Every human being is a unique artist. Made in the image of Our Creator we, too, are creators. We enjoy making things as an extension of our own unique selves and our own creativity. It is good to make art and express ourselves creatively.

Some of us were taught that we are terrible artists, and we have aimed to cease all of our unique, creative expression lest we subject ourselves to further criticism, ridicule, and hurt. Some of us have learned to call others “good artists” and have learned to imitate others in their expression, thereby ruling out our own unique expression. We have learned to question ourselves.

It is simply not true that you are not a good artist. Of course, you are a good artist.

Each person has his or her own unique way of expressing him or herself. We must use our own unique creativity to free ourselves. It is possible to heal by making art. It is even good to have a practice of making art on a regular basis. This way, we build up our “art muscles” and create a channel inside of us for the healing and divine inspiration to come through. The more you try, the more you will see yourself and your squiggles develop into new and different squiggles and patterns. Keep going. See what’s inside of you. Be curious.

Yes, you may not be Picasso or Monet, but why should you be? You are you, and who you are is perfect. You are exactly right just as you are. Your creativity is good. Express yourself!

 

 

 

Rest is important. Give yourself this gift. In times of rest, we replenish our energies. In this way, we become more effective actors in our own lives.

If you are busy at work throughout the day, take several breaks of 5-10 minutes to close your eyes and breathe deeply between tasks and between meetings. This will help your focus and concentration when you do return to doing work.

At the end of the week, take an entire day if you can, to do nothing but rest. On your day of rest, remember to have gratitude for all that is going well in your life. Count each and every one of your blessings. Nourish yourself with good and healthy food that revitalizes. Take naps that refresh and dream dreams that inspire. Read literature that makes your soul soar with pleasure. Laugh with glee. Go for a walk in the park and gaze at the beauty and wonder inherent in nature. Spend time with a friend. Discuss what matters most to you– or just be silent. Notice your breath and the beat of your heart as they soothe you from inside your body. Do yoga. Listen to music. Dance with abandon. Sing with joy. Draw and paint from your imagination the dreams you wish to bring into being. Hold the hand of someone for whom you care deeply. Look calmly into the eyes of a stranger. See your own soul reflected there.

Take time to play among the posies. There is no time like the present to inhale the scent of sweet roses and magnolia. This is your life. Enjoy your time here on Earth, in work and in rest.

 

Meditation is a daily practice that will help you build the power of your mind. You can use this power in various ways. Many people practice daily meditation in order to decrease stress and find relaxation. Meditation is also a vehicle for helping yourself head-off obstacles before they arise and strengthen your internal resources to be able to handle whatever daily challenges may come your way.

Here is how you do it. Find a comfortable spot in which to sit quietly for 10-20 minutes. You may wish to sit on a pillow on the floor, or you may find a chair more comfortable. Rest your hands on your lap. Straighten your back if that feels like something you can do without too much strain or discomfort. Close your eyes or gaze at the floor a few feet in front of you. You want to make yourself comfortable, without distractions, for the next 10-20 minutes, so turn off any noise, close doors, limit distractions. Is the temperature too warm or too cold? Close or open windows, adjust heat or air conditioning as necessary. You may wish to set a timer for 10-20 minutes, or not.

Now that you have limited distractions and made yourself as comfortable as possible in your meditation spot… Breathe. Gently inhale. Feel the breath caress your nostrils as it moves into them. Then exhale. Feel the breath as it leaves your nostrils. Perhaps you would like to begin by counting eight counts for your inhale and eight counts for your exhale. If this feels like too much, try five or six counts.

You may notice you have thoughts going through your mind. Just let them pass like a cloud in the sky or like a leaf drifting on a stream. You may want to say to yourself, “Oh, there’s a thought,” and move on, without becoming attached to it.

Soon, you may find yourself in a very relaxed yet alert state. The more you do this daily practice over time, the more benefits you will come to know. If done daily, you will grow in inner peace and confidence, like a beautiful oak tree that is grounded firmly by its root foundation. You will come to know your own core. You are a light. Your inner beauty will shine outward, and you will feel deeply connected to yourself and your purpose. This is my hope for you.

 

 

Sometimes we may feel overwhelmed. Life seems to be handing us more than we can deal with. At these times, it is important to bring yourself and your focus back to the present moment. Breathing can help you connect with the present moment. Inhale and feel your breath move gently across your nostrils. Exhale and feel your breath move gently across your nostrils. Straighten your back. Hold your head up. Continue to breathe, noticing your breath. In this moment, this very moment, everything is all right. Everything is okay. Everything is fine. The more we can bring ourselves back to the present moment, the less overwhelmed we will feel.

You choose your focus. You can choose to focus on everything overwhelming all at once, or you can choose to focus on the present moment. The present moment contains peace. From this place of peace, you can see more clearly what needs to get done and what your options are for completing your tasks. You do not need to DO anything in the present moment, just breathe and focus on peace.