Books come into our lives for a reason. Often they stay on the shelf patiently for weeks, months or even years, and then call to us urgently, just about the time we are ready to embrace the information within. One such book hailed me recently: Marry your Muse – Making a Lasting Commitment to your Creativity by Jan Phillips.
I couldn't put it down, devouring the insights and suggestions within like the starving artist I aspire not to be. One particular piece of advice wouldn't go away:
I couldn't put it down, devouring the insights and suggestions within like the starving artist I aspire not to be. One particular piece of advice wouldn't go away:
IDENTIFY THE YEARNING BEHIND YOUR WORK
AND SEE THAT IT TOUCHES EVERYTHING THAT YOU DO
With this firmly embedded in my heart, I took a look at my work from a different another angle:
What is it that I never, ever tire of ?
Three things emerged instantaneously:
# 1 Writing in my Journal
I love journaling, its powers of self-discover, truth seeking and healing. I promote it, teach it, use it in my counseling practice, and an writing a book about it. I'd like to design them.
# 2 Working as an Intuitive
This is essentially who I am. I do intuitive sessions, write about intuition, teach how to develop it. My greeting cards and mixed media art strongly reflect that part of me.
# 3 Researching and Writing
I thrive on research. It's what drives me, and the writing is a by product of the research. Even as a youngster I had binders full of information I had gleaned from books or magazines gaining the reputation of "if you wanted to find out about something, ask Shena!"
Lately, I've become more involved in social activism. How would this fit with all of the above? I am persistent in the pursuit of facts, undistorted by the opinions or manipulations of others. It has become increasingly important for me to find out the truth, encouraging others to do the same, and then acting upon it.
So what's the common denominator?
What is it that I never, ever tire of ?
Three things emerged instantaneously:
# 1 Writing in my Journal
I love journaling, its powers of self-discover, truth seeking and healing. I promote it, teach it, use it in my counseling practice, and an writing a book about it. I'd like to design them.
# 2 Working as an Intuitive
This is essentially who I am. I do intuitive sessions, write about intuition, teach how to develop it. My greeting cards and mixed media art strongly reflect that part of me.
# 3 Researching and Writing
I thrive on research. It's what drives me, and the writing is a by product of the research. Even as a youngster I had binders full of information I had gleaned from books or magazines gaining the reputation of "if you wanted to find out about something, ask Shena!"
Lately, I've become more involved in social activism. How would this fit with all of the above? I am persistent in the pursuit of facts, undistorted by the opinions or manipulations of others. It has become increasingly important for me to find out the truth, encouraging others to do the same, and then acting upon it.
So what's the common denominator?
The essence of Journalling is about finding oneself. My whole message as an Intuitive is to support people in remembering who they are and finding themselves again. Research is basically about finding out about things and with that comes knowledge that I bring to my Writing. Finding out the truth and standing up for what I believe in? That would be Social Activism.
So what is the yearning behind what I do? Finding oneself, finding one's truth, remembering who we are, being solid in that knowledge, and acting from that place of knowing. No surprise I start every journaling workshop off with the statement: "Know thyself."
What is the yearning behind your work? What is it that you never tire of? Ask yourself these questions. See what comes up for you… you'll be glad that you did!
What is the yearning behind your work? What is it that you never tire of? Ask yourself these questions. See what comes up for you… you'll be glad that you did!
In the spirit of friendship let there be laughter and sharing of pleasures
Faces from another time watch how we allow things to unfold this time around...
And on that cold Sunday afternoon the warm rays of bright sunshine floodlit certain pieces to absolute perfection.
This man and nature had worked together to create a symbiotic relationship with each other. Some of the book openings had grown over and been reclaimed by the cedar. Some of the trees had fallen or blown over and the roots became part of the landscape. Exactly as it was always meant to be.