The Silence: Listening Beneath the Noise
Stillness is not empty — it is full of listening.
The silence that at first feels heavy often becomes the place where truth finally speaks.
Essay Section:
I’ve resisted silence many times in my life. I fill it with work, with worry, with other people’s voices. Anything but the raw hum of my own thoughts. And yet, the harder seasons of life have a way of forcing silence upon us. Grief silences us. Fatigue silences us. The overwhelming weight of caregiving, parenting, or entrepreneurship presses us into wordless spaces.
At first, it feels like exile. Like being cut off from the world. But over time, silence becomes a different kind of teacher. It strips away the noise so we can finally hear what matters.
In these moments, I realize that silence is not a void. It is a vessel. It holds every unspoken truth. It waits, patiently, until I stop running and sit long enough to listen.
Beginnings are born here too. In the quiet that comes after endings, when nothing seems to be moving. That’s when the whisper begins. The whisper that says: start again, even if you don’t know how.
Silence is where we learn to trust what can’t be seen. To remember that beneath the chaos, life is still breathing.
Find three minutes today to sit in silence.
Turn off your phone. Close your eyes.
Breathe three steady breaths, listening not for answers but for what stirs beneath the surface.
How do you relate to silence right now? Does it feel like exile, or like home?
Share a few lines below — your words may help someone else hear their own.
You are both the container and the offering.
This body, this breath, this presence — it carries more than you sometimes believe
You are both the container and the offering.
This body, this breath, this presence — it carries more than you sometimes believe.
I’ve been noticing how often I treat myself like an afterthought. I pour tea into a mug, set it down, and forget it until it’s cold. I pour myself into work, into care, into building, until the cup is empty and I wonder why I feel hollow.
But lately, in the middle of so much change, I’ve started to see the cup differently. A vessel doesn’t need to be flawless. It just needs to be steady enough to hold what’s placed inside. My chipped ceramic mug still holds warmth. My own heart, even cracked by grief and stretched by challenge, still holds love, still carries vision.
New beginnings ask us to remember this: the vessel you are has been tested by fire, and the fact that you’re still here is proof of your strength. You don’t have to be perfect to be sacred. You don’t have to be whole to be worthy of carrying something holy.
When I return to the roots of Witch in Progress ritual practices, I see this theme everywhere. The vessel is not about polish — it is about presence. It is about remembering that what you hold matters, no matter how chipped or worn the container feels.
So perhaps the real work is not in fixing every crack, but in holding what we can, with reverence.
Today, pour yourself a glass of water, tea, or coffee.
Hold it in both hands. Feel the warmth or the coolness.
Before you drink, whisper a word you want to carry inside of you this week — peace, courage, joy, release.
Let that word sink into you with every sip.
If you could choose one word to carry within you right now, what would it be? Share it below. Let’s weave our words together into something stronger.
One flame is enough to dissolve shadows.
It doesn’t take a bonfire or a torch — just a single spark to remind us that light is always possible.
I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to carry light when everything feels uncertain. Life has a way of piling on darkness: the losses, the deadlines, the quiet grief of things that used to work but no longer fi
There are seasons where I’ve felt almost extinguished. Burnt out from caregiving, from building businesses, from trying to hold it all together. What once brought me warmth suddenly felt cold. That’s the thing about transitions: they often take away the familiar glow and leave you fumbling in the dark.
But light doesn’t always arrive as grand revelation. Sometimes it’s just a candle on the table. A reminder that warmth can return in small ways. Entrepreneurship, parenthood, illness, even grief — all of it can feel like shadow work. And yet, if you’ve chosen this path, you know that a spark is enough to keep going.
Carving your own way, creating instead of following, is like tending a fragile flame. Most people don’t see the sacrifices it takes. They can’t feel the cold nights when the fire is almost gone. But if you’ve stood in that darkness, you know how powerful a single light can be.
I light candles often — not to chase the shadows away completely, but to remember that shadows are part of the room. The flame doesn’t need to banish them. It only needs to burn. And so do we.
Ritual Invitation:
Light a single candle tonight.
Sit with it for a few minutes. Watch the flame move.
Notice how it both reveals and creates shadows. Let that be the reminder: you don’t need to eliminate darkness — only keep your light alive.
Your Turn:
What flame have you kept alive in your life, even when things felt dark?
Share a few sentences about the light you tend to — for yourself, for others, or for the world.
Between the known and the unknown, there is a doorway.
It doesn’t always look like a grand arch or a shining gate — sometimes it’s just the ordinary door you pass through every day.
Pause there. Hand on the handle.
Breathe. Whisper your intention before you cross.
Let the crossing itself become ritual.
I’m drawn to thresholds right now because everything in my life has changed. Some of it by choice, much of it by loss. Loss shapes us, sometimes brutally, and transforms us in ways we don’t always ask for.
The roles I once fit into no longer suit me. The people I thought would always be there have quietly moved on. Some simply couldn’t show up when the times turned hard. Transitional times have a way of sifting people: many take the easy route, stepping away from discomfort, leaving you standing at the edge alone.
If you’ve built anything from scratch — a business, a practice, a dream — you know this truth. Entrepreneurship asks for sacrifice. It asks you to walk alone for long stretches, to keep moving even when others don’t understand. You are supposed to feel the loneliness, because not everyone makes it through the thresholds. Not everyone is willing to.
It’s the same with illness, whether your own or supporting someone you love. People cannot always relate to that path, because it’s uncomfortable, confronting. But the path is not for them. It’s yours. And it demands that you don’t shrink back from the hard edges, but walk them with courage.
The work, then, is not to lament who didn’t show up, but to reach beyond — to find the rare ones who will walk with you, who carry the same fire, who are carving their own way instead of following someone else’s map.
A threshold is not a place to fear. Fear makes us feel small, staring up at the height of the mountain and thinking we don’t belong there. But if you stand long enough in the morning light, you’ll see: smallness is only the measure of scale, not of worth. The view is for you, uniquely, the bitterness and the sweetness balanced just so.
Thresholds are not punishments. They are invitations. And this one, here and now, is mine. Perhaps yours too.
Ritual Invitation:
Tonight, find a doorway in your own home.
Pause before you step through. Place your hand on the handle. Whisper one intention — something you are ready to begin, something you are ready to walk toward. Then cross the threshold slowly, as if it were sacred ground.
Your Turn:
I would love to hear your story.
What threshold are you standing before?
What is the beginning you are yearning for?
Share in a few sentences below — your words may be the light that helps another step through.
Some weeks carry us like a river, and some weeks leave us stranded on the shore. I’ve felt both, the chaos of caregiving, school, and business, and the ache of losing touch with the rituals that steady me.
But beginnings are never gone. They wait, quietly, in the flame of a candle, in the silence beneath breath, in the courage to open the door again.
This week, I am stepping back across the threshold.
🌙 I’ve created a Threshold Ritual Deck — seven small invitations to meet transitions with presence, to find stillness in change, and to remember that the unknown can also be sacred.
🕯️ I am also opening Ritual Reset sessions — 30 minutes of guided ritual and clarity, online, a soft place to breathe and reconnect.
And on Sunday evenings at 20:30 CET, I’ll host a free 15-minute Ritual Reset gathering. We light a candle together, pull a card, and sit in shared silence. A beginning, again.
If you feel called, join me:
👉 [Link to book a Ritual Reset session]
👉 [Invite link to Sunday gathering]
This is my beginning again.
Perhaps it can be yours too.
Stop waiting for them to change.
Stop waiting for their approval.
Stop waiting for the moment when it will finally be your turn.
I’ve been waiting too long.
Waiting for his ego to settle, for their understanding to catch up, for the world to stop asking me to be patient, kind, accommodating.
Waiting for permission to just be myself.
But that day is done.
I’m done holding back my voice so others don’t feel small.
I’m done shrinking myself to fit the frame they built for me.
I’m done waiting for the system to say “okay, you can go now.”
I’m choosing myself.
Not in some quiet, apologetic way—but with fire, with sharp edges, with the fierce, unapologetic knowing that my time is now.
I’m not waiting for the rules to change—I’m breaking them.
I’m not waiting for the door to open—I’m building my own.
I’m not waiting for love to find me—I’m pouring it into myself first.
It’s not that I’ve stopped loving them.
It’s that I’ve stopped abandoning myself for them.
Today, I stand.
Not because they let me, but because I chose to.
I’m tired.
But not the kind of tired sleep fixes.
I’m tired of carrying the weight—my family’s, my sister’s, even the fears of the men who think themselves strong but crumble when the world doesn’t bow.
I’m tired of absorbing their panic, of holding space when they run, of being the one who catches the shards as everything breaks.
They call me fragile.
They see the softness of my care, the patience in my hands, the way I hold my children close, how I speak gently to the broken-hearted.
They don’t see that every time I bend, it’s because I’m anchoring everyone else.
They don’t see that my willingness to feel isn’t a flaw—it’s the map, the strategy, the quiet, relentless strength they’ll never understand.
They retreat behind their pride and panic.
They call it confidence. I call it cowardice.
Because while they turn their backs and complain about the weight, I’m already holding it—and theirs too.
I’ve become Athena in this quiet war.
I wear the shield of patience, the spear of clarity, the helmet of grace.
But all they see is the woman who stays.
They don’t see the scars I’ve collected in silence, the nights I’ve stayed awake to care for others, the battles I’ve fought in courtrooms, in hospitals, in my own home.
They call it “feminine weakness.”
As if bending to care is a flaw.
As if showing up, feeling deeply, and daring to love in the face of cruelty isn’t the fiercest power there is.
I’m not weak.
I’m the storm that stays.
I’m the shield that absorbs the blow.
I’m the one who names the fear so it can’t consume us.
I’m the hand that steadies a child, a sister, a family, even when my own hands tremble.
They don’t see it—but I do.
I see the quiet courage of choosing to feel.
I see the iron will behind my soft voice.
I see the unbreakable strength in knowing that every time I show up, I’m fighting for them all—even if they’ll never thank me, even if they’ll never understand.
I’m not playing their game.
He plays king, throwing tantrums and breaking pieces.
I play chess—the long game, the quiet moves, the strategy that rebuilds while others fall apart.
I’m not weak.
I’m the reason they’re still standing.
And that’s the truth they’ll never see.
Light the Fire, Not the Fear
The Woven Path
Today’s Truth:
Becoming yourself is not a gentle process—it’s sacred combustion.
We wake today not to tick boxes, impress timelines, or meet anyone’s expectations. We rise to become. And sometimes, that means burning down the quiet little cages we’ve outgrown.
So light your candle.
Whisper to the flame:
“I rise—not to explain, not to please, but to become what I already am.”
This isn’t a mantra.
It’s a contract with your soul.
MOJO PRACTICE (5–10 mins)
Find a quiet place. Light a candle or small flame.
Gaze into the flame and write:
What version of me has been waiting for permission I can grant today?
Let it come raw. No editing. No censoring. Let the fire speak.
INQUIRY FOR THE WEEK:
What is one small, sacred act of rebellion against fear I can take today?
And I have more coloring pages for you as requested!
As autumn settles in, the days grow shorter and the air crisper, there’s a quiet time of year that invites us to look inward, to reflect on our lives and those who have walked this earth before us. It’s during this time, traditionally celebrated by many as a moment when the veil between worlds is thinnest, that we can feel the presence of spirits—those who have come and gone, those who walk with us still, and even those who are yet to be.
Growing up, my grandmother would tell me stories about her ancestors—men and women whose lives, though distant, still echoed in the fabric of our family. She used to say, "They are now part of us living here," as she pointed to her heart. At the time, I didn’t fully understand, but as I grew older, I began to feel those quiet whispers myself. Sometimes they came to me in moments of stillness—a gentle nudge, a reminder that we are all part of something larger, connected by the threads of time.
This time of year feels especially potent for those reflections. Whether it’s through honoring our ancestors, taking a mindful pause, or simply allowing ourselves to slow down, it offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with our roots and the spirits that walk with us. It’s not about fear or the unknown but about understanding that we are part of a greater cycle, and that connection is always there, waiting for us to reach out.
I started coloring again as my second child discovered crayons. Watching them explore those simple tools reconnected me to my own childhood, a time when I found joy in the small things, like filling a blank page with colors. There’s something meditative about sitting down with a blank page, allowing colors to flow as you breathe and reflect. The act of coloring doesn’t just calm the mind—it opens the heart. As my hand moved over the paper, I could feel the presence of something beyond myself—a whisper, a memory, a feeling of being grounded in both the past and present.
This Halloween season, I invite you to join me in exploring this gentle art, as a way to reflect on the spirits who have come before us, those who walk beside us, and those who will come after. Each stroke of color can be an intention—a way to reconnect with our ancestors, to honor the earth beneath our feet, and to consider the legacy we are leaving for those who follow.
As you color, think of it as a quiet moment of gratitude and remembrance. The pages, with their swirling designs of spirits and veils, offer a space for you to meditate on the connection between worlds. Let your thoughts drift to those you’ve lost, those you love, and those you’ve yet to meet. Allow your spirit to reconnect with theirs, letting the act of coloring become a ritual of mindfulness and reflection.
We are never truly alone. The whispers of the past, present, and future surround us always, and through mindful practice, we can hear them more clearly.
Whether you're new to coloring or returning to it, know that this gentle act can help you feel more present, more connected, and more at peace with the flow of life. Take this time to reflect, to honor, and to remember—both for yourself and for those who walk beside you in spirit.
This weeks coloring pages
In today's fast-paced world, finding moments of peace and balance can feel like a daunting task. Luckily, creativity offers a powerful tool for cultivating inner tranquility and promoting mental well-being. Join us as we present five practical tips and techniques used by our Mojo Collective community members that harness the therapeutic power of creativity to bring harmony into your life.
1. Mindful Doodling Exercise:
Grab a piece of paper and some colored pens. Close your eyes and set your intention on being present in the room. Listen to the sound and silence humming around you. Make sure your breath is even and deep before you open your eyes again. Set a timer for 9 minutes and begin doodling without any specific goal or direction. Allow your mind to wander freely as you fill the page with shapes, lines, and patterns. Focus on the sensation of the pen moving across the paper and let go of any expectation. Notice how your breathing slows and your mind begins to relax as you engage in this mindful doodling exercise.
2. Nature-Inspired Collage:
Take a walk outdoors and collect various natural materials such as leaves, flowers, twigs, and stones. Once you've gathered your materials, find a quiet space to create a nature-inspired collage. Arrange the elements on a piece of cardboard or canvas, allowing your intuition to guide the composition. As you immerse yourself in the creative process, connect with the beauty and serenity of the natural world, finding solace in its simplicity and harmony.
3. Guided Visualization Painting:
Set up your painting supplies—acrylics, watercolors, or whatever medium you prefer—in a comfortable space. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to center yourself. Then, illustrate a scene from a dream you had that was so bizarre, it could be a movie. Think of the quote:
"Dreams are illustrations... from the book your soul is writing about you." - Marsha Norma
Once you have a clear image in your mind, begin painting it onto your canvas, allowing your intuition to guide your brushstrokes. Lose yourself in the colors and textures, letting the act of painting transport you to a place of inner truth and self acceptance.
4. Journaling for Emotional Release:
Set aside some time each day to journal about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Use your journal as a safe space to express yourself freely, without fear of judgment or criticism. Write about anything that comes to mind—your hopes, fears, dreams, or frustrations. Allow the words to flow onto the page without censorship or restraint. As you release your emotions onto paper, you'll find a sense of relief and catharsis, creating space for inner peace and emotional balance to emerge.
5. Meditative Clay Sculpting:
Gather some clay or playdough and find a quiet space to work. Begin by taking a few deep breaths to center yourself and clear your mind. Then, start sculpting with the clay, allowing your hands to move intuitively as you shape and mold it into whatever forms come naturally. Focus on the sensation of the clay beneath your fingers and the rhythmic movements of your hands. As you immerse yourself in the sculpting process, let go of any tension or stress, finding peace and balance in the meditative act of creation.
Incorporate these practical tips and techniques into your daily routine to harness the therapeutic power of creativity and cultivate peace and balance in your life. Whether you're doodling, painting, journaling, or sculpting, let your creative expression be a source of solace and healing as you navigate life's ups and downs.
Looking to find your artistic Mojo? Join us for a bit of exploration of essential creative skills that hopefully will entertain as well as inspire. From observation to resilience, these skills are essential for unleashing your inner artist and embracing your creative potential.
1. Observation Skills: The Case of the Missing Sock
Once upon a laundry day, I embarked on a mission to find my missing glasses. Little did I know, this mundane task would become a lesson in observation. After scouring every corner of the house, I finally spotted it right on top of my head. Lesson learned: sometimes, you have to look in the mirror to find what you're searching for.
2. Patience: The Slow-Motion Painting
Picture this: I'm in the middle of painting a masterpiece when I realize I've run out of blue paint. Determined to finish, I embark on a quest to the art supply store. What should have been a quick trip turns into a comedy of errors—a flat tire, a wrong turn, and a run-in with a flock of geese. Two hours later, I return with paint in hand, only to find my painting has dried into a colorful abstract mess. Lesson learned: patience is a virtue, especially in the world of art.
3. Perseverance: The Great Cake Decorating Disaster
In a fit of ambition, I decided to try my hand at cake decorating. Armed with frosting and sprinkles, I set out to create a masterpiece worthy of a bakery display. However, my grand vision quickly crumbled—literally—as my cake collapsed in on itself. Undeterred, I salvaged what I could and transformed my disaster into a deliciously messy work of art. Lesson learned: sometimes, the sweetest successes arise from the messiest failures.
4. Creative Problem-Solving: The Mystery of the Vanishing Paintbrush
As I sat down to paint, I realized my trusty paintbrush had disappeared without a trace. After turning my studio upside down in search of the elusive tool, I was about to give up hope when inspiration struck. Armed with a makeshift brush fashioned from a feather and duct tape, I embarked on my painting adventure. Surprisingly, my feather-brush turned out to be the perfect tool for creating delicate strokes and intricate details. Lesson learned: necessity is the mother of invention.
5. Self-Expression: The Great Dance-Off
In a moment of spontaneity and after an exhausting and disappointing week, I decided to express myself through dancing to my favorite tones and sipping on my favorite glass of malbec at the same time. Ignoring the puzzled stare of my husband, I let my body move to the rhythm of my imagination without tipping "too much". Though my dance may have been unconventional, it was a liberating experience of self-expression and creative freedom. Lesson learned: never be afraid to dance to the beat of your own drum—no matter how offbeat it may seem.
6. Adaptability: The Impromptu Sculpture Challenge
During a power outage, I found myself without my usual online tools. Undeterred, I embraced the challenge and turned to unconventional materials—candle sticks, paper, and my kids' alcohol markers. What started as a feeble attempt to "stay productive" soon transformed into a "flow" session of reconnecting with my "younger self", proving that adaptability is the key to creative innovation. Lesson learned: when life gives you "a time out", make art.
7. Time Management: The Epic Battle with Procrastination
In a classic showdown between productivity and procrastination, I found myself facing an impending deadline with a mountain of unfinished projects. Armed with determination and copious amounts of caffeine, I embarked on a marathon of productivity. As the clock ticked closer to the deadline, I emerged victorious, albeit slightly sleep-deprived. Lesson learned: time management is the art of balancing deadlines and caffeine intake.
8. Self-Reflection: The Mirror, Mirror Conundrum
As I gazed into the mirror, I couldn't help but notice the quirks and imperfections staring back at me. Instead of dwelling on self-doubt, I embraced self-reflection as a tool for growth and self-awareness. With each medium and creative endeavor, I learned to celebrate my unique perspective and embrace my journey—quirks and all. Lesson learned: sometimes, the greatest masterpiece is the one staring back at you in the mirror.
9. Collaboration: The Tale of Two Artists
In a stroke of fate, I crossed paths with a fellow catalyst whose style and vision complemented my own. Together, we embarked on a collaborative project—a home wall mural that brought our individual talents to life in vibrant harmony. Through teamwork and shared creativity, we discovered the joy of collaboration and the power of creative synergy. Lesson learned: two brushes are better than one when it comes to creating masterpieces.
10. Resilience: The Art of Bouncing Back
In the face of criticism and failure, I refused to let setbacks define my journey. With each try and fail, I found the strength to persevere and push forward. Through resilience and determination, I transformed setbacks into lily pads, fueling my passion for creativity and propelling me toward success. Lesson learned: resilience is the secret ingredient to turning setbacks into comebacks.
In conclusion, the path to finding your mojo is filled with laughter, mishaps, and moments of inspiration. By embracing humor and learning from our experiences, we can cultivate the essential skills needed to unleash our inner strength and embark on a journey of creative growth and self-discovery. So go forth, armed with paintbrushes and a sense of humor, and let your creativity soar!
Throughout history, civilizations around the world have recognized the profound importance of working in harmony with the natural rhythms of the lunar cycle. From the ancient Egyptians who aligned their calendars with the moon to the indigenous cultures that held lunar ceremonies, the moon has been a timeless source of guidance and inspiration. Its waxing and waning phases mirror the ebb and flow of life, reminding us of the ever-changing nature of existence.
Imagine hosting a "Lunar Cycle Challenge" with family, friends, or our community. Create a friendly competition where participants align their personal goals or intentions with the lunar phases. For example, during the waxing moon, set intentions and begin new projects, while the waning moon is the ideal time for reflection and letting go. Keep track of your progress and share your experiences, insights, and manifestations at each phase. Not only will this deepen your connection with the moon's rhythms, but it will also foster a sense of unity and shared growth within your group.
#LunarWisdom #CycleChallenge
The full moon, in all its luminous glory, marks a moment of celestial culmination and intense energy. It's as though the universe is offering us a cosmic stage to release, reflect, and renew. In this interactive experience, let's connect with the potent energy of the full moon together. Take a few mindful breaths, envision your intentions, and share in the comments below what you're releasing into the moon's gentle embrace tonight. Whether it's letting go of doubts, fears, or old patterns, or simply basking in the moon's radiant glow, we're here to embrace this magical moment as a community.
#FullMoonMagic #CosmicConnection
Life's rollercoaster ride often comes with its share of ups and downs, stressors, and challenges. We all face moments of craziness, drama, and uncertainty, but why not flip the script and use these experiences as opportunities for self-expression and personal growth? In this post, we'll explore the remarkable power of artistic and linguistic expression, backed by science, as your secret weapons in the journey of mindfulness, personal development, and perhaps even world domination.
Science has long supported the idea that engaging in artistic activities can significantly reduce stress. Art therapy, in particular, is recognized for its capacity to help individuals express their emotions and alleviate stress. When we create art, our brains release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This "feel-good" chemical can help reduce stress levels, leaving us with a sense of relaxation and accomplishment.
Additionally, the act of creating art can shift our focus away from the stressors of daily life and into the present moment, promoting mindfulness. This mindful engagement in art-making encourages relaxation and can even lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress.
Linguistic expression, particularly through writing, is another potent tool for personal growth and stress relief. Numerous scientific studies have highlighted the therapeutic benefits of journaling and expressive writing.
When we put our thoughts and emotions on paper, it can lead to greater self-awareness, emotional processing, and clarity. The simple act of writing can help us make sense of challenging situations and foster a deeper understanding of ourselves. This self-reflection can be immensely empowering.
Furthermore, writing about emotional experiences has been shown to have a positive impact on mental and physical health. Studies have demonstrated that regular expressive writing can reduce symptoms of depression, and anxiety, and even improve immune function.
So, how can you tap into the magic of artistic and linguistic expression for personal growth and stress relief?
Embracing the realms of artistic and linguistic expression is a kickass way to conquer stress, foster personal growth, and embark on a path of mindfulness. It's time to unleash your inner creativity and experience the magic of self-expression, supported by science. So, go ahead, pick up that paintbrush, grab that pen, and paint the world with your creativity and linguistic prowess. Your journey to total world domination begins with you!
One of the biggest obstacles to living a fulfilling and creative life is the continuous self-doubt and fear of making mistakes. Today I wanted to share with you something that has helped me on the path of leaving fear and self-doubt behind. Art. I absolutely love Skillshare.com for its selection of classes and the breadth of topics they offer. I have been experimenting with a number of other creative art and learning platforms. I have recently come across an online class, I wanted to share offered by an illustrator and artist named Laura McKendra, on Domestika.org called "Illustrating Nature: A Creative Exploration.
Laura is a creative based in London, UK, who went to school for illustration but much like the rest of us, was feeling the pressure to get a "proper job" and ended up abandoning her creative path for a period in her life, working in a number of fields. She came to realize that a part of her was missing. She was riddled with self-doubt for a time as she persisted to rekindle and perfect her craft. She was richly rewarded as gradually she reconnected with that essential part of herself that was missing for so long.
Based on her life experiences, Laura shows you different ways to turn drawing into a habit for creative exploration by combining watercolors, ink, colored pencils, and other mixed media, working outdoor, using nature as an inspiration to create and abandon your fears.
I lost track of time as my family and I participated in the experiments and exercises in this class. I would recommend it to beginners and seasoned artists working to overcome their fear of the blank page and finding that inner flow of creativity through improvisation. You can find more information on her class on Domerstika. Purchase the classes individually or get a pro account for a yearly fee that will give you a select number of classes. I'm not affiliated with Domestika.org but I really enjoyed the class and feel it benefited me in becoming more comfortable with ambiguity and the exploration within the creative process. Enjoy!
I'm looking for more online resources for creative inspiration and learning. Share your favorite sources? What was the last class you took that you absolutely would recommend?
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.
Lao Tzu
Gaze past what is, to see what once was,
at the dried-up leaves from the springtime buds.
See the sunflower stalks from earthy seeds,
and memories reflected in the fire a Soul feeds.
Purplish, grey sky with smoky aged air,
where rain clouds linger above landscapes so fare.
Whispers of stories told by the wind,
of shimmering Stars, that have long since dimmed.
Food is not a main event. Food is part of a ceremony.
MojoExpressions
Throughout the course of history, Earth's harvest has been celebrated with ceremonies of giving thanks. In ancient civilizations many believed that their crops either contained spirits or they were blessings of gods. Greeks participated in Thesmophoria, an autumn sowing festival of 3 days, in the honor or Demeter, the goddess of growth and life, who according to mythology gave the gift of agriculture to mankind and every year after reunion with her daughter, Persephone, blessed their crops.
The Romans celebrated similarly in honor of Ceres (Demeter) around October with music, games and sports. The Hebrews have been celebrating Sukkoth, a harvest celebration commemorating the Israelite's 40 years wandering in the desert. This festival is over 3000 years old in tradition and last for a week.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated in China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines. It is also known as the Moon festival or "Moon cake" festival where family members share mooncakes with one another, symbolizing their family unity and offerings are made to various lunar deities.
The ancient Egyptians celebrated their harvest festival in spring, in honor of Min, God of Vegetation and Fertility. Mehregan originated in ancient Persia. The word “Mehr” meaning kindness, is a celebration of friendship and togetherness as well as harvest.
Eric Ripert - Chef
The rhythm of the harvest
Over the years, some festivals lost popularity, and in the age of round-the-clock and round-the-year food availability, many of us have lost touch with the rhythm of the harvest. Thanksgiving, in our culture is often overshadowed by Black Friday deals, consumption and shopping.
Harvest festivals today can be found at various seasons in different parts of the world, largely dependent on geography, climate with foods that are drawn from crops that come to maturity around the time of the festival.
It's not hard to see that in every culture, food has long played a dual physical and spiritual role. Connecting with food means a connection with source. The source being earth, being spirit and sharing of gratitude and abundance.
I'm just someone who likes cooking and for whom sharing food is a form of expression.
Maya Angelou
When we gather around our tables during special events, holidays and with guests, it is in the spirit we gather. We gather in the spirit of thanksgiving, spirit of love or friendship.
Even when you sit down to have a meal by yourself or grab a snack for yourself, is an opportunity to reconnect with your body. Yet, how many of us simply consume our food while skimming through twitter or Facebook? When a couple sits across the table in a restaurant and barely make eye contact while eating, they are generally unaware that they are both loosing out on the most basic form of ancient connection.
So may of us fall into this trap of becoming consumers as opposed to living up the the full potential of who we really are. We should never give into complacency and convenience when it comes to food. Remind yourself at every opportunity when you lift the food to your mouth, this is a blessing, to gather in the spirit of abundance and kindness around breakfast, lunch or dinner tables.
Every occasion should give a chance to connect and share because there will come a day when we do not get to share any more.
Mankind has struggled against various illnesses and ailments throughout history. The use of plans for healing and beauty is as old as ancient civilizations as evidenced by preserved documents, monuments, and gravesites. These ancient herbal and plant-based medicinal discoveries were largely instinctive and experimental. In time, such experiential plant use became founded in explicit facts. Up until the 16th century, plants had been the source of treatment.
The most famous writer on plant drugs was Dioscorides, who wrote the "De Materia Medica", which was translated many times and continued to be updated until the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
Dioscorides’ most appreciated domestic plants included the willow, camomile, garlic, onion, marshmallow, ivy, nettle, sage, common centaury, coriander, parsley, and something called sea onion.
Due to the increasing contradictions of usage, side effects and questions on the effectiveness of modern synthetic drugs, there has been an increase in interest towards natural, homeopathic solutions.
Read about homeopathy and herbal remedies
Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.
It seems to me, that the more you focus on becoming flawless, proficient, and practiced at a task, the more boring it gets. We then complain about how mindless and meaningless our lives have become. Before we know it, we are on another quest for new experiences and tasks to bring creativity and fulfillment back into our already busy schedules and make arrangements to accommodate them.
All the while, we start to crumble a bit under the pressures of getting all the "to-dos" done, making time for some meaningful connection with friends, loved ones, then we are back to that same cycle of wondering where on earth we have misplaced our lust for life, happiness and spark of creativity. On the other hand, we could just choose to do nothing and allow creativity and liveliness to just manifest into our lives, through others.
In the evenings, for example, I can watch crafty, creative people on Youtube, doing amazingly creative and inspiring things, but in the end, if I do not incorporate any of it in my life, I end up living vicariously through these amazing people. I have lived, what I call, a reactionary lifestyle for many years. For those that have not experienced this, I have decided to share a satirical story of one of the brilliant desperate ideas I had, in chasing myself down a rabbit hole.
I woke up one morning and checked my google calendar for a list of things to accomplish. Upon reflection, I decided that morning showers and cat grooming are mindless, mundane tasks, both requiring little brainpower and needed to be combined, to save time. It was time to spruce up the boring morning routine anyway.
I breezed through the planning stage. "I will need two oven mittens, a bar of my favorite soap or shower gel, cat shampoo, cat brush, favorite shampoo, and conditioner. " I mumbled to myself as I grabbed the oven mitts and scurried to the bathroom, checking on the supplies in the shower. I then had a little pep talk with my cat to make sure she had the chance to prepare and look forward to what was coming. I then proceeded to familiarize her with how the shower door worked and let her get comfortable with walking in and out.
Do not let your imagination run wild and picture a red-eyed, terrified cat and me with claw marks, singing "hallelujah" in agony. I want to reassure you that this never really happened. I merely wanted to give you a bit of a laugh, while pointing out how one can get carried away in an attempt to live a balanced, yet exciting life. In life, the journey can be more important than the destination. Living a balanced fulfilling life is not a destination one arrives at, rather it is the journey where it all happens.
With that in mind, why don't I just finish the story for you...
Before she grew too suspicious, I slammed the door behind us and turned on the shower. If you ever attempt to do this, not that I recommend it at all but make sure you do not surprise her by turning it on high right away. It is also preferred that you have one of those shower heads with various bells and whistles and several settings, including a massage function. You might need a whistle for signaling your loved ones in case you need them to dial 911. I anticipated trouble, so I got the oven mitts ready but was pleasantly surprised. Instead of her getting the claws out, she started singing "Oh silent night". And what strong loud vocals she had.
I then read the instructions on the back of her cat shampoo. It would have been too obvious to do it before but if you remember, wanted to spruce up my morning routine. One should challenge themselves, by seeking out new situations that allow you to have to improvise.
I learned what was probably obvious. Cat's do not like to wait, particularly when they are wet. She remained motionless for a moment. Presumably entertained by my shampoo bottle juggling act. It was a bit disappointing, having transformed a confident beautiful beast into a wet mess with red eyes darting around wildly. I proceeded to wash my armpits and in the process managed to drip a few drops of her "fur potion" onto her head. Then proceeded to fiddle with the showerhead, setting it to the massage function.
One of the key aspects of practicing creativity is coming up with quick solutions to unexpected problems. As the situation escalates, as it did in my case, remember to stay calm. She then stood on her hind legs and tried to grab onto anything to get to higher ground anywhere above the water. I worked a good palm-sized portion of the shampoo and lathered up my hair. I tried to whistle and hum as I normally would passing off that "nothing out of the ordinary is happening" kind of vibe.
She was not going to be a team player. I could tell by the way she was sizing up the length of the shower door, that she was aiming to make the jump for freedom. Grossly overestimating her capabilities, perhaps due to the weight of the wet fur or her vision got too blurry. She landed not on her feet, as cats should, but on my foot. Now I was in fact singing "haleluja". I lifted my foot in agony. As I was beginning to lose ground, I attempted to catch myself but simultaneously slipped on the soap and foamy shower basin, startling the kitty.
On my way down, as time always slows during accidents such as these, I paused to reflect on what creative people would do. I found myself in a bright, glittery haze with rainbows and unicorns dancing around. I saw my husband coming at me with a breakfast tray in one hand and the laundry basket in another. I swiftly decided to ignore the basket and focus on the tray. The pancakes smelled great and there were croissants with two cups of steaming cappuccinos, arranged side by side with a rose in the middle. "How romantic," I said, "Now all I need is for you to say something to make me feel like a woman and I'm all yours." Ha paused for a second and blurted out " You don't know how to change the oil in the car."
Before I could respond to him, however, I was startled by a loud thud, a splash of water, or something that felt like a wet towel over my face, followed by pain. At that moment, I opened my eyes. It was 5 AM, my alarm just went off and my cat was perched on my chest lovingly licking my face.
In truth, it all happened. The multi-tasking incidence, the unicorns, my husband speaking and kitty liking my face. The thing is that some things happen inside our minds, some can be witnessed by all and some just happen in a dream. Some things are worth experiencing, some are better to leave to our imaginations and all are, in my opinion, part of a creative, fulfilling life. What matters is how all this feeds your soul and transfers into the every day of your life.
Next time you are bored or thinking it's time to spice things up or perhaps coming down hard on yourself because you are not doing the great things that "those" amazing people on social media with "amazing lives" do.....pause to give thanks to how rich your life already is...remind yourself that it's about the journey and that some things are actually much more entertaining to experience through watching other people.
Do you have a story to share? When do you feel most fulfilled? How does creativity enrich your life? Give me some feedback on what you think...or click like if you liked the story.
