The Zen of Life

We make life complicated.  The key to true happiness lies in our ability to simplify our lives, not to busy them.

Peel away the onion layers…find the innate within.

(To download the above quote as a desktop wallpaper, click on the picture — then right-click and ‘save as’)

I’ve come up with a Christmas card design — going with this ‘zen’ theme.  🙂  Here it is:

Have a great weekend!

Check out the ‘Zen of Christmas’ HERE

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Zen Christmas Wallpaper

 

7 Ways to Lift You from Depression

“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, when one only remembers to turn on the light.“~Dumbledore (Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling)

Get Me Out Of Here!

We are smack bang in the middle of tumultuous, chaotic and confusing times.  With that kind of energy flying about, we have to take what goes with it — the many peaks and troughs in our day-to-day existence.  How does one draw on positivity when you feel like you’ve been sucked through a black hole and just got spat out the other end?

Yes, we all have these days.  You wake up and you, for no really good reason, feel like thumbing a lift off the planet and onto the next passing UFO (if you do decide to do this, remember to take along your hand-towel, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy manual and eat lots of salted peanuts).

Enough Tom-Foolery

Let’s get back to the brass tacks of riding out your low-wave storms.  The first thing to remember is you are not alone.  There are many people out there experiencing these highs and lows, just like you.  Enlightenment or awareness does not automatically present you with a ‘get out of jail free’ card.  No, you just need to know how to ride the tsunami when it hits.

Second thing to bear in mind is that ‘this too shall pass’.  Sometimes when we experience the dark night of the soul, we feel like we are in an emotional abyss and nothing will ever be the same again.

This is just another wave that needs surfing, you will ride it out and you will live to see another day.  Just hold tight onto that surfboard and apply copious amounts of sunblock (metaphorically speaking, in real-time just eat lots of chocolate — that usually does the trick!  Not only does wholesome organic or dark chocolate release happy endorphins but a friend of mine recently told me that it also has grounding effects).

“Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy.” ~Benjamin Franklin

Stocking Your Cupboard Full of Happiness

Okay, so we all have our dark moments, but what can we do to get ourselves back on track besides stuff our faces with choco-licious treats or sumptuously sipping at a glass of merlot?

Gratitude is important and heart-centered living is the future.  So with this in mind, how do we expand our feelings of love and gratitude?

Build up reservoirs of things that make you HAPPY and GRATEFUL by remembering:

Loved Ones — think of all the people in your life that make living a joy.  Picture their happy, smiling faces and feel the effect of their love in your heart center.

Play Music — from Bach to the Beatles, we all have our favorite songs that cheer us up and get a spark lit under our backsides.  Dust off those LP’s or plug in your iPod!  Have a dance around your living room floor, shake that booty and kick up those heels!  Or you can drift off to Debussy and have some quiet, reflective and pensive moments of sheer bliss. Don’t underestimate the power of frequency, let music be your bridge to aural ecstasy.

Precious Memories — bring out that old scrapbook of magical magnificent memoirs.  Remind yourself of how many moments you’ve had in your life that were full and extraordinary.

Encounters with Animals —  for those of us lucky enough to have had or currently have pets, you will know what I’m talking about when I say that they have the most remarkable way of lifting your spirits.  Go spend a bit of time with them.  If you don’t have any pets, go take a walk where you know people hang out with their pets.  Most animal owners don’t mind a bit if you stroke their animals.  Cats also have an astonishing talent to balance your aura with their purring — it has a vibrational resonance that heals any ‘leakages’.

Nature — yes, you know I like to hit this one home every now and again in my blogs.  Go be in nature!  It is calming, grounding and balancing.  If you are depressed, it is the most inexpensive cure to your quandaries and it sure beats any pill your doctor is offering you.

Count Your Blessings — do you have a roof over your head?   A comfortable bed to sleep in?  People who love and support you?  Clothes to keep you warm?  Food in the fridge?  A functional body?  These are all things we take for-granted but are wonderful markers to realign us with all there is to be thankful for and can be the very push you may need to get you out of a wallowing hole.

Laugh Your Head Off — another inexpensive cure to all dis-ease.  Put on some side-splitting comedy, something that you know will boost your morale.  A good pant-wetting episode every now and again is the best remedy for being on this planet right now.  No-one likes a sour-puss, so make sure your face is creased with laughter lines.

Go forth and make merry.

“Always leave enough time in your life to do something that makes you happy, satisfied, even joyous. That has more of an effect on economic well-being than any other single factor.” ~Paul Hawken

This article was written by Cherie Roe Dirksen for Purpose Fairy

Other articles you may enjoy:

4 Practices to Help Cure Negative Thinking

3 Silver Bullets to Eliminate Fear

Is Your Past Tripping Up Your Future?

Do You Lack Self-Worth When it Comes to Creativity?

6 Techniques to Stop Worrying

How Trust Can Bring You Abundance

Why Weird is the New Cool

Featured

A Call to all Potential and Existing Weirdos!

Destiny, fortune, luck, kismet — are these all words you associate with ‘weird’?

Well, believe it or not, the actual meaning of this repudiated word ‘weird’ is all of the above.   As an adjective it suggests something uncanny or supernatural and as a noun it is a person’s destiny!

The original word stems from Wyrd which can be traced back to Germanic, Anglo-Saxon and Old Norse etymology — all meaning ‘destiny’.  In Old English it is also a verb meaning ‘to come to pass or to become’.

“Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.” — William Jennings Bryan

Yes, my friends, you have guessed it — it’s totally cool to be weird!

If someone now calls you weird you can retort with, ‘thank you, I rather pride myself on my supernatural and mysterious ability to become who I was meant to be and fulfill my destiny’.  That should keep their mouths shut.

You won't believe what the etymology of weird is!

Don’t forget to pin it!

It’s a Kind of Kismet

Kismet, better known as luck or destiny, is a much spicier word than fate.  Fate has a certain doom and gloom about it.

Fate conjures up imagery of having no control over your future, being left to chance or just handing over your power and feeling impotent in its wake.

Banish Fate and Give a Warm Welcome to Destiny

Don’t give in to fate — grab destiny by the horns and start believing in your innate power of fulfilling your calling.

“People that are really very weird can get into sensitive positions and have a tremendous impact on history.” — Dan Quayle

You are either consciously co-creating your life experience by taking responsibility for your choices and where your thoughts and actions are taking you, or, you are randomly plodding along the path that is leading to your so-called fate.

The latter being a route that you feel you have no choice over and that this hocus-pocus balderdash of ‘creating your own destiny’ is just a new-age farce.  I have no problem with that and good luck to you.

However, what if there was just one iota of truth in the ideology that you can create your future?  I would say it’s worth a try, wouldn’t you?

In fact, I have tried it out for myself and I can honestly say that it works.  However, my life experiences are not going to convince you of its validation; only you can take charge of your life and make those changes so you can see for yourself, firsthand, that there is legitimacy in the claim.

Alarm Bells and Wake-Up Calls — Have You Been Hitting the Snooze Button?

“The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president. You realize that you control your own destiny.” —  Albert Ellis

What’s that buzzing noise?  Oops, my alarm clock is going off!

Wake up because millions of people are doing this and are exercising their rights to become successful co-creators of their reality.  They’re having a ball finding out how this life fits together like a giant jigsaw puzzle when you are out looking for those synchronicities and pointers that slot your desires into place.

Why don’t you join them and see where it takes you?  You can officially be weird and proud!

Original article written by Cherie Roe Dirksen for Lightworkers World

Pink Green Spring Flower Quotes Pinterest GraphicOther articles you may like:

Why Taking Things Personally Could Be Ruining Your Life

6 Impossible Things To Do Every Day

Did You Know That ‘Abracadabra’ Really is a Magically Loaded Word?

7 Ways You Can Conquer Stress

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1 Common Mistake You May Be Making When Using the Law of Attraction

Why Nothing Truly Matters (but in a Good Way)

9 Great Reasons for Getting Creative (No Artistic Experience Needed)

 

How to Gift Yourself with Gratitude

The Attitude for Gratitude

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I was thinking about how all global citizens can catch a ride on this American holiday wave.

Gratitude is something we should express every day, not just on one particular day — obviously.  However, having one ‘big’ day to truly express your thanks is not a bad thing.

Taking Leaves Out of American Books

So, why not mark off Thanksgiving Day as a special day for you too — no matter where you are in the world — to give thanks for all that you have.  If you already make this part of your daily routine, my hat is lifted to you.

If it is something you just haven’t got around to thinking about yet, or, you have given it some thought but somehow that chemical reaction in your brain runs out of electricity as it is passed out through your ear.

In other words, you know you have mounds of things to be grateful for but you haven’t the staying power to run through the list every morning.

Making Your Own Gratitude Board in Seconds!

I have the solution!  It’s called a gratitude board and it goes straight onto your fridge — the one place you are guaranteed to look at least once day!

You can make it out of cardboard, you can print it from your computer, you can make your own at Zazzle or you can buy it ready-made HERE.

However you decide to go about making this board, I suggest you set a goal to have it up and running by a certain date and hold yourself accountable.  Better yet, pair up with a friend and do it together — that way you can hold each other accountable to get it done!

Suggestions and Tips to Get the Ball Rolling 

These boards make great gifts too, especially if you are looking for a meaningful token for that certain someone who needs a little nudge in the right direction.

“When children are immersed in a creative task, the underlying lesson sticks like glue.”

You  can also present them to your guests as a parting novelty at Thanksgiving dinner — a heart-felt gesture like that is sure to go down a treat!  Or, if you are not hosting this special occasions yourself, why not give one to your whomever happens to be your gracious host at Thanksgiving lunch/dinner.  Heck, they even make the perfect birthday or Christmas gift!

If you don’t feel like getting the magazines, photo’s, glue and cardboard out to make your own board from scratch, you can make a gratitude dry-erase board on Zazzle and customize it to your heart’s content — CLICK HERE (they start at $16.95).  You can dress them up with your own pictures or photo’s of loved ones that you are grateful for — go mad!

Get the Kids On-Board the Gratitude Express!

You can even get your children or grandchildren involved with this project — it will be a valuable lesson for them to see just how much they also have in their lives to be thankful for.  When children are immersed in a creative task, the underlying lesson sticks like glue.

Just remember to leave some room on the board for expansion.  This is something that you are going to have to get used to along your path of gratitude because the more you give thanks for what you have, the more you will have to be thankful for.

You don’t feel like making your own or you just don’t have the time?  Click on the picture below, I have already made up one for you.

Other articles you may enjoy:

Why is Gratitude so Important when Creating Abundance?

7 Helpful Pointer to Activate the Flow of Abundance

Beet it! 2 Super Juices that will Give you the Edge

My local supermarket started stocking organic vegetable juice recently.  I took the plunge and bought their beetroot and carrot juices (separately).  I have experienced carrot juice before and it is fairly innocuous — especially when mixed with orange juice.

Beetroot, however, is pungent and, although I don’t mnd the taste, it can be rather invasive smell-wise, stain-wise, urine-wise (you’ll know what I mean if you eat beetroot!).

So what keeps me buying these juices every week and literally has me force-feeding my husband, who is vegetable intolerant, with a funnel?

I looked up the health benefits of both.  Let me start with beetroot.  If I haven’t got you galvanized, by the end of this blog, to shoot off down to your local grocers then I need throw in the towel.

Beetroot Benefits:

  • Anti-aging properties
  • Fights cancer
  • Improves digestion and metabolism
  • Stimulates weight loss
  • Detoxes the liver
  • Helps with Glandular Fever
  • Boosts the immune system
  • Stimulates brain function
  • Radiation protection

Footnote:  If you are not accustomed to eating or drinking beet, be warned that your excretions — both no.1 or 2 — could be tinged red due to the colouration of this vivacious veg.

For a more detailed article on beetroot, please CLICK HERE

Carrot Wise:

  • Lowers the risk of cancer
  • Improves vision (so Bugs Bunny was right!)
  • Prevents heart disease
  • Reduces the risk of having a stroke
  • Anti-aging properties
  • Helps with skin tone

To read more about carrots, CLICK HERE

I hope I have convinced you to add a glass of these super juices to your daily diet.  And on that note, here are your free e-card downloads for this week.  I thought I could inject some humour into this juicy subject with an ‘I’m sorry’ card and a ‘Birthday’ card:

To download:  Click on the picture, then right-click and ‘save as’

               

To check out more of my fruity produce designs, please feel free to peruse the many optical delights of my VEGE-TATE GALLERY — Click Here.

Happy Friday!

3 Silver Bullets to Eliminate Fear

Expose yourself to your deepest fear; after that, fear has no power, and the fear of freedom shrinks and vanishes. You are free. ~Jim Morrison

Shooting Straight from the Hip

Fear is a mighty, malevolent and strong emotion.  Why does it have so much potency in our lives?

The media, governments and big business corporations galvanize us into believing or buying into so many illusory reasons to fear the worst case scenarios (as made up by them).  They usually claim to hold the answer to all your problems too – not in the least bit suspicious, right?

We also need to take responsibility for giving credence to and creating our own fears, literally stifling ourselves with things to worry about.

Every time you give into fear you feed negativity and give it more power.  In fact, you give away your own power in the process.  Fear is a choice, like it or not.

There are, of course, many different types of fear but they are all grounded in the act of giving your power away.  When we come up against any fear, we are actually being presented with a chance from the universe to be brave and face up to it.  Get to the nitty-gritty and uncover the truth about why we are so afraid or uncomfortable.

Stripping Fear

Let’s get to the core of anxiety.  What is fear?

In order to work this emotion back into the light, we need to find its polar opposite.  This, simply put, is LOVE.  When you inject love into fear it dissipates.   It has no stronghold in the presence of love.  But how do I start projecting love when my knees are knocking?

Well, let’s address what is called heart-centered living — I’m sure you’ve all probably heard that word by now.  People are talking about it a lot and as airy-fairy and lace-clad as it may seem — there is a solid foundation of truth in it.

We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face… we must do that which we think we cannot. ~Eleanor Roosevelt

Heart-Based Quickening

When you work through your heart, based primarily upon how you are feeling about something (as opposed to working through your mind and how you think about something), you are guided by a more truthful resonance of picking up subtle nuances from your surroundings rather than being directed by what reason dictates.

So even though we are in need of our minds and pensiveness, we have been dominated by left-brain thinking for centuries.  A shift is occurring, not to totally disregard our thoughts but to channel through the heart and then process through the mind.  In other words, not just to go straight to the head and bypass our hearts or how we are feeling intuitively.

Rationality can be useful but it has, in some cases, left our instinctive abilities to wither in its heated presence.  Sometimes our ‘logic’ has actually hindered and held us back from following our bliss because ‘society dictates otherwise’ or ‘the norm is to…’  — be careful of whose ‘norm’ you are conceding to.

It’s that age old conflict between science and spirituality (left-brain versus right-brain) — the solution to which is using both in balance.

3 Key factors to transmute fear are remembering that:

1. FEAR 

Don’t buy into it.  Think of all the things you have feared in the past — did any come true?  If yes, did you survive it?  I take it you did if you are reading this.  The energy or vibration of fear draws that which you worry about closer to you.  Have you ever been with someone who is not afraid of dogs but you are.  When a dog comes running at you both, it goes for you, my sweaty-palmed friend, not your companion.  Animals, as you probably know, can sense fear — so can the universe and the universe is impartial.  It acquiesces to what it thinks you desire via your frequency output.  Your emotions are pointing towards fear?  Expect life to become frightening then.  The only thing you should fear is fear itself.

2. LOVE IS ABSOLUTE

 Get used to being tuned into your feelings and steering them to safer shores.  When you are in fear, inject some love into your aura by thinking of someone you love, your favorite pet, the infectious chuckle of your child or grandchild or a blissful memory.  This is how you get to expand on the feeling of love in the face of fear.  Show fear that you have too much love in your heart.  Fear is a mental construct in the absence of love.  Trust your instincts.

3. YOU ARE IN CONTROL 

Short, sweet and to the point.  If you want to be self-empowered then the first things you need are awareness and the ability to take responsibility for your actions.  These two fundamental principles are gateways for you to realize your inherent potential.  You are a co-creator, take responsibility for that and take control.

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. ~Nelson Mandela

Original article written by Cherie Roe Dirksen for PURPOSE FAIRY

2 Commonly Accepted Lies that You May Believe

Lie no. 1.  You should fit in and be normal like everyone else.  You know the story, white picket fence and two and a half kids, 9-5 job, etc.

REALITY — Do what YOU want to do with your life, be who YOU want to be and live under a bridge if it makes you happy!

Lie no. 2.  Following your dreams will not earn you enough money to support yourself or your family.

REALITY — It takes time to build the foundations of your dream life — Rome wasn’t built in a day — but taking baby steps towards your vision will see you reaping the rewards for the rest of your life.  Just remember, when you do what you love, you will never work another day in your life (according to Confucius and I happen to agree).

This world would be a happier, brighter, more peaceful place if we all plucked up the courage to flaunt our deepest, inner-most creative expression.  LIve your Truth!

You may also enjoy these reads:

Are You Letting Your Creativity Show?

Live Like You Mean It — Live With Conviction!

Stopping to Smell the Flowers…Inspiring Quotes

 

The Simple Pleasures in Life

Flower Power

I was out walking with a friend yesterday, we noticed some beautiful gardens.

Among the gorgeous, colourful flower beds, my eye fell upon some wild red poppies.  It brought back memories of my poppy painting days.  So I took a trip down memory lane and pulled out some of these quotes to accompany my poppy art.  I hope you enjoy them.

“I like it when a flower or a little tuft of grass grows through a crack in the concrete. It’s so fuckin’ heroic.”  — George Carlin

Let’s try to remember beauty and the simple pleasures of life — don’t forget to stop and smell the roses.

To download the images below, just right-click and ‘save as’:

Flower Quote Nature Quote by Cherie Roe Dirksen

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God.  Because only then does one feel  that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.  As longs as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be.  And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.”  — Anne Frank

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Dripping Art, Dragonflies and Mood Enhancing Facebook Timelines

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Finding Your Magnificence

Can Using Yellow in Art Enhance Your Mood?

9 Truths to Stop You From Caring What People Think

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We’ve all feared, at some point in our lives, what other people think of us but here are 9 reasons to let go of the opinions of others for our own good:

1. Smoke and Mirrors

The fear of imperfection and/or of not being accepted is, of course, an illusion. Who gets to be the judge and jury on what is deemed beautiful or hideous — successful or stupid? Let me guess:  The tabloids or magazines, possibly Hollywood or the catwalks of Milan? How about TV/movies and the media? Spare a thought about who you give your power over to.  The various outlets that dictate what beauty and normal are seem to be pushing fake, in my opinion.  There are moments where true beauty can shine through these channels, but those flashes are few and far between.  True beauty and acceptance is in the eye of the beholder.  So anyone claiming to know what beauty or normal definitely is needs very close examining if they are not including every member of the human race in their rundown.

2. Self-Realization and Repair Kits

When you can out these undesirable contracts you can begin to repair them.  We have to discover why we felt the lack and how we are feeling now about the same issue. Then we must align it to our higher self by breaking down the agreement piece by piece and offer it up to the light to be cleansed.

3. Inherent Beauty and Perfection

We need to look at ourselves and find the beauty inherent in us, not always trying to fish out our perceived faults. When you treat yourself with loving kindness and nurture your self-esteem with positive thoughts, you will begin to shift into alignment with your higher self.

4. Dissecting Agreements

When we were young we had no inhibitions and sang at the top of our voices, danced our hearts out (whether someone was looking or not) and thought we were princesses and superheroes. Then one day someone came along and made you feel less than what you felt about yourself. You may have paused to take it in – then you made a crucial decision. Either you agreed with what they said or you didn’t. That is why some of us can still dance freely and not be bothered whilst others cringe at the thought of dancing in public – this could be due to an earlier experience of being made to feel like you were ‘no good’ by someone who was only giving you one piece of the puzzle.

Care about people’s approval and you will be their prisoner. ~Lao Tzu

5. Piecing Together Your Puzzle

When I said that the person was only giving one piece of the puzzle I mean that they have a preference based on their version of reality. That is one person’s perspective in a sea of other possible candidates – ones who may have loved your form of expression.  This person could have also been a child, an acquaintance, a stranger or it could have been someone you trusted and loved deeply. The latter is often the case and can make the hurt twice as potent.  However, we must consider that some things are said in the heat of the moment and not really meant by the offender, so we really need to see why we made the agreement.

6. That Tricky Enigma Called Universal Appeal

You need to know that you can never have universal appeal.  You or your talents may not be one person’s cup of tea but what about all the other people in the world who will resonate with your particular brand of uniqueness?  However, ultimately you need to please only you. When you do this then you are immediately accepted and no outside influence can make you feel anything other than what you know yourself to be.

7. Acknowledge the Good

We sometimes tend to disregard the ones who encourage us, leaving only space in our thoughts for the ones who hurt us. Why is this, I wonder?  Everyone has the urge to be liked and accepted for who they are. This is normal. But what we need to redefine is what is normal? Every soul is special and has equally unique attributes, abilities and ways of expressing themselves creatively. There should be no judgment.

8. Identify the Judge

When judgment rears its head, we must question the one doing the judging.   Tell that judge that you are in love with your differences.  Viva la difference!  Without freedom of expression this world would be a very dull place.  Without diversity in hair colour, body shapes, talents, voices, tastes, etcetera we would be tantamount to sheep running around in a field day in and day out – baa-baa-boring!

9. Know Thyself!

Only then will you begin to discover, on the deepest level, that which you truly are and what you have accomplished – not only in this lifetime but in the countless life experiences you have had.  Draw on that wealth of talents you have stored, that which you haven’t even begun to extract from your being.  When you do, there is nothing anyone can say or do to you that would ever hurt you.  You will be resolute as to who you are and nobody can take that away from you — unless you allow them to.

When you are living with the statement ‘be the best you can be’ and you are doing this with all your integrity and might — you have nothing to fear.

Empowerment comes from fearing no-thing and facing every day with courage and love in your heart. Strive to be and do the best you can in every situation, then you will be living in your integrity.  Words or energy that does not fit with your frequency or vibration will not be allowed to penetrate your field of self.  You will have become the master of your life and your reality.

Something worth looking into, wouldn’t you say?

Original article was written by Cherie Roe Dirksen for PURPOSE FAIRY

Other articles you may enjoy:

7 Things I Wish I Knew when I Was a Teenager

12 Things Successful People Do To Excel

Live Like You Mean It — Live With Conviction!

6 Ways to Alleviate Stress Now

Why You Need to Claim This Present Now!

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The Dummies Guide to Awakening

Originally posted on LIGHTWORKERS WORLD by Cherie Roe Dirksen

We are living in chaotic and tumultuous times.  We have a plethora of information pumped out at us from every channel, be it media, religion, government or our social groups.

You must be this, act like that, live like us — you know the story but you are feeling overwhelmed and a definite sense of lack.  That pit in your stomach that tells you something is not quite right.

The truth is that when you filter through all this garbage and sift out the gems, you are.

Hey!  You left that sentence hanging — you can’t do that!

Yes, I can and I did it for a good reason.  You just are — the ‘I am that I am’, nothing more, nothing less.  Everything else that is external and trying to tug at your attention is a mere distraction to the call that comes from within.

That feeling of

  • being alone in the world
  • not being understood
  • not even understanding yourself
  • feeling depressed
  • emotional swings
  • always struggling to be happy
  • or to have enough
  • the need to be recognized or acknowledged
  • the fear of not being good enough

Do these attributes sound familiar?

Welcome to Planet Earth, the Galaxies no.1 Classroom for Misfits and Lost Souls!

What is worrisome is that the medical profession starts to label all these conditions and you are now marked as ‘chronically depressed’, ‘ADHD’ or ‘bi-polar’ (yeah, aren’t we all!  This is the realm of duality), the list goes on.  Then the medicating starts and what is treated is suppressed and the little emotion we have left is dulled-down to a drip.

Does Medicine Come Cheap?

It should but alas it doesn’t, especially not if you are in the business of making money from illness.  If the drug corporations and governments truly had people’s welfare at heart, medicine and healing practices would not literally have to cost you and arm or a leg.

Keep ‘em Sick

The more illnesses recognized by the profession the better — the more money to be made.  Have you ever looked at the contra-indications of medicine?  It’s a laugh!  And it’s all ‘legal’.  I especially love how most medication warns that this may result in death — no shit, Sherlock!

Be careful of labels when the condition is emotional.  Ply it with drugs if you want to sweep things under the rug, maybe we’ll see you back here in another life to work it out, or maybe you can deal with it today.

I’m not suggesting you throw away all your pills right now.  Just look into what you really need and what can be replaced with a good eating and exercise plan (never mind a good ‘thought’ plan).

Modern medicine has given us value, a bridge from illness to wellness in many cases.  However, sometimes the training wheels need to come off so we can realize our fullest potential.  To continuously take drugs is not going to do your body any long-term good.  Use medication sparingly, if at all.I’m not suggesting you throw away all your pills right now.  

The Real Good News

The upshot of all this is that there is a non-expensive cure to any disease, mental or physical.  It’s called AWARENESS.

Awareness or enlightenment doesn’t automatically conjure up a cloud for you to float on and dictate gospels to your scribe.  You are still going to have the odd bout of anxiety, depression or ailment — the difference is you are going to be able to identify it immediately and start to work on the remedy instead of having a pity party and feel helpless.

You Are in the Driver’s Seat!

You are always in control of your life circumstance.  You are not a human being having a spiritual experience, you are a soul having a corporeal experience.  You are a master of matter, you have just forgotten.

The world is experiencing what the spiritually inclined would call a consciousness shift and what science would refer to as evolution of species.

We are being upgraded, if you like.  Humanity have been sleeping sheep for centuries (no wonder we count sheep in order to fall asleep) and the time is ripe to WAKE UP!  Can you hear the galaxies alarm clock going off?

The alarm has been going off for quite some time now, unfortunately some have continuously hit the snooze button.  Fret not, the galaxy is readying a pale of ice-cold water and is swirling the bucket as we speak — best to wake up now rather than wake up cold, wet and in shock.

What Can I Do to Fix Myself?

Oh, thank heavens!  I thought you’d never ask.  The answer is simple:  Remember.

To remember means to re-member — to become a part of the whole again.

More specifically, you need to remember that:

  • You have a spark of the divine that lives within your sacred temple  you refer to as your body — treat your body with reverence and respect
  • You are in control of your destiny and not a victim of your fate
  • You came here to experience the great shift of consciousness and to be a part of it
  • You are not only whole but a part of the whole, see the divine en-masse — in your brothers and sisters all over the world
  • Fear is an illusion meant to suppress and contain
  • You were never meant to be contained or suppressed
  • You can rise above any limitations
  • If God is omnipresent, then you are also a part of God (this is especially for those of you who have been or are indoctrinated)
  • Your planet is also a part of God and she holds the cure to any ailment in lost traditions — look to plants and natural, wholesome foods to cure your sick bodies
  • Your thoughts and intent dictate the unfolding of your life — this is why positive thinking, prayer, meditation and affirmations are potent and can also heal many aspects of your life — body and soul
  • Love is the only way forward — it is going to mend the past, present and the future

Break free of your limiting beliefs and join the uprising of the soul — become a part of Awakened Humanity.

Other articles that may help:

Energy Forecast:  Carry an Umbrella, it’s Raining Emotions!

Why Now is the Time to Meditate

The 11 Step Guide to Spreading Love

Where is Your Thinking Pointing You?

Today, I want to focus your attention on your thoughts.

  • What is it that you are always primarily thinking about?
  • Are they thoughts and intentions that will lead you to where you want to be?

If not, today may very well be the day that you get that cold bucket of water on your face — now is the time for your wake up call!

Here are some articles that can get you to clear up any garbage that may be cluttering the foundations of your mind.

CAUTION: You Are Creating Your Life Through Frequency Emissions

5 Easy Steps to Meditating (No Lotus Position Required)

Everything You Do Matters (Jonathan Hilton’s Blog)

I have compiled some quotations (below) that may help you to realign your attention to where you want your thoughts to point you.

Instructions To Download the Quotations Below as Desktop Wallpaper

  • Click on the picture(s) below
  • Right-click
  • ‘Save as’

Here are some free e-cards for you to download too (same process:  click on the picture, right-click and ‘save as’)

     

If you like the design of these cards, they can be bought as posters via my store, just click on the pictures below to take you there (BONUS: 14.92% Off All Orders until Monday 8th October 2012!   Use Code: THEOCEANBLUE  at the checkout) :

          

Have a very Happy Friday and enjoy your weekend!

What Freddy Mercury Can Teach Us About Detachment

Guest article written by Cherie Roe Dirksen for Lightworkers World

‘Nothing really matters, anyone can see…nothing really matters.  Nothing really matters to me…any way the wind blows.” – Freddy Mercury (Bohemian Rhapsody)

Freddie Mercury What Freddy Mercury Can Teach Us About Detachment

Beautifully put!

Thank you, Freddy Mercury, for writing this poetic piece of universal truth and to Queen for adding the sound vibration and bringing this song alive through Bohemian Rhapsody.

Why am I quoting this?

Well, I was singing it the other day when it hit me, ‘this is quite spiritually profound’.

Mastery Over Matter

I have been going through a lot of detachment lately — on many different levels.  From friendships to career choices, desired outcomes to ego battles and the one thing that keeps coming up for me is ‘nothing matters’.

The energy of late seems to be circling around your ability to regroup and ground yourself to what is really important.

No material thing or situation should concern you too much — the lighter the baggage on your earthly sojourn, the less for you to carry (this should be taken literally and metaphorically).  The more at peace you are with the fact that you are here temporarily and no thing or person is a constant, the more likely you are to enjoy your experience.

Now, as I say in my book ‘Divine You’, I don’t mean that nothing matters in an ‘I don’t care’ sort of way.  The art of detaching is just another tool to let you be in the world and not of it.  Question yourself:

  • Can you be here, in this reality, but not be attached to it?
  •  Can you dream up desires and outcomes for yourself and not be attached to them if they change or do not materialize as you may have wanted them to?
  •  Can you detach yourself from drama — be it on a social network, in the office or with your family or friends?
  •  Can you look at circumstances as if you were hovering above them?  An observer, one that is removed from any outcome but still revels in the joys and intrigue of the world.
  • Can you be someone that cares and loves everyone and everything but could leave this plane of existence tomorrow?
  • Are you afraid of death?  Or have you made peace with your multi-dimensional, infinite existence?

Who are You?

This is the I AM THAT I AM  that people talk about.  Being 100% satisfied with where you are and who you are, without needing anyone or anything outside of yourself for gratification.

Loving enough to know when to say nothing, or do nothing, to help a loved one.  When you are able to detach from drama, you will show others that it can be done.  Peace is achievable — one soul at a time.

Do You Find it Difficult to Detach?

pensive What Freddy Mercury Can Teach Us About DetachmentDetachment is not hard or cold.  It is your ability to love enough to leave a bit of space — some room for peace and stillness where there may be none.  You will be that still presence that can ground those around you into the present moment.

What is blocking your ability to let go?

  • Your mind or ego?  Do you perhaps get a kick out of drama?  Can you admit to that?
  • Your ‘worries’?  Do you think that to detach would leave you looking like you don’t care?

Remember that to detach is a loving act.  If you stress or worry about what other people will think of you for detaching or not getting involved in drama, then you need to work on why their opinions matter.  If they are close to you, either friends or family, you can still let them know you care but are not going to interfere with their lives.

If there is something tangible you can do to help, then by all means do but remain that still presence and have an awareness of your emotional body.  If you feel like you are being drained or getting sucked back into 3D drama, then you need to exercise detachment again (for further reading about detaching out of love or fear, click here: https://cherieroedirksen.com/2012/04/12/are-you-clinging-by-your-finger-nails/).

Let’s Wrap This Up

Tracy by the pond 250x166 What Freddy Mercury Can Teach Us About DetachmentWhen you realize that no-thing really matters, you can bend like a reed in the wind and go any way the wind blows.You remain whole and unfaltering, present and aware — you are impartial and just.  This is true detachment.

Thank you, Queen.

Other articles you may enjoy:

8 Life Strategies That Playing Chess Has Taught Me

What The Beatles Look Like From the End of my Paintbrush

If you want to recap on my last article about beginning this Beatles project, please CLICK HERE.

If you want to recap on the whole ROCK ART series BEGIN HERE

Let’s get on with the big reveal…

Whimsical, Colourful, Bright and Vibrant

The title just encapsulates the outcome of this project.  It is just dripping with juicy hues, abstract sensations and psychedelic fantasy.  But what would you expect from a painting inspired purely by listening to the Beatles — non-stop?

I really felt quite taken back to my youth with this one (no, not quite to the swinging ’60’s — I’m a 70’s baby).  There was just so much reminiscence going on with this painting that a bit of child-like play surfaced in the making of this bold artwork.

Compared to the Last

When I put the Radiohead painting up next to this one, I really get a sense of what I’m trying to achieve with this Rock Art project.  They couldn’t be more different!

I am going to have a pictorial comparison at the end of this blog for all you curious types.  Please feel free to share your views.

Without Much Ado…

Here is the final product:

Here is that comparison between the Radiohead painting and The Beatles one:

    

As you can well see, the difference is quite apparent.  So there really is something in this whole experiment with painting to different types of music.  My curiosity is peaked and I am now really looking forward to doing the rest of this series.

Because Muse has just released their 6th album (2nd law), they are going to be next in line — can’t wait to see what cosmic waves are going to come out of my paint pots this time.

The Title — Help!

Before I sign off, I haven’t come up with a title for this yet.  I was wondering if perhaps you could contribute any suggestions you may have that would befit this painting — the title needs to sum it all up.

Please leave your suggestions in the comment section below.  Any feedback, critique or just general banter are welcome!

UPDATE:  The title is ‘Metamorphic Dilatation’ (the process of changing and expanding)

Albums that I listened to in the Making of This:

Rubber Soul

Magical Mystery Tour

Abbey Road

Sgt. Pepper

Help!

Revolver

My husband told me that it’s John’s birthday soon (9 October)…so,

‘Happy Birthday, John’ — missed but never forgotten, your music lives on in all of us! 

Related Articles:

What Radiohead Looks Like Through The End of My Brush

Rock Art Series — The Beatles

Blissful Wallpaper Quotations (All for Free!)

I went away with a friend a couple of months ago to a spiritual retreat called Temenos in McGregor, Western Cape.  It was a truly blissful 4 day excursion of introspection and quiet reflection.

The gardens and sacred spaces were not only peaceful, exhilarating and beautiful but also inspiring.  I took along my camera in the hope of capturing the stillness and tranquility which I have now made into wallpaper quotations and e-cards for you to use (feel free to click on any or all images, then right-click and ‘save as’).

 

 

My only request, as per usual, is that you use them for personal use only — i.e. the images are copyright protected and reselling is not allowed.

Happy Friday and have a great weekend!

9 Great Reasons for Getting Creative (No Artistic Experience Needed)

Featured

Why Should I Bother With Creativity?

I’m going to answer that question with another question. What better way to gift yourself than to spend some quality time expressing your inner feelings and desires?

Creativity is for everyone, not just arts and crafters. Look at how the creativity in others touches your own life.

Let Me Paint a Colorless Picture

Can you envision our world without imagination? Try to visualize Vincent Van Gogh deciding he was no good at painting and never picking up a paintbrush to allow his perspective of beauty and vibrant energy to spring onto a canvas.

Or, how about the aural delights of a classical composer like Bach lacking the confidence to grace our ears with his heart-wrenching and evocative rendition of “Air on a G String?”

The list could go on as we venture into the world of artistic genius and magnificence, but I’m sure you get the dreary portrayal of what our lives would be like if we lacked creativity or the drive to be inventive.

But I’m Not an Artist!

Everybody has a spark of creativity within—you don’t have to be a master artist or musician to be able to express yourself.

Creativity can emerge through anyone, from playwrights, chefs, teachers, computer programmers, healers, writers, and homemakers to artisans, designers, gardeners, and street sweepers. All of these people can, and in many cases do, exercise creative flow with every task they carry out, regardless of their so-called “profession.”

I am, primarily, a writer, artist, and musician, but I also try to express my creativity in other forms. This can be anything from experimental cooking to how I decide to dress myself each day—each look and meal is never quite the same because I’m never quite the same. I go according to how I feel. This is what adds spice to your life!

I’ve used myself as an example to demonstrate all the vast corners that creativity can be lurking in. It’s your job to show it the light of day in as many avenues of your life as you can. This is not something that you should be thinking of doing only when you retire! The time is now.

“When you choose a job you love, you will never have to work a day in your life.”
Confucius

Inadvertently Paying It Forward

When you find that one thing (or several things) that allows you to express your unique self, it will be felt by those around you. You may even inspire them to rekindle a past passion that they have shelved or invoke them to try something new to bring out their resourcefulness.

Anyone can radiate creativity and beauty into their surroundings; it is how you utilize your talents, not what your job is, that truly defines who you are.

Why Is Creative Expression Important for Me?

When you give yourself time out to practice and explore your ingenuity, you are gifting yourself with:

  • Playfulness—You honor yourself when you allow time to fool around and to tap into that inner child that so many of us have forgotten about.
  • Imagination—Drawing from the resources of the right hemisphere of the brain, which is our supply of creative juice, you create a much needed balance and vacation from the often-dominate, linear thinking left hemisphere of your brain.
  • Relaxation—Make time to unwind and craft that creative time into a peaceful, soothing scene of tranquility—an escape from the noise and looped mind-chatter of the daily grind.
  • Space—Give yourself that much needed freedom to unreservedly express how you are feeling.

How Will This Ultimately Benefit Me?

Expressing your creative sparkle is priceless, but just in case you need more convincing, here are some key factors outlining the benefits of allowing yourself the time and space for artistic endeavor:

  • De-stressing—When you are in the zone, it is tantamount to meditating, where all logical and worrisome thoughts cease and you are taken over by the imaginative current, which will reduce your stress levels dramatically.
  • Calming—When you are in this state of mindlessly enjoying yourself, you will feel an instantaneous calm come over you.
  • Personal Fulfillment—The feeling of birthing something beautiful into this world is incalculable, and you feel that sense of achievement and liveliness that creation brings with it.
  • Inner Reflection—Just like the de-stressing point above, when you are in this meditative state, it gives you the time to do a bit of introspection. You can realign yourself with your goals and keep in touch with the core of your self.
  • Enjoyment—When you tickle the inner child that bursts to express joy and ingenuity, you will find that the tasks you do that invoke such inventiveness also bring elation. Connecting with your creativity will connect you with your joy.

Your Call to Action

Try creating a tranquil, serene place where you can retreat when you feel like you are in the mood for a bit of creativity. Mark it off as your special creative zone.

If you are finding it difficult to tap into your source of imagination and originality, I always find it extremely helpful to take a walk in nature or to practice daily meditation (you know, that “thing” where you are alone and quiet with no interruptions?). When you get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, you gain a certain clarity that can only be found when there is peace and quiet.

Free up some space this evening to tap into the inner child that just wants to finger paint and get mucky, pick up that pen and write that epic you’ve always dreamed about, cut out colorful pictures and make a collage, take those first steps to learning that instrument that has been sitting in your closet for ten years, or just do some mindless doodling—whatever tickles your creative genius buds to blossom. Sometimes, just giving the intent to find your creative spark is all that is needed to get the ball rolling.

So get out there and give your creative juices a squeeze and bring a little zest into your life!

Header Image by Alexandr Ivanov from Pixabay

This was a guest article written by Cherie Roe Dirksen for Positively Positive 

Other blogs you may enjoy:

Why Rejection Can Be Our Saviour

How to Paint Rhino’s and Evoke Protective Spells

Astonishing Ways to Make Your Home Look Like a Luxury Retreat

Can Music Jump-Start Humanity’s Awakening?

7 Tips on How to Market Your Art From Behind Your Desk

Why You Need to Pay Attention to Synchronicity Now!

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Don’t You Get It?

Okay, these weeks are really rolling away fast.  I can’t keep track of time or the date anymore, it feels like we’re in a no-time bubble.  But, all blurbs aside, we have happened on that magical day of the week — yes, it’s Friday…again!  And that means that I need to cough up something useful for you good folks.

Today I am delivering on my promise and present you with another free e-card and wallpaper/poster download (see bottom of blog).  If you have missed out on all the previous weeks free downloads, — check my menu bar above;  under ‘free stuff’ you’ll find a drop-down menu.  Just select ‘free e-cards’ to browse through the steadily growing collection.

Do You Get It?

This is taken from my painting called ‘Do You Get It?’.  It is part of my private collection (because my husband refuses to let go of it and it hangs on his studio wall).  I’ve been working on a couple of designs for my Spiral Store, check them out below:

Do You Get It?  Shirts  Do You Get It? Design Galaxy Nexus Cover  Do You Get It?  Shirts

You can have a sniff about all the other stuff you can get with this design on it HERE.

Unleash Your Creative Force This Weekend

For those of you dying to get your hands mucky over the weekend and delve into some kind of creative endeavor of your own — have a squizz at my guest article which has just been published (this week) on Positively Positives site:

9 Great Reasons for Getting Creative (No Artistic Experience Needed)

Here is the e-card I created especially for you (click on the photo, then right-click and ‘save as’):

And last, but not least, here is your free wallpaper/poster download (click on the photo, then right-click and ‘save as’):

I hope you have a fun weekend!

7 Ways to Tame the Ego and Become Instantly Likeable

 “If you want to reach a state of bliss, then go beyond your ego and the 
internal dialogue. Make a decision to relinquish the need to control, the need 
to be approved, and the need to judge.” ~ Deepak Chopra

What is the Ego?

I remember having a conversation with someone once, we were talking about Eckhart Tolle and the ego identification.  The lady I was talking to piped up and said, ‘well, I don’t have an ego’.

“Do you get that an ego is the identification you have with your self and who you are, what you do and how others perceive you?”

Let me make this perfectly clear:  Everybody has an ego!  Here is the dictionary definition of this fruity little word:

e·go – 

  1. the “I” or self of any person; a person as thinking, feeling, and willing, and distinguishing itself from the selves of others and from objects of its thought.
  2. the part of you that reacts to the outside world and thus mediates between the primitive drives of the id and the demands of the social and physical environment.
  3. egotism; conceit; self-importance.
  4. self-esteem or self-image; feelings.
  5. the enduring and conscious element that knows experience.

Aligning with Your Awareness of Ego

Book Cover CARPE DIEM OR BUST

Read this authors latest book – Paperback available at Amazon and other leading bookstores for $8.99

Are you a prancing show-pony or a shrinking violet?  Either one has an imbalanced sense of self.

Now that we have cleared up the myth of the ego being only a no. 3 definition of the strutting peacock itching to get recognition and praise, we can move on to ways of coping with your ego.

“Ego is the biggest enemy of humans” ~ Rig Veda

Do you get that an ego is the identification you have with your self and who you are, what you do and how others perceive you?

So even someone who is timid and an introvert has a problem with ego identification.  It is just in reverse but the principle remains.  When you feel yourself either inferior or superior to others — you have ego issues.

Disidentifying With the Ego

The ego is an inseparable part of you, it is not the enemy.  It is how you let your ego use you that can be detrimental to the quality of your life.

“Masters know when to speak, when to be silent and when their words will be like farting against thunder.”

I am, in no way, saying that the ego needs suppression or containment, just proper management and understanding — it’s as simple as that.  Your ego identification is an integral part of you, and like the universal concept that we are both yin and yang/light and dark, you need it.  You are a unique individual with irrevocable personality traits in your toolkit — this is the part of ego that can be embraced.  The key is to see this beautiful quality in every other soul.

Here is the pitfall of the ego — it wants to be separate from the whole, better than the rest and put itself somewhere untouchable.  This is the downfall of our current society, it is a separatist theory that pits people against each other and keeps them in an ‘us against them’ mental construct.

This is the dangerous element of the ego — the total takeover and manipulation of the authentic self.  Unfortunately, most of our worlds cultures are primarily caught up in the subconscious identification of the ego.

So how can you disconnect and tame your ego?

Let’s Spring Clean this Concept

There are 7 fundamental principles to keeping your ego in check.  Let’s explore them now:

  • Water Off a Ducks Back — do not take things
    personally.  When you do, you are subconsciously (or consciously) in agreement with whatever you have taken offense at.  This can leave you in constant need for validation from external sources which is the need of the ego.  Be at peace with what other people think of you, even if it is not congruent with how you see yourself.  You are never going to have universal appeal, there will always be someone out there who doesn’t like you — get over it now and save yourself any future distress.  Acceptance of what is is key.  For more about this in-depth trait, click here: Do You Take Things Personally?
  • Think Before You Speak — honour the power of your words and you will honour not only others but your sense of self.  Choose your words wisely.  You will be in control instead of having a hurtful motor-mouth.  People will pick up on this and return it in kind.  Practicing the integrity of your words will result in a better quality of life for yourself and those with whom you interact.
  • Hold Your Tongue — the ego loves to make itself right.  A common trap to fall into is trying to make someone else see that you are right. Really?  Is it that important for you to force someone to see life through your eyes and perceptions?
    No, that is your ego trying to justify itself.  Masters know when to speak, when to be silent and when their words will be like farting against thunder.  Control over your mouth is like having control over your sphincter muscle at a dinner party.  Exercise it and you will notice how easy it becomes to have total control of outbursts or having to explain yourself constantly. The best book I ever read about learning to be impeccable with your words is ‘The Four Agreements’ by Don Miguel Ruiz (a must have for your spiritual library).
  • Don’t Buy into the Labels — get in touch with who you really are and reconnect
    to your source or core being.  Look past the labels and identifications that society plasters you with.  You are not your profession, you are not the role you play in your family or community.  You are a special individual spark of the Divine that is nameless and authentic.  Get to grips with that through meditation (click here for an article about 5 Easy Steps to Meditating).
  • Quit Comparisons — learn to be comfortable in your own skin.  There is no-one in the world like you — from your individual fingerprints to all the exclusive experiences your soul has accumulated.  Comparing yourself to others is another trick of the ego — don’t fall for it.  Fall in love with yourself (read an article about this HERE).
  • Count Your Blessings — instead of complaining about all the things that are wrong with your physical appearance and situation, try to see all the positive
    aspects of your life and body.
  • See Divinity En-Masse — don’t try to elevate yourself above or bury yourself below others.  You are part of a collective consciousness of Divine souls here on Earth.  See the divinity in yourself and see it in others too.  The ego won’t be able to do this.  If you are finding resistance, you need to go into why you can’t accept that your fellow human beings are just as much a part of God as you are.  To see the internal beauty in another will put you on a level playing field instead of comparing yourself and others and passing dangerous judgments.

Why Will This Guarantee My Success?

How to Train Your Dragon of an Ego by Cherie Roe Dirksen

Did you like this article? Why not Pin it! 🙂

When you tame the ego, you are paving the way for smooth and easy life flow.  You relinquish judgments, comparisons and the need to be or feel superior.  This is a frequency that you will project and I guarantee that people will be attracted to you.  People standing in their truth and integrity are like moths to a flame — be it in your personal or professional life.

Your ego won’t go away but you can have control over it instead of it running amuck with you.

When you do have control, you will never feel the need for superiority nor inferiority to any one else.  You simply are — a state of grace, least resistance and an inner knowing of peace.  Now isn’t that something worth going after?

Other articles you may like:sub button

How to Win the Lottery using the Law of Attraction

The Most Insanely Creative Gifts You Can Give Anyone! And
Saves on Therapy Bills Too…

Do You Feel Worthless? 2 Reasons Why You Need to Love YOU

Why Problems are Really Potentials 

 

Check out my art gallery by clicking HERE or the picture below 🙂

art materials bright brushes close up

Photo by Miguel Á. Padriñán on Pexels.com

 

 

Rock Art Series — The Beatles

Yes, I know I have kept you waiting for the second piece of this series but wait no longer!

For those of you who have not been following the ‘Rock Art’ journey, you can check out what’s been going on (within you and) without you here: 10 Bands, 10 Paintings — Let the Rock Art Begin!

I’m Such a Tease!

Well, this is just another teaser pictorial blog because the painting isn’t quite finished yet. However, the groundwork has been laid and we are good to go in the colorizing department.  This painting is done a bit arse about face (an idiom for arranging the opposite way to the way it should be) but that is typical of someone who has their head stuck in alternate realities.

I have inked out the content and now I’m going to be adding the delectable and bright colors that are just waiting to burst forth onto the canvas.  It’s going to be a bit like a coloring-in book, I guess.  How exciting and unprecedented this Rock Art series is turning out to be — such toe-tingling excitement!

Painting No. 2 — Let Me Present….

I have decided it is the turn of The Beatles to rock ‘n roll their way onto my second canvas in this series.  As I’m sure you’ll notice, the effect is rather different from the Radiohead painting.  Well, it should be!

They’re both great bands but worlds apart.  I really got a feeling of animated abstract fun and foolishness when I went into ‘Beatles’ mode.  It brought back a lot of childhood memories and whimsical, magical (mystery tours?), experimental modes.

A Girl with a Plan!

This time I was savvy and started writing out all the emotions that were coming up as I was setting out the drawing (I squiggled them down on the side of the canvas — pure genius even if it does look a bit untidy).

Here are a few keywords I wrote down.  Yes, some are rather strange, I admit — but this is what came up for me:

  • Fun
  • Candid
  • Innovative
  • Serious
  • Rigid (?)
  • Abstract
  • Exciting
  • Mentally Delicious

I like the last one, I think that sums up The Beatles quite well…maybe not mental, but certainly aurally delicious.

I am not revealing the picture as a whole but have cut it up into segments to add to the intrigue.  Here are some sneak peeks of the painting :

    

You can see it in its entirety when it is finished.  If you think it looks busy now, wait until the hue shows its face!

I hope to have the full color version for you within the next 2 weeks, so do tune in to the Tuesday Art/Creativity blog here by hitting that ‘follow this blog’ button in the left-hand sidebar of the homepage or at the bottom of the page (yeah, that wafty ‘follow’ button-thingy that should be following your every move).

For All You Shy Little Sausages

Oh, and one last thing…so many people write to me privately and tell me about the creative projects that they have undertaken.  I love to hear about your experiments but please share them with everyone!  It would be great if you could tell us what you are getting up to in the studio or what you have done in the past that’s new and innovative — don’t be shy, we’re all eager to hear about your creations.  Leave a comment… 😀

TO VIEW THE FINISHED PAINTING CLICK HERE!

Celebrating Planet Earth!

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is
to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone
with the heavens, nature and God.

Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and
that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple
beauty of nature. I firmly believe that nature brings solace
in all troubles.”  ~  Anne Frank

Friday is upon us yet again and that means it’s time for another ‘TGIF’ free giveaway.  Today I would like to give you 2 e-cards with a theme of natural wonder and beauty.

If you missed out on the last couple of TGIF blogs, you can catch up HERE.

The Beauty of Nature

I was creating my 2013 calendars this week — so far I have come up with a Poppy Art and Landscape Art calendar (see below).  Whilst sifting through the images, my sheer wonder for nature was rekindled.

I am in love with life on Mother Earth and everything about it, from the intricately delicate symmetry of a flower to the raging color-blast gob-smacking beauty of a sunset.

Below are todays 2 free e-cards you can download — they are a taste of what is to be found in the calendars (click on the picture then right-click and ‘save as’):

           

These are for your personal use only (ie. no selling them, please).

2013 Calendar Showcase

My calendars are a celebration of the sheer wonder of the natural world around us.  I have chosen themes that showcase the exquisite glory of nature and our awesome planet.

“People from a planet without flowers would think we must be mad
with joy the whole time to have such things about us.”  ~  Iris Murdoch

If you, like me, struggle to find gifts for certain people — why not give a calendar.  And with Christmas around the corner, it wouldn’t hurt to start with that shopping list now.

Everyone needs a calendar to brighten up their work-space or home.  Don’t forget that as the months fly by, you can frame the pictures to beautify your free space with — the gift that keeps on giving.

Each month has a new picture (sometimes a duet).  To preview the calendar, just click on the pictures below.  You will be taken to the store where you can thoroughly squizz over the fine details from cover to cover and all the bits in between.

Have a great weekend!

7 Proven Tactics to Spread Joy Around the World

7 ways to spread joyDoes it not feel wonderful to be the catalyst that activates the pay it forward system?  What is paying it forward?  For those of you who don’t know — it is when you perform an act of kindheartedness with no need for reward, the receiver of that action then pays it forward to someone else.

“When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.” 
― Rumi

This creates a cycle of goodwill that can, hopefully, snowball — spreading out into the world at large.

Do you feel like starting an avalanche of joy today?

How Can I Be of Service?

Here is a simple list of things that you can start to incorporate into your every day life, scattering those seeds of love and bliss.  I guarantee that the pay-off will be huge — just watch how you start affecting people’s lives.

  • Smile at people — especially the ones that look grumpy.  They are the very ones who probably need your beam of sunlight more than anything!

  • Hug people
    — most people are tactile and appreciate some physical contact.  It could mean the world of difference to them if you hugged them instead of just standing there like a great lump!
  • Genuine compliments — don’t hold back on this one but don’t force it either.  There are so many times when we think something nice about a person but never actually open our mouths to voice it.  Just one little spoken observation could make someone’s day.
  • Practice kindness — be gentle and giving in all you do.  Don’t only reserve yourself for friends and family.  Treat everyone you meet as If you were long-lost buddies. Do this with animals too; they just thrive on unconditional love.
  • Be impeccable with your word — think before you speak.  Try to filter out your blurbs.  Sometimes we say too much or let slip hurtful things that we can’t retract, so be mindful of your dialogue at all times.  People will notice this and want the same quality.
  • Thoughtfulness — bring tokens of love and gratitude whenever you visit or bump into someone.  I learnt this from Deepak Chopra.  He said that this can be in the form of a silent prayer or blessing, a bunch of hand-picked flowers or a poem.  It needn’t cost anything but the thought.  People really do appreciate your consideration.
  • Greet – always try to say a cheerful ‘hello’ to passers-by, shop assistants or anyone who catches your eye.  This is a simple yet effective practice that works because you are acknowledging their existence.

Acknowledgement — ‘I See You’

I would like to share a story with you.  I was walking in the streets of Cape Town when asub button homeless man on a bench asked me for some change.

I stopped and started looking in my bag for some money.  While I was scouring my untidy bag for loose coins he started to mumble something like ‘sorry for wasting my time’ to which I replied that he could never waste my time.

He looked quite startled at this and said that I had got him wrong, he had actually said that most people tell him that he is wasting their time and was really thankful that I had even stopped to talk to him, let alone give him money.

I did manage to fish out a few coins for him, as I handed it over I apologized as it wasn’t much.  To this he replied, ‘it is not the money that has made my day, it is the fact that you even stopped to acknowledge my presence.’  I held back a bit to talk with him and he said something else that I found remarkable but understood him completely.


Don’t Judge a Book by it’s Cover

He said that he was not ‘this’ as he pointed to his disheveled clothes — referring that he was not a vagrant. 

He said that he was a soul on a journey, just like everyone else, and he has chosen this path to learn something that he still needs to figure out.  I found this man to be a truly courageous and enlightened human being who taught me something very valuable that day. 

Do not pass anyone by, make sure that the very least you give is your attention — this can be their gold nugget.

*Original article written by Cherie Roe Dirksen for Purpose Fairy — to read the original article click here and here for the second part.

Other articles you may enjoy:

5 Easy Steps to Get Your Life Back on Track

How to Get and Maintain that Positive Attitude

10 Tips Designed to Keep You on Your Toes

Trick or Treat? Affirmative Action, Shooting Cats & Free Stuff…

Purdita’s Modelling Career

I have been working on, with permission from Purdy (my cat and model), some Halloween Designs for my store.  Bless the little furry black monster for doing such a cracking job on her poses for this photo shoot (you can see her in my banner above and also during the site-switch over HERE).

She has agreed that lazing about all day on the sofa does not help to pay the bills.  In order for the tuna to keep rolling in, she has decided to take some affirmative action and allowed me to shoot her (with a camera, that is).

Her notoriety will span generations, I’m sure.  Today’s ‘giveaway’ is going to be about All Hallows’ Day.

To start you off with, below are some free e-cards you can download (right-click and ‘save as’):

       

Origins of Halloween

Let’s dive into a bit of history and interesting facts about this eerie holiday.  The word Halloween was first used in the 16th century and is a variant of All-Hallows’-Even or ‘eve’, that is, the night before All Hallows’ Day.  However, the phrase All Hallows’ is Old English (ealra hālgena mæssedæg, mass-day of all saints).

The Halloween holiday is commonly thought to have pagan roots, even though the etymology of the word is Christian.

Historian Nicholas Rogers, says it is more typically linked to the Celtic festival of Samhain, derived from the Old Irish Samuin meaning “summer’s end”.

Right, so the cat is out of the bag!

Bloody Horrific Deals

Now that you know what you are celebrating, here are a few ideas for this Halloween at Spiral Designs (most of the proceeds of these sales will go to the PTF — Purdys Tuna Fund — as per our ‘little’ modelling exchange agreement).

I’ve got everything from postage stamps, invitations, trick or treat bags and serving plates to candy jars, tees, caps and neck-ties — something for everyone!  

Check it out:

     

    Trick or Treat Halloween Witches Cat Vest T-shirt   

            

    

Lastly, here is a free Halloween wallpaper download for your desktop/mini-poster printout (right click and ‘save as’):

These are for your personal use only (ie. no selling them, please).

Have a fun weekend!

Are You Letting the Wonders of the World Pass You By?

When we are in nature, we are in our natural state — you could even say we are in our ‘element’.  And that is synchronously why it feels so joyful to go for a walk on the beach, stroll through a meadow or simply sit under a tree.

 We are being reconnected with our state of inexplicable bliss.

Why Is This So?

There is an excellent documentary called ‘Dirt’, which outlines soil’s effect on every aspect of our lives, including our survival as a species.  The simple truth of this is that we are all made up of the dirt of the earth and will return there some day.   We are one and the same and share an incalculable bond with the planet we reside upon.

The very ingredients of our bodies are made up from the food you consume, which comes from the earth. When we honor and respect our planet, we honor and respect ourselves.

The house you live in, the car you drive, the computer you sit at, the ground that supports you is made possible by the world you inhabit.

 So What?

Well, this doesn’t mean you have to become a tree-hugger (not unless you feel the calling!) — all I want you to think about is your connection to our beautiful, resourceful Mother Earth.

When we enjoy our lives and take advantage of her many wonders, we rekindle that which is innate within us — the connection we have to all life, the oneness of being part of the whole.

There is a bond that is severed when we forget about nature and the true joy it can bring.  When we feel disconnected, being in nature can be the very inexpensive cure we need to re-align that which is out of atunement — which then becomes atonement (at-one-ment), reparation or making amends with your divine system.

7 Tips to Get You Started

Below is a list of things you can start today to get you into alignment with your true self.  They are designed to truly get you back into the ‘now’ moment and to be present in your body.  Explore your senses that so many take for granted, and have fun!

Here are 7 priceless things that your life has to offer:

  1. Touch — Taking a walk amongst trees, touching the rough bark.  Get back in contact with your sense of feeling textures and surfaces.
  2. Smell — Sitting on a park bench or in your garden, can you identify all the different aromas? Can you smell the sweet scent of the flowers hanging on a gentle breeze?  The time has never been more suitable to stop and smell the roses!
  3. Feel — Strolling on the beach, letting the water wash over your bare feet.  Feel the coarse sand underfoot.  Walk bare-foot through a patch of wet grass and feel that freshness seep into your soles.
  4. Taste — Biting into a freshly picked berry or a sprig of parsley — truly taste the freshness and zing of natural produce.
  5. Beauty — Appreciating the world around you — look at how glorious the wing of a butterfly is!  There are so many splendors to be taken in, try to keep your eyes open for magnificence — I promise you, you will be amazed at how much entertainment is all around you in the natural world.
  6. Hear — Listening to the sound of bees buzzing about their business — now when last can you say you stopped to welcome that precious aural delight? Take note of all the sounds around you, from the wind brushing through the leaves to the birds chirping out a synchronized melody.
  7. Vision — Marveling at a spectacular sunset or the dawn of a sunrise — can you remember lying on your back on the freshly mown lawn, just gazing up at the stars or trying to spot a shape in the clouds?

I hope you are clambering for your door this very moment, just itching to get out there!

This was an article I wrote for Purpose Fairy — published on the 3rd September 2012, the original article can be found here:  http://www.purposefairy.com/7219/are-you-letting-the-wonders-of-the-world-pass-you-by/

Can Art Predict the Future?

Image

The artwork above and below come from an interesting article I picked up from the Fast Company website (click the link below to take you to the article).

100 Years Ago, French Artists Predicted The Future With Eerie Accuracy 

I think some of the images were indeed, very strange, but some were eerily smack on the button.  Unfortunately, the chicken ‘machine’ picture was one of those ones that I wish hadn’t come true and reminded me of the rotten fast food trade and those awful battery chicken farms (please readers, if you must eat chicken, support the free-range farmers).

The schoolroom picture (above) reminded me of Pink Floyd’s ‘The Wall’, which was interesting.  But this picture is also, of course, indicative of the internet and our super-fast information highway we all have access to now.

So Let’s Get Back to the Question

Can art predict the future?

Well, this really got me thinking.

We live in a holographic world where every piece of matter reflects the whole.  Yes, I think we can predict the future through art (among other things).  I think this hologram theory is also why necromancy works with so many different devices (tea leaves, tarot, throwing bones, ruins, dream interpretation, channeling — everything is a microcosm for the macrocosm).

Here’s why:

  • We can map out future possibilities or potentials based on the needs, dreams and wants of the collective.
  • We are always working in a quantum soup of all possibilities and we follow, in linearity, the potential that has the most potency or collective ‘backing’.
  • These artists may have even planted that seed for future generations and inventors to carry through on — this is surprisingly how a lot of ‘stuff’ gets invented — through the inspiration and legacy or ideas of others.

But Not All of These Pictures Came True!

Just remember, only the ideas that have the most cosmic support will luck out in the end.  In other words, the future potential that carries with it the most weight of the collective consciousness has the most potential to come into fruition.

The future is not guaranteed and is always ebbing and flowing with the tide of human consciousness.  That is why some soothsayers and prognosticators have been frighteningly accurate and others have been devastatingly wrong.

Sometimes a prophet can predict both right and wrong outcomes, which can, on the surface, seem confusing to some.  But, I think I may have a feasible answer…

Here is my reasoning:

  1. People who can predict the future are only predicting one possible timeline out of the multiple choice section of the cosmic convergence menu.
  2. The same people may not ever think that there is a vast selection of potential likelihoods to tap into or they are tuning into the most likely outcome at that specific epoch of time (this can fluctuate if consciousness shifts).
  3. If the collective consciousness is forewarned and decides to shape a fresher future with a newly combined thought projection, it can alter the old paradigm and mold it into a new projection.  Even Nostradamus said that any one of his predictions could be altered if humanity decides to take a different course.

Lastly, don’t forget that thoughts and action bring about the future, not dumb luck.  You are the co-creator of this reality.

Friday’s Free Giveaway Blog Starts Today! What’s Up For Grabs?

Thank God It’s Friday!

I’ve decided to have a bonus blog on Fridays called my TGIF Free Giveaways!  How exciting…

I’m going to be giving away free poster downloads, wallpapers, e-cards and anything else I can muster up.  So click the ‘follow this blog’ button in the right-hand sidebar to never miss out again.  You can also subscribe HERE and receive your free motivational gift bundle and keep updated through the monthly newsletter.

Right, let’s get on with it then.  Today is a stormy and ball-freezingly cold day in Cape Town, so I needed a little ‘pick-me-up inspiration’ to get this day on the go.  I decided to  upload a new music-themed design to my SPIRAL store and wanted to share it with you.

But first…let’s start with your free e-card downloads (more free stuff at the end of this blog, so keep going!):

Instructions to download e-cards and wallpaper:

  1. Click in the picture(s) below
  2. You will be redirected to the page where the ecard is stored
  3.  Right click on the image and “save image as”

                   

These are for your personal use only (ie. no selling them, please).

Take a 15% Discount Today Only!  

Sticking with this theme — here are some of my harmonious products using this melodic design — please let me know what you think, any suggestions or feedback would be great!

   

Musical Messenger Bag messenger bags  

  

  Musical Instruments Playing Cards playing cards

And now, last but not least, your free wallpaper download for this Friday:

Have a Frumptous Friday and a Wicked Weekend!  Over and out…

Does The Sun Shine Out Of Your Bottom?

An age-old question that has plagued mankind since the dawn of the ego…

Ego Or True-Nature?

The truth is that the sun does indeed beam out of your backside, but not in the form of any ego-based identity.  No, it’s all about your creative flare — what are you doing to beautify your world and inadvertently affect the lives of others?

“There’s nothing more exciting in this life than embarking on a new creative adventure.”

Your ability to shine is linked to what you have to share in this world and that can take on many shapes and forms.

B-B-Boring!

I can’t bear not being creatively active in some form or another.  Nothing bores me more than boredom itself!

It can sometimes be really cool to be a couch potato for a day, but come on, really?  That can also get a bit tedious.

There’s nothing more exciting in this life than embarking on a new creative adventure. This can be anything from:

  • Decorating
  • Crafts
  • Writing
  • Composing
  • Gardening
  • Reshuffling the home or office
  • Playing with entrepreneurial ideas
  • Inventing
  • Painting/Drawing/Doodling
  • Designing
  • Woodwork
  • Styling to
  • Building lego castles!

Beatles Rock Art by ©Cherie Roe DirksenCreativity brings out the best in human nature and affords us the opportunity to have fun and to share our innovativeness with others.

If you enjoyed this little motivational kick up the jacksy,  then you will probably benefit from this article too:

Why Creativity Promotes Wellness

So, get that ass off the couch and let your inner light shine through every orifice (well, you know what I mean!).

Feel free to post in the comment section below some interesting and fun ideas you have for getting creative juices flowing.  Post pictures or relevant links of what you’ve been getting up to lately (no spam please!  It will be deleted).

Other articles you may enjoy:

3 Motivational Tips on Getting Back into the Artistic Arena

5 Tips on Getting Back In The Groove

New here?  Why not…

             

7 Helpful Pointers To Activate The Flow Of Abundance

Prints available

We all want abundance in some form or another, whether it is wealth in the monetary sense to being richly blessed with meaningful relationships or even to achieve self-mastery — the wealth of spirit.  In this past decade, and, even prior to that, we have been introduced to the idea of the Law of Attraction with popular books such as The Secret and the Jerry and Esther Hicks series, just to name a few.

So Why Is It Still Hard To Manifest Our Desires?

We hear catch phrases like ‘Be in the Flow’ but what does that practically mean to you?  How can you step into this flow and apply it to your situation or reality?  Wishful thinking just isn’t cutting it for some.  Here are some fundamental reasons why it may not be working for you:

1. Patience

I have to get this one out of the way first because it is a simple yet integral principle when you are applying deliberate manifestation.  You need to learn the art of patience.  Think of a seed — it gets planted but it still needs time, rich nutrient and mineral-based soil, sunshine and water to blossom into its full growth potential.  Any hint of doubt (or drought, in the case of our seed) will hamper its chances of reaching the surface and begin its graceful climb towards fruition.

2. Action

Once you have ascertained what you do want to create in your life, have you taken the necessary steps to get the wheel in motion?  If you think that ‘couch manifesting’ is going to take care of everything, let me tell you now — it isn’t.  You need to actively participate in bringing about your desire.  Set yourself realistic goals and hold yourself accountable to them.

3. Mindset

The world is full of abundance and opportunity, but far too many people come to the fountain of life with a sieve instead of a tank car… a teaspoon instead of a steam shovel. They expect little and as a result they get little. ~ Ben Sweetland

If you are having thoughts of lack about what you want to see in your life then that is what you are calling into existence.  This is like wanting to lose weight but only concentrating on all the most fattening foodstuffs — this kind of thought-stream is counter-productive.  Instead of thinking the worst, think about the way you will feel when it does come into your life.  How will it change your life?  Does it feel good when you are in that space of living out your fantasy?  If the answer is yes, then that is the emotion or feeling that you need to fertilize, in your mind, whenever you are practicing co-creation.

4. Vibration

As I addressed in the last point, when you truly allow yourself to feel the desired outcome emotion, it enhances your power to manifest tenfold.  Think of ‘the thought’ as the key in your ignition; ‘The action’ is the spark that ignites the engine and ‘the feeling’ or emotion behind the thought is the gas that gets it all going — the driving force.

5. Alignment

Abundance is not something we acquire. It is something we tune into. ~ Wayne Dyer

You need to regularly align to what it is you want.  Set yourself that weekly goal and check in with yourself.  Has this week seen you get any closer to what you want?  If not, why not — what could you have done differently?  Sometimes we have to assess that what we are trying to manifest is still truly what we want.  If you change your mind then that is fine, just don’t kid yourself.  If you change midstream to another outcome it is better than plodding along with a manifestation that you are now uncertain about.  Your emotional potency will also be lacking if it is not what you want anymore, so, as the old adage goes, it will be like breaking wind against thunder (slightly euphemized for this blog).

What Can I Do To Bring Abundance Into My Life Now?

Well, now that the blockages have been outlined, let’s take a look at what you can do in this moment and in the near future to bring about the expediency of your manifest will.

The energy behind any deed needs to be from your genuine source.  Any fake or compromised gestures will be meaningless in the pursuit of true abundant living.

Metaphorically this is like taking a flat battery and expecting it to work in your camera.  What goes around comes around, the intent you put out into the universe will come back to you, so, if you are handing out ‘empty’ words or actions, your boomerang effect will be just as hollow and meaningless.  Acting with true integrity is the key to manifesting the life of your dreams.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

6. Tokens of Unconditional Love

Life in abundance comes only through great love. ~ Elbert Hubbard

When you visit someone or just bump into them, bestow a gift upon them.  This could be a silent blessing, well-wish, compliment (make sure it is genuine), a heart-felt hug, a flower or a small gift.  With this action you are giving freely.  Do not expect anything in return, that will be taken care of energetically in a way that you may only come to realize when it happens.

7. Gratitude

Whatever we are waiting for – peace of mind, contentment, grace, the inner awareness of simple abundance – it will surely come to us, but only when we are ready to receive it with an open and grateful heart. ~ Sarah Ban Breathnach

List all the things that you have in your life now that you are most thankful for.  This could be from the smallest thing to the largest thing.  For example, you may feel immense joy sitting in your garden — give thanks for that.  You may have a pantry full of food and a roof over your head — give thanks for that, and so the gratitude ball starts rolling and we start to have a clear insight as to how much abundance already exists in the present.  When you start this exercise, you will find more and more things that you can be grateful for from the air that you freely breathe to the limbs that operate at your will.  It is a truly eye-opening experience for those who think they are lacking in some way or another.

But Why Should This Work?

The reason why this does work is because the more elated you feel about your current situation, the more joy you are injecting into your energetic field.  This doesn’t just get lost in space, it is a frequency that you are emitting outwards and it is going to be matched.

This is how our lives really work in the subtle field of energy.  Your energetic signature or emotional frequency is what you are setting yourself up to attract.  You are like a magnet, attracting that to you which you are putting out via your emotions or feelings.  This is why it is imperative that your thoughts are steered towards being more positive, which will then allow your feelings to be in alignment with what you do want.

You cannot bring into your experience joy if all you are feeling is sadness.  You cannot be wealthy if all you feel is lack.  These are basic principles that, unfortunately, too often get overlooked when we try to view our own lives and how they are turning out.  It is often hard to face the truth that what you put in, you get out.  But if you are to make any headway in this life, you need to face the core truth of what you are creating consciously or even subconsciously.  This is actually good news!

Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life

Life isn’t going to just randomly happen to you anymore — you are always in full control of your life and can guide it in any direction you choose.  You always have a choice, never forget that — our freewill is our greatest asset.

This isn’t to say that your life is going to be all cotton-socks and pink roses — you may very well have your fair share of everyday mishaps.  What will change is how you perceive these obstacles and what you choose to do with them.  The world isn’t going to change, it is how you view it that will make the change you desire.

Put into this world what you wish to get out and you will be in the flow.  You will be in the driver’s seat steering your life into abundance.

Original article was written by Cherie Roe Dirksen for Purpose Fairy:  7 Helpful Pointers To Activate The Flow Of Abundance.

Other articles you may enjoy:

12 Things Successful People Do To Excel

Live Like You Mean It — Live With Conviction!

How to Get and Maintain that Positive Attitude

6 Tips on How to Get to Where You Want to Be

Money Isn’t a Dirty Word: How to Use Money to Serve Your Purpose

Why Creativity Connects You to Your Wellbeing

Look at how the creativity in others touches your own life. Try to imagine the world we live in without creativity — envisage Vincent Van Gogh deciding he was no good at painting and never picking up a paintbrush hence not allowing his perspective of beauty and vibrant energy to emerge onto a canvas. Or, how about the auditory delights of a classical composer like Camille Saint-Saens lacking the confidence to grace our ears with his peaceful and evocative rendition of an aquarium? The list could go on as we venture into the world of artistic genius and splendour but I’m sure you get the bleak picture of what our lives would be like if we lacked creativity or the drive to be imaginative.

“When you choose a job you love, you will never have to work a day in your life.” — Confucius

We feed ourselves with all kinds of things — physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. Some things will nourish us while others may be toxic to our delicate systems. Our discernment with what serves us is integral and keeps us either fulfilled or leaves us feeling frustrated and empty. We can do everything ‘by the book’ — for instance, maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet, exercise regularly or get enough sleep. However, if we are suppressing our inner desire to express ourselves, we are denying the one thing that could lead to genuine fulfillment and wholeness.

Take Back Your Creative Control

For those of you who feel that creativity is someone else’s job or you don’t have a creative bone in your body — think again!

Everybody has a spark of creativity within — you don’t have to be a master artist, musician, or architect to be able to express yourself. It is how you conduct yourself in whatever vocation you have chosen that will determine your quality of life and the joy you inject into your surroundings. A mortician can be creative, a nurse can bring vibrance into her workplace — anyone can exude creativity and beauty into their surroundings, it is how you utilize your talents not what your job is that truly counts and defines who you are.

When you embrace your creative flare, you, and those around you, will benefit in more ways that you can imagine. Here’s why:

Not only do you as an individual benefit from lateral and imaginative thinking and then manifesting creation through your skill or expertise, but society benefits too. Can you conceive a world without playwrights, chefs, teachers, musicians, programmers, healers, writers, homemakers, artisans, designers, gardeners, etc? All of these people can, and in many cases do, exercise creative flow with everything they do — regardless of their so-called profession. When you find genuine job fulfillment and gratification, it will be felt by those whom you either interact with or are providing a service for.

The effect of more lateral thought, or thinking ‘out of the box’, and creative endeavor will not only lead you to a space of satisfaction and wellbeing but will reflect in the macrocosm around you. Your ripple effect will be felt by many who will, hopefully, ignite their own spark of creativity to share with the world.

Benefits of Creativity

Creativity is a vital component in society as a whole but what are the immediate benefits to you, the individual?

When you pursue your form of creativity — this could be anything that helps you to relax and express yourself — you will:

  • De-stress — When you are in your own creative space, you are more likely to drift away from the material world around you and focus on the inner desire to express through your perspective. This act will decrease your stress levels and automatically put you in a place of ‘time-out’ and relaxation. In an article written by Elizabeth Scott, M.S., she discusses how clinical art therapy is proven to reduce stress through distraction — being so engrossed in a task that inevitably leads you to attain a clear head. She also outlines that being in this flow can be likened to being in a meditative state, which brings with it the added benefits of meditation and stress relief. Having a hobby is essential in promoting balance in your lifestyle and some much-needed ‘down time’.
  • Stimulate — You will be stimulating the right hemisphere of your brain — the imaginative, lateral mindful state that is induced when you are in your creative ‘zone’. We need balance in all aspects of life and using the right and left hemisphere of the brain is no different. We are usually very much engaged in our left brain — the practical and linear way of thinking — so it is very important to take a vacation to the other side and stretch your legs with imagination, beauty and expressiveness. You will find that when you do this you have a better balance in your everyday life and are less likely to burn-out or have a breakdown.
  • Enjoy — Pursuing your creative flame ensures that you will tickle the inner child that bursts to express joy and ingenuity. When you do this, you will find that the tasks you do that invoke such inventiveness also bring elation. Connecting with your creativity will connect you with your joy.
  • Find Satisfaction — Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi said that our intrinsic motivation is whatever produces flow which ultimately becomes its own reward. When you are in this flow of creative expression, you will feel the ultimate satisfaction. When you take pleasure in what you do, you are contributing your valuable, unique skill to the world — what more satisfaction do you need?

What Can You Do Now To Engage in Creativity?

How can you practically find what it is that will bring you this satisfaction? Try answering these simple questions:

  • What is it, no matter how insignificant it may seem to you right now, that makes you feel a sense of timelessness?
  • Gives you a feeling of peacefulness or sereneness?
  • Lets you focus and be immersed in your imagination?
  • Gives you a sense of joy that is not related to any external source? In other words, it is coming from your sense of purpose or originality.

Sometimes we dismiss the very thing that is our pure, originative source of creativity. It could be the mindless doodling you draw in the side column of your desk pad that may end up being the foundation of a career in design. It might even be that green thumb you’ve always had in the garden that leads you down the path of professional landscaping. No matter how big or small the basis of this creativity is, you cannot know where it will lead you if you do not pursue it.

Everybody has a gift although the packages may vary. If you are truly stumped, then go out into the big wide world and find something that interests you. Take an art class or a creative writing course — keep trying new things until you find something that clicks into place for you. But, most important of all, life is about the journey — have fun in the process of finding and exploring the inner creative! •

© 2012 Cherie Roe Dirksen. All rights reserved.

Original article posted on Creativity Portal:  Why Creativity Promotes Wellness – De-stress, Enjoy Yourself, Find Satisfaction · Creativity-Portal.com.

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Other blogs by Cherie Roe Dirksen you may enjoy:

How to Paint Rhino’s and Evoke Protective Spells

The Universe is Abundant, Why Aren’t You?

Astonishing Ways to Make Your Home Look Like a Luxury Retreat

Why You Need to Pay Attention to Synchronicity Now!

3 Crucial Steps to Self Acceptance

Self-Empowerment Books by Cherie Roe Dirksen:

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Table Books of Art and Inspirational Teachings by Cherie Roe Dirksen:

Creative Expression        Art Portfolio

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Welcome to my Wonderland!

I chose a Wonderland theme for my site because I feel like I am skipping down that proverbial ‘Rabbit Hole’ —  I want to take as many people down with me…that sounds rather ambiguous now, doesn’t it?

If you are new here or would like a recap on who I am and what I’m about, I have a new ‘bite-sized’ tour of the site — just let your mouse take a nibble on the cupcake on your left….you will be magically and instantly resized and sent through the internet cable to a page of intrigue, wonder and teapots?

Why Choose Wonderland?

I have been going through copious amounts of re-thinking who I am (haven’t we all?!) and I realized that I am so many things.

I could be described as a practical, level-headed, ‘left brained’ girl (just like our fictional Alice) and on top of it — I am a Virgo (renowned for their pinickity-ness, preciseness and critique — again, another one of Alice’s traits).

Well, I found all these similarities to Alice quite amusing but….

Down The Rabbit Hole

There is a whole other side of me that is revved for creativity, ‘right-brained’ and an incurable dreamer — not to mention a complete nutter too, yup, quite barking mad!

So, in truth, I really cannot be labeled.  But should anyone really you be put into a box?

We are all multi-dimensional, multi-layered, magical beings who can be anything and everything we want to be — at any given time — with the privilege to change our minds at the drop of a (mad-hatters) hat!  It’s called ‘divine birthright’.

One of my favourite sayings from the new Tim Burton production of  ‘Alice in Wonderland’ is this:

Mad Hatter:  “Have I gone mad?”

Alice:   “Completely bonkers. But let me tell you a secret: All the best people are.”

Nicely said!  I think most people are completely bonkers when you get down to brass tacks, we’re just afraid to show it.

Well, not anymore — I simply won’t have it and it won’t do if we are to co-create an interesting new world.  I mean, honestly — have you ever seen a sane mad scientist?  We need rocket scientists (’cause let’s face it, most of us want to traverse the universe at some point in our lives and perhaps throw in a little time traveling too), so needless to say, we need to be off our rockers?  Make sense?  I hope not!

Let your naked, unadulterated whackiness shine through and together we can pierce this veil of delusion, or disillusion, whichever you prefer.

If you think that you are 100% sane, well then bully for you!  Maybe it’s time to change the channel…

Fantasia and Prince Charming — How Wonderland Began

I have lived in a fantasy world most of my life.  When I was young, I would dream of my Prince Charming (the hopeless romantic I was!), then I met and married him.

I dreamed of staying in a little cottage in the woods and I live there now (minus the woods…but there are a few trees…and mountains…and a stream — so that counts!).

I could go on forever but I don’t want to bore you, the point is this:

What you think about…you create!  Ergo, you are in a position to create your own Wonderland — how fantastic is that?!?

Reality vs Wonderland

I wrote a small sub-chapter in my book, Divine You, that went something like this:

“When Alice fell down the rabbit hole, she left her perceived reality behind, and stumbled upon a parallel world with many characters showing her their version of reality in a seemingly bizarre world.  When we fall down this rabbit hole metaphor we begin to see our reality as quite bizarre too — we are living in a world of infinite possibility.”

We can either take responsibility for our lives by actively participating in its desired fruition or we can leave it to chance, experiencing a reality that we feel we have no control over.

Either version of these 2 realities is just your perception of it, so why not choose one that sees you manifest the life of your dreams as opposed to succumbing to a path that leads to your fate?

What Needs Addressing

I want to explore concepts such as:

  • Co-creating Solutions — I think humanity needs creative solutions for changing belief structures and helping each other cross this bridge from an old reality to a new and wonderful co-created paradigm.
  • Reclaiming Your Power — We are in the process of reclaiming our divine power and literally dreaming up our own reality — we are powerful and innovative creators who have pure and unlimited, but all to often, unrealized potential.
  • Having a Ball! — We need to bloody-well enjoy ourselves in this awakening process.  Enough serious, long faces already!.  We are limitless possibility living in an ever-expanding universe — let’s use our God-given gifts and paint this canvas of life red, blue, yellow, green, purple with white polka-dots and any other colour you wish to dream up.

I would like to help you bridge the gap between what you may think of as 3D reality to a world where you are this powerful and responsible creator of your own experiences.

What Have You Got To Lose?

It may not be easy, it may not be quick, your ego may die-hard (possible kicking and screaming as it is brought down) but it could also be the biggest transformative experience of your life and isn’t that what this is all about?

Could it not be that you came to this Earth, at this very auspicious time, to live to your fullest potential and be the very change that you want to see in the world?

It’s your call.  However — nothing ventured, nothing gained and remember, we are going to have fun doing this — enlightenment is not all about fasting, chanting and beating yourself over the head for being a dumb-ass.

What You Will Find at This Site

I want to keep you updated on:

  • Exploring and Practicing New Concepts and Ideas
  • Helping you to Create your Spiciest Version of Reality
  • Pushing Boundaries and Conquering Limiting Beliefs
  • Auditory Inspiration
  • Visual Inspiration
  • Empowering Articles

This site reflects my version of reality or ‘Wonderland’ but I will be over-the-moon if it helps and inspires you to create your own dream-scape world.  What you end up with is entirely up to you — you bold and dashing co-creator you!

So roll up your sleeves and come on a journey with me as we venture into the unknown pure potential of this new and exciting concept.

And if you haven’t signed up to become a member, you can do so HERE (it’s 100% free and you get a great inspirational GIFT BUNDLE too along with a monthly newsletter so you’ll always be in the loop)

If you haven’t taken the site tour yet, then you can do that HERE.

The Competition Results Are In!

‘Site Under Construction’

As you know, over the past 5 days I have been morphing my site over to a new look/theme (if you don’t know, you can read about this strange and wonderful journey HERE). 

Tomorrow (Saturday 18th August) will be the unveiling day for the new banner and a couple of new things around the site.

I would like to thank all members who took part in the competition and who gave me a good laugh, at times, as to the guessing of the new theme — no, it’s not a ‘playboy’ theme (yes, you know who you are!).

However, there was one member who beat you all to it…

We Have a Winner!

Congratulations to Angie McLeod of Canada for being the first person to inbox me with the correct answer!  A copy of ‘Divine You — Redefining Love in the New Earth’ is on its way…

The 10 letters spelled ‘WONDERLAND’.

To those of you who missed out on the journey, you can go and view all 5 banner changes HERE.

The Site Switch-Over Competition — Be a Part of it!

What’s Happening Here?

For the next 5 days (Monday 13th August 2012 – Friday 17th August 2012) I will be gradually changing the look and theme of my website to something with a dash of whimsy and a dollop of youthful euphoria!

Where Are The Weekly Blogs?

During this transition period I will not be having my usual Tuesday and Thursday blog but do tune in next week when my schedule will be reinstated along with a new flavour to the site!

How Can I Participate?

To make this change-over a little bit more spicy, I will be giving away a copy of my book ‘Divine You — Redefining Love in the New Earth’ (International shipping included) to the first person who inboxes me with the correct answer to my riddle.

Please note that this competition is for my site members only — to become a member and to receive the daily clues link, please CLICK HERE (you will receive the link to the competition details in your ‘Welcome’ e-mail).  You will also receive a FREE GIFT BUNDLE upon subscription!

Good luck to all!  See you on the other side…

This competition is now closed, if you would like to see the 5 banner change-over and who won, please CLICK HERE

Other blogs related to this post:

The Competition Results are in!

10 Tips Designed to Keep You Happy

Country Girl by Cherie Roe Dirsken

With so much going on in the daily life of the average Joe, it is hard to stay motivated.  We sometimes feel beaten down by society and all the things we occupy ourselves with, voluntary or involuntary.

This can range from commuting, work, school runs, to housework, helping the kids with homework, cooking and finding precious time to unwind — which usually ends  up with us watching TV. But how can we manage our time better to incorporate the things we long to do but feel we have no time for?

Here are 10 tips to get you excited and keep you motivated to enjoy living another day:

1. Quality Sleep

This is one of the most important things you can gift yourself and your family with.  Make space in your night-time schedule to start winding down at least 1 hour prior to going to bed.  You can light some calming, soothing essential oils, such as lavender and chamomile — will assist in good, sound sleep.  You can have a warm, milky drink or some herbal tea.  Switch off all radios and TV’s that are keeping you engaged in noise and ‘action’.  Instead, you can read that book you’ve been promising yourself or listen to some relaxing music.  All of these things can aid you into an alpha brain wave state, which allows your mind to relax and disconnect.  You must avoid falling asleep on a full stomach or, even worse, falling asleep with the TV on.  Your mind still takes in everything it hears, even whilst asleep, and having the TV on will not only disrupt your sleep but possibly cause you to have nightmares.

2. Berry Boost

With a good nights sleep tucked safely under your belt, what better way to start your morning off with than a berry smoothie?  This is quick and easy to make and will give your system a boost of sustainable energy.  These smoothies keep me going for about 4-5 hours.  They are great for your skin too, berries have anti-aging properties and the calcium is good for your bones, ladies!  A quick recipe I use is (for one 500ml serving):  Take 2 handfuls of mixed, frozen berries (or fresh if you like, I like the frozen ones because they give a kind of ‘crushed ice’ effect), 2 squirts of Stevia, 4 tablespoons of plain yoghurt and top up with some milk.  Blend and drink your way to vitality and well-being!

3. Time Productivity

Use your time wisely.  If you commute to work by public service, take this opportunity to meditate or read.  Make it ‘you’ time.  If you can, it is great to shut your eyes in the morning and the evening (could be on your way to or from work  if you are traveling by public service) — for just 10-20 minutes at a time — to meditate and clear your mind.  This will benefit you in more ways than you can imagine.  It also gives you a break from the mind chatter or what I like to call ‘white noise’.  This allows more productive thoughts through instead of the useless and incessant worry that can clog up the mind.

4. Breathing

Huh?  Don’t I do this automatically?  Yes, but most people are in the habit of shallow breathing.  You need to oxygenate your body for optimum productivity and chi (vital force).  Try to, at least every hour, breath in to the count of 5, hold it to the count of 5 and exhale to the count of 5.  This will give you a boost during the day.

5. Let Loose

This is an integral step for you to de-stress after a long day. Explore an activity that is tantamount to letting the ‘inner child’ out to play.  I find it really helpful to put on some upbeat music and have a sing-song and dance around the house.  Get your groove on and invite your family to join in.  You can do this for just 30 minutes and it is a really fun way to get moving and to unwind.  The best part is you also get a great workout — physically and vocally!  Let your inner diva shine!

6. Keep it Clean

This is a macrocosm/microcosm thing — it affects the inside and the outside world.  When you have a neat, tidy and clean home and/or office, you are happier.  When you have a clean, refreshed body, you are happier.  I have to tell you about my dog.  She hates her bath, as do so many of our canine counterparts, but after she has been through this torturous activity, she runs around the garden like a dog-reborn — smiling, barking and just generally frolicking like a pup.  Bath-time also equates to going for a walk (which she does regularly) but when she walks after her bath, she has a spring in her step and a wag in her tail that is much more noticeable.  This is a great metaphor for how we feel when our bodies are bathed (make your bath-time a treat too — get some nice smelly soaps and bubble-bath and make it an event) and our houses or offices are spic-and-span and organized.

7. Eat Well

Another part of keeping it clean, is keeping the inside of your sacred body clean and invest in a detox every now and again.  Or better still, make it a daily habit to eat healthy fresh foods.  You know the kind I’m talking about so I’m not going to go into detail.  This is a no-brainer, you are what you eat.  Keep it fresh, colourful and simple and your system will be alive and vibrant, leaving you feeling energized and ready to take on the world.  Have you noticed how sluggish you feel when you’ve pigged out on a burger and chips?  Yeah?  Well, you need to get real about what you are putting in and perhaps compare that to what you are getting out!  You may have a Porsche but you can’t run it on horse manure.

8. Creative Space

This is really important.  We all need to express ourselves creatively, no matter if it takes the form of art, writing, decorating, drawing, constructing/ building, etc.  It is hugely beneficial to give yourself some time and a quiet space to be creative.  If it is once a day, that is great.  If you can’t fit it in daily then at least allocate yourself a good few days of the week to squeeze in 2-3 hours of creative expression time.  You can even make this a family activity where everyone gets time out to do something fun.  It will teach you and your family the benefit of taking care of your own needs in an unselfish and productive way.

9. Gratitude

Take time out, especially with your family, to give thanks for all that you  do have in your life right now.  This can be over a meal, as is commonly practiced in the saying of Grace.  I am not a religious person but I do see the benefits of giving thanks.  This could also be done in your quiet time in the bath, or whilst you are commuting, etc.  You can explain the benefits to your family and encourage them to also find a quiet minute or two to reflect on being grateful.  This feeds positivity and will nurture your good feelings ratio.

10. Reflect

When you find the space to reflect on your life, your goals and your dreams, you can keep the picture of your destiny clear and precise.  When you don’t take time out to ponder and to re-align with your intentions, you may lose sight of where you are headed.  You can sometimes slip into a stream that does not fit the destination of your dream.  Make a vision board where you can pin all the things you desire and all that you would like to manifest in your life experience.  Make sure you hold yourself accountable for taking action towards your goals and keep this board somewhere where you will see it every day.

What is most important of all is that you enjoy your journey, this life is precious and special and you can make each day an enjoyable experience.

If you catch yourself falling into boredom or despair, simply remind yourself that you can make a choice to re-align to a more joyful outlook — run through this checklist and see if there is anything you can do or improve on to bring you into a state of balance and fulfillment.

In the wise words of Eckhart Tolle, you can either be enthusiastic about what you are doing, enjoy what you are doing or accept what you are doing.  When you do not fall into any of these 3 categories you set yourself up for feeling resentment or frustration.

What do you find lifts your spirits?  Please share it in the comment box below. 😀

Original article was written by Cherie Roe Dirksen for Purpose Fairy: 10 Tips Designed to Keep You on Your Toes.

Other articles you may enjoy:

3 Ways to Alchemize Chaos

Why You Need to Pay Attention to Synchronicity!

4 Ways to Motivate Yourself Out of Bed

5 Fundamental Steps to a Thriving Relationship

7 Things I Wish I Knew when I Was a Teenager

12 Things Successful People Do To Excel

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Table Books of Art and Inspirational Teachings by Cherie Roe Dirksen:

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Song Playlist — Radiohead Albums That Made The Art

What I Listened To…

As promised in last weeks blog, I will reveal today the albums I listened to during the creation of ‘Escapism’.  If you have been following this Rock Art Series blog then great, if not you can recap by starting here.

“As we were walking and talking about this I caught a glimpse of my companions face under the hood — yes ladies and gentlemen, it was a very young and blonde Thom Yorke …”

In no particular order, they were:

Some of my favourite songs at the moment are ‘Lotus Flower’ (fan-blooming-tastic video!), ’15 Steps’, ‘Little by Little’ and ‘Bodysnatchers’.  I have also had the great honour of seeing them live in London on their ‘Hail to the Thief’ album tour in 2003 — what an experience!

I unfortunately did not have enough time to listen to ALL their albums (as I would have so loved to have done), so what I listened to in the above track-list must have been relevant in some way to the picture.  I just went with the flow and stopped when I felt it necessary.  I like to think that everything has a quantum reason for taking place, which brings me to my dream…

Bloody Weird or Maybe Not!

I had a dream a few days ago about the painting.

I was walking with a hooded figure who was discussing the painting and linking it to the root chakra (what I like to call the poop chakra ’cause you usually associate that one with letting go of the crap).  For those of you who don’t know, the root chakra is associated with your anus.

‘Escapism’ by Cherie Roe Dirksen (below)

As we were walking and talking about this I caught a glimpse of my companions face under the hood — yes ladies and gentlemen, it was a very young and blonde Thom Yorke (the ‘Pablo Honey’ days look).

We then stopped at the painting and he said that it had a coded message in it, one that I subconsciously painted into the picture and it had to do with letting go.  Particularly for parents of daughters who were finding it hard to ‘let them go’.

Interesting…it’s like one of those ridiculous stories from Ripley’s ‘believe it or not’…lol.  Or maybe not.  I have witnessed and experienced enough hoodoo lately to make this just a drop in my ocean of the weird and inexplicable.

So if the dream is true — great!  If not, well…‘nice dream’...he he.

Emotions While Painting

Okay, I jotted down a few things that were coming up for me or going through my mind as I was painting.  I’m going to list it in point-form so you can better understand the end result of the painting:

  • Other worldly/out of this world
  • Expressing and experiencing emotional pain and anguish
  • Also experiencing pleasure
  • Loss and frustration
  • Chaotic sound that blends into perfect harmony/order
  • Orgasmic sounds in the mix and off-beats
  • Being unconventional/out-of-the-box living
  • Being different and yet fitting in anyway
  • A celebration of being different

I absolutely love their production and orchestration of complete chaos and bizarre beats that amalgamate to produce the tastiest, funkiest songs I have had the pleasure to bathe my ears in.

To end of with:  My husband and I (yes, I sound like the queen) went to see a horror movie over the weekend and the ticket man said ‘Why are you going to see such a creepy movie?’,  to which I solemnly replied, ‘We are creepy people’.

I am proud to be different and, thanks to Radiohead, we can proudly display the creep within.

Dare to Be Who You Are

Hay House Versus Haywire

small divine you cover 150x225 Dare To Be Who You AreI started writing my book ‘Divine You — Redefining Love in the New Earth’ in June of 2010.  It was an amazing journey of self and felt incredible to put it into words.  When it came to finding a publisher, I chose a publishing house in New York whose motto was ‘changing the world, one book at a time’ — I thought this was relevant and submitted my manuscript.

Since the momentous day, when they accepted my book and it landed on book shelves worldwide, I have tried to fit into a ‘spiritual’ persona category that just wasn’t me.

What Do I Mean?

Well, it took me 2 years to realize that I am trying to be something I am not.  I wrote a self-empowerment book but that doesn’t mean that I am, what I like to call, a ‘Hay House special’.

Louise Hay, as most of you probably know, has a publishing company called Hay House.  Some of her writers include the wonderful Wayne Dyer and Doreen Virtue.  If you take a look at my home library, you will see many of her signed authors on my shelf — I have a great love and respect for most of the authors in my field.

“We all have a unique energetic signature to graffiti this wall of life with — you need to embrace all the idiosyncrasies or traits that make you you.”

My confusion lay in trying to conform to be an ‘esoteric’, clean-cut, straight-laced author which is a far cry from what I am inside — which is more zany, loud and humorous (growing up on shows like ‘Monty Python’).   This is, however, not the image that my marketing consultant and I came up with to promote my website and book.

Poster 1024x759 Dare To Be Who You Are

Struggling With My Image

I didn’t even realize, until recently, that I have struggled to keep this clean-cut look whilst feeling like a wild and wicked butterfly just dying to emerge from her black velvet, gold patterned and red spray-painted cocoon (that is the abstract artist in me, banging the door down, trying to get out!).

Although I have chosen a spiritual path, I am anything but a white-cotton-wearing, new age writer.  My roots are firmly planted in rock, art and sci-fi.

If you were to be transported back in time, you would see the Gothic 15 year old version of me walking down the street wearing my black pixie boots, a long trench-coat, heavy-lidded make-up and sporting my bass guitar over-the-shoulder with possibly a Terry Pratchett novel poking out of my bag.

Origins in Rock

When I used to think back to that time I would give a little shudder of embarrassment — you know how it is, you fish out those old archived ‘teen’ photo’s and shriek ‘what was I thinking?‘.   But in hindsight, I look back now and say to myself — those were my origins, that is who I was then to mold the being I am now.

I left school and played in many different bands, the last of which saw us bringing out 2 CD’s.  I still love to listen to all the great musicians of our time and music is a big influence in my life.

I simply can’t resist having my first cuppa in the morning to a good, thumping tune (probably much to my neighbors distress) — it really gets my blood pumping for the rest of the day and sets a distinct electrifying mood.

We all have a unique energetic signature to graffiti this wall of life with — you need to embrace all the idiosyncrasies or traits that make you you.

Puff out that chest and be proud of your authentic, one-of-a-kind identity!

So Where Am I Going With This?

When you step into the integrity of who you truly are, you encounter that part of you that you may have suppressed for years due to social etiquette or fear of rejection, embarrassment or humiliation — not being accepted for who you really are.

“When you come into alignment with your true self you will discover that the world is an amazing place filled with opportunity, adventure and intrigue.  The only thing that was blocking your view before was your lack of higher perspective.”

We, so often, try to conform to what is considered normal or polite — squashing our true feelings or reactions to situations or people, restricting our very being that is bursting to come out and shine in the light of pure Truth.

When you can tie in all your life experiences and merge them with the current ‘you’, you have a recipe for the most delicious human that can spread themselves on any bit of toast and be a culinary delight.

You just need to see it for yourself — can you view yourself from a different perspective?

How Does Your Soul Script Captivate?

They say everyone has a book in them:

  • What does your script read like?  
  • Do you think you are interesting or dull?
  • Can you inject more pizzazz into your life?
  • What is holding you back from expressing your creative flame?

Photo 0151 250x187 Dare To Be Who You AreWhen you can speak and live your truth and it comes from pure source or your core/soul — you will be in your integrity.  When you come into alignment with your true self you will discover that the world is an amazing place filled with opportunity, adventure and intrigue.  The only thing that was blocking your view before was your lack of higher perspective.

If you were in the dingy, dark and smelly alleyways of Paris you may think that you have landed in hell itself. What if you were to climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower and take another look — you may find that you were in paradise all along!

Original article was posted on LIGHTWORKERS WORLD

What Radiohead Looks Like Through The End of My Brush

When I started out with this ‘Rock Art’ project, I had no idea how it would turn out and tried to have no expectations of what to expect from myself.

To recap on this series, please read:

10 Bands, 10 Paintings…Let the Rock Art Begin!

The Grand Band Reveal is Today!

Radiohead — A Teaser Pictorial ‘Rock Art’ Peek

I gave myself permission for complete artistic freedom, pleasing nobody but myself in the process.  So, in short,  I just let loose on the canvas and did what I felt compelled to do.

I am happy to show you the first painting of this 10 part series.  I have called it ‘Escapism’.

Available as prints — click on the picture.

Here are some close-ups and segments of the painting:

Thanks to Radiohead for the out-of-this-world inspiration!

I am going to run through my emotions and what inspired me to paint what I did in next Tuesdays blog as well as reveal what albums I was listening to.

For now, I would love to hear your feedback and comments about what you see here.

  • Is it what you expected?
  • Or does this not say ‘Radiohead’ at all for you?

It will be interesting to get your take on it.

Next in this series:

Rock Art Series — The Beatles

What The Beatles Look Like From the End of my Paintbrush

Radiohead — A Teaser Pictorial ‘Rock Art’ Peek

Please read my previous 2 blogs in this series:

10 Bands, 10 Paintings…Let the Rock Art Begin!

The Grand Band Reveal is Today!

Now to continue…

A Work in Progress

Ok, I know, I was supposed to have at least one finished by today — it just didn’t happen.

However, I have made a definite start and to prove it I have decided to give my viewers a sneak peek at the painting.  Here are the first 2 steps I took photo’s of whilst painting (first stage painted whilst listening to ‘We suck your blood’…hmmmmm — can you tell?):

     

I have cut the rest of the painting up into segments, just to add to the enigma…here are some of the ‘parts’ of the painting:

 It’s going to be interesting to see what impression you conjure up in your imagination as opposed to how the whole thing looks at the end (to be unveiled in next Tuesdays blog, God willing).

Let me know what your thoughts are:

  • Are these the colours you expected?
  • Are the textures, subject matter and vibes what you imagined?

My husband said that this is not at all what he gets when he listens to Radiohead but that’s the point!  Everyone will bring their own interpretation to a piece of music — perspective is a grand thing. 🙂

Now you can go directly to the next blog HERE

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4 Easy Steps to a More Relaxed You

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Life can literally exhaust our delicate little ecosystems — mind, body and spirit can be put through the ringer.

If we don’t give ourselves space and time to recalibrate and reboot our systems, we can easily burn out or have a nervous breakdown.

Relax and Treat Yourself to Some Time-Out

Todays blog is just a simple reminder that you need to take time out to honour yourself.  This could be taking a few days out to go vegetate in the countryside to pampering yourself with a full body massage.

“We very seldom give ourselves the chance to take a 2 hour sofa holiday.”

Even the little things like making time to meditate or to sit with your feet up and relax can help you to rest your physical vessel and revitalize the mind.

Pull Your Resources

For those of you who have children and are rolling their eyes at me thinking, ‘what am I going to do with the kids?’ — make a plan!  Get a babysitter in for a couple of hours, call in that favour from your best friend or neighbour, got a partner?  Strike a deal.  Where there’s a will, there’s a way — you will find a way, believe me.

No Money for a Spa Treatment? 

If you don’t have the time for a retreat or the money for a spa, here is a list of things your can do right now that cost nothing or very little:

  • Bubble-bath — Is there anything better in this world than to soak in a bubble or aromatherapy bath?  Don’t forget to light some incense and candles.  Make it a special ‘you’ time — when you do this you are surreptitiously telling yourself that you are worth it.
  • 20 Minute Meditation — Never underestimate the power of having a quick meditation session.  When you do this you reconnect with your core and/or higher self and give your mind a much-needed time-out from the mind chatter.
  • Nature Walk — Stretch those legs and get some fresh air into your lungs.  Walking in nature is a great way to unwind and de-stress.
  • 2 Hour/One Day Couch Potato — We very seldom give ourselves the chance to take a 2 hour (or a whole day for the child-free among you) sofa holiday.  Sometimes this can be just the medicine your tired body needs to catch up and catalyze some action.  Put guilt on the top shelf for a day and get out the duvet and bunny slippers — where’s that tub of ice-cream?

Go on, pamper yourself — you deserve it!

Other reading material you may find interesting:

6 Ways to Alleviate Stress Now

6 Techniques to Stop Worrying

What is Free and Priceless in the World Today?

3 Simple Steps to Release You From Depression

Are You Surfing on Good Vibrations?

Is Assumption Killing Your Relationship?

The Grand Band Reveal is Today!

The Shortlist of Muso’s to Make the Grade

I launched my new idea for an art collection last week, please read it here to recap.

The bands and musicians that I am going to explore auditorily and interpret visually on canvas are (in order of my being introduced to their music):

  1. David Bowie
  2. Queen
  3. Pink Floyd
  4. The Beatles
  5. Skunk Anansie
  6. Radiohead
  7. Rufus Wainwright
  8. Templeton
  9. Muse
  10. Jeff Buckley

Ha!  And there you have it…I will be embarking on the first painting of this series this week and, with a bit of cosmic luck, may have something to blog about next week.

Proceedings…

I am not going to pressure myself to paint in this order — I am basically going to work it on my mood and who I feel like listening to at that given time.  Make sense?  No?  Well, that’s fine!

Wish me luck as I have no idea how this is going to turn out  🙂

Click here to see the next stage

Who are your favourite musicians of all time?  Come on, list at LEAST 3 bands you could never do without.  Let them feel the love.

Energy Forecasts: Carry an Umbrella, it’s Raining Emotions

News Forecast, Just In

Due to high levels of stress and anxiety, the human race is collectively clearing all dross and karma in preparation for a higher state of consciousness. All those who are unaware of this present condition are urged to be cautious whilst traveling outside their door.

Here are some of the symptoms one can expect from their fellow-man during the shift of energies:

  • Stress and anxiety in copious amounts
  • Lack of enthusiasm at work or even for life
  • Heightened emotional responses which can include outbursts, crying, temper tantrums, etc.
  • Feeling that nobody understands you
  • Feeling abandoned or isolated
  • Feeling frustrated
  • Feeling great anticipation but not knowing what for
  • Being on your last nerve and highly strung
  • Severe mood swings

Physical symptoms can include:

  • Ringing in the ears
  • Feeling off-balance
  • Dizzy spells
  • Aching back and neck
  • Upset stomach
  • Depression
  • Feeling listless
  • Insomnia or over-sleeping
  • Constant fatigue
  • Loss of appetite or surge of appetite for certain things (especially protein)
  • Heart palpitations

I know a lot of you may think, ‘well, she’s just listed about everything that there is’.  True, but these are genuine symptoms that people of all ages are experiencing en masse — just start-up a conversation with anyone about this and you’ll see.

So What’s Happening?

Let’s cut through the BS and get straight to it.  We are in the middle of a massive planetary alignment and shit-storm.

Energy in the form of solar flares to gamma rays are bombarding us at every level.  Our bodies are absorbing these energies and adapting.  This means that we need to take it easy, relax and have loads of down-time.

Think of it like we are a bunch of computers who have just got an upgrade.  The computer needs to be rebooted (precisely where we stand at the moment) and to log on again using the new software.

There will be an orientation period where we need to assimilate what is happening to us on an emotional and physical level.  It is also happening very fast and for this reason alone, we need to take care of our physical and emotional needs.  This can be done by:

  • Drinking lots of clean, pure water
  • Eating fresh foods, especially root vegetables (needed for grounding)
  • Rest, rest, and oh have I said this yet?  MORE REST!  Babies need to sleep because they are growing, we need the same because we are changing physically as we absorb these new energies from the solar system
  • Release pent-up emotions by either having a good cry, a good shout, a loud scream or any other way of letting out the steam (go listen to Tears for Fears ‘Shout’ — some sound advice there)
  • Get yourself a talking buddy and talk!  Let it all hang out…don’t hold back, even if you end up talking to your pet or writing it out — let it go
  • Meditate — get quiet and listen to what your soul wants.  You don’t have to be a guru to do this, you just need to switch off the TV, radio, iPod, blah blah and feel comfortable with silence, then go within.  You will be amazed at the answers that await you in this place of stillness

The Cure

The upshot of all this is, if you have your umbrella and perhaps don a pair of wellies, you can go splashing around in puddles and have some fun!  Even if you are a sorry sack at the moment, don’t forget to inject some humour and playfullness into your life. Lately, I’ve been finding comedy and laughing a good source of upliftment.

As they say ‘laughter is the best medicine’ — go on, try it out.  Here, I’ll even help you out.  To get you started, watch these 3 classics (I’m watching you!  I’ll know if you skip the last one — just because it’s a Muppets sketch don’t think it isn’t pant-wettingly funny):

http://youtu.be/1MnX1wT7BRU

What have you been experiencing lately?

Does any of this ring true to you?

Or do you think this is a bunch of new age baloney?

It’s okay to speak truthfully and to have your say.  Get it off your chest.  Oh, and while you’re at it, you might as well share the link  to your most favourite comedy sketch.  Broadcast the humour!

10 Bands, 10 Paintings…Let the Rock Art Begin!

Coming Out of a Black Hole and Having Revelations

Yeah, the global energy of late has been intense.  Making us all bunker down for some quiet time, and if not, forcing you to cease and desist.

Have you been lacking inspiration, creativity or get up and go?  Well, I have.

Hatshepsut TempleThese last few weeks since I returned from Egypt have been damn right frustrating.  I’ve lost my pluck, mojo and anything else you want to call it.

I’ve picked up the paintbrushes and seem to be trying to repeat old patterns in creativity that just don’t work for me anymore.

“It could be realism, abstract, impressionism, crapism or bullshitism…who knows?  We’ll just have to wait and see.”

But this weekend I had a revelation…

Who The Hell Am I?

Yes, that old humdinger.  What can I truly offer the world that is unique and not only that,  stay completely in alignment with who I am?

Not easy and a question I am not alone in having to come up with an answer to — this seems to be the common thread or million dollar question among most people this year, if not this lifetime!

I Am…

I sat down to have some quiet time to reflect and saw a storyboard of everything I have done since I left school.  I know that I am intrinsically an artist, musician and a writer and I have tried to merge the 3 in this website but something still hasn’t clicked into place. In a nutshell, it went like this:The Bends

Above (Photo of our band The Bends taken in 2001)

Cherie playing BassThe Younger Years — Left school and played bass in 2 rock bands.  Last band (The Bends — you guessed it, we were all Radiohead fans…yeah yeah) recorded 2 albums and got some radio play.  After the music scene cooled off and my weariness set in I up and left for the UK.  Photo (right) — in Paris Studio recording our 2nd album.

Travel Bug — In the UK I started painting again.  Got back home, 3 years later, and started painting full-time.

Crossing Abbey Road London

Above — In the UK, at the famous ‘Abbey Road’ crossing, London

Profile PictureDivine Revelations and Ants in my Pants — Started feeling ‘pushed’ to write my book ‘Divine You’ in 2010 and did so, focusing all my energy and attention into getting it published and promoting and blogging, etc.

Footnote — Here I am, having come full circle with all 3 of my major interests but I feel like I need to break free from the confines of every single one of them.  I need to fuse them into a trinity of talents that will truly showcase the uniqueness of my being.

New Realizations:

I am a rock chick, a philosopher, a creative, a free spirit, a wanderer, a listener, an adventurer, a seeker, a trailblazer…so what am I trailblazing?

” I am more than the ceiling limit I have built over my head.”

I feel like at the moment I am trying to conform to the standards of any other self-empowerment writer (who just happens to paint and compose on the side).  No, this is not working for me.  I am more than the ceiling limit I have built over my head.

Major Refurbishing

I am going to be blowing through the ceiling.

My first adventure, that incorporates all 3 of my pursuits, will be to do a series of 10 paintings to my favourite bands or musicians from the dawn of my time here on Earth.

Musical Mural A little background:  I love to turn on the stereo in the morning and blast out my favourite music much to my husbands annoyance.  It just happens to usually be quite loud and obnoxious music for this time of the morning.  However the upside is that this ensures that the car gets washed, or that the lawn is mown (husband seeking refuge outside of the domain).

“I want to be activated into action first thing in the morning — and this plus a cup of coffee seems to do the trick.”

There is nothing like a bit of Airbag by Radiohead to get the blood flowing after a long nights sleep or head-banging your way to the bathroom to get cleaned up to Hysteria by Muse.  Who can’t be put into a good mood when you are listening to Queen’s I Want to Break Free?  Or even better, David Bowie belting out ‘Drive in Saturday’?

Yes, I know, I am a bit odd.  This is probably not the best morning music soiree (I am told this is strictly night-time music) but I simply can’t wait for night-time to arrive, I want to be activated into action first thing in the morning — and this plus a cup of coffee seems to do the trick.

So Where is This Heading?  Get On With It, Girl!

Okay, okay…I love rock.  Yes, oh yes.  So I have selected 10 bands to do 10 painting to.  I want to see what comes out whilst listening to their music.  I hope this experiment will be a visual feast and have no preconceived ideas of how any of it will turn out.  All I can guarantee is that I am going to have fun in the process and do whatever comes to me in the moment that I set aside to paint.

It could be realism, abstract, impressionism, crapism or bullshitism…who knows?  We’ll just have to wait and see.

I will be blogging (obviously) about each artwork and the process (so watch out for Tuesdays art blog).  And will reveal the top 10 bands/musicians that have been the greatest influence in my life in next Tuesdays blog.

So in the words of the famous Monty Python…”and now for something completely different”.  Bring it on!

READ THE GRAND BAND REVEAL HERE

Note to self:  Need to add new word invented in this blog to Wikipedia — ‘crapism’.  Needs no definition either, self-explanatory. Bullshitism seems to be a valid word because my spell check didn’t pick it up.

Share Your Insights:

What are you struggling with?

Do you have yourself all sussed out or are you still in flux about who you really are?

Do you think it is important to align yourself with your core essence or do you think that is just a bunch of crap?

Just 1 Simple Truth to Enlightenment — Are You Prepared?

The 1 simple truth to enlightenment is…ah!  But if I told you that now, I would spoil the rest of this article for you.  You’ll have to just soldier on ’til the end.  Let’s begin with:

One Big Happy Family Theory

I read an interesting article on the internet that claimed a demographer created a probability model theorising that a child born in the 1940s in England, if tracing his lineage back to around the late fifteenth century would have close to sixty thousand ancestors.

When going back further to the early thirteenth century, that same child would find eighty percent of the population of England, at that time, would be on their family tree.

Can We Really All Be Related?

These claims suggest anyone living in England currently would most likely be related, if they traced back their lineage through English history.

“Could it be that we all stem from one race? “

Can you now imagine what going back some two thousand years would produce?  Or even 6000 years?  Could it be that we all stem from one race?  Or, at the very least, are we all intrinsically related in some way or another?

Perhaps we are all one big global family.

Dreaming of Unity Consciousness

This is my belief anyway and it is my dream that one day we will all be able to live in symbiance with each other and along with all different beliefs and faiths.  We will come to a point where we do not judge or dissuade anyone from their place of truth — especially what they choose to believe in.

Messiah Messages of Love

I do not subscribe to any religion — I believe in God or a Divine Source.  However, I do have a great respect for all the various belief systems as I have come to realise the
underlying current is usually one of love.

“…we are painting a picture of an all-encompassing metaphorical concept of the sacred messengers (messiah) of God’s Word.”

I feel every Messiah that has graced this Earth can be clearly seen in these words as they all came in with messages of love, and they should all be acknowledged in the same light.

Whether we are addressing Abraham, Muhammad, Krishna, Gautama Buddha or Jesus Christ, we are painting a picture of an all-encompassing metaphorical concept of the sacred messengers (messiah) of God’s Word.

We all come in different packages so why can’t messiahs too?  They may come in the package of being Jewish, or Indian or Arabic, etc — and why not?

Perspectives and Holding Your Tongue

It is an obvious deduction that we may need different cultural perspectives to gain one simple idea.  So which one is right and true?  Is it so hard to conceive that many masters bring one message?

“You can love unconditionally without having to be the sole provider or keeper of the Truth.”

Let us try to tune in to all these delicious deities as a whole on our quest to unravel these messages of unconditional love and while we are on this journey of life, let’s not forget that we are all connected to each other and your life does not require for your neighbour to hold the same beliefs as you.  You can love unconditionally without having to be the sole provider or keeper of the Truth.

There are 7 billion versions and perspectives of the truth out there and your view is but one.

If you just focused on your own integrity, you would see that there is no need to focus on another’s.  That is for them to address, not you.  Leave judgement at the door and focus on yourself and your own growth — leave your fellow brothers and sisters to unravel their own life’s unique tapestry.

What it All Boils Down To Is…

Respect and love others, respect and love yourself.  Respect and love all life forms and you will have stepped into enlightenment.

Simple.

3 Questions You Need to Ask Yourself When Dealing With Aggravation

The above quotation is what is sometimes referred to as the ‘smoky mirror’ syndrome.  We don’t like in others what we don’t care to admit is a fault within us.

How Can I Identify this Kind of Behaviour in Myself?

An example of this could be that you are very annoyed with your colleague for never allowing you to get your point across.  This may be a reflection of how you  behave at times.  It may not be with this specific person, it could be something that you do to your friends or family, in a completely different environment from the workplace.

This is why it is difficult for us to sometimes identify the problem within ourselves — we simply don’t recognize its existence.

“Awareness allows for truth to flow through a situation.”

It is imperitive to find time for deep inner reflection, questioning and, above all, honesty when it comes to dealing with trying to figure out why your buttons are being pushed.

When you can identify the behaviour within yourself, you have found the awareness to deal with it.  Awareness allows for truth to flow through a situation.  So instead of reacting the next time your colleague doesn’t allow for you to have your say, see if this inner questioning system works:

  • Do I need to ‘have my say’ or can I simply be the still presence and say nothing?
  • If not, why is it that I feel the need to reciprocate?
  • Does it make me feel less important when I remain silent?
  • Do I really need to convince my colleague of my point of view or is this my ego wanting to control the situation?

Be honest with yourself. 

Now when you find yourself on the giving end of the situation — in this instance, you will be the one doing all the talking and not letting anyone else have a word — see if you can:

  1. Identify that you have perhaps not allowed anyone else to talk or contribute.
  2. Can you stop talking once this awareness has broken through?
  3. Are you comfortable with letting someone else speak and listening to their point of view?

I have only given one example here of how the smoky mirror can work, please try to mould this example to fit in with any situation you are having difficulties with.

If you can’t identify the behaviour in yourself, then perhaps you can go out on a limb and ask a friend if they see this behaviour in you.  Don’t be angry if your friend can identify it, just remember that you are on the path to self-empowerment and  you need to be able to not take things personally.

Call to Action!

Can you share a story about recognizing the actions of another reflected in yourself?  How are you dealing with that?  Share your wisdom…

Are you having problems seeing this concept in yourself?  Is there no way that you mirror the bad behaviour you see in others that irritates you?

Are you walking a fine line between acknowledging your faults or finding that you are just being objectively critical?

For further reading, please see my other blogs:

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall…Who’s in the Most Denial of Us All?

Do You Take Things Personally?

More about this topic can also be found in my book ‘Divine You – Redefining Love in the New Earth’ (where the above quotation was taken from).

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“2 Peas in a iPod” Wicked T-Shirt Designs

Image

It starts off with a simple yet witty design…

Then you add the coloured T-shirt:

…and Voila!

A perfectly good gift for that special geeky someone…yes, you know the one!

Get yours here:

“2 Peas in a iPod” T-Shirts & Hoodies by Cherie Roe Dirksen | RedBubble.

Templeton’s Headspace — Creating the CD Artwork for a Rock Star!

Hail to one of the most amazing albums my ears have had the pleasure to experience!

“He is really pushing the boundaries of auditory excellence.”

If you haven’t heard it yet, I strongly suggest you visit Templeton’s site (http://templetonuniverse.com/news.cfm) and have a snoop around, I believe he is offering some FREE MP3 DOWNLOADS over there — all you have to do is become a member (just click on ‘not a member?’ on the top right hand corner of the site to sign up — quick, easy and free).

Infinite Inspiration to Work From

I had so much to draw from whilst designing this album art — from Templeton’s cosmic new sounds to the history and messages behind his music.  This was actually easy to do because I had so much to work with.  He is really pushing the boundaries of auditory excellence.

Front Cover (above)

This is the third album cover I have done for Templeton and this is his fourth album.

I am pleased to showcase all the artwork for this CD, from inlays to back cover,  that was the brainchild of Templeton and myself.

Here it goes:

The Insert

The Inlay

The CD

The Back Cover

If you want to read about the inspiration behind the music and the artwork, Templeton has a blog out that takes you through his whole creative process:

11 Reasons for Writing Cosmic Music

Templetons Discography:

      

Templeton is also being featured in the Rhythmic Lounge Magazine’s June edition:

3 Simple Steps to Release You From Depression

Every Road Leads to Rome

Everything is, and will always lead us back to the Divine Source.  However, sometimes we take detours along this path to try to discover more about who we are.  So sometimes ‘all roads lead us to roam’ in some cases.  Some of us need a little reminder or nudge to get us back into alignment with our mission in life.

What is our mission in life you may ask?

To discover our divinity and this is done through lessons.  However, we sometimes fall so deeply into fear and depression that we can’t see that the light switch is dangling just above our own heads.

Polarity

Everything has its yin and yang (it’s positive and negative attributes). So does the Divine Source. We are here to experience both sides of polarity, to eventually work our way back into the light, which is all-encompassing.

“We can plough it with antidepressants or we can just leave it and let it fester, but neither way is addressing the root of the problem. When you face the fear, you can walk through it.”

White light holds every colour in the spectrum; what a great metaphor for us. When we can work out the extreme opposites and find a balance between the two poles of existence – the yin and yang – we move back into an integrity that has been long-lost and forgotten through the widespread broadcasting of fear.

When we hold our emotions in fear we tend to feel it in our solar plexus, that feeling of ‘butterflies’ or ‘a great pit’ in the stomach. This is our emotional reaction to let our body know something is amiss. We can plough it with antidepressants or we can just leave it and let it fester, but neither way is addressing the root of the problem. When you face the fear, you can walk through it.

Here are 3 simple steps to take which will enable you to realign with your purpose:

  • HermioneGet Vocal — Adopt a ‘Listening Buddy’ — Sometimes a problem doesn’t even need your ‘listening buddy’ to come up with a solution; why is this? Because, we intrinsically, just want to be heard and acknowledged. This can bring us into balance. When we voice out loud our ‘mind chatter’, we can often make sense of it for ourselves just by hearing the power of the emotions taking the form of words. The words are a manifestation of the emotion, and therefore can sometimes be released when spoken. That is why some people calm down considerably after being allowed to ‘say their piece’.
  • Get Creative — Is there a hidden passion in your life, something that you love to do but have been suppressing or putting off?  No more excuses, get back on that bike and ride!  When you engage with the right hemisphere of your brain (where your creativity lives) you will feel elated.  It realigns you to your feminine, nurturing, explorative, passionate side and can ignite the flame for your ultimate purpose (if you don’t already know what that is).  Explore different avenues of creativity until you find the one that just simply ‘clicks’ into place with you.  You will find it, you just need to exercise patience and endurance.  Engage your inner child with this and see every new venture as an ad-venture.  No time is ever wasted when you are having fun.
  • Get Quiet — Find time to meditate or do some breathing exercises, yoga or Tai Chi. Find something that enables you to quiet your mind and have some free space without thought.  This will get you in touch with your higher self and will realign you to your greater purpose.

For more blogs about meditation, breathing exercises, creativity, please see the linked list below:

Do You Need To Meditate?

Making a Commitment to Creativity…Do You Lack Self-Worth?

What is Your Quality of Breath?

Are you stressed out?

 

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Bizarre Contrasts: McDonalds and Karnak Temple, Egypt!

This is my continuation blog from last weeks post, Come Journey Through Picturesque Egypt With me (click on link to read).

I mentioned in this blog that I had something surreal to show you — the clue is in the McDonalds sign.  We stopped off for lunch and had a view of Karnak Temple, which is approximately 5000 years old, from the window of McDonalds — it was just such an  ‘out of place, out of time’ feeling.

I left off last week at The Valley of the Kings.  I shall pick up now at Hatshepsut Temple, Luxor:

 

Thanks for coming on this pictoral journey of Egypt with me!

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For more reading material on my ‘Ancient Egyptian Theories’:  What Ancient Egyptians Can Teach Us About DNA and Cloning

What Ancient Egyptians Can Teach Us About Balance of the Sexes

And just throwing this one in for good measure:

4 Things Travel Can Teach Us About Avoidance

A Practical Guide to Feeling Good

Are You Reading Me on FM?

It’s a kind of magic…not only does this Universe work on energy and everything in and of it is read as energy, which by the way, cannot be destroyed only transmuted or reshaped – but we are also working primarily with vibration or frequency.

Quantum Tongue-Twister

Quantum physics has a wave-particle duality phenomenon that states that all particles have both wave and particle properties….and behave, in accordance with the observer, in either fashion. When a camera observes, they act as particles. However, when there is no equipment  used to observe, they acted as waves and particles simultaneously.

“…the tree falling in the forest with no-one to hear it makes no sound but also dances the fandango if it feels the urge?”

Does this mean that everything in the Universe is guided into manifestation based on what or who is observing it? Does this mean that not only will the tree falling in the forest with no-one to hear it make no sound but also dance the fandango if it feels the urge?

So what?

So everything!

Every thought pattern that you conjure up in your mind has a certain frequency. Is it lower or higher? Are you thinking ‘good’ thoughts or ‘bad’ thoughts? Whatever you are thinking you are calling into creation.

Huh?

You can master your life experience with just the information that whatever you project emotionally or whatever frequency you emit, is shaping your life experience.

For example:

Your girlfriend leaves you. For weeks you are feeling a pit in your stomach (solar plexus chakra) and you can’t eat, sleep and feel depressed. This is a ‘grieving’ period and it is appropriate.

But sooner rather than later (or never at all!) you are going to have a choice to move that feeling from your solar plexus to your heart chakra (middle of the chest).

How?

You need to master the transmutation of energy. Sounds difficult, doesn’t it?  It really isn’t.

Moving the Energy Up

When you are feeling stuck in your solar plexus (stomach area) you can always choose to move it up a notch into your heart chakra (chest area).

When you are feeling down or depressed or even stressed, angry or frustrated (any ‘negative’ emotion) you can move it up on the emotional scale.

Butterflies and Pits

When we feel those butterflies in the tummy or a pit in the stomach, we are experiencing the negative scale of the solar plexus.  I’m sure you can relate to this feeling.

Expansion and Bliss

When you move it up one, you are moving the energy or frequency/vibration into the heart center.  To experience the feeling of love, joy or bliss we must put ourselves into this frame of emotion.

How?


Observe how you feel when you think of something wonderful.  Holding your child for the first time, getting your first puppy, watching a magnificent sunset — these are all triggers to get you to feel ‘bliss’ and this is usually felt in your heart chakra.

When you find the one thing that can immediately make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, you have your trigger to activate the heart centre/chakra.

This is extremely important as it is a tool to help you to elevate yourself and your well-being.  It is empowering to know that whenever you are feeling out of alignment with your true state, which should be bliss, joy and/or love, you can use a memory to help guide you back into your center.

Practical Steps to Feeling Good

Practice this whenever you can.  Just sit quietly, close you eyes and think of that one thing that brings you joy, feel it, observe it, expand it until your whole chest is tingling and opening.  Can you feel that the more you expand this feeling, the more it permeates through your entire body — every cell seems to ‘vibrate’.  Congratulations!  You have found your good vibration!

Now you can use this to steer your life in the direction you want to see it sail into…have fun!

Just remember, if you fall overboard, you can throw yourself a life belt by either moving it up a notch or reminding yourself that ‘this too shall pass‘.  Then when you are feeling a little better, you can start your heart chakra meditation and start redirecting your cosmic vibration to match your desires again.

Other articles you may enjoy:

Are you Creating the Life of your Dreams?

4 Practices to Help Cure Negative Thinking

7 Proven Tactics to Spread Joy Around the World

Are You Letting the Wonders of the World Pass You By?

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Come Journey Through Picturesque Egypt With Me

I can’t quite put into words what my recent trip to Egypt meant to me, so I decided to lay it out visually instead.

Seeing that today is my ‘art blog’ — I have selected some of my ‘prize’ shots to hopefully tantalize and awaken the curiosity in your travel taste buds…

Experience Beyond the Realms of Comprehension

Although it was a bittersweet culture shock and I found it particularly patriarchal, with hardly a glimpse of a native woman to be seen for most of the trip — I also had some  magnificent spiritual moments that literally brought tears to my eyes.

The Ancient Egyptian sites and temples are truly a spiritual, visual and an awe-inspiring experience that I would recommend to anybody (bearing in mind that you can survive the 47°c heat waves and persistent peddlers — see my blog What You Need to Know About Desperation and Manifestation).

Ancient Egypt transports you back to a time that is unfathomable in its technology, knowledge and precision and opens up a mystery beyond linear time and thinking.

100% Organic Due to Technical Difficulties

So without further ado, here are the photographs — I also have to add that these are ‘organic’ photo’s, they have not been tampered with, as in doctored, lightened or brightened…all au natural due to the fact that I haven’t loaded Photoshop onto my laptop yet…lol:

There are just so many photo’s to share, I have therefore decided to do this in 2 parts.

Please tune in next week Tuesday — Luxor and Burghada (on the Red Sea) are going to be on the cards…you don’t want to miss out on Kom Ombo temple and Karnak, they are truly a sight!

I also have something a little ‘surreal’ to show you but you’ll have to wait and see (or ‘follow this blog’ in the sidebar if you seriously don’t want to miss out on this titilising paradox).

Thanks for stopping by…

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For more reading material on my ‘Ancient Egyptian Theories’:What Ancient Egyptians Can Teach Us About DNA and Cloning

What Ancient Egyptians Can Teach Us About Balance of the Sexes

And just throwing this one in for good measure:

4 Things Travel Can Teach Us About Avoidance

What You Need to Know About Desperation and Manifestation

Travels and Learnings

I always find that my travels around the world are not only inspirational but I also learn so much more about cultural dynamics.

My trip to Egypt was no different.

I had a wonderful adventure and fulfilled a life-long dream to visit Egypt’s many ancient wonders (which I will be sure to blog about in the weeks to come) but I have decided to start the ‘Egypt Blog’s’ off with one of the less positive aspects of my trip.

The Tourist Trap

The most unfortunate of my experiences was the down-right invasive nature of the Egyptian peddlers and vendors at the ancient sites.  For those of you who have been to Egypt, you most certainly will know what I am talking about.  For those who haven’t visited this spectacular country, let me explain:

The government allows these hawkers entrance to all the major sites — they charge a kind of rent for these vendors to access the tourists.  The only trouble is they have absolutely no sense of personal space, what the word ‘no’ means, a sense of when to quit, etiquette or customer relations and don’t get me started on invasiveness!

You cannot take in the splendour of these ancient awe-inspiring monuments because you are being chased by these desperate peddlers.  They seem to see  you as dollar signs and won’t take no for an answer.  Even if you agree to purchase something off them, they try to sell you more than what you need and it is hard to get your change out of them.

Keep Your Head Down and Your Nose Clean

Our tour guide advised us to keep our heads down, don’t make eye contact, say nothing — do not engage in conversation on pain of death.  This is easier said than done, especially if you are South African.  We find it very rude not to greet or make eye-contact, never mind ignore someone if they ask you a question.

But the words of our guide were indeed words of pure wisdom.  If you even look one of these men in the eye they can follow you for miles, pushing clothes and scarves on you and sometimes even throwing them over your shoulder and demanding payment.  They become very aggressive very quickly too when things don’t go their way.

Surely the tourism board should have picked up on this by now?  I watched a Michael Palin documentary the other night, that was filmed in the 90’s where they were taking the Mickey out of these sellers for doing exactly the same thing.  Some things never change.

But enough about me venting this unfortunate tourist pet-hate, this blog has got a point.

Desperation Leads to Repulsion

After many hours of deliberating this, I realised that their desperate attempts at making money were actually repelling their own trade.

Our whole group as a whole said that if it weren’t for their pushy and annoying way of trading, that they would actually buy their wares.  So, why don’t they get this?

Well, it all boils down to the universal law of attraction and repulsion.  When you are desperate for something, your very desperation pushes what you want further away from you.

I have the utmost compassion for these traders as I know that their ‘rent’ is high and they need to make money to support themselves and their families but what they are doing is counterproductive.

But let’s take ourselves out of Egypt and apply this to any persons situation.

Lack vs Flow

The more desperately you want something the more your frequency will be that of lack.  So, your emotional body is emitting not that which you desire (let’s say money, in this case) even though that is what you may think you are primarily affirming, it is not.  Your lack will be what you are sending out into the cosmos and, you guessed it, that is what will be magnetically attracted back to you.  You will be drawing in more of your lack frequency.

So, how do you stop feeling lack when you want something?

Surrender to Divine Flow.  When you surrender to your circumstance and trust that all will be well, you no longer are fighting against the current — you are allowing yourself to be gently carried by the stream of Divine Flow.  This does not mean that you do nothing to realise a goal, do what you can and let the universe take care of the rest.

The least resistance will allow you into the slipstream of flow whereas desperation will see you struggling against the current.

What are you struggling with? 

Is there anything you are having a hard time trying to fathom or understand about your circumstance? 

Can you see how your emotional vibration is more potent than just your thought stream?

Templeton | Headspace | CD Baby

Templeton | Headspace | CD Baby.

Templeton | Headspace | CD Baby

This absolutely amazing sci-fi based ambient rock album is a must hear!

I did the artwork for the album and will be blogging about it in next Tuesday’s art blog, so watch out for that.

I will be revealing the inner cover, song lyrics and back cover art as well as the CD artwork.

Be sure to tune in next week by clicking the ‘follow this blog’ button in the right sidebar.