the need to feel both contraction and expansion dealing with my own emotions and thoughts. I am so glad that I did as it helped me to come to terms with things within myself that I was struggling with. Sometimes you have to let go in order to make room for other people, things, and situations to enter. So many times in my life I have over extended my boundaries in hopes that I would be accepted, appreciated, liked. But what I have learned is that I need to extend the hand of friendship first to my Self and honor my own boundaries.<br />
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This pathway explains that when we experience hurt a part of ourselves closes. We really don't want to go through that pain again so the shutters come up! That is why on this journal page I painted the background black so it appears as if the doors are closed. Problem is when we close up we shut every thing else out including new possiblities.<br />
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I loved the accompanying poem by Shabistari whose lines inspired the images on my page.<br />
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'<i>I 'and 'you' focus light</i><br />
<i>Like decorative holes Cut</i><br />
<i>In a lampshade,</i><br />
<i>But there is only One light...</i><br />
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<i>'I' and 'you ' throw a thin veil</i><br />
<i> Between heaven and earth.</i><br />
<i>Lift the veil and all creeds</i><br />
<i>And theologies disappear.</i><br />
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<i>Where 'I ' and ' you vanish,</i><br />
<i>How can I tell whether I </i><br />
<i>Am in a mosque, a </i><br />
<i>Synagogue, a church</i><br />
<i>Or an observatory?</i><br />
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<i> </i> Night gives way to the light. A picture of an ancient Italian city with its cathedral in the distance, another domed religious building to the side. Is it sunrise (opening) or sunset (closing)? I hung a light, pierced with silver Mylar beneath to reflect light.<br />
The energy is radiating, a gradual expansion like the light in the sky. I stand in the center of this light and expand outwards though part of me I will keep contained so that I am always caring and honoring myself. Sometimes the bird needs to rest and it's wings are pulled tightly around itself. Other times it extends it's wings and soars into the heavens.<br />
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<br />Noelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00182591853923154086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1485810815142472014.post-55281046124512424612018-05-28T15:15:00.001-04:002020-09-10T10:57:13.410-04:00Opening to True Understanding<br />
Well, if it's one thing I have learned it is that life is always in a state of change. Just when you think you are going in one direction life decides a detour is in order. The last time I posted about my continuing art journey through "The Sufi Book of Life- 99 Pathways to the Heart" by Neil Douglas-Klotz, I was making a major move and life change. It didn't work out. I moved again, back from whence I came and that's okay. I am happy!<br />
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Someone said to me that perhaps I had made an error in judgment, but no I don't believe that it was a mistake. Sometimes we just have to try anyway. I believe these detours reveal something that we needed to see, feel or experience. Funny thing was I was never so relieved in all my life to leave a place. In fact I am proud of my Self for not staying. I have a tendency to stay and try to make something work when I know full well it is not healthy or right for me. I am also loathe to disappoint but I have also learned that my feelings, my convictions also matter. Honesty and integrity, truth, In a world where lies and deceit are rampant, is hard to find and something I can personally not overlook. If you talk the talk, you'd better walk the walk.<div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pathway 19, understanding names and forms.</td></tr>
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</div><div>That's why this next pathway, 19 Understanding Names and Forms, Al-alim, resonates with me. It asks; How well do you know Yourself? This journey of life is about discovering our true selves. Every time we are faced with a situation that makes us uncomfortable, that is a sign to go deeper. Embrace the anger, fear, trepidation, what have you, because in that moment there is an opportunity to peel back yet another layer of illusion, of societal conditioning, or a limiting story line that we have imprisoned ourselves within.<br />
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I struggle between wanting to dive fully in, opening myself to all of what life has to teach me and the opposite frankly... living in a cave on top of a mountain away from everything and everyone. I do tend towards the extreme, all or nothing, but that is not realistic. So, how do we find and maintain balance?<br />
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Understanding Names and Forms deals with the concept of blindly following the "face" of God at the expense of your own knowing. Again it's about integrity. We see this acted out today within fundamentalist religions from all faiths. People become so attached to the trap of "their way or no way" that they close themselves off to any other possibility. Every religion speaks of the importance of knowing oneself. If we seek understanding and learn to follow our own inner knowing then we open ourselves to trusting in our own journey. We allow the magic to unfold. We allow our lives and our selves to continue growing and becoming.<br />
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In my collage for this pathway I immediately knew that I wanted to cover the background in bright yellow tissue paper. I am a fairly positive, upbeat person and yellow is the color of communication and inspiration. However, on the opposite end of the spectrum it is also the color of being overly critical of self and needing everything to be clarified! Yes, I am overly critical with my Self and at times want everything to be explained. Spiritually speaking that is a Western way of thinking, that everything need be dissected and analyzed to death. What is wrong with just accepting something for what it is? Allow magic and awe into your life, it is infinitely more joyful!<br />
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In my collage A woman opens a door within a series of blocks with many doors of different colors and images. It speaks to me of this search for knowing self and of endless possibilities. A face peaks out from a pillar. Do we ever know ourselves completely? Can I accept all of me, the light and the dark? If we don't peer into the shadows how can we ever hope to grow and become?<br />
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A hand extended offers a gift. It is truly a gift to know and understand your self.<br />
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A part of my Self gazes into the future landscape and symbolizes my love of nature, of being a part of my environment.<br />
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Another hand holding up a glass with a focused image of a path dials in the need of seeing clearly and with optimism...seeing the beauty of life and recognizing that there are endless possibilities. A butterfly figure represents the transformation that can occur when the heart and mind are in balance and agreement.<br />
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There is also a small image I cut from a copy of a painting called 'Form and Void, by Elizabeth Malaska. It "allegorizes the disparity between the mortal reality of the female form because it is an illusion." Perfection does not exist. Women especially look and find fault with their own bodies. I too struggle with body image. I wish to be comfortable within my own skin, to own all of me and love all of me.<br />
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When I know my true Self and work to clear that which does not belong to me, I am actually making more room within for Unity to live and know itself through me. This path asks you to "open to truth", open to a "larger view of yourself". Realize that the doors you must open will reveal both pain and joy but once faced they will surely lead you to a better understanding of yourself and your lifes purpose.<br />
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<br /></div>Noelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00182591853923154086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1485810815142472014.post-83025854168302390472018-04-24T12:30:00.001-04:002020-06-21T06:42:38.772-04:00Breathing With My Heart<br />
I am a walker by nature. To immerse myself in the landscape, rather than merely viewing it from afar, is to experience a real connection to the land, a kinship.<br />
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Perhaps it is my creative eye that constantly seeks out the details of the wonders that hide within the tall grasses and wildflowers, on the woodland floor, or even in a city park; to catch the sparkle of reflected light from the wing of a dragonfly; to trace with my fingers the imprint of a deer's hoof left in the mud of a creek bank; to hear the hollow drum sound of a woodpecker rhythmically tapping against a dead tree trunk; or watching as a hawk drops from the sky, talons first, as he hunts his dinner....all of these things speak to me intimately. Bit more importantly, being in nature fills my heart to overflowing.<br />
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This earth, I believe, is more than a place that we are merely living upon, separated in our existence from everything else, but rather that we are extensions of a whole and vital organism. We have the power to choose whether we share our gifts and add to the beauty of life or whether we selfishly hoard them and add to the imbalance that is rampant on earth at this time. </div>
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Walking is a meditation for me. Concentrating on my breath, on the changing landscape, everything falls away. Especially during times of my life filled with stress and pain, loss and grief, walking has literally been a life line, pulling me back up out of the depths of my own darkness into the light of day once again.<br />
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Quite recently I found myself in a situation where I was deeply unhappy. I had made some life changing choices that I quickly discovered were not right for me. The choices that I had made I did not look on as mistakes because when you set out to try and make positive changes one never knows how they will work out. For what ever reasons the situation was not a good fit. When we have invested a lot of time, money and effort we naturally feel hesitant to uproot ourselves once again. Oh what to do, what to do?<br />
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Walk. Walk. And walk some more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkjGM-7lkotX940Z889Y_16y0mi_RMwTVI89iX5aH_DBmYOpM9Q8418ZLWQ7TQmsTvEnqWoYMYZwkXD4_ppv64fFlpcZ2yAJyO33cDtzb5LeEBiQ6IoqwhfsGe0Uj8GaH15sCxVDy-lOa/s1600/FB_IMG_1522932259645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="967" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkjGM-7lkotX940Z889Y_16y0mi_RMwTVI89iX5aH_DBmYOpM9Q8418ZLWQ7TQmsTvEnqWoYMYZwkXD4_ppv64fFlpcZ2yAJyO33cDtzb5LeEBiQ6IoqwhfsGe0Uj8GaH15sCxVDy-lOa/s400/FB_IMG_1522932259645.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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Then, one day, a thought popped into my head. (Thank you guardian angels). Hearts. I have a collection of hearts made from stone, pottery, and glass. I grabbed a few and dropped them into the pocket of my coat and off I went on a walk. I started placing the hearts against the Earth, within the bark of trees, nestled in moss, in a nest, within flowing water and in the crooks of tree branches.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-34UiWb9jQK8OVZNw_V9wQa_msMFqchiOzpi30c1zYDOjVuafkJNsGxEJ3aVcvLKeCpUznzWJkNwdQP69HC3QEMx7jkzlbCphOpV9KbPUJi4ljPX7zlkUsrXuEiOq7m0HssMceAiB21x/s1600/20180405_091518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-34UiWb9jQK8OVZNw_V9wQa_msMFqchiOzpi30c1zYDOjVuafkJNsGxEJ3aVcvLKeCpUznzWJkNwdQP69HC3QEMx7jkzlbCphOpV9KbPUJi4ljPX7zlkUsrXuEiOq7m0HssMceAiB21x/s400/20180405_091518.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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My eyes scanned the landscape for just the right places to position my hearts. It was a creative outlet. It took my attention away from my problems and quieted my mind so that in the end I was able to truly listen and see with greater clarity which ultimately led me to making more changes.<br />
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I didn't realize at first that a subtle conversation was taking place as I was happily taking my pictures. I was looking for a place for my heart.<br />
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A place where my heart was engaged, full to over flowing, where it was loved and where it could express its own love, a home. Sometimes it takes leaving a place to realize that it was the right place.<br />
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Home IS where the heart is, where it is engaged and nurtured and nourished. It is a place where your own heart is connected to the 'Heart of the Universe' for you. I also feel that in placing these hearts within nature I am drawing attention to the fact that love is everywhere.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBpGiPAtsXiGNNAPTfAg-y4FENluiEe8XDPmsxj3Xa0bm-Ok-VXhpuwsHYFA58GsdHxNVCcdkOfuPmO5TdpO3jxjnXe4_hFfzJoVXg21qLcLjJFEhI0n45N7hR83Vr4lGcUDVy9nuZVlX/s1600/20180225_151620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1377" data-original-width="1343" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBpGiPAtsXiGNNAPTfAg-y4FENluiEe8XDPmsxj3Xa0bm-Ok-VXhpuwsHYFA58GsdHxNVCcdkOfuPmO5TdpO3jxjnXe4_hFfzJoVXg21qLcLjJFEhI0n45N7hR83Vr4lGcUDVy9nuZVlX/s400/20180225_151620.jpg" width="390" /></a></div>
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My heart had decided where it wanted to be...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhZQ6haDCrCMoGWgLYThLw_blqjUJvmjDTV-vj2x_JlYSeLpY6uOxVidn7Z1JdrgZa2-oy52G0T177DhQZHIKYX05LI_YetabsqRgyB5kKy5jnnuomIIJGFE6eN85BIxHs0YXW-zrQp-X/s1600/20180304_102858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhZQ6haDCrCMoGWgLYThLw_blqjUJvmjDTV-vj2x_JlYSeLpY6uOxVidn7Z1JdrgZa2-oy52G0T177DhQZHIKYX05LI_YetabsqRgyB5kKy5jnnuomIIJGFE6eN85BIxHs0YXW-zrQp-X/s400/20180304_102858.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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(All pictures taken by myself. 2018.)<br />
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Noelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00182591853923154086noreply@blogger.com0