Lately I’ve been looking for things and finding other things. For example I found my gift box from my graduation for JFKU in 2006. I hadn’t looked in it recently. Inside one of the things I found were packaged pennies with a label that said "place where you want them to grow". So I put some pennies in my wallet and some in my fee box for my classes. Since then I keep finding pennies everywhere. I find them on my studio doorstep, outside my car, on my chair. Today I found a quarter on my cell phone(weird?!). Hmmm well the value is going up. Not sure where this leading but I’m trying to follow the breadcrumbs. Paying attention more to "pennies from heaven". I think I’m getting it that my value is where I am, what I do, in my studio, and the way I communicate and connect. Obvious, but pennies or messages from heaven help out to confirm it. I've been going outside of my studio a lot to work with others. I'll have time to regroup soon and looking at ways to "be here now" will be a focus! Oh and by the way, what was I originally looking for? A key which I already had on my keychain and didn't remember. Now if that isn't a message I don't know what is! Update: the next day: found $3! I like this roll I'm on.
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May you have a moment to remember your wonderful self this holiday season!
Much gratitude for your support, creativity, and being you. Here's to new adventures and unfolding in the new year. ~ Judy When the Solstice is nearing, I often tune into where I am and where I want to be. Today I took a hard look at an area of my life that I haven’t been attending to. As often can be the case when one doesn’t pay attention, things can go awry and life can be thrown out of balance. I felt sad, overwhelmed and angry with myself.
I came upon an article by Jack Kornfield that really spoke to me - about setting your compass. “Whatever your difficulties—a devastated heart, financial loss, feeling assaulted by the conflicts around you, or a seemingly hopeless illness—you can always remember that you are free in every moment to set the compass of your heart to your highest intentions. In fact, the two things that you are always free to do—despite your circumstances—are to be present and to be willing to love.” Yes! Of course, I must make my own compass! I pulled out my pen and drew a compass and without much thought, wrote six words circling the center of my compass. I drew the arrow pointing to one of the words – the one that had the most juice in the moment – abundance! Around the compass I drew my hand – so I held my personal direction finder. I added color and designs to my drawing. Each finger became alive with vibrancy, depicting my interaction with my new tool, and aligning myself with my soul’s intention. This afternoon of art making helped me bring to light an area that has been in the dark. It gave me confidence to make a commitment to myself - to take responsibility for my needs in a positive, active, and loving manner. I’m just not a quick person. I admit it. I like to linger and observe. I like to feel a place before I move through it. This can be frustrating when the ones you travel with are on a different pace. I’ve learned to not let this reflect on the way I feel as I go my own way. Ultimately we must be comfortable or at least ok with the path we have chosen and the way we are on it. A literal example of this happens when traveling with my partner. Especially when it comes to going up hill. How many times have we come to a vista spot that is up the hill, or up the tower, or in this instance up Moro Rock in Sequoia National Park. I chose to enjoy the view from where I was, as he gleefully ran up the steps and out of sight, camera in hand. In the quiet moment alone, I decided I would go up with my breath laboring, to the next level and take a look. Then I went around the next corner, enjoying the sun and the crisp air, and stopped there for a moment. I continued up at my own rhythm of ascent. Next thing I knew I had made it up the 350 steps to the top. He was surprised to see me since I had said I wasn’t coming up. I think life can be like that. We can get all the advice in the world, but it is our inner wisdom and curiosity that guides us as we step into our journey. However we do it is just fine. Wow I got uber focused after Art Meditation last night. I was up until the wee hours attacking a bunch of emails, requests, washing dishes, etc. It was as if a logjam had been removed and the many things that were stressing me out suddenly became easily doable. My intention for the session was “I am focused”. I then made art for about 2 hours in silence along side the participants that came to my Kitsune Studio that evening. The first image I made was a beautiful sunrise colored painting which I then put a paper cutout over the top of. I set that aside to dry. continue---- Creating your vision and making a statement with your art is powerful.
That was validated for me today when I pulled out this quick image I made in a workshop back in September. I wrote, “I am a visionary who can bring the healing process of creativity to anybody and any place in the world.” In the center I placed an image of a young monk, who represented a childlike presence and consciousness to me. Around him I drew different landscapes and towns and cities. I hung the piece above my desk for a while. Fast-forward to January 2014 and I see that art piece has come true but in a way that surprised me. I am familiar with creating physical art healing space in my studio, in exhibition spaces, and other places I have been invited to teach. But I hadn’t considered the online space. I shared “New Year Mandala 2014” project on Facebook just nine days ago, and now a nationwide community of 319 artists and healers are now making and sharing mandalas daily. It is clear to me that many people want to create and share, wherever they are. I give thanks to the Universe for manifesting my vision and to the many artists who are participating in the Mandala project. In addition I am grateful to Kathleen Horn who got me thinking, “why not?” How to Do This Yourself 1) Set up space for art making - bring out art materials. 2) Become present by doing a short meditation 3) Write your manifestation statement in the present tense. The more detail the better. 4) Create imagery to support your statement - put a hero that represents you on the page. 5) Place your finished art piece where you will see it daily 6) Reflect on how your art piece is manifesting in your life - may not happen right away. If timing is important to you put that in your art piece. 7) Remember to express gratitude! |
AuthorJudy Shintani is an artist, mentor, guide, transformative art facilitator Archives
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