Wild Creative Heart

I Break for Bliss 1

2012-01-18T16:43:00.000-08:00

Hello Wild Creative Hearts,

This morning inspiration arrived to create a short video with an affirmation that has been valuable to me recently. It was inspired by some wisdom that my Spirit Guides shared with me at the end of 2011 for those who receive my newsletter.

There isn't any music in the video... we need more silence, don't we?

I hope the video brings you a short inspired break in your busy day.

Spirit has been urging me to be bold in sharing what I do... it is a gift to others who will benefit from my services I am told. Which makes so much sense, doesn't it? This is why I've added contact information at the end of the video.

Love to you,

Lisa

♥

Online Class - Partnering with Spirit

2012-01-07T18:00:00.000-08:00

Your Spirit Guides are calling you. Are you answering?

The Spirit World is eager to connect with you, offer you support, healing, wisdom and unconditional love. Your Spirit Guides want to help you navigate through change and life’s challenges. They want to provide comic relief, help you lighten up and bring more playfulness and joy into your life. They want to help you create. They want to assist you with your projects, life experiences and growth.

In this 5 week class, you will learn how to tap into the spiritual energies of the Universe:
+You will learn to enter the Spirit World and communicate with your Spirit Guides.
+You will learn ways to communicate in a less direct way while still welcoming the power and assistance available to you in your everyday life.

Here's a 2:30 minute video that gives some more information... you'll also find more information below!

>> Registration deadline: Saturday, January 14th, 2012 - 3 pm Eastern, 12 pm Pacific <<
When: January 16th through February 19th, 2012 (5 weeks)
Where: online, from the comfort of your computer
$99

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What people are saying:
“I took Lisa's Partnering with Spirit class and had some very meaningful experiences! Getting in touch with spirit in the way she shows was new for me and really opened something up for me that I'm continuing to explore. ... Lisa shares so much and her feedback really gives you food for thought. I whole-heartedly recommend this class!!” Jennifer H. Texas cherrypiebutterfly.blogspot.com

"I have been working at meditating and connecting with my guides for many years. I've rarely had anything happen that was this fantastic and fun with my guides. I thank you Lisa for offering this class. It was like magic and I so appreciate this experience!!!!!" ~Tracy Wallace, California

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These skills are your direct connection to the Divine and your own internal wisdom. The skills help you develop a feeling of empowerment as you tap into your own limitless Divine nature and personal power.

In the class you will:
+Tap into the world of Spirit in a gentle, heart-centered, safe way
+Learn basic useful concepts about the Spirit World
+Learn tools that facilitate the assistance of your Guides in everyday life.
+Learn a life-long skill that is unconditionally supportive, healing, fulfilling, magical and is your direct connection to the Divine and your internal wisdom
+Develop and deepen your intuition
+Feel empowered: step into your inner power and strength
+Begin building a relationship with a loving, compassionate, wise Spirit Guide
+Realize you are never alone
+Receive healings from your Spirit Guide.
+Create confidence by practicing, sharing and supporting others
+Receive the support and insight of the community as well as myself
+Receive inspired action steps for moving forward
+Partner with a classmate for one journey (optional, but highly recommended)

How the class will work:
+Each week (1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13) you will receive an email message inviting you to view a video and/or read content about the week’s lessons.
+You will be given journey intention(s), journaling/contemplation exercises, and other exercises relevant to the topic for the week.
+You will complete the lessons/exercises and, if inspired, share your experiences with the group and interact with others about their experiences. My feeling is that the more you can interact, the more you will receive from the class, however the amount of interaction you do with your classmates is up to you. Your classmates are assisted by your questions and experiences and you are assisted by their questions and experiences.

+You will receive a .pdf file each week containing content that are yours to keep.

Beginners and Experienced are Welcome:
This class is for you:
If you have never connected with a Spirit Guide and are intrigued and excited about the idea of it
If you have experience connecting to your Guides but want to have more structure, deepen your experience and be in a supportive community
If you want to learn how to tap into the power and assistance of spiritual energies in your everyday life without formally entering into the Spirit world. (i.e. in a journey)

Where it will be held:
The class will be held on a Ning Network site. Ning creates a wonderful atmosphere of community, friendship and support. You will be invited a few days before class begins on January 16. The invitation will come in an email message sent to the email address you use when you enroll.

What you will need for class:
+Sacred item or two ( ideas: crystal, feather, photo or small figure of a goddess, angel, animal, etc. Something that is meaningful for you and helps you to relax and open your heart.)
+Writing journal or sketchbook for recording experiences A spiral notebook works too.
+You may also find an eye pillow or cloth to cover your eyes and block out the light is helpful.
+Music or guided meditations that help you to relax. I will offer suggestions the first day of class.
Please come to class with a sense of adventure, open mind, open heart and trust. Put doubt and skepticism aside: skepticism about yourself, about the process, about experiences and messages you receive.

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Technical Info:
You will need access to the internet with a hi-speed internet connection and the knowledge and ability to receive email messages, navigate around a Ning site, view videos, and read PDF files. NOTE: I am not able to provide technical help to everyone so having the help of friends and family may be needed if you aren’t proficient with the internet and Ning Social Networks.
You will also need
an Email address
Adobe PDF reader (free and you probably already have it.)
Become a member of the Ning Network site
Ning suggests these internet browers:
Firefox 5 and 6
Google Chrome
Internet Explorer 8 and 9
Safari 4 and 5
Some browers get updated more rapidly. Ning should work well in Firefox 7 as well. You are welcome to use Ning with a browser that is not in this list, however some features on the Ning Network may not work correctly.

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>> Sign up deadline: Saturday, January 14th, 2012 - 3 pm Eastern time, 12 pm Pacific<<
When: January 16th through February 19th, 2012 (5 weeks)
Where: online, from the comfort of your computer!
$99

To live in alignment with your deepest, most authentic Self is not possible without the help of spiritual allies.~Joanna Powell Colbert - The Gaian Tarot Oracle cards

Discounted private one-on-one sessions scheduled during duration of class will be available.
This is limited to the number of session openings that are available.
More information about one-on-one sessions and mentorships can be found on my website.

Questions?
Please contact me with questions at: wildcreativeheart AT yahoo DOT com

NOTE: Because of my experience and background in shamanism, there will be some reference to the shamanic journey. However, the focus isn’t to learn shamanism or the shamanic journey. Rather the focus is to meet a Spirit Guide, begin building a relationship with them, learn some basic concepts about the Spirit World and learn tools to bring the magic into ordinary reality.

Your teacher/guide:Lisa Dieken
Intuitive Spiritual Guide and Mentor
Shamanic and other Energy healing
www.WildCreativeHeart.com
I have been accessing the spirit world and connecting with my guides for 10 years. I first learned through shamanic journeying and now I am able to connect to my guides nearly on a moment’s notice. My Guides are now asking me to share my own process with others to help them connect with their Spirit Guides for loving, compassionate support, guidance, wisdom and healing. Through my own life experience, I've learned how to engage the spiritual forces of the Universe without the direct connection of the shamanic journey and will be sharing this with you as well. I enjoy assisting others to find their inner power in this way and to create a joyful, magical, abundant and passionate life.

Private Session info
I do private one-on-one sessions over the telephone and have a one-on-one mentorship available. More information....

Testimonials can be found on my website.

Happy Holidays

2011-12-24T10:01:00.000-08:00

May you allow Mother Gaia to offer you sanctuary
this holiday season and every day.

Thank you for reading Wild Creative Heart!

Love,
Lisa
♥

Love Gift Series from Studio Margot

2011-12-13T09:18:00.000-08:00

Please head over to Studio Margot today, to check out Margot's "Love Gift" series. I have a guest post today, but please check out the posts from these beautiful women as well to immerse yourself in LOVE!

Indigo from Expressive Souls shared a post.
Hali from Lily Wheel Slide shared her thoughts.
Jane from Seeds of the Numinous started off the series with this.

I've only known Margot a short time, and I know her heart is pure and beautiful and she offers so much goodness to the world.

Be sure to check out Margot's free online workshop The Poppy Spree while you are there too!

Much love,
Lisa

May we all BE like snow...

2011-12-12T10:29:00.000-08:00

This week I combined the directions of an exercise that Ihad just shared with someone, with an exercise suggestion I was then given in aclass (Joanna Powell Colbert’s “Mid-Winter Gaian Soul Practices” which I amtotally loving!) and modified them to what felt right to me in the moment.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Walking along a rural road I thought of the exercises and askedin my mind, “What nature being would like to speak with me today?”

I walked a few steps with possibilities floating through mymind.
Then I felt the intuitive hit – The Snow.
I stopped. Curious, Ichecked again to be sure.
“The Snow wants to talk with me?”
Looking at the Snow, the feeling of YES came again to mybody. Correct!
A feeling of gratitude with a bit of excitement filledme.

The Snow was sparkling in the sunshine.

A few ice crystals were really bright.

I also noticed the softness of the shape.

Walking to a place where I could sit and more easilyinquire, I held the gratitude and shared with the Snow that I would like tocontinue the conversation.

When I sat and felt into what was being shared with me, theSnow showed me the frozenness of it.

TheSOLIDITY of it. The STRENGTH.

It also shared with me how it

blesseseverything as it falls, with everyone and

everything being an equal recipientof its blessings.

I again shared my gratitude with the snow and continued toenjoy the sights and sounds of where I was sitting: Geese, birds twittering and flitting about, the warm sunshing on my face,

horses wondering about my presence.

May we all be like snow.

Sparkling, bright, soft,

yet solid and strong

blessing everyone and

everything with whom we come in contact.

Much love, Lisa ♥

Living in my Body

2011-11-04T09:59:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been marveling about how my intuition resides in my body.   And along with that, coming to a deep understanding and deep cellular inner knowing about the importance of living in my body rather than in my mind.

Yesterday I found this from Stephen Harrod Buhner:

As your body becomes more and more alive through the activation of your senses, sensing is what you do instead of thinking. Sensing takes the place of thinking. Awareness is focused through your senses, attentively noticing all that you sense. It has no time for thinking now. Your consciousness begins to move out of the brain, leaving your analytical mind behind. You begin to find the world that our ancient ancestors knew so well. ~Stephen Harrod Buhner - from The Secret Teachings of Plants

This is our intuition. Instead of using our analytical minds we are using our intuition.   We can pick up on energies that our minds never would.

This is why it's important to "feel" and not "think". How does something "feel" to you?! Good, bad, happy, sad, energizing, draining, scary, joyful, graceful, exciting, boring, etc......

This is why it's important to focus on our senses, and "be in our bodies" rather than be in our minds thinking and analyzing all day long.

Our bodies are sharing information with us.   Are we paying attention? Are we able to "hear"?

♥

Your Spirit Guides want to meet you!

2011-11-03T09:53:00.000-07:00

I'm excited that my brand new class "Partnering with Spirit" begins today! It introduces you, and helps you deepen, a connection to a Spirit Guide.

I have posted Week 1 content on the Ning site and it's ready for you! You haven't missed anything.
Sign up through the end of the day today, November 3rd!
For more info and to register: http://bit.ly/WCHPWS
Learning to connect with your guides opens up a whole new world... filled with inspiration, creative problem solving, support, unconditional love, humor.... magic and synchronicities...

It's a cozy group of 12 right now. I feel like there are a few more who'd like to sign up! Are you one of them?

Join us on this adventure!

For more info and to register: http://bit.ly/WCHPWS

Lisa
♥

The essence of a Spirit Guide and You

2011-10-03T10:43:00.000-07:00

Even though the way I’ve learned shamanic journeying and teach it is somewhat different than others, there are still a few concepts from shamanism that are helpful to know about, especially if you are just getting started with communicating and partnering with Spirit in this way. (Note: The way I learned there are very few ‘rules. The idea is mainly to connect with your spirit guide with an open heart and loving intention and then follow their lead.)

One of these concepts is the idea of “merging” with Spirit Guides. It is a facet of learning from your guides. It is a beautiful gift they can offer you. It is an energy healing.

While communicating or being with one of your Spirit Guides, they may invite you to ‘merge’ with them. They may show up really close to you, as in “in your face”, for your invitation or you may telepathically hear them asking you.

What is merging?
Merging means the essence of your Spirit Guide is merging with your essence.

Why merge?
~We take on the energetic imprint and essence of our spirit guides.
~We can ‘modify’ our energy, and thus our cells, in this way.
~We feel a new way of being and our energy adjusts to this new way of being.
~We can increase our vibratory state and shift long-held patterns and unsupportive habits and beliefs.
~Merging is one way to better understand and learn from our Spirit Guides.
~It feels good. We can feel loved and supported in a deep way.
~I believe that much occurs beyond our awareness during merging as well.

For example: If we merge with an Angel or Ascended Master, we may get a feeling of the light, compassion and love that he/she carries. If we merge with Elk, we may feel the strength and power that Elk carries, as well as the feeling of pacing ourselves in a supportive way. If we merge with a Fairy or Dolphin we may get a sense of light-heartedness, playfulness and joy. Not only will we feel these essences, shifts in our energy patterns and vibratory state happen as well.

How is it done?
When you are in communication with your guide and you know this is what wants to occur, first relax, soften, and be open to receiving. If the idea feels uncomfortable for you, you can always say no. If the idea feels like something you want to experience, allow the Spirit Guide to “step into you”. Their energy will move into your energy and body. Depending on how well you can sense energy, and perhaps how different your energy is from the Guide you are merging with, you may sense it profoundly, more subtly or not at all. As you become more sensitive to subtle shifts in energy, the more powerful it may feel to you.But even if you feel nothing, know that something is indeed happening. My experience has been that it doesn’t occur very often, but when it does it is powerful.

Your guide will know how long to continue merging. If something makes you uncomfortable, feel free to request that it end. Your job is to soften, relax, allow and receive the gift. When the merge feels complete, be sure to share your gratitude with your Guide.

So if you suddenly find your guide really close to you, inquire telepathically if this is the invitation being offered to you. And if it feels right, receive the power, love and healing being offered.

I invite you to leave comments and questions.

I would love to hear if you have you ever merged with a Spirit Guide. What was your experience like? Do you agree or disagree with what I’ve written here? What have you noticed as a result of merging?

Please ask any questions you may have about it.

Enjoy a beautiful week!
Lisa

The Aspen are putting on their Show!

2011-09-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

.... and what a show it is!

On a beautiful, warm autumn day this past Wednesday, I headed up into the mountains with my camera to see what I could find. And wow! Here is what I found!

Enjoy!

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf's a flower. ~Albert Camus

Happy Autumn!
Lisa
♥

Circle of Life

2011-09-24T08:29:00.000-07:00

This song has always made my heart soar... and has often brought tears..

Here's to all of us finding our place...
Our joyful, passionate place
in the Circle of Life!

Music by Elton John, lyrics by Tim Rice
Performed by Carmen Twillie
Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba [Here comes a lion, Father]
Sithi uhm ingonyama [Oh yes, it's a lion]

Nants ingonyama bagithi baba
Sithi uhhmm ingonyama
Ingonyama

Siyo Nqoba [We're going to conquer]
Ingonyama
Ingonyama nengw' enamabala [A lion and a leopard come to this open place]

[Chant repeats]

From the day we arrive on the planet
And blinking, step into the sun
There's more to see than can ever be seen
More to do than can ever be done
There's far too much to take in here
More to find than can ever be found
But the sun rolling high
Through the sapphire sky
Keeps great and small on the endless round

It's the Circle of Life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the Circle
The Circle of Life

It's the Circle of Life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the Circle
The Circle of Life

Lyrics from: http://www.lionking.org/lyrics/OMPS/CircleOfLife.html

Visit to a Temple

2011-09-20T20:45:00.000-07:00

My heart breaks wide open.
Tears.
Tears of joy.
Tears of expansion.
Tears of surrender.
Tears for the exquisite feeling of the connection to the grandeur.

--------------------------------

I visited a sacred temple today.
The sacred temple I bowed before was a few mountain peaks along the continental divide with a lake below.

I sat before them and wept. It wasn’t a sadness, it was more a celebration and thanksgiving... hopeful tears... and a feeling of my heart breaking open, in a good way.

It was Mother Earth, the mountains, the clouds filtering the sunlight, a couple snow squalls, the plants, the trees, the lake, the wind and I.
There was serenity. The tourists have gone home.
There was an autumn chill and a few plants just beginning to turn from green to deep reds and golds.
There was the chirp of the marmots and wildflowers still blooming.

I said blessings for Mother Earth and the Spirits of the Land.
I offered blessings to the water, the plants, trees, animals, minerals.
I gave my deep heartfelt thanks for the nurturing and sustenance that nature provides to us on so many levels.

I once again offered my life, my being.... how may I best share my gifts and talents with others?

Help me find that trail, Spirit.

The trail of beauty, joy, passion. The trail where I offer my unique service to Mother Earth and all of nature, service to children and humanity. The trail that has markers specific to me. Help me find that trail, stay on it, and be confident in it, Spirit. Thank you.

My heart breaks wide open.

Winners Announced AND a SPECIAL for ALL!

2011-09-01T09:14:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for your entries and wonderful comments! And thank you for your patience with the confusion of which day this was going to be held!

AND! Be sure to check out the fun special below that is for everyone!!!

Including the entries from the 30th and deleting a couple duplicates, I counted 32 entries. I used random.org for the random number generator. Below you will find the WINNERS!

WINNERS: Congratulations! Please send me an email on the 21 Secrets NING site to get the process going of receiving your WINNINGS! Or heck, maybe you'll here from me!

Thank you ALL for playing and entering! ♥

And a big thank you to Rachel Whetzel of Mine to Thine for offering her GIVEAWAY!
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Here it is! A Special for YOU :o)

1)If you didn't win and would like an e-mail oracle card reading, I have a special for you! Open to everyone! Only $20 (regular $30) Offer good if you send an email to me Sept 1 or 2, 2011. Email: Wildcreativeheart AT yahoo DOT com

2) You can also receive my beautiful document entitled: "Creative Possibilities for my Wild Creative Heart". It's a list of items I use to deepen and expand my own creativity. Get it here. You'll also receive a subscription to my email newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time.)

I also do 60 and 90 minute telephone consults that include wisdom from Spirit and energy healing as I'm guided. You deserve this amazing experience and support. More information HERE

Read what people are saying about sessions with me at: HERE

Mentorships are also available! Ongoing support from my Spirit Guides and I including Energy work to clear and balance stuck places and conditioned responses plus much more. Check out the link for more info.

Okay! Now GO CREATE! :o)
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Giveaway ONE!

Package ONE includes the journal that was shown in my class "The Fragrant Art Journal". It has a finished front and back cover (though you could modify it if you are inspired!) with 6 pages of matboard in different sizes. Nice thick pages to let loose with your creativity! I will give you a choice of essential oil fragrances (from a list I provide) if you would like me to scent it for you, or I can leave it unscented.

Also included in the package are two tea bags for fragrance (or for enjoying a cup of tea!) and some dried lavender flowers.
PLUS! an oracle card reading through email!
Approximate Value of GIVEAWAY 1: $60

WINNER: Jen Riley
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GIVEAWAY TWO!

For 21 Secrets Members ONLY: GIVEAWAY!

2011-08-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

The creative and talented Rachel Whetzel, teacher of the 21 Secrets class Silent Messages, and I have teamed up to do a giveaway TODAY for 21 Secrets members! WOOHOO!

Rachel is giving away a kit of the super fun Creative Paperclay® and some other goodies for creating texture. And if you haven't tried the Paperclay you really must because it's super fun, especially the way Rachel teaches in her 21 Secrets class and how she uses it with art journaling! Check out her blog http://www.minetothine.com/ to register to win!

But before you head over there, please take a look at the giveaways right here! :)

To celebrate the goodness that is happening in 21 Secrets,
and in celebration of creativity and fragrance, I'm excited to give away THREE things for 21 Secrets Members only!

If you aren't a 21 Secrets member, never fear! You can join now... what are you waiting for? Registration is only open for one more month And what you get is amazing! 21 fabulous art journaling classes! Community! New friends! Would love to see you there!

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Giveaway ONE!

Package ONE includes the journal that was shown in my class "The Fragrant Art Journal". It has a finished front and back cover (though you could modify it if you are inspired!) with 6 pages of matboard in different sizes. Nice thick pages to let loose with your creativity! I will give you a choice of essential oil fragrances (from a list I provide) if you would like me to scent it for you, or I can leave it unscented.

Also included in the package are two tea bags for fragrance (or for enjoying a cup of tea!) and some dried lavender flowers.
PLUS! an oracle card reading through email!
Approximate Value of GIVEAWAY 1: $60

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GIVEAWAY TWO!

A mixed-media “ephemera” kit from Art-C™ that includes things like colored paper, paper flowers, fabric flowers, ribbon, fiber, images, cute teeny little pom poms and jewel stickers.
I'm also including two tea bags for fragrance (or for tea time!) and dried lavender flowers.
PLUS: an oracle card reading through email!
Approximate value of GIVEAWAY 2: $40

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GIVEAWAY THREE!

An Oracle Card Reading through E-mail!

How does this work? You tell me what you'd like guidance on, perhaps give me a question you have about something occuring in your life. I connect with my guides and listen for which deck to use (I have many!) and I draw 1-3 cards, however I'm guided. Using my own intuition and perhaps a part of what the book says that comes with the deck of cards I use, I write up the guidance you are being given and email it to you. It's supportive. It's helpful. It's fun. It's magical.
Value: $30

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TO ENTER!

Leave a comment below, on THIS post, and **include the name you use on the 21 Secrets Ning site.** Please leave a comment before midnight PT today, August 31, 2011.

Winners will be decided by a random number generator and will be announced on Thursday, September 1 right here! Give me until about 1 pm PT to get them posted! (hopefully sooner!)

Can't wait to see who wins! Good luck! :o)

If you haven't already, head on over to Rachel's blog and register there! (I think her post will be there after 10 am ET/7 am PT! But maybe before! :)

Stretching Your Imagination

2011-08-30T21:31:00.000-07:00

Today I was hiking in a magnificent area. One of my most favorite places to hike during the summer. The elevation is 10,500 feet and above, so in winter it is pretty brutal unless you are among the trees. It’s a popular place for cross country skiing and snowshoeing during the winter months. And a super popular place in the summer. But I digress!

I was sitting and taking in the most magnificent view. Yes, that photo is what I was appreciating. I was feeling my heart swell with joy and it nearly brought me to tears.

Recently, well the past couple of years, the idea of home and where I want to live, where my Higher Self may want me to live, and places I love, have been in my experience. Being in this magnificent place today I wondered, how could I want to be any place else? How could I leave? (not that I'm going to leave any time soon... that I know of...)

And then Hawaii came to mind. Warm ocean, tropical breezes, Aloha, you know what I mean. Oooo... wouldn’t I love to spend time there? Well yes, I've even told the Universe in the past that I'd love to live there for a few years. But how can I leave THIS? The Colorado mountains? For me, this is HOME...

What came next in my thought process was, wouldn’t it be nice if I could create a portal that would lead me to Hawaii from here, so I could go there whenever I wanted to. Which led to... Oh... wouldn’t it be nice if I could also have a portal to New Zealand, and Patagonia, and Italy and Greece... and what would that mean? What would I need? Would I need to specify locations when I created the portal? Would I need a map of the place I was going?
Could I go to Mars? What would I need to do to prepare for something like that? (Would I want to go to Mars? Not at the moment! :) )

Wouldn’t that solve my dilemma! I could live in Colorado and go to Hawaii anytime I wanted to! Maybe you’ve had this thought too? Maybe this isn’t a “huge” stretch of the imagination? But it’s an example. (and I had fun with it!)

I wasn’t limiting myself to what reality was showing me. I let myself daydream and think about something outside the normal realm of existence. What most people think of as the normal realm of existence anyway. :)

Here’s an example: If you have a regular job, you probably think you know where your income is coming from. What if you expanded your view of that? What if money could flow into your life in other ways?
If you are unemployed right now and think you don’t have an income, what if you expanded your view of that? What alternatives are there? What if money could flow into your life in many ways, not just through a "job"? Or maybe your ideas of what a "job" looks like for you could be expanded and modified.

Another example: You are in a situation where you feel you are unable to follow your heart, unable to make changes in your life. What if you are wrong? What if there are many changes that can be made? And what if you could do them now? What if your mind, beliefs, ways of being and ideas are the only things that are keeping you from following your heart?

and one more: You don't think you are creative enough, or smart enough, or charismatic enough, or funny enough. Well, what if you ARE? What if you just have to see yourself in a different way?

As you go through your day, pay attention to how you “think” you know how things are, how things behave, how things will turn out. Can you stretch your imagination and think of other ways? Can you open yourself to new and expanded views of your everyday world? Can you be playful with this?

Do you see how stretching your imagination can open up new creative possibilities in your life?

Stretching your Imagination is one item on my “Creative Possibilities for my Wild Creative Heart” list. It’s a list I use in my own life to deepen my own creativity. Get your own copy by signing up for my newsletter here!

Let me know how you will Stretch your Imagination! What's one thing you can look at differently today?

With joy,
Lisa
♥

Week 1 part 2 - Slice of Life class

2011-07-17T16:56:00.000-07:00

On Friday I was able to get out and hike, relax and take a gazillion photos. :o) Here are a few of the best ones.

In this photo, I love the vivid yellow with the bit of blue sky... and that the flower takes up most of the frame.

Always love the light coming through the leaves. The intense green and light and shadow are beautiful to me.

This is my favorite one! I found these growing between the stream and a tree. It feels so magical to me. Like there are fairies nearby!

I love experimenting with pointing the camera at the sun. In this photo what matters to me is the diffused light on the leaves and the large contrast between dark and light.

Also love experimenting with taking photos of water and rocks. I love the feeling of the shadow and also the light on the water. If you look closely there are bubbles too.

What's up there? Maybe not the best composition, but I love that pose!

Enjoy!
Lisa
♥

Week 1 - Darrah Parker's Slice of Life class

2011-07-14T08:39:00.000-07:00

I just started Darrah Parker's Slice of Life photography class and I love it already! Here are a few of my shots from Week 1.

Who doesn't love the texture and color of peacock feathers?

I started an oil infusion of rose, lavender, chamomile and calendula (massage/bath oil) and got this shot before the petals soaked up too much oil. I thought the way the light was hitting the pink rose petal was gorgeous. To me seeing the lavender and other flowers floating in the oil was beautiful and the few bubbles were interesting too!

We've been having some wonderful afternoon thunderstorms recently here. I was lucky to be out and see this. I love the contrast of the dark rain on the right and the clouds above with the light behind it. Being able to see the mist of the rain falling is important to me as well. I don't see this very often and feel lucky to have captured it.

Wow, did I get lucky! I was taking photos of the beautiful light of sunset in the clouds and just as I took the photo, lightening flashed. I love the grey-blues and the pink-orange of the clouds.

For this one, I like the blue and the blurry green background and the light in the bottle. [please forgive the dirty window! :) ]

This is from my altar. I was drawn to the deep reds and neutrals. The shell was a gift from a friend and reminds me of her as well as the goddess Ixchel.

And ending with a dozing dog....

With joy,
Lisa
♥

21 Secrets Interview: Natasha Reilly & Julia Frehner

2011-07-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

In the second 21 Secrets interview, I have the pleasure of welcoming artist Julia Frehner of Keeping It So Simple and 21 Secrets teacher Natasha Reilly, who can be found at Creative Nachos.

I adore both of these women. Julia is so very generous and kind and she exudes peace. I feel like she is an angel urging me forward with my work in the world. Natasha's playfulness is such a light in my life. She also has a way of looking into people's souls and expressing what she sees in beautiful and creative ways. I hope to sometime spend time with both of these creative goddesses drawing with sidewalk chalk!

Julia's beautiful artwork from Natasha's class "Improvisation Station"

Julia has already shared this art on her blog.
This is what she wrote:

To my family and friends; a simple gift I give.
When the winds of change come please take this gift of wildflowers.
Each flower represents something which I believe will help you to carry on.

5 is a dynamic number which also represents change
the 'words' are 5 letter words
7 - 5 letter 'words' - trust, quiet, jesus, peace, faith, dance, grace

7 is a magical, mystical, spiritual number which also represents
the desire to know hidden truths.

As I was working outside, the last area I weeded was around my lavender bushes. They are almost ready to bloom and they are divinely intoxicating. I kept brushing against them to release more of their aroma. So, this gift is scented with lavender; inhale deeply and take it in; mmmhmmm now you are filled with calm.

Julia adds about 21 Secrets:
21 Secrets really is like a playground; a playground featuring 21 uniquely, gifted, spirit filled artists each willing to share, inspire, and invoke imagination and playfulness. I literally feel as if I’m skipping along this playground stopping to play at each station. Although I haven’t yet visited each artist; the ones I have spent time with have given me a treasure, a secret which I have tucked safely away to be used in helping me to come unto my own in self discovery, creativity, and expression. There have been no additional art supplies, level of ability, or requirements; simply, all that is needed is an open imagination and desire to play. That’s me, I’m all about keeping it so simple. I will never finish an art project, a journal page without scenting it, thank you Miss Lisa, yes, really, everything I now create I desire to stimulate as many senses as I can in order to fully capture what my intuitive self wishes to express. While at her play station, the greatest ‘secret’ Natasha whispered to me was, “It’s okay, you have permission to be a limitless you.”

--------------------------------

Natasha says:
Julia’s artwork is exceptional. It is such a beautiful representation of who she is- a strong, vibrant flower open to the Universe. She is open to the world and not only shares her gifts but opens her heart to all that is out there. It’s such a celebration of her as a person and the give and take in life. She is an inspiration!

21 Secrets is an art journaling playground with a heart! Not only am I in awe of the techniques being taught by my amazing, uber talented fellow teachers but I am in awe of the love, healing, joy, challenges and magic that is shared on a daily basis by both teachers and students alike. I have watched people grow in ways I never dreamed possible and felt the own limits of my life melting away. My class, Improvisation Station, is about breaking free of the labels and limits we impose on ourselves so that we can BE who we truly are – radiant, beautiful, creative souls.

---------------- Julia's and Natasha's Bios ------------------

Julia Frehner
Keeping It So Simple
After 49 years and my life adventures, I’m just coming to a discovery of who I am.
I started Natasha’s ‘play’shop, “Oh The Stories You Tell.” One of the exercises was to describe myself without all the titles. This all seems to fit for me at this stage of my life. Today this was my reply:

I am a daffodil bulb. I look a bit oddly shaped. I can be rough and flakey at times. There are days when I’m not sure which end is up. I am comfortable being planted out of season. I can summons bravery and courage to endure a bitterly, harsh, long winter because I sense potential and possibility deep within.

I am a daffodil able to break through the cold, slushy, earth. I willingly shoot straight up towards the heavens. Even when the Maiden of Spring is fickle or Old Man Winter sneaks in one last reminder of his power, I willingly blossom, open up and face whatever maybe before me. I will gracefully dance with the Maiden in her chilly, howling winds. I choose to bloom before the others because someone has to remind the world of the promise which is to come. I also bloom early so all the others, the non bulbous kind, can blossom and bloom in all their glory without any distractions. Unlike some of my fellow bulbs, I will mingle with other critters of the earth but build a resistance so they will not devour me. And, when the time comes, I will quietly fade away but hold on to the hope the same possibilities will occur again and again.

Find Julia at Keeping It So Simple.

[Be sure to read Julia's courageous story here.]

Natasha Reilly
Creative Nachos
After receiving her MFA in writing from the New School in New York City, Natasha spent time as Marketing and Development Director for a nonprofit organization and later, freelance writer creating promotional materials for small businesses. She has taught writing, editing and photojournalism workshops for teenagers and adults. In addition, she has written for publications such as Family Circle, Latina, Lifetips and MediaBistro.

Today, in addition to maintaining Creative Nachos, she teaches and mentors others in stretching their creativity, expanding it to new limits through the workshops she offers and the group she co-facilitates. She is a 2011 Sketchbook participant and most recently founded The Storyteller’s Village. [Be sure to check out Storyteller's Village. Natasha mentioned there is going to be a revolution in July!]

Website/Blog: CreativeNachos
Facebook: Creative Nachos Fan Page
Twitter: natashadoodle

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There is still time to join these two wonderful and amazing women!
21 Secrets is still open for registration. Join us!

Wild Creative Heart Guest: Jeniffer Hutchins

2011-06-27T06:15:00.000-07:00

Today I have the exciting honor of introducing Jeniffer Hutchins of Joyful Arts Studio! A talented, gentle and happy soul, I met her in 21 Secrets where we are both teaching. She was kind enough to agree to an interview and answered a few questions I asked her, and she didn't just type them up, she answered then in her art journal and is sharing photos of her pages! She also is sharing some of her gorgeous paintings.

Be sure to stop by her website today, not only is yours truly being interviewed, but also she has a brand new design to show off which includes a free online community!

Fields of Joy

Warm Breezes

Follow Me Through the Woods

Chatham County

Mission Statement & Artist Bio:
I LOVE ART and I LOVE TEACHING. It is my goal to create art and art workshops that will spark creative fires within others. I see art as a tool for understanding ourselves and our connection with the Divine Spirit that lives in us all. I strive to teach others to trust themselves and to live more creative lives. This is my passion. It is an absolute JOY to share my passion with you!
I currently live in North Carolina with my husband, Dan, and our 3 year old son, Noah. While I enjoy creating with several art mediums, painting is my primary artistic outlet. Inspired by my varied environments and travels cross-country and abroad, I capture onto canvas the beauty I see in the world. My impressionistic works have been showcased in several galleries from the East to West coasts.

I graduated college with a degree in Art Education and even jumped through all the hoops necessary to obtain my teaching license in three states. (We moved a lot.) However, I found it more fun teaching art outside of the traditional school setting. In 2005 I found a new passion for the expressive arts, especially in the form of Visual Journals. I had discovered for myself the healing power of art. A new “healing” mission began and I started teaching adults to play like children. Through this powerful play I have witnessed dreams unfold, confidence build and lives change. I am currently offering expressive art workshops online, in person and through an upcoming weekend retreat.

I'd love for you to stop by my brand NEW website! There is even a community page where artists and creative dreamers can gather to play and share ideas. http://www.joyfulartsstudio.com/ Let's Play!

You can also find me on FaceBook here:

Upcoming Workshops & Retreats:
Here are the highlights. For details please visit my website.

Reawaken Creative Dreams: An Art Retreat for the Soul
Set in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina, “Reawaken Creative Dreams” is a relaxing soul quenching Art retreat. Everyone is welcome regardless of whether or not you call yourself “an artist.” I believe within us all lies a creative spirit waiting to be set free!

Wishes & Dreams: heArt Journal Workshops
In these workshops you will learn how to use art, writing and meditation as tools for healing and personal growth. Discover your passions, unearth your dreams, face your fears, and learn to fully love the life you are living!

21 Secrets: an Art Journal Playground
I'm so lucky to be teaching alongside Lisa and several other incredible artists through this online workshop!

21 Secrets Interview: Gretchen Miller & Tracy Carlton

2011-06-16T17:14:00.000-07:00

Today I'm absolutely thrilled to welcome Tracy Carlton and Gretchen Miller to Wild Creative Heart! They are here sharing a little about Connie Hozvicka's 21 Secrets: an Art Journal Playground!

Tracy Carlton's art is being featured from Gretchen's class with some words from both of them!

Gretchen is the creator and teacher of the 21 Secrets class "ready for revo'lution". An amazing, thoughtful, caring woman (I know that because of the work she does.) whom I've only just met and am looking forward to getting to know better.

Tracy is the 21 Secrets member and artist who is being interviewed. I met Tracy last September during Connie Hozvicka's BIG class we took together. She is an awesome, loving woman and the way she views the world and her writing really touch me. I especially was drawn to her art for Gretchen's class that Tracy calls "success". You'll see it below.

Thank you to both of them for participating and for their speediness in returning the information to me!

-------------------------------------------------

So let's begin with Tracy Carlton and hear about her experience of 21 Secrets:
21 Secrets is truly a magical playground! I can come to this celebration with the intent to play and to experiment. To try new techniques. To learn new methods. All without worrying about the final result. It’s the ultimate *be in the moment* experience! And there is this seemingly endless gathering of teachers to learn from!

At first, when I first started choosing which classes to try out, I realized I was choosing *easy* ones, meaning, ones that didn’t intimidate me or scare me. But as I delve deeper, I’m letting my intuition guide me as to which class to take next. I seem to keep ending up in exactly the right place, learning lessons I need to learn, or being stretched in new ways just when I need it most. I’ve been surprised by this, but in a deliciously joyful way! I have a feeling it’s just going to keep getting better and better!

Gretchen’s class gave me the chance to try something I’ve always wanted to do, but hadn’t made the time for: repurposing a board book. That she wove it together with intention setting just made it that much juicier and richer. I watched her videos, I downloaded the pdf, I absorbed all that she had included in her class. And then I disappeared! Off I went to create my book. For over a week I joyfully worked on it every day, every night, every moment I had in between all of life’s other commitments, I didn’t come up for air very often. I was so absorbed by the process of it all, the end results were a pleasant surprise!

I’m so thrilled that 21 Secrets is being kept open until the end of the year! I feel like I’ve barely had time to get started, and would really like to spend more time connecting with others in the classes. That I have another six months to do so is awesome!

Kudos to Connie for creating such a wonderful place to connect and play! And thank you Lisa, for asking me to share my experience and my art. I am so blessed!

The intention behind these pieces was to create a road map of personal values that I wanted to embrace and embody in creating my very own artistic business. The five intentions were Success, Create, Inspire, Connect and Love. Yet in the process, something told me that the pieces wouldn’t end up being about a career, but instead be about who I am deep down and how I envision the world.

Connect: One tribe, many paths. I believe we are here to connect with others. Others who share our dreams as well as those that can teach us new perspectives. By letting go of the fear of judgment, we can take risks, be vulnerable, and connect with others in such deep and meaningful ways. Connecting is what we are meant to do.

Create: Through our creativity we discover our inner voice, our intuition, our soulful selves that yearns for expression. Creating from a place of joy takes us to that magical place of timelessness. Where we have permission to dream big, to be anything we want to be, to do anything we want to do. And, especially, to create Beauty in this world.

Success: Success is completely individual, yet many don’t question the definition in modern society, Success=Money. For me, I envision a new world where success is in our intentions, in our connections with each other, in how we love, and ultimately in how we find our personal joy and individual creative expression.

----------------------------------------------------
And now I'm honored to share words from
Gretchen Miller
Creator and Teacher of "ready for revo'lution"

My class, ready for revo'lution, was inspired by a year end practice and tradition of creating my own “revo’lution” instead of the typical New Year's resolutions. This includes a process where I identify concepts that I want to focus on and bring into my life during the upcoming year. I then create images in response to these concepts and make an annual revo’lution book as a visual reminder of these intentions throughout the year. I continue to enjoy seeing, reading, and learning about the revo’lution making happening with 21 SECRETS community members such as Tracy. Witnessing participants’ processes, shared reflections, comments, and revo'lution inspired art journal pages has been very exciting to see unfold. What I love most about the 21 SECRETS community is the creative energy, inspiration, discovery and connection around our common interest in art journaling!

----------------------------------------------------

Gretchen is a Registered Board Certified Art Therapist practicing in Cleveland, Ohio. In her clinical practice, Gretchen specializes in the area of childhood trauma and loss, working with youth and women impacted by domestic violence. She enjoys finding inspiration, creating good vibes, and discovering transformation through working with mixed media, painting, collage, altered art, making short films, and creating handmade books. For more information about her work, interests, and to check out some of her revo'lution making, please visit Gretchen's website at http://www.gretchen-miller.com/ or her blog Creativity in Motion at http://www.gretchenmiller.wordpress.com/.

Tracy Carlton is remembering who she is ~ reclaiming her creative self, shedding old limitations, pursuing joy, and embracing the unknown! She happens to do this from her home base in the Sierra Nevada mountains in northern California, from a wee little cabin that houses her 3 cats, a fiery red-headed son, a handsome husband, and copious amounts of art supplies. You can find her blogging away at Expressive Souls. And if you feel like connecting, she also spends far too many hours on Facebook, but would love to meet you there! ( http://expressive-souls.blogspot.com/ ) ( http://www.facebook.com/indigomoone )

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Registration is still open for 21 Secrets if you still want to join. Register here!
21 Secrets is open through January 1, 2012. Register through October 1, 2011

Trio

2011-06-01T20:46:00.000-07:00

Columbine...

One last look at daffodil. I love the backlighting.

Love lilacs!

Check out My Room to Bloom!

2011-05-31T07:09:00.000-07:00

The fabulous, fun and extraordinary Tracie Hanson,

over at My Blooming Life has been doing a feature

this month called "My Room to Bloom."

Lucky me is being featured today!

Check it out! ♥

Permission for a Little...

2011-05-30T11:33:00.000-07:00

Hello Wild Creative Hearts!

My 5th Chakra must be in need of some balancing, healing and clearing or you would be hearing more from me! I've been doing a lot of inner listening and the words aren't arising. Though I guess the non-verbal aspect of the 5th Chakra seems to be working.

Here are a few words for you and some artwork too!

After having watched a DVD that mentioned "minimalism" and being inspired, I decided to try a bit of it myself!

Direct from Wikipedia: "Minimalism describes movements in various forms of art and design, especially visual art and music, where the work is stripped down to its most fundamental features. As a specific movement in the arts it is identified with developments in post–World War II Western Art, most strongly with American visual arts in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It is rooted in the reductive aspects of Modernism, and is often interpreted as a reaction against Abstract expressionism and a bridge to Postmodern art practices. "

The DVD said something about minimalist artwork being minimal shapes and color...
(By the way, the DVD was Herb and Dorothy)

Here are my "Minimalism" experiments in my sketchbook: for better or worse!

(Please ignore the splatters and smudge... :)

This may be a bit much to be considered minimalism?

Something definitely refreshing about giving ourselves permission to do just a little!
Have you tried it?
♥

What is my Passion?

2011-05-19T09:46:00.000-07:00

Are you in transition? Are you wondering what your passion is and next steps might be?

You aren't alone. Have you noticed? There are many people in transition right now. With a transition many times comes questions regarding your passions and wondering about your next steps.

I actually know that "not sure what to do next mode" very well! And yes, you do have passion, in case you were wondering. It's frustrating when it seems to elude us!

There are a few things I can suggest for those who feel like they aren't aware of their passion and perhaps are in transition.

1) Soul Retrieval or other energy work
Recently I wrote to a friend who had inquired about soul retrievals and said she is feeling like she doesn't know what to do next or what her passion is. This is a portion of what I said to her:

The shamanic healer in me suggests this: A soul retrieval journey would be a great benefit if you are feeling called to it. You've just been through a difficult time with your divorce and are now in a place of not knowing what to do next. A soul retrieval can address both of these.
Soul retrievals can be seen as a "boost" in the right direction and a building or strengthening of one's "foundation" to move forward in life. The stronger our foundation, the better and more stable the ensuing creations are in our life.

The soul parts that come back may or may not have to do with your relationship and divorce, but it will be exactly what will be most helpful to you at this time because that is a part of the intention I set for the journey. And most times with a soul retrieval, wisdom is shared with you that is helpful as well, and you are given time to ask questions.

I would recommend a 90-minute session and if we don't fill the entire time, we can set up a follow-up appointment which can be extremely helpful. The 60-minute sessions have felt pretty rushed to me, though please listen to your intuition. Read what others have said about their experience here.

You may or may not have just gone through a divorce. Maybe you just lost your job or your children just left home. Maybe you are just feeling like you could love life a little or a lot more! A soul retrieval assists you in all of these areas. Find out more here.

In addition I would add the following suggestions if you aren't sure what your passion is and aren't sure what to do next:

2) Experiment. Try new things. Are there things you've always wanted to try, but for whatever reason haven't? Is there something that sounds fun that you haven't ever thought of before but may be coming up in your experience now? What are you drawn to? What energizes you? Books to read. Places to go locally and world-wide if that's possible for you. Classes to take. Things to explore.

3) Engage your Higher Self and Spirit
a) Ask the Universe/Spirit to bring you ideas to explore that will delight you and ignite your passion.

b)As I connect with my Higher Self, as I merge Personal Will with Divine Will... ask myself some new questions: What wants to emerge? What kind of life wants to live in me?

As I began to change the reference from "What do I want? What is my passion?" to "What wants to emerge?" somthing shifted within me and made me look at things in a different way. It opened up the possibilities.

4) Remind yourself:
I've had to consistently remind myself that I may not have the answers to the questions right away, but as I keep asking them, soon I will find myself living the answers. This requires patience and surrender.

One other reminder is that the goal and passion isn't off somewhere in the future... life and passion are here right now. How can I feel passion now? Or at least not resist where I'm at right now? How can I enjoy the journey? How can I make things fun and more enjoyable now?

Here's a gift for you:
Be sure to get my new "Creative Possibilities for My Wild Creative Heart" pdf document. It is a list of things I remind myself of and engage in for living a more creative life and for deepening, expanding and cultivating my creativity.

A part of being more creative when we are focusing on our life, or our art (our life is one art form!) is finding our passion, doing what we love and what energizes us. Another aspect is engaging in energy work that appeals to us. A soul retrieval would be an example of this. And yet another aspect is connecting with our Higher Self.

The document lists these and others in a beautiful format, suitable for placing on your wall as a gentle reminder. Request it here. Please know that feedback is welcome!

With Joy,
Lisa

Tender Quaking Aspen

2011-05-04T16:53:00.000-07:00

SPRING ~ Art Journal Pages Inspired by 21 Secrets classes

2011-04-30T17:30:00.000-07:00

I had a funtabulous time creating these journal pages inspired by the 21 Secrets classes:

Natasha Reilly's "Improvisation Station"
Kelley Brown's "Adding Dimension"
(the butterfly is dimensional but I won't give away what I did!)
and
my own class "The Fragrant Art Journal"

Natasha can be found at the inspiring Creative Nachos
Kelley's fabulous blog is Art Journaling as a Creative Process

There is STILL time to join the fun of 21 Secrets! Register Here!
It says:

The wonder of spring
fresh beginnings
burst of color
from the chrysalis
ready to flutter
ready to fly

effloresce: to burst into bloom; blossom
(Thanks go to my friend Diane for this addition!)

You are missing out if you haven't joined 21 Secrets!
Sign up now! What'cha waitin' for? :o)

Freedom in Creating: Sometimes "small" - Sometimes "large"

2011-04-28T17:51:00.000-07:00

Sometimes small feels like freedom...

like this small poem

shimmering
fairy wings
in the moonlight

and a small painting to go with it...

It is so freeing to allow myself to write something so short and have it be "enough".

Then I was inspired to create a small watercolor painting with a bit of acrylic to go with the poem.

As I drew it, she ‘told’ me that she wanted to be wading in water. The smallness kept it manageable for me, not too overwhelming, yet a sense of accomplishment. I enjoyed using my watercolors again, (it's been awhile!), and creating the sense of ‘shimmering’.”

This small freedom was instigated by Natasha at Creative Nachos. The creativity prompt was to celebrate Poetry Month. Be sure to check out the other incredible entries!

Sometimes large is freedom:

My two 5 feet x 3 feet canvases arrived yesterday! Hurray! I can't wait to get to them, but I need to find some space. Perhaps the canvases will tell me what they want on them like my last largish canvas. I hope so. I love when that happens.

Odds and Ends

2011-04-22T08:04:00.000-07:00

Hello Wild Creative Heart!

Writing hasn't been my thing lately apparently so the blog posts have been sparse! I'm been spending much time with my business, wondering what steps to take to get it going full speed! Learning about marketing and daydreaming about what might be next. The Universe has been providing me with much marketing and business ownership information which could be a Wizard Wednesday entry! Love how it is flowing! And some of it has been great confirmation that I'm on the right track. Yay!

I have many online class ideas flowing through my mind.

We are already a few weeks into 21 Secrets! There is still time to sign up! I so want to take advantage of these amazing teachers and classes! From abstract, to happy drawing, to yoga + art... You don't have to be an art journaler to be in 21 Secrets... It's really an artist's playground, even though Connie calls it an Art Journal Playground! Register until May 31! Many Wild Creative Heart blog followers are already there! Would love to see more of you!

The spring weather and sunshine have been calling me outdoors to take some photos...

I also took a bit of time to play:
Have to announce that I'm Artist of the week at Natasha Reilly's Creative Nachos blog (Thanks, Natasha!) where she does "Thursday Sweet Treat", giving a creativity prompt each week... Here are the "PLAY" entries. You can join in the fun, too!

How are things going with you?!?!

In Joy,
Lisa
♥

Wizard Wednesday 4/20/11 Spring Flowers

2011-04-20T12:09:00.001-07:00

If you'd like some more information about Wizard Wednesday, check out this post.

-----------------------------------------------------

Here's my photo list for Wizard Wednesday!

The magic of spring flowers!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

How to play Wizard Wednesday: Keep track of magical, fun, synchronistic events and experiences and share them here on the Wizard Wednesday posts! Feel free to post comments anytime, not just on Wednesdays. They can be small, seemingly trivial things, or big exciting things. It can be similar to a gratitude list or a rampage of appreciation, or a list of Happy Things! Many exclamation marks allowed! The important thing is that we are focusing on magic, fun and things that make us feel good. When we focus on them, we begin to see and experience more and more of them! What are you appreciating today? This week? (It can be just one thing!) Be brave and join in! Let's play!

Namaste,

Lisa ♥

Nature Noticing You

2011-04-15T10:32:00.000-07:00

"Before the 'Age of Reason', a person walked into a forest filled with the awareness that the forest was as aware of him as he was of it.' ~ Caroline Myss

When you are in nature, rather than *you* noticing things, begin to sense what is noticing you.

Several times I've been in a forest and have suddenly become aware that all of the trees are acknowledging my presence, giving me a warm 'hello'. I honor and acknowledge them as well. I may bow and say "namaste": The light in me recognizes and honors the light in you. I may open my heart and share love with them. I may also ask them a question.

Sitting or standing near a tree I may sense the tree's energy envelop me. It feels like an embrace. Not only am I a "tree hugger" but the trees hug me back!

Listen too. There may be a message. It may come in words, images, a feeling.

It might be trees, plants, animals, stones, a stream or lake. It might be the clouds, a mountain, a meadow. What is noticing you?

Let me know what you experience. ♥

Lisa

♥

Wizard Wednesday 4/13/11 - A List of Happy Things

2011-04-13T10:44:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Wizard Wednesday!

If you'd like some more information about Wizard Wednesday, check out this post.

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My Wizard Wednesday "list" for the week was inspired by Aimee Myers Dolich of Artsyville, one of the teachers in 21 Secrets (which by the way is open for registration until the end of May! Register here.) She posted a painting of a list of "Happy Things" on Facebook which I happened to see this morning.

Here's my "Happy Things" list for Wizard Wednesday!

1. Sunshine 2. Daffodils

3. Sleeping late 4. chocolate yogurt 5. honey

6. pink 7. texture

8. chickadee’s song 9. clarity 10. meadowlarks

11. good movies 12. grass turning green

13. trees getting their leaves. 14. SPRING!

15. smiles 16. hikes

17. the smell of pine trees 18. synchronicity

19. Housemate's dog

What's your list of Happy Things today?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Namaste,

Lisa ♥

Womb Vessel

2011-04-07T19:17:00.000-07:00

Something a little bit different for you today...

Starting with a small cylindrical box, I followed my intuition and used red and orange paint on the outside along with a symbol from a magazine. (This was a creative project to represent my experience at Lisa Schrader's Awakening Shakti Spring Women's Retreat.)

After letting it sit for a few days, I began sensing womb energy.

Perhaps the red and orange are representing the first and second chakras.

Remembering a message that came to me over three years ago, I painted the inside to represent the Universe.

The experience over three years ago was this:

As I focused on my uterus one night in a meditative state, I felt an *immense* power rising up from within me. A power I had never felt before and I don't think I have felt since. I was nearly frightened the energy was so powerful. And along with the power, came a message:

The power of the feminine force... the power of creation is here within you. Strong within you. You merely have to listen. The driving force can move mountains. Create from your womb. Use the energy that is there for you - shifting things, moving things, changing things, destroying things.

It is a wise choice to use this power. Never take it lightly. Harness it, tap into it and create from it - All things flow from here.... Let it rise up from within you.

It (the uterus) is connected to the Universal forces, it is a portal, it (the feminine/universal force) flows (into the uterus and) out from your hands, heart, throat, mouth, eyes, third eye, solar plexus....

Wise woman Janice Mark told me about 18 months after I received the message, "Our womb is the portal and the vessel for the cosmic womb of the Great Mother. Let the dream be grand and magnificent, Lisa. Let that which is loving and honoring enter your womb space. "

And over 3 years after I received this message, it seems I have created a symbol of it without even realizing that is what I was doing when I started. I believe I have an understanding that the womb of the Cosmic Mother is the "place" where all things are conceived and born from. I'm unsure how to connect with this power on a consistent basis, or maybe I do and don't realize it. (If any readers have an understanding, please share! I would love a conversation about this.)

I plan to place the "seeds" of dreams, projects, and desires inside this womb vessel in order for them to gestate. One of the first things I'll add will be how to tap into this power. Perhaps the Universe is telling me it's time to learn.

Namasté, Lisa ♥

Wizard Wednesday 4/6/11 Finding the magical in every day life

2011-04-06T07:30:00.000-07:00

Appreciating the Magic in the

Simple and the Extraordinary and sometimes those two distinctions

begin to blur and the simple IS the extraordinary.

"And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it. " ~Roald Dahl

Welcome to Wizard Wednesday! If you'd like some more information about Wizard Wednesday, check out this post.

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My Wizard Wednesday "list" for the week:

I'm just amazed sometimes how everyday the Universe is speaking to me so clearly and showing me signs, answering questions, providing me with information! And when nature is involved it is even more magical for me!

Last week I wrote about the salamanders. Sunday I wrote about the spider. And even if the animals aren't bringing me messages, they arrive in other ways. Things people post in Facebook, emails I receive. Things I overhear, things people say to me. Messages on trucks. Messages I intuitively hear from the ocean, a tree, plants, Mother Earth.

Magic is everywhere! Do you believe in it?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

How to play Wizard Wednesday: Keep track of magical, fun, synchronistic events and experiences and share them here on the Wizard Wednesday posts! Feel free to post comments anytime, not just on Wednesdays. They can be small, seemingly trivial things, or big exciting things. It can be similar to a gratitude list or a rampage of appreciation. Many exclamation marks allowed! The important thing is that we are focusing on magic, fun and things that make us feel good. When we focus on them, we begin to see and experience more and more of them! What are you appreciating today? This week? (It can be just one thing!) Be brave and join in!

Let's play!

Namaste,

Lisa ♥

Patterns, Purpose and Questions

2011-04-03T19:07:00.000-07:00

Greetings Wild Creative Heart™!

Today I was listening to Jean Houston explain about the positive patterns that keep repeating in our lives which could possibly give us clues about our life purpose.

I had begun thinking about nature and spirit when a large spider descended from the ceiling on her thread and landed right in front of me!

To me, Spider holds the energy of creativity. I confess, learning about all the aspects of creativity has been a big interest of mine most of my adult life. When I was growing up, I was told several different times I was creative and/or artistic. But that is only a small piece of the idea of “creativity”.

My interest in creativity is in several different areas:

Creativity as in the arts, whether it’s drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, pottery, sewing... and all the rest!

Creativity as in projects, thinking outside the box and problem solving. Understanding the creative process and nurturing it.

Creativity as in creating our life – choosing our thoughts, setting intentions, deciding what brings us the most joy, following our hearts and our dreams, listening to the energy that wants to be expressed in our life.

Creativity as in spirituality - Becoming conscious and connecting to that larger part of ourselves who is infinite and infinitely creative. Living life from this place.

Creativity as in sexuality - Our sexual energy is our life force energy is our creative force. Our sexual energy creates babies. Our sexual/creative energy creates projects, businesses, community, and everything else we “create” in our lives.

Creativity as in the cycles of nature - from seed to plant, from embryo to baby, from life to death, the cycles of the seasons, (from idea to completed project).

So was Spider saving me much thought and contemplation by providing me the answer to Jean Houston’s suggestion? Is the pattern that moves through my life “creativity”?

This ‘pattern’ shows up in several ways that come to mind right now. It is what led me to become a creativity coach, focus on intuitive drawing and painting, and take numerous art classes. It led me to Osho and his suggestion that if we are living as our higher self, allowing spirit to express through us, we are being creative. It has led me to sacred sexuality and tantra.

Is this ‘pattern’ meant to be my life’s work? (a life purpose doesn’t necessarily translate into what we think of as “work”.) If it IS meant to be my life’s work, how can it best be expressed? How can what I’ve learned so far best be of service to others?

I’ll wonder about these questions and watch what unfolds.

Questions for you:

What does “creativity” mean to you? What does this post bring up for you?

Alternatively, or in addition: What is a positive pattern that keeps showing up in your life that may give you clues to your own life purpose?

I'm looking forward to your comments, thoughts, feelings and feedback!

Namasté,

Lisa

♥

Wizard Wednesday 3/30/11 Appreciating the Magic in the Simple and the Extraordinary

2011-03-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

Appreciating the Magic in the

Simple and the Extraordinary

and sometimes those two distinctions

begin to blur and the simple IS the extraordinary.

Welcome to Wizard Wednesday! If you'd like some more information about Wizard Wednesday, check out this post.

-------------------------------------------------------

My Wizard Wednesday "list" for the week:

I've been traveling this week and have much to appreciate!

I especially love the "interaction" I experienced with two sweet little salamanders! (Salamander energy is all about transmutation and regeneration because they can regrow their tail and legs if they need to!) I was on a short hike and sitting beside a creek. I noticed one little salamander in the water and asked it to come see me. It did! Starting out on my right side, it actually swam and walked around the rocks and several minutes later ended up being directly in front of me. Another one followed it part way, so I had two salamanders facing me and looking up at me for quite awhile. I was surprised and thrilled! Thank you, Salamander!

What magical, wonderful things are on your list today?

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How to play Wizard Wednesday: Keep track of magical, fun, synchronistic events and experiences and share them here on the Wizard Wednesday posts! Feel free to post comments anytime, not just on Wednesdays. They can be small, seemingly trivial things, or big exciting things. It can be similar to a gratitude list or a rampage of appreciation. Many exclamation marks allowed! The important thing is that we are focusing on magic, fun and things that make us feel good. When we focus on them, we begin to see and experience more and more of them! What are you appreciating today? This week? (It can be just one thing!) Be brave and join in! Let's play! Namaste, Lisa ♥

Eckhart Tolle quote on Surrender

2011-03-24T20:10:00.000-07:00

I've posted this before, but have found it really helpful with the current world situation and within my own personal life.
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Don't look for peace. Don't look for any other state than the one you are in now; otherwise, you will set up inner conflict and unconscious resistance.

Forgive yourself for not being at peace. The moment you completely accept your non-peace, your non-peace becomes transmuted into peace. Anything you accept fully will get you there, will take you into peace. This is the miracle of surrender.

When you accept what is, every moment is the best moment. That is enlightenment.

From "Practicing the Power of Now", by Eckhart Tolle

Wizard Wednesday 3/23/11 Wizard's Visualizations

2011-03-23T07:35:00.000-07:00

“Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen.”

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

YOU are The Wizard!

Appreciating the Magic in the
Simple and the Extraordinary
and sometimes those two distinctions
begin to blur and the simple IS the extraordinary.

There is so much going on in the world. And with the changing of the cycles that we are experiencing, we may be in store for more. It is SO important to focus on the good and not stay in fear. I've felt fear myself the past couple of weeks. Though it does no one any good. I'm unable to help others, I'm unable to hear my own inner guidance clearly.

For me, focusing on what I can celebrate in my life is important to help me stay grounded and in an energy of appreciation and love. The place I want to be.

It does no good to deny the fear if you are feeling it however. You can't put a smily face on it. The first step in moving through it is realizing you are feeling it. Then being with it. Allowing it and having it be okay that it is there. "Yes, I am human, of course there is fear, however I can choose to let it go and have a different experience." THEN it can move through you. E-motions are Energy in Motion. Let the fear flow. You may also know tools that can help you move through emotions. EFT and The Sedona Method(R) are just two examples.

So back to appreciation and love. This is what Wizard Wednesday is about. Appreciation. Enjoyment. Synchronicity. Magic. Love.

The more you find things to rejoice in, the more keep showing up. And this is how we create our reality. What we focus on expands. So let's expand the love, magic, joy and appreciation showing up in our lives! and on Earth!

Sending much love and light to you, to those in Japan, those in the Middle East, to all of humanity. To Mother Earth and all her creatures and plants, as well.

I see a big sphere of love and light encircling and embracing the Earth and all her inhabitants.

~I'm appreciating organic fresh vegetables! All of the people associated with growing and transporting them. The sun, the moon, the wind, the rain for participating in their growth.

~I'm appreciating the abundant choices at the natural food store where I shop and the friendly, cheerful and helpful employees.

~I'm appreciating this amazing body I inhabit. (That I really need to treat better and take some time to stretch!)

For this week's Wizard Wednesday, please leave your visualizations, affirmations, blessings and prayers for Japan, humanity, Mother Earth and her creatures. Whatever arises in your heart.

Or leave one or two things you are appreciating today! Synchronicities, magic, simple, profound...

Many blessings to you,

Lisa

♥

From Sandra Ingerman on World Events

2011-03-16T18:08:00.000-07:00

This is so beautiful I wanted to pass it on.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From: Sandra Ingerman

Our hearts expand as we embrace the enormity of all the pain being suffered by the people and all living beings in Japan who have been impacted by the earthquake and the tsunami.

When we feel that our hearts are breaking as we watch levels of suffering in actuality our hearts are expanding allowing us to be stronger and deeper channels of love and light.

Let us journey deep within ourselves transcending our egos and experience the vastness of our spiritual light and love. In this way we become beacons of light and love for all of life in Japan. Let us expand our individual aura and become one with a spiritual pulsation and frequency to transform the radiation that is moving into the atmosphere.

Move out of a place of pity for the suffering you see and focus on the strong spirit of the people, all of life, and the land itself. In this way you project strength which leads to a foundation of support for all in need.

Let us sing songs of love and healing to the earth, the waters of the world, the air, and to the element of fire. Go outside and sing!

There is an extreme level of panic that is being "blasted" into the collective over the fear of radiation moving through our atmosphere.

Of course there are precautions we all must take on a physical level. But it is also important to remember that it is our egos that are moving into panic.

It is crucial right now that you do the spiritual work you have been practicing over the years. Take the time to find your center. Go out and spend lots of time in nature to center and refocus. Breathe deeply and remember that you are spiritual light and have all the tools and internal spiritual wisdom to guide you during this time.

As a global community we do have great power as we work together spiritually. Let us project a vision of healing and peace. Project a vision of cooling for the nuclear reactors and further disaster being avoided.

Do your transfiguration practice daily and throughout the day and experience yourself as divine light. Divine light has the power to transmute and transform all energies into healing energies. For thousands of years mystics and spiritual healers throughout the world have been using this way of working to transmute toxins and illness. Let us carry on the work that has shown itself to have so much potential for healing.

We must strengthen our spiritual connections so that we can always be open to receive spiritual information when we need it.

Spend a lot of time in nature connecting with the elements and the heartbeat of the earth. Reflect on how you can live a way of life that embraces beauty, harmony, honor and respect for all of life. When we as a collective start to live a harmonious way of life we will see the elements around us reflect back a state of harmony.

Learn to read the omens that nature will continue to show to help guide you.

We must learn to honor the rite of passage and initiation that humankind is going through. We are experiencing levels of death on many levels. Death is not an end but rather is a transition.

In the bible it says that without a vision the people will perish. We are the dreamers of our world. Part of living a spiritual way of life is to be able to surrender to our deep spiritual wisdom and be the dreamers to help birth a new vision of a healthy way of life. We need to be able to hold a vision that the collective can move towards as the old is dismembered. Reflect on the vision you want to be projecting into the world right now and make changes to your vision to lead to a desired outcome. Engage your imagination in a more focused way. Project the best for all of life.

Build up your spiritual muscles!

Let us together hold the planet in love.

Remember that the media moves on after covering environmental, political, and economic events. People and all of life are still suffering the effects of the earthquake in Haiti and in New Zealand, the oil spill in the Gulf, the floods in Australia, the extreme weather in the U.S. - these are just to name a few. People in the Middle East are still fighting for freedom.
All of life needs us to be a channel of light, love, and spiritual healing. We are one collective. We are not separate cultures, separate countries. We are going through an initiation together. Let us do our work and live our lives in a good way. That is how we can be in service to the whole.

During the full moon let us transfigure and experience our divine nature as we beam light and love throughout this great earth.

During the equinox remember the wonderful memories and dreams for your life and for the life of the planet. Project beauty into the collective. Plant seeds of love and beauty and inspiration in your inner garden so that they grow, blossom, and bear fruit here in our earth garden.

Most of all be a channel of love and light in behalf of all of life!

Wizard Wednesday 3/16/11 Appreciating the Magic in the Simple and the Extraordinary

2011-03-16T04:23:00.000-07:00

Appreciating the Magic in the

Simple and the Extraordinary
and sometimes those two distinctions

begin to blur and the simple IS the extraordinary.

The more you find things to rejoice in, the more keep showing up.

The bright yellow crocus are blooming!

-Bluebirds!

-Healing dreams.

-Breaking free.

-21 Secrets is now on sale! http://bit.ly/21Secrets 21 online, self-paced art classes, one by yours truly! Only $59! Available for four months April 1 - July 31. Take a few or all of them. Teachers are available for questions. Sign up now! :) More info and link to register: http://bit.ly/21Secrets Let's Play!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
How to play Wizard Wednesday:
Keep track of magical, fun, synchronistic events and experiences and share them here on the Wizard Wednesday posts! Feel free to post comments anytime, not just on Wednesdays.

They can be small, seemingly trivial things, or big exciting things. It can be similar to a gratitude list or a rampage of appreciation. Many exclamation marks allowed!

The important thing is that we are focusing on magic, fun and things that make us feel good. When we focus on them, we begin to see and experience more and more of them! What are you appreciating today? This week? (It can be just one thing!)

Be brave and join in!

Namaste,
Lisa
♥

Join 21 Secrets: An Art Journal Playground!

2011-03-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Wild Creative Heart™,

Another Secret is out!

Registration for 21 Secrets is STILL open!

Because the juju is so fabulous, Connie suggested, and the teachers agreed, that 21 Secrets needs to stay open longer than originally intended! YAY!

Registration lasts until Sept 30, and the workshops will be available until the end of 2011!

I know there is new content already being added to the workshops. And I'm doing much brainstorming and spirit-asking to discover what I may add as well!

Won't you join us?

A video "teaser" for my class can be found here.

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21 Secrets is online and self-paced.

For each class you will have at least one video (not downloadable) and one pdf file.

By registering for 21 SECRETS you receive ALL the 21 workshops at one time.
You are able to pick and choose which ones you dive into first.
The workshop is open 24/7--but will close for good on January 1, 2012.

Registration is STILL OPEN!

Look at the amazing classes being offered!

All for just $59!

____________________

Aimee Myers Dolich

of Artsyville

Three Little Words

Ever get stuck for inspiration or feel like your journal pages come out false and forced? I do quite often, and that's when I rely on word prompts to redirect my efforts. In this class we take the traditional word prompt up a notch by working with three at a time. We'll go fishing for strings of words, do a bunch of mini wordplay activities and then have a mixed media ruckus in our journals with the results. You might be surprised at what three little words can unleash on paper!

____________________

Alma Stoller

of Alma Stoller

Child's Play Workshop

Let's create resists, intricate patterns and one one-of-a-kind surface designs. In this 5 video workshop, I will show you numerous ways to create unique journal pages using children's toy, basic art supplies and found objects. This is an excellent class for both the beginner and experienced student.

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Barbara Nigg

of Creative Fires Studio

The Self Portrait Experience

Experience new ways to see yourself by creating mixed media self portraits. Together, we’ll explore our place in the world and the interplay of our deeper selves and outer lives by transforming memory and emotion into art. Using journaling exercises, very basic photography and poetry we will see ourselves through three lenses: MYSELF - who am I?; MYSELF and OTHERS - who am I in relationship?; and MYSELF AND THE WORLD - who am I in community? Self portraits increase self awareness by teaching you to see yourself through the eyes of an artist - with curiosity, creativity and compassion.

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Connie Hozvicka

of Dirty Footprints™ Studio

Abstract Adventure

Abstract painting is so much more than splashing paint around and playing with shape and line. Actually once your mind gets out of the way and you put your fears down to take a rest--abstract painting can feel like taking your creativity on an amusement park play date!! In Abstract Adventure we will take a brief tour through Abstract Art History, focus on ways to loosen up and let go with the paintbrush, and have fun examining how color, texture, line, and shape can come together passionately to express your heart and soul beautifully! Let’s get wild! Let’s get crazy! Let’s take an Abstract Adventure together!

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Debra Cooper

of A Little Imagination & A Pile Of Junk

Playing With Patterns

Learn how to layer hand painted, stamped and stenciled images to create your own richly intricate patterned papers and fabrics for use in your art journal. We will be playing with commercial and handmade stamps and stencils as well as acrylic and spray paint to channel your inner graffiti artist and create lovely designs that are uniquely you! We will also discuss ideas for incorporating these designs into your visual journaling, whatever your style. You may never buy patterned paper again!

____________________

Erin Kenepp

of Erin Kenepp Mixed Media Art

Becoming Brave

Have you ever heard the saying that we are our own worst critic? Do you struggle with the negative voices? I'm here to remind you that you are not perfect, none of us are. But, we can all strive to be the best version of ourselves by being fearless! Inspired by my most recent art journal project Becoming Brave, I will guide you through the beginning steps to create your own fearless art journal incorporating four sections about being fearless in life, love, work, and the body. By creating a fearless journal, I hope you will find strength and understanding and the courage to express yourself freely in your pages. I will support you along the way and encourage you to look deep inside yourself and find the confidence you have been searching for!

____________________

Goddess Leonie

of Goddess Guidebook

Connect with the Goddess inside you...

In this workshop we'll be doing a guided meditation to connect with the gorgeous, glowing, wise, creative goddess inside us... and then creating a beautiful intuitive journal page with her and her wisdom. This soulful technique will create both a gorgeous journal page... and a powerful thing to do whenever you need wise reminders from the Goddess in You.

____________________

Gretchen Miller

of Gretchen Miller

ready for revo’lution!

This workshop will empower you to use art journaling to create your very own revo’lution! Explore concepts of transformation, creating change, and invite intentions of new possibilities through the power of collage, mixed media, journaling prompts & more. Embrace your revo’lutionary spirit to imagine, create or reclaim your ideas into action! What will your revo’lution look like?

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Heather Plett

of Sophia Leadership

Body Art Journaling

It's time to put your Belly Love and your Art Journal Love all in one place!

This workshop will challenge you to be a little more free with your body while you do your art. It will help you reach down deep into the places in your body that have been told for too long that they are not beautiful. Your body will rejoice to be treated with kindness and respect as you incorporate it into your art-making process.

Your body is beautiful, your art is beautiful, now put the two together!

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Ingrid Murray

of My Peacetree

Beautiful You, Radiant You

We spend a great deal of time focused on the external happenings of our lives, yet often neglect to explore our own dreams, needs, and souls. Join me in dedicating a few hours to amazing you - we'll investigate and celebrate all your one of a kind wonderfulness! Learn how to create mandalas, use symbolism, tuck away secrets, and employ other techniques to bring your unique self into your art journal pages. Step by step instruction, writing and artistic prompts, and a great dose of inspiration included!

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Jane Davenport

of Jane Davenport

Drawing Happy

"I Can't Draw!" is a lament I hear so often (that's why stamps are so popular, right!). Listen to me...if cavemen could draw, then you, who has mastered an ipod, microwave and email can do this! As a professional artist who creates artwork drawn from my imagination every day, I still have to find my way into the work. I have a bunch of tricks and tool recommendations that will warm you up, help open the floodgates to your imagination and your natural drawing style. Art, just like life, doesn't have to be 'serious' to be meaningful!

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Jeniffer Hutchins

of Joyful Arts Studio

Emotional Evolution

Grab your art journal--it's time for an Emotional Evolution!! Let's turn fear into opportunity, doubt into joy, and frustration into anticipation! In Emotional Evolution we will learn the incredible, transformational power of dumping it all onto the page--with just a bit of paint and a pen, we can open the door to positive change! Knock! Knock!

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Kelley Brown

of Art Journaling As A Creative Process

Adding Dimension

This workshop will demonstrate how to make pockets, envelopes, pop-ups, flaps, doors and windows to add depth and dimension to your journal pages. Along with the techniques we will explore ways to use dimension to maximize expression (both artistic expression and expression of self).

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Lisa Dieken

of Wild Creative Heart

The Fragrant Art Journal

Imagine if your art journal was not only beautiful to look at and fun to touch but also awakened your spirit through the sense of smell. In The Fragrant Art Journal we will discover the why and how of creating a Fragrant Art Journal through specific techniques and a variety of fun ideas that will inspire you to create an art journal that stirs all the senses!

____________________

Lisa Wilson

of Life Unity

YOGA + ART: Journaling into Awareness

Find your foundation, play with intention, and express YOUrself! By combining the tools of art journaling and yoga, you will begin an exploration on how awareness both on the page as well as the “yoga mat” can transform mundane life – even the laundry - into something magical.

In this unique workshop, Lisa Wilson, a registered Yoga Teacher, gently guides you through very basic yoga poses that will lead you to a deeper connection with your body. Then you will transfer this heightened state of awareness to the journal page--fully expressing yourselves creatively through paint and other fun art supplies. All you need is an art journal and a body- yoga mat, previous experience, or flexibility not required!!

____________________

Natasha Reilly

of Creative Nachos

Improvisation Station

When you toss out the standard, boring ways we all define ourselves and adapt some of the basic principles found in improv classes to your page, you will be better able to listen to your intuition and create an art journal spread you’ll want to share with the World.

I assure you that you will not only surprise yourself but you’ll have a blast basking in your awesomeness as you mix improv with dazzling color, collage elements and inspired words. In the end you will have an art journal spread so stinkin’ fabulous, you’ll confidently want to shout from the mountaintops, “That’s right. I’m rockin’ awesome!”

____________________

Rachel Whetzel

of A Year In The Life Of An Art Journal

Silent Messages: how saying nothing can say it all....

Have you ever experienced something that you wanted to create a page about? Did the idea that someone might see that page and read your journaling stop you from creating that page? Have you ever stopped yourself from creating a page because the content was too sad? Do you feel like all you can only share your pages if they are happy?If you answered yes to any of those questions, this is a class you won't want to miss. Sometimes the word art JOURNAL can lead us to feeling like we need to have writing on all of our pages explaining what our page is about. Truthfully, there are a lot of times when journaling leaves us over exposed, and so rather than putting things on paper, we choose not to journal at all. In this class, you will learn ways to share your story without using journaling. As part of your UNjournaling exploration, I will share a technique using Creative Paperclay as a medium to add texture to your pages. We'll explore the use of single words on a page to trigger for YOU the moment you were in, and allow the silent message speak to others in whatever way they can relate. Even in art journaling, sometimes less is actually MORE. Join Rachel Whetzel in exploring new areas of creating that free you to say what you need to without spilling your guts in public.

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Silky Hart

of Expressive Hart

Paint Writing

Feel the rhythm and beauty of your own handwriting – like brush strokes zigzagging across the page of sky and earth in a calligraphy that shows the way to your soul. Playing with ink, watercolor, writing techniques and poetry, you’ll learn simple yet stunning ways to let paint fly onto the page from your own creative wellspring. You’ll come away with an exquisite little handmade journal of your own poetic artistry.

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Tamara Laporte

of Willowing

Collage, Paint & Soul

In this lesson you will learn how to create a 'paint over collage' painting covering many layer and mixed media techniques as well as looking at composition and collage. Additionally there will be a healing/ personal growth theme attached to this lesson encouraging you to get in touch with deeper parts of your soul which will assist you on your own personal healing journey.

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Tammy Garcia

of Daisy Yellow

URBAN LAYER CAKE

Get absolutely insane on your art journal pages with urban grunge! We will turn a blank white page into a textured, infinitely chaotic art journal background. Perfectionism simply cannot interfere when your goal is grunge!

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Violette Clark

of Violette’s Creative Juice

Me And My Shadow

The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek. ~ Joseph Campbell

We all have a shadow - a dark side of ourselves that we often run away from or deny. Little do we know that great riches lie in embracing the shadow and integrating the dark side of ourselves. Allowing it proper expression is the key to happiness. Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell spoke about the shadow and it's importance in our lives. What better way to explore our shadow side but through art journaling? In this workshop we'll be creating a two page spread on the shadow excavating our souls in the process. We'll create 2 pages, one of the shadow and one the face we portray to the outside world using a variety of techniques. We'll be using the page as a vessel to house our innermost thoughts and feelings.

________________________

Wow! I hope I have time to take the classes too! :)

Register Here!

Recap:
21 Secrets is online and self-paced.
For each class you will have at least one video and one pdf file.
Take all of the classes or just a few.
Teachers will be available online to answer any questions.

21 amazing classes for only $59!
Registration begins March 14 and the doors open on April 1 and will be open for the rest of 2011.

I hope you will join us!
Let's P L A Y !
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

All 21 Secrets members will be receiving a 25% discount on all my sessions, intensives and mentorships April 1 - July 31! More info about my sessions: http://www.WildCreativeHeart.com/PartnerSpirit.htm

Video teaser for my 21 Secrets class!

2011-03-13T10:28:00.000-07:00

Registration opens tomorrow, Monday, March 14!
For 21 Secrets: An Art Journal Playground

The Fragrant Art Journal
Imagine if your art journal was not only beautiful to look at and fun to touch but also awakened your spirit through the sense of smell. In The Fragrant Art Journal we will discover the why and how of creating a Fragrant Art Journal through specific techniques and a variety of fun ideas that will inspire you to create an art journal that stirs all the senses!

Creative Nacho's Thursday Sweet Treat

2011-03-10T11:38:00.001-08:00

Oh look! The Wizard Wednesday post is featured over at Natasha Reilly's Creative Nachos!

Natasha has created Thursday Sweet Treat on her blog. She says, "When you run your own business or blog, it can sometimes be hard to muster the energy to create after a day or week of promoting. So, each Friday I share a theme and the following Thursday, talented, professionals share their interpretation of that theme. It’s amazing how many different ways there are to look at one idea."

So head on over to Tasha's place and check out the other amazing artists participating this week! She also reveals the theme for next week!

Thanks, Tasha!

Love!

Wizard Wednesday 3/9/11 Appreciating the Magic in the Simple and the Extraordinary

2011-03-09T06:53:00.000-08:00

Appreciating the Magic in the

Simple and the Extraordinary
and sometimes those two distinctions

begin to blur and the simple IS the extraordinary.

The more you find things to rejoice in, the more keep showing up.

Welcome to Wizard Wednesday!
If you'd like some more information about Wizard Wednesday, check out this post.
-------------------------------------------------------
My Wizard Wednesday "list" for the week:

I'm writing this late afternoon on Tuesday after returning from a short hike. It has been cloudy and chilly the past couple of days. Monday morning we woke up to a glaze of ice over everything.
When I arrived at the trailhead I found myself in delightful awe. As I hiked, I was speechless and perhaps breathless from the beauty. I often stopped and took in the scene and I wonder if my jaw dropped open every time I stopped, and even when I didn't! I wanted to take it all in, down to the smallest details. I wanted to make sure I remembered this.

What was so delightful? Moisture in the air is rare here in arid Colorado so it was a surprise to find the rolling hillsides of yellow-old grasses covered in a thick frost. And the few green pine trees and leafless rabbit brush shrubs had a coating of white frost as well. The frost was thickly built up, mostly just on one side of the branches of the shrubs, and took the shape of all of the tiny little shoots going off in all directions. The tops of the grasses and the needles on the trees were like this as well. Some places the frost was built up thicker than others.

As I hiked through the hills and the trees, the colors amazed me: White, yellow-gold, green, the blue sky as it cleared. On this day, the colors seemed more vibrant and vivid than ever. I appreciated the clouds breaking up after a few dark days, but it felt especially magical in this landscape. The usual scene had been transformed into magnificence. As if it wasn't magnificent enough.

There was only a faint outline of the distant hills and mountains because of the moisture still hanging in the air. The farthest mountains were still shrouded in the clouds and haze. Bright sky blue was growing larger and larger as the clouds dissipated and the landscape and atmosphere brightened.

And silence. It's always amazing to me to be out when there are no breezes blowing because it can be so s.i.l.e.n.t. Shhhh..... except for a few chickadees twittering, the sound of the air being forced by the wings of the flying crow overhead, the gentle falling of the frost off of the trees to the ground, the cry of the crow now and then, and once, the coyotes howling and yelping in the distance.. except for this delicious nature music, the silence.

It was an uncommon hike that gave me the gift of making it easy to stop my thoughts, open my heart and rest in the present moment.

I'm not sure I could've asked for a more magical experience.

Thank you, Wizard.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
How to play Wizard Wednesday:

Keep track of magical, fun, synchronistic events and experiences and share them here on the Wizard Wednesday posts! Feel free to post comments anytime, not just on Wednesdays.

They can be small, seemingly trivial things, or big exciting things. It can be similar to a gratitude list or a rampage of appreciation. Many exclamation marks allowed!

The important thing is that we are focusing on magic, fun and things that make us feel good. When we focus on them, we begin to see and experience more and more of them! What are you appreciating today? This week? (It can be just one thing!)

Be brave and join in! Let's play!

Namaste,
Lisa
♥

Calling in the Forces... the spiritual forces, that is!

2011-03-05T06:40:00.000-08:00

In a bit of a panic Thursday night, I called in the forces... the spiritual forces that is...

I experienced a wonderful vision:

First I was on a boat on a river and was using the oars to gently guide my way downstream. No hard paddling. No hard work. Simply going with the flow and making minor adjustments now and then. (I was assured that this IS what I am doing and I was acknowledged for it.)

Then I was floating in the pristine, calm, warm ocean, and was reminded that I'm

deeply

and

always

s.u.p.p.o.r.t.e.d

I felt Dolphin, Whale, Sea Turtle and Sea Horse there, and experienced the sense that if I ever felt like I was going to sink,

they

would

there

hold

up.

♥ ♥ ♥

If only we could comprehend the teams of Helpers that are guiding us, supporting us, and unconditionally loving us.

If only we could remember that we are mostly Spirit and how crazy powerful that makes us. (In a good way.)

Whether you think of the Helpers as somehow separate from you, which to me is helpful and makes things fun and interesting... or you think of these Helpers as a very real part of YOU... which they are... it makes no difference. The help, the support, the love is there. Tap into it. Open up to it. Allow it. Receive it. Relax into it.

You'll be amazed and delighted at the magic that ensues.

Love,

Lisa

♥

Wizard Wednesday 3/2/11 Appreciating the simple and the magical

2011-03-02T16:52:00.000-08:00

~Shadows on the snowdrifts

~Snow, and watching it melt quickly. We received a few inches of snow this past week, but it melted quickly in the warm sunshine.

~I signed up for an herbal correspondence course! About 7 years ago, after I finished a several month herbal apprenticeship, I was going to sign up for this course to continue my studies, but for some reason, never did. Synchronistic events led me to sign up for it. And I can hear the plants calling me! I was surprised and happy that the course is still available.

~Contacting old friends

~Living in Colorado

~Mountains

~The reflection on the setting sun on the lake

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
How to play Wizard Wednesday:

Keep track of magical, fun, synchronistic events and experiences and share them here on the Wizard Wednesday posts! Feel free to post comments anytime, not just on Wednesdays.

They can be small, seemingly trivial things, or big exciting things. It can be similar to a gratitude list or a rampage of appreciation. Many exclamation marks allowed!

The important thing is that we are focusing on magic, fun and things that make us feel good. When we focus on them, we begin to see and experience more and more of them! What are you appreciating today? This week? (It can be just one thing!)

Be brave and join in! Let's play!

Namaste,
Lisa
♥

Embracing the New

2011-02-28T07:45:00.000-08:00

I am feeling inspired to share this. It is a great message for those of us going through transitions in our personal lives, as well as for all of us as humanity goes through this huge evolutionary transition. Rather than be in fear, embrace the new.

This is an excerpt from an article in the lastest newsletter from Sanaya Roman who channels a being called Orin.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From Orin channeled by Sanaya Roman
Embracing the New

The future always brings change, and being open to accept and embrace change, new ideas, and people into your life allows you to grow through joy rather than through pain or crisis.

Embracing the new is believing that the future holds joy and promise. It is knowing that your true, innermost Self is always looking out for you. It means having an attitude of openness and receptivity to change. As you strengthen your connection to your innermost Self things are always going to get better, even if it may not seem so at the time.

When you embrace the new with this attitude, wonderful opportunities will unfold in your life that you never even dreamed were possible.

Connect with your Divine Self and open to the joy of what lies ahead for today or even during the next hour. Affirm that you are ready to embrace the new.

Release any predetermined pictures of what your day might be like and experience the day fresh, allowing things to be different from what you might have expected or planned. Decide to be more spontaneous and open to all possibilities as they unfold.

Contact LuminEssence for more information at http://www.orindaben.com

P.O. Box 1310, Medford, OR 97501 Telephone (541) 770- 6700

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You may want to check out their website if you never have before. I know there are free short guided meditations from Orin available. If you don't resonate with it, simply let it go.

Namasté,
Lisa

♥

Encounter with Deer

2011-02-26T12:01:00.000-08:00

A couple years ago, I had an experience of being the focus of attention of a herd of deer while on a hike. Imagine rocky red hills with a few pine trees, a few cacti, some grasses and shrubs and large loose boulders with rock exposed in places as well. (I wish I was a better writer and could give you a better description!)

I had found a place to sit on a gently sloped hill and noticed deer off in the distance, on the next hill. The place where I sat was sloped so I couldn't see all of the hillside, so though the deer were walking toward me, I didn't realize it until they were really close. More and more of them came closer.

Before long, there were 20 or more deer standing there watching me as I sat there and they were not more than 15 or 20 feet away.

At one point I noticed a young deer running down the next hill and apparently up the one I was on (remember I couldn't see the entire hillside) and suddenly she was there with the rest of them. She came forward stretching her neck and looking curious about what all the other deer were looking at. It was so sweet.

Sometimes one of the deer would come a little closer to me, then back up.

I'm not even sure how long this lasted. Maybe 5 or 10 minutes?

Then, very suddenly, one of them snorted and stamped her foot and in an *instant* they all turned and ran off in all directions in a cloud of red-brown dust! It happened FAST.

They didn't run far and resumed their grazing on the grass and shrubs, glancing over at me as if they were wondering why their commotion didn't cause me to run off too.

I remember sitting as still as possible as this was all occurring and wondering what they were thinking or what were they experiencing with me sitting there. I remember wanting to take in everything about what was occurring. I didn't want to miss anything about it. Something really big was happening. This was a hiking area with many people and so why the curiousity with me on this day? I felt that Spirit was sending me a message.

The Spirit of Deer has been around me, perhaps before this incident, but definitely after this experience.

What beautiful gentleness and unconditional love to have with me.

Thank you, Deer.

{deep bow}

Wizard Wednesday 2/23/11 Appreciating the simple and the magical

2011-02-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

"Rejoicing in ordinary things is not sentimental or trite. It actually takes guts. Each time we drop our complaints and allow everyday good fortune to inspire us, we enter the warrior's world." — Pema Chödrön

The more you find things to rejoice in, the more keep showing up. And that makes life more enjoyable!

Welcome to Wizard Wednesday!
If you'd like some more information about Wizard Wednesday, check out this post.
-------------------------------------------------------
My Wizard Wednesday list:

~ I'm SO excited about the winner of my gift for Art Journal LOVE Day: Yolanda at Artist in Training. Her blog and attitude are refreshing and uplifting! I especially like the quote she has : "Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." Thanks to Connie at Dirty Footprints Studio for hosting this fabulous LOVE event!

~I experienced the most magical Sunday. From the oracle cards I drew in the morning to the shamanic journey I was guided to do in the evening, it all fit together so beautifully!

~Hearing a muscian playing a guitar at the wetlands/park where I sometimes walk! It was beautiful. Wouldn't mind it if he was there playing more often! ;o) A little addition to the already beautiful music of nature!

~Simple things like sunshine, owls, walking, the fragrances of my favorite essential oils, talking with friends and sharing in their excitement, inspiring ideas, intuition, libraries, ordering new parts for my blender (smile!)...

That's my list for this week. What one or two things are you appreciating today?
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
How to play Wizard Wednesday:

Keep track of magical, fun, synchronistic events and experiences and share them here on the Wizard Wednesday posts! Feel free to post comments anytime, not just on Wednesdays.

They can be small, seemingly trivial things, or big exciting things. It can be similar to a gratitude list or a rampage of appreciation. Many exclamation marks allowed!

The important thing is that we are focusing on magic, fun and things that make us feel good. When we focus on them, we begin to see and experience more and more of them! What are you appreciating today? This week? (It can be just one thing!)

Be brave and join in! Let's play!

Namaste,
Lisa
♥

'Joy' from Elixers of Life Cards

2011-02-22T09:28:00.000-08:00

Among the several online oracle card decks found at http://www.lightworker.com/inspire/cards.php are the Elixirs of Life Cards by James Richardson. How appropriate that I recently drew the Joy card.

Our imagination is so very powerful. Here we are using it to engulf ourselves in the flame of joy at our core. If you try this, let me know how it works for you.

With joy,

Lisa

♥

4. Joy
Joy is your natural state. Learn to feel the joy at your core.

Once you develop a habit of feeling the joy, all other pursuits in your life will be easier. Turn your life upside down. Find the happiness right now, inside you, then merrily pursue the rest at your leisure. This is the secret of a master.

Four Steps to Joy

Step 1. At the core of you is a flame - the flame of joy.
When you imagine your joy as a flame, you are reaching into other dimensions to reconnect with this ever-present joy and consequently feel more of it in this realm.

Step 2. Close your eyes and imagine bypassing all other thoughts and feelings to get to this flame. You might pause briefly at other feelings along the way to the central flame of joy.

Step 3. Imagine how the flame looks. Feel the joy that emanates from it. Where in your body do you see the flame? Maybe your belly. Try experimenting with the flame. Imagine it growing large, engulfing you entirely. Imagine the flame changing colors. See the intricate workings of the base around the flame.

Step 4. Continue to focus on the joy emanating from the flame. As you do so, you will find your level of joy increases. No matter how the world is faring, you can find the joy within. Then continue on your journey with your tank overflowing with joy. What power you have over your experience in life.

What if I can't feel this flame of joy?
If you're unable to feel the joy then you're not yet connecting with your joy aspect in the upper realms. Your imagination is a path to this connection. Engage your imagination by gazing at the colorful image on the joy card. Let it inspire you.

Also look at your beliefs around happiness. Many people have deeply rooted beliefs that they can only be truly happy once their needs are met and their problems disappear. Often these needs don't even serve them to begin with.

The truth is joy is available to you at any time. People on their deathbed experience joy. People in the midst of great trauma can feel joy. Newborn babies are aglow with joy. Let go of the belief that anything in the world is between you and your joy.

“I claim my joy. I choose to reach across the dimensions and connect to my eternal flame of joy. By doing so, joy flows freely into me.”

Now turn down the lights, fire up your imagination, and feel that flame. And.... keep going. Get out of your head and down into your belly. Feel the other feelings then move beyond them to get to the joy.

If you're a tough nut to crack, you might be saying 'I feel something but it's fuzzy'. Well honor that fuzziness and repeat the process once a day minimum for the next week. Place the joy card in your pocket and pull it out whenever you get the chance. Then come back and tell us what's not working :)

En-joy Dear One. You are deeply loved for the role you play and we rejoice in being beside you each day.

Month of Hearts

2011-02-19T18:28:00.000-08:00

Michelle Geoffroy of The Creative Healing Studio is hosting the "Month of Hearts" this month.

I wanted to participate at least one day!

This photo was taken at the beginning of February when we still had snow on the ground.

Wizard Wednesday 2/16/11

2011-02-16T09:32:00.000-08:00

If you are here to find out about Art Journal Love Day and what my gift is in the fantabulous giveaway... Hello! Thank you for stopping by! Check out this post for the information you are seeking!

If you are here for Wizard Wednesday "Hello and Welcome" to you as well!

"Rejoicing in ordinary things is not sentimental or trite. It actually takes guts. Each time we drop our complaints and allow everyday good fortune to inspire us, we enter the warrior's world." — Pema Chödrön

The sun shining and the snow blowing on the Continental Divide

Elk, Elk and more Elk. I love that I had the attention of the little one.

Snow drifts and shadows

Beautiful view of Long's Peak (the tallest) and the Continental Divide:

That's my list for this week. What one or two things are you appreciating today?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
How to play Wizard Wednesday:

Keep track of magical, fun, synchronistic events and experiences and share them here on the Wizard Wednesday posts! Feel free to post comments anytime, not just on Wednesdays.

They can be small, seemingly trivial things, or big exciting things. It can be similar to a gratitude list or a rampage of appreciation. Many exclamation marks allowed!

The important thing is that we are focusing on magic, fun and things that make us feel good. When we focus on them, we begin to see and experience more and more of them! What are you appreciating today? This week? (It can be just one thing!)

Be brave and join in! Let's play!

Namaste,
Lisa
♥

Art Journal LOVE Day

2011-02-14T05:55:00.000-08:00

Art Journal LOVE Day!

Celebrating Dirty Footprints Studio & Connie Hozvicka's very first online workshop, catapulting her into living her dreams!

Connie says, "Last year, on Valentine's Day, I launched my very first online workshop: Art Journal LOVE Letters. To me it was a lot more than just an online class--it was me putting real action into living my dream of being a self-sufficient Artist and Teacher. To my surprise it did really well and provided me with the confidence to move forward in following my dreams full heartedly. "

Way to go, Connie! Congratulations on your 1 year Anniversary of real action in following your dreams! What an amazing woman, artist and courageous one you are!

So what does this mean for YOU?

A giveaway! Go to Connie Hozvicka's Dirty Footprints Studio to find out the details!

You'll find gifts from many fabulous teachers and people including:
Andrea Schroeder of ABCcreativity
Barbara Nigg of Creative Fires Studio
Brandi Reynolds of Joy Rebellion
Connie Hozvicka of Dirty Footprints Studio
Darrah Parker of Darrah Parker Photography
Goddess Leonie of Goddess Guidebook
Lisa Dieken of Wild Creative Heart that's me!
Lisa Wilson of Life Unity
Natasha Reilly of Creative Nachos
Robyn Lindsey of An Empowered Life
Silky Hart of Expressive Hart
Tamara Laporte of Willowing
Tracie Hanson of My Blooming Life
Violette Clark of Violette's Creative Juice

So head on over to Dirty Footprints Studio to find out the details of how to enter into the giveaway... hint: it has to do with creating your own blog page celebrating your Art Journal LOVE!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Are you wondering what MY GIFT for a lucky winner is going to be?

I'm excited to be giving away a Partnering with Spirit™ Session!
A half hour telephone session (long distance charges may apply) or an email reading, you choose. (A value of $55!) Let's see what Spirit has to share with you as she moves through me. Ask a question about your creativity, how to move forward if you are feeling stuck, inquire into relationship issues, or anything else weighing on your heart or your mind. You might want to just ask, "What do I need right now?"
More information about Partnering with Spirit™ sessions
You might also be interested in what people are saying about the sessions.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My Art Journal LOVE is fresh and new... Though I have kept a journal for many years, and have drawn and painted for many years, the art in my journals hasn't gone much beyond doodles, though I will have to say some of the doodles can be pretty fun and interesting! I'm pretty new to this art form, so please be gentle as I show my collage since I'm new to collage as well!

Here is my fresh and new LOVE for art journaling:

I did this on a piece of cardstock that I will place in my journal. It was so fun creating it, because it pretty much created itself. The items that wanted to be in the collage showed up and it just fell together!

The best part was I had the sense a rabbit wanted to be in the collage. I was pretty sure the small stack of magazine clippings didn't have a rabbit. I had an inner nudge to check my housemates' recycling bin. Sure enough THERE in one of the catalogs was this rabbit! Wasn't exactly how I imagined it however!

And I fell in love with the barn owl from the same catalog. I thought it might go up toward the top, but it didn't want to go up there. I set it aside thinking it wasn't going to work. I continued working on the collage and the picture of the owl pretty much landed in this spot and I was a bit shocked at how it was attacking the poor rabbit. Interesting how it and the rabbit are nearly the same width as the gift too! I hesitated doing this because I didn't want this fierceness next to the sweet yawning baby. However, since it was placed on the gift I decided it could only be good!

I did converse with this collage to find out more about what it might mean, but I will spare you that information since this blog post is long enough!

Please join in the fun of the Art Journal LOVE Day giveaway!

Deep Joy

2011-02-11T09:17:00.000-08:00

Joy and pleasure. What a beautiful theme to be weaving through my days. Just a couple days ago I posted an article about what my Guides had told me about experiencing more joy and pleasure, wondered about the idea of joy being uncomfortable for some us and asked you to be willing to be uncomfortable with it for awhile in order to embody it.

My guides suggested that I inhabit my body. Open to my senses. (The post can be found here: Do you have the Habit of Joy?)

Shortly after I posted that article I was led to this quote by David Deida, author and spiritual growth and sacred intimacy teacher. In this quote he is speaking directly to women.

Whether alone or in relationship, your spiritual and sexual bliss require a daily allotment of whole-body pleasure and deep heart offering, or else your joy will shrivel like an unwatered plant.
~David Deida

My Guides suggested opening to our senses. Inhabiting our bodies. Opening to life. They were suggesting this whole-body pleasure that Deida speaks of. Remember we aren't referring to sex only, although that certainly can be some wonderful whole-body pleasure!

Think about it: when people are asked, "What brings you joy?" How often do they answer that a certain type of sensual pleasure brings them joy? Isn't it usually something like my children, my partner, my pet, traveling, being in nature, yoga, creative endeavors?

But what if we focused more deeply: feeling the warmth of the sun, the smells, textures, tastes of what we eat and drink, taking our time applying body lotion and using lotion that has a smell we adore. Noticing and taking in the light, shadows and colors wherever we happen to be. Noticing how our body loves to move and stretch. Having fabrics around our living spaces and work spaces that appeal to our sense of touch as well as visually. Painting with our hands to have that experience be more sensual.

As we have these experiences and pay attention to them, try opening to receive the input rather than intently focusing on it. Allow the color, taste, sound or fragrance to come to us so we are receiving its energy rather than our energy moving to it. Like watching a candle flame and allowing ourselves to be bathed in the light rather than reaching our sight and energy to the flame. Open to our senses.

Start your day by being willing to experience more sensual pleasure in your life. Be in your body, stop for a few moments to feel the sun on your face, to hear the birds chirping, to smell the roses! What whole-body pleasures are you willing to experience?

Deep joy, a joy that truly comes from within and is grounded and strong, is cultivated and nourished by opening up to our senses and living more sensual lives.

I'm having a delicious experience. Let me know how it goes with you!

With Deep Joy,
Lisa

(c) 2011, All Rights Reserved

Wizard Wednesday 2/9/11

2011-02-09T08:05:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Wizard Wednesday!

What is Wizard Wednesday?
~It is a chance to take notice and immerse yourself in all of the magic that occurs in your life experience every day.

~It is a opportunity to wake up and recognize the seemingly small and trivial things that occur that make life enchanting, joyful... that make life worth living and bring meaning.

~It is recognizing what a miracle it is to be in the right place at the right time to hear the joyful laughter of a child, to see a gorgeous sunset, to hear the crunch of snow beneath your feet, to be in the arms of your lover.

~Wizard Wednesday is also about celebrating the things that feel "big" to us: new opportunities that come our way, new jobs, new beginnings and the endings that go with them.

~It is a gratitude list. A "Rampage of Appreciation".

~Wizard Wednesday is celebrating the magic of synchronicity that occurs...

~and the "signs" that life is constantly bringing to us, are you paying attention?
-------------------------------------------------------
How has the magic of The Wizard shown up in your life this past week? What magical, synchronistic, small and delightful, or maybe awesome events have occurred in your life that you'd like to share and celebrate? What signs have you received? What wonderful things do you have to appreciate in your life experience?
-------------------------------------------------------
Some items for me this week:
~Feathers. Feathers in my journeys, feathers in photos and paintings.

~Walking in the snow and cold. Hearing and feeling the crunch of the snow, feeling my cheeks get cold. Feeling the cold air in my nose and my mouth. Invigorating!

~My guides came to me during meditation to offer an alternate procedure for one of my clients in order for the client to receive the most benefit of the healing. Love that this happens!

~Knitting. I only started knitting a couple years ago and yet it still feels magical to me. I love how creating knots can be so beautiful and I love watching the progress.

~Breathing with my whole body. Opening.

~Knowing that the only way I can change is by accepting who I am right now.

~Allowing the edges of who I think I am to fade, dissolve.

~There is more happening around saying Yes, pleasure, joy. What a beautiful theme to be running through my life!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
How to play Wizard Wednesday:

Keep track of magical, fun, synchronistic events and experiences and share them here on the Wizard Wednesday posts! Feel free to post comments anytime, not just on Wednesdays.

They can be small, seemingly trivial things, or big exciting things. It can be similar to a gratitude list or a rampage of appreciation. Many exclamation marks allowed!

The important thing is that we are focusing on magic, fun and things that make us feel good. When we focus on them, we begin to see and experience more and more of them! What are you appreciating today? This week? (It can be just one thing!)

Be brave and join in! Let's play!

Namaste,
Lisa
♥

Do you have the Habit of Joy?

2011-02-08T11:41:00.000-08:00

Dear Wild Creative Heart™,

Joy and pleasure have been on my mind. My intention for DEEP has been to experience more joy. My Spirit Guides had urged me to ask questions about joy and pleasure for the New Year. (check-in posted yesterday)

So when the idea of pushing the edge and going to places that make us uncomfortable in order to grow and be our best selves was brought to my attention... I wondered, could it be that JOY makes us uncomfortable? Could we have the habit of unhappiness? What if our best self is that which is in JOY!?

In my Kaizen-Muse Creativity Coaching™ training we learned about self-sabotage and how some of us, depending on the environment we grew up in, learn to feel comfortable with unhappiness. For some of us, the feeling of success and happiness can feel unfamiliar and uncomfortable. (I learned that it typically happens in homes where the parents are struggling and unhappy, whether with us as children, or with their own life circumstances. This is during the time in our life when our brain is developing and it gets imprinted, so to speak, with this unhappiness and struggle. It is what we then feel is normal and therefore becomes comfortable.)

I know, it sounds strange, but when you stop to wonder about it, it makes so much sense. Life experiences, whether in childhood or adulthood, can cause us to get used to pain and struggle, so much so that it feels like the norm. Our egos also enjoy struggle and pain... it gets addicting and our pain body that Eckhart Tolle speaks of, uses every opportunity to feed on unhappiness, emotional turmoil and struggle.

I can certainly see where I feel a familiarity with unhappiness and the idea of not being enough. And I can see where my dear pain body relishes emotional pain and suffering. I also recognize in myself, especially after a difficult three years, where joy feels strange, and perhaps something that is not for me.

So I decided that it was time to ask Spirit.
------------------------------------------------

Spirit, help me understand joy and pleasure and what is keeping me from experiencing more of it. How can I increase my upper limit of joy and pleasure?

Lisa, stop asking so many questions. In your thirst for understanding, you rarely take the time to enjoy. You are always diving into questions, wanting to understand, wanting more knowledge, more wisdom... Analyzing and taking things apart in order to understand. Wanting to know how different theories overlap and how they are different.

You have a desire to be your best. To stretch yourself, to be the best you. There is nothing wrong with that. It is good.

We want you to Sit and enjoy. Walk and enjoy. Cook and enjoy. Eat and enjoy. Create and enjoy.
No analyzing. No wanting to be better or more. Just doing it.

You are uncomfortable with this.
You have a habit of this thirst for knowledge and desire for improvement.
There is a belief, a habit, of "if only I would be better, understand more, I will be happy, more fulfilled." (note: I thought I was over that!)
There is a belief that there is a necessity to learn more, as if you could ever understand everything. (note: whew.. Is there a belief that I could understand everything? Yikes.)
There is a belief that to be a good teacher you must understand it all. (note: is that belief still there?)

Enough already. Enough. Stop asking so many questions. Stop trying to understand, improve, be better.

Inhabit your body. Be there fully. Take in the sights, sounds, fragrance, colors, textures, tastes.
Open up to what is around you. Open up to life!

--------------------------------------------------------

It is a trap that those of us who want to be our best can fall into. We love to learn and are so good at recognizing where we can improve. We want our dreams to come true and it seems we are willing to do everything possible. (Even when wise ones share with us that it is all about BEing and not DOing!)

For those of us who are teachers we can fall into the trap of thinking we need to know more before we can begin.

Those of us on the path of personal and spiritual growth get into the habit of looking for the next answer, the next thing to learn and integrate into our life.

But where's the joy? I don't know about you, but I seem to have lost track of it somewhere!

I'm asking myself, and you, for just one more item of self-improvement, and that is this: being willing to be uncomfortable with JOY, being willing to see ourselves as enough, being willing to enjoy the good that life has to offer - practice it, get familiar with it, in order to make it a habit. In order to embody it. We want to embody joy. BE joy!

"Inhabit your body. Be there fully. Take in the sights, sounds, fragrances, colors, textures, tastes. Open up to what is around you. Open up to life!"

Are you with me?

Love and JOY to you!
Lisa
♥

New Year Questions Check-In

2011-02-07T13:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Wild Creative Heart™,

At the beginning of the year, I was urged to ask myself a few questions and allow the answers to come through life rather than through thinking about them...

Here's my working list hoping that it may be helpful or inspiring to you. :)

~Where in my life can I be more gentle and compassionate with myself?

-In my art and creativity
-Changing habits
-When I struggle with "Is it my intuition? Or is it fear or other ego tricks?"
-Wanting to change, improve, be more, be better. While there is nothing wrong with wanting improvement, gentleness and compassion are essential.

~How can I be more gentle and compassionate with myself?
~Oh yes, compassion. :) Notice what I'm saying to myself and change it. Or better yet, rest in the space between my thoughts. Allow myself to be who I am. Right now.

~Spiritual practices. My devotion to my inner child for a class I am taking is creating an environment of love and compassion. Nice. As I choose to immerse myself in this love, the lower energies of inner critics and judgements cannot exist.

~What are the things I’m doing or participating in that take a lot of my time and energy, that I don’t enjoy and can be released? This could be things like worry, fear, a relationship, a work situation, groups, etc.
Internal conflicts about various things occurring in my life, for example: Going or not going on a road trip. Struggles with decision making. Not trusting myself. Not trusting life. Getting caught up in ego agendas, ego tricks.

~What things bring me great joy and a feeling of purpose that I could do more of?
Partnering with Spirit sessions, inspiring others

~How can I bring more fun and laughter into my life?

-Right away I met some fun people in the DEEP course I am taking.
-My focus for DEEP is on joy and play and my devotion is to my inner child.
-Invoking the Wizard
-Wizard Wednesdays (a fun version of a gratitude list)
-Saying 'Yes' to life rather than resisting it.
-Stop taking myself so seriously! Laughing at my own drama!

~What can I do for the pure enjoyment of it and for no other reason?

-Music. Listen to more music.
-Have fresh flowers in my home.
-Explore sensuality. Examples: When I eat, enjoy the tastes, smells, colors... When I walk or hike notice and enjoy the light and shadows, the way the grasses blow in the wind, the shapes of the mountains.
-Sit in the sunshine.
-When I am in the present moment in full acceptance and not in my head resisting, I am enjoying whatever I am doing.

How much joy and pleasure am I willing to experience?
It has come to my attention that the upper limit on my joy and pleasure could be increased! Wouldn't mind it at all!

~How can I honor and take care of ME?
-Being kinder in my self-talk, rest in the space between my thoughts
-Meditation, connect with spirit guides, staying centered
-Doing yoga/qigong
-Giving myself reiki treatments
-Shutting off the computer
-Doing my art, creativity
-Spending time in nature
-Exercise
-Playful/curious attitude

To not overwhelm myself, I'm taking note of these and allowing life to bring me to the answers, solutions and opportunities. I just need to be alert to what is coming my way and take inspired action!

How is your year going?

Love,

Lisa

♥

Wizard Wednesday 2/2/2011

2011-02-02T07:28:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Wizard Wednesday! And Happy New Moon!

"The key to getting inside your Vibrational Vortex of Creation; of experiencing the absolute absence of resistance; of achieving complete alignment with all that you have become and all that you desire, and of bringing to your physical experience everything that you desire—is being in the state of appreciation." ~Abraham-Hicks

How has the magic of The Wizard shown up in your life this past week? What magical, synchronistic, small and delightful, or maybe awesome events have occurred in your life that you'd like to share and celebrate? What wonderful things do you have to appreciate in your life experience?

Some items for me this week:
~I announced on Monday that I'm gong to be a part of the Spring 2011 21 SECRETS:An Art Journal Playground!!! WOOHOO! I hope you can join me and 20 other awesome teachers! Some wonderful synchronicities occurred around this.

~The birthday of my sweet dog Zoey. (2/2/1992 - 8/4/2004) I've been borrowing friends' dogs since she transitioned. I'm grateful to now live in a home with two dogs! One can be found here.

~Groundhog Day! I declare Spring to be here no matter what the big 'ol Groundhog sees! (the forecasted high for today is around 11 degrees F! LOL! )

~Chinese New Year : Year of the Rabbit

~Beautiful new friendships being formed

~Support from many places

~Finding a sound bite for the Amazing Mumford's line "A la peanut butter sandwiches!"

By the way:

~Today is the New Moon: are you stating what you'd like to release and planting your seeds of intentions?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
How to play Wizard Wednesday:

Keep track of magical, fun, synchronistic events and experiences and share them here on the Wizard Wednesday posts! Feel free to post comments anytime, not just on Wednesdays.

They can be small, seemingly trivial things, or big exciting things. It can be similar to a gratitude list or a rampage of appreciation. Many exclamation marks allowed!

The important thing is that we are focusing on magic, fun and things that make us feel good. When we focus on them, we begin to see and experience more and more of them! What are you appreciating today? This week?

Be brave and join in! Let's play!

Namaste,
Lisa
♥

A La Peanut Butter Sandwiches! Wild Creative Heart joins 21 SECRETS!

2011-01-31T07:44:00.000-08:00

As Sesame Street's Amazing Mumford says, A la peanut butter sandwiches!

After Invoking the Wizard in early January, magic is most definitely infusing my life!

Connie Hozvicka, of Dirty Footprints Studio and mastermind of 21 SECRETS: An Art Journal Playground, asked me if I'd join with her and 19 other professional artists in the Spring 2011 21 SECRETS! I am amazed and excited, honored and thrilled!

A la peanut butter sandwiches!

Connie says, "21 SECRETS is an online, self guided, Art Journaling workshop that runs for a total of four months where Art Journalers receive the opportunity to dive into different techniques, methods, and approaches to Art Journaling from a tribe of diverse, passionate, professional Artists. Each participant is able to choose which order of the 21 classes they take and have an active online community to share and grow with. All information including, pdf's, videos, and supportive text and photos are always available and teachers are present in a timely fashion to answer questions and share their comments. "

21 SECRETS will go on sale Monday, March 14 and will open April 1st. So be watching THIS space for information on signing up! Won't you join us?

Take a look at this list of AMAZING teachers!

Aimee Myers Dolich
Artsyville http://artsyville.blogspot.com

Alma Stoller
Alma Stoller http://almastoller.blogspot.com

Barbara Nigg
Creative Fires Studio http://barb2.typepad.com/blog

Connie Hozvicka
Dirty Footprints Studio http://www.DirtyFootprints-Studio.com

Debra Cooper
A Little Imagination & A Pile Of Junk http://www.littleblackkitty.typepad.com

Erin Kenepp
Erin Kenepp Mixed Media Art http://erinkenepp.blogspot.com

Goddess Leonie
Goddess Guidebook http://www.goddessguidebook.com

Gretchen Miller
Gretchen Miller http://www.gretchen-miller.com

Heather Plett
Sophia Leadership http://sophialeadership.com

Ingrid Murray
My Peacetree http://mypeacetree.blogspot.com

Jane Davenport
Jane Davenport http://www.janedavenport.com/blog

Jeniffer Hutchins
Joyful Arts Studio http://www.joyfulartsstudio.com/blog

Kelley Brown
Art Journaling As A Creative Process http://artjournaling.blogspot.com

Lisa Dieken
Wild Creative Heart http://wildcreativeheart.blogspot.com

Lisa Wilson
Life Unity http://lifeunity.blogspot.com

Natasha Reilly
Creative Nachos http://www.creativenachos.com

Rachel Whetzel
A Year In The Life Of An Art Journal http://oneyearartjournal.blogspot.com

Silky Hart
Expressive Hart http://expressivehart.wordpress.com

Tamara Laporte
Willowing http://www.willowinglove.blogspot.com

Tammy Garcia
Daisy Yellow http://daisyyellow.squarespace.com

Violette Clark
Violetteʼs Creative Juice http://www.violette.ca

Creatively Awake

2011-01-30T17:15:00.000-08:00

To live creatively awake is a choice. When we make that choice we become servants for something bigger and wilder than life itself. Just as much as this creative force challenges us, torments us, and tortures us, it generously rewards us. At least for a moment, and what a glorious moment that is!

At its core, the force of creativity doesn’t have that much to do with us at all. We don’t own it. We serve it.

~Chameli Ardagh

Wizard Wednesday 1/26/11

2011-01-26T16:12:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Wizard Wednesday!

As we are in appreciation for the potential of, and holding space for, surprising breakthroughs, unexpected opportunities and magical gifts from Spirit, more can occur in our lives. Know that these can happen at any time! (modified from Lena Stevens at http://www.thepowerpath.com/)

How has the magic of The Wizard shown up in your life this past week? What magical, synchronistic, small and delightful, or maybe awesome events have occurred in your life that you'd like to share and celebrate?

Some items for me this week:
~Slowing down and coming back to center. Ahhhh!

~Contacting and conversing with the "Light Council", new Guides who have recently showed up for me. mmmm.....

~ Saying Yes! Saying Yes to painting, leading me to saying Yes to life, (I didn't realize I had been saying "No" so often!) then receiving my very first DailyOM which just happened to be about saying Yes to life! Then receiving an email about this very same topic from a friend of mine... (Do you see a theme here? :) )

~Sunday I posted this quote on Facebook: "Come to the edge, he said. They came. He pushed them and they flew. ~Guillaume Apollinaire" Sunday night Van Halen's song "Jump!" showed up in my dreams, so I'm thinking, "Why wait to get pushed? Jump!" Similar to the "Say Yes" theme, isn't it?

~And I don't recall a song ever showing up in my dreams before? At least not recently...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
How to play Wizard Wednesday:

Keep track of magical, fun, synchronistic events and experiences and share them here on the Wizard Wednesday posts! Feel free to post comments anytime, not just on Wednesdays.

They can be small, seemingly trivial things, or big exciting things. It can be similar to a gratitude list or a rampage of appreciation. Many exclamation marks allowed!

The important thing is that we are focusing on magic, fun and things that make us feel good. When we focus on them, we begin to see and experience more and more of them!

Be brave and join in! Let's play!

Namaste,
Lisa
♥

A Different Perspective on Self-Love

2011-01-25T17:22:00.000-08:00

Dear Wild Creative Heart™,

In early 2009, I was reflecting on self-love and cherishing myself, asking for guidance on the best way for me to do this, or deepen it.

I was sitting at my computer at the time. This is what I typed in response to my question:

The theory of self-love happens to be the most misunderstood of all time.

I was a bit taken aback after writing that. I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue after such a bold statement. But I thought I might as well see where this was going. I re-aligned myself with the flow of information coming through me.

Loving oneself is actually getting in touch with, living, embracing and embodying Source.

Because that is WHO YOU ARE. That is Self, with a capital S.

Yes, you can get massages, exercise, eat right, talk to yourself in a kinder way, and all of those other ways of treating your mind and body in a loving way. But that is not true SELF - LOVE.

Think of it like this, you are not your body, you are not your mind. You are consciousness, you are Source energy. You are Source, you ARE LOVE!

So actually SELF-LOVE is redundant, you are SELF and you are LOVE, they are one in the same thing.

This is interesting...

So the correct question is:

Wow, I am actually being told to ask a different question....

How can I express myself as Source energy? or How can I be my SELF?

How can I BE LOVE? How can I live as SOURCE?

Being kind to yourself is taking the time to open and expand your energy to encompass all that you are.

So that you are giving and doing from that place of Source and from no other.

When one gives and takes action from any other place than that of Source, depletion occurs. Your body and mind have constricted and no longer allow in the love, empowerment, kindness, joy, enthusiasm, creativity, that comes from Source, Spirit, God if you must.

Living as Source is living in internal stillness, living in the state of expansion, and emanating the love that you are.

Rather than talking about "filling yourself up" in order to give, you are giving from the place of limitless love, with no constriction.

So be it.

At the time, I was actually quite amazed at what had just flowed through me while I sat at my computer and typed.

Love,

Lisa

♥

Creativity according to Osho

2011-01-22T07:27:00.000-08:00

The experience of creativity is an entry into the mysterious. Technique, expertise and knowledge are just tools; the key is to abandon oneself to the energy that fuels the birth of all things.

This energy has no form or structure, yet all the forms and structures come out of it. It makes no difference what particular form your creativity takes - it can be painting or singing, planting a garden or making a meal. The important thing is to be open to what wants to be expressed through you. Remember that we don't possess our creations; they do not belong to us. True creativity arises from a union with the divine, with the mystical and the unknowable. Then it is both a joy for the creator and a blessing to others.

~Osho Zen Tarot

(my emphasis with the bold)

Say 'YES' and PLAY!

2011-01-20T09:02:00.000-08:00

“Slow down!” Connie tells us. (in the DEEP program)

I had recently completed a painting that I loved. It contained all of the elements that I “think” I want my art to look like. Spontaneous, loose, vibrant colors...

I love the messy spontaneity of the background, I love the lack of clarity of the stems and leaves, I love the magenta peeking through the stems and leaves. I love the little flowers and that I didn’t painstakingly make each petal, I love that I created them in one swoop of the brush. (Well two swoops with the magenta and the white) I love that the white had accidentally turned to pink and it worked so well... I love the bright yellow...

Not only do I love the outcome, the process was fun too. I was in the flow, in the present moment, not concerned with outcome, just “listening” to what to do next... and doing it. It was peaceful, harmonious, enjoyable.

As I continued painting on other paintings however, my mind and inner critic made themselves known. “Why do I have a zillion different styles?”, “I want to paint like I did on THAT painting.”, “I want to create more paintings that look like that.”, "How will I do that again when it was an accident? It wasn't planned or orchestrated.", "Will I only paint flowers? Forever?" and on and on....

So as I’ve slowed down this week, I’ve come to realize what I need to get back to, and really concentrate on, for my intuitive painting (spontaneous expression) practice: (what Connie calls FEARLESS Painting)

1. Surrender! Stop wanting to control the outcome. Don’t be attached to what I “think” I want something to look like, or what I “think” I want my style to be or even what topic or objects want to show up on my painting. Say ‘yes’ to what shows up on the paper or canvas, no matter what it is. No matter what it looks like. No planning or editing.

Surrender the outcome to the Divine, to my “Creative Source” as Connie calls it. It doesn't matter what it looks like. Just paint. I even noticed there are things in my life right now that I’ve been attempting to control, why would painting be any different? My ego doesn’t like it. My ego wants SOMETHING to control. But intuitive painting is not about control. Intuitive painting teaches us to Let. Go. Of. Control.

2. Take notice: What is my mind doing? Whether I am painting fast or slow, what is my mind doing? Is it calm, or racing with thoughts of what to do next, how something looks, what object wants to be painted, worried about using the wrong color, etc? Or is it calm? At rest? To hear my intuition, my inner guidance, the Divine, my mind needs to be calm. I need to be resting in the space between my thoughts.

3. Enjoy the process. Play! I have always heard if you aren’t enjoying it, why are you doing it? Well, because I have to, because there is an inner urge to create, to bring forth and if I don’t do it, I suffer. I suffered when I created, because of my inner critic, and I suffered when I didn’t create.

I have been spending the past year or more really concentrating and getting a handle on my inner critic and not letting him run the show. I have let him run the show for a long time, even to the point of NOT creating, because it was, well, torture. I finally realized, thank goodness, that I had to take my power back and learn how to shush him, put him in the back row, or maybe even remove him altogether.

Creating is about enjoyment, harmony, and though there may be times when deep healing takes place and it might bring up long stored sadness, grief, anger, or other emotions, the first and foremost thing is to enjoy the process. After all, it is surprising and magical to watch paintings emerge from one’s intuition!

The painting above was quite unintentional. I had started the painting by playing with colors of new paints I had purchased. I think this is important as I wasn't concerned about the outcome. I went into it with a sense of play and being curious.

So thank goodness for slowing down. I was able to calm my mind, get back to center, and realize what my work is: To calm my ego and it’s ideas of what things should look like, whether in painting or other areas of my life, quiet my mind and listen to my intuition, say “Yes” to it all... and PLAY!

Happy Creating!

Love,
Lisa
♥

Wizard Wednesday 1/19/11

2011-01-19T07:47:00.000-08:00

Wizard Wednesday! Happy Full Moon!
How has the magic of The Wizard shown up in your life this past week? What magical, synchronistic, small and delightful, or maybe awesome events have occurred in your life that you'd like to share and celebrate?

Some items for me this week:
~Feeling the warm sunshine and smelling the earthy fragrance as the snow melts and after a period of cold and snow. Feeling the warm breezes after the cold. Magical!

~Becoming the center of attention for some horses in a pasture. They suddenly became aware of my presence and had to come over and check it out. Sweet...

~Having a wonderful "studio" area to paint. Soul nurturing...

~Seeing Fox, learning about her medicine and how she is here to assist me. I do believe she has shown up because I have asked for assistance. Magical!

~ A waterfall of insights

~ Seeing Bald Eagle

~ Hearing the sweet noises the ducks (not sure what kind they are) make on the lake. They sure have a lot to say, especially when Bald Eagle shows up!

~Taking photos of my wizard figure! :) Love this one of The Wizard facing into the sun with the flame in his hand. Like he is honoring the sun.

~Being in appreciation for the potential of, and holding space for, surprising breakthroughs, unexpected opportunities and magical gifts from Spirit. Knowing that these can happen at any time! (modified from thepowerpath.com's Full Moon update)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

How to play:

My December Inner Work

2011-01-14T10:24:00.000-08:00

(Note: I began this topic in my January 1 newsletter, I've modified and added to it for this post.)

As I wound up 2010, I found my Spirit Guides urging me to spend much time going inward and to heal myself in preparation for much newness that I am being told is imminent.

I knew something big was happening when I took dictation from Spirit early in the month about surrendering to my Spirit Guides and surrendering to healing: http://wildcreativeheart.blogspot.com/2010/12/surrender-dear-one.html

What has been occurring is a shamanic death and dismemberment on a scale I don’t recall ever experiencing. Much inner listening and journey after shamanic journey to surrender my heart to my soul’s mission and let go of many things no longer serving me. It has been a purging of my psyche.

Many people feel shock when hearing those words, "shamanic death and dismemberment". I know when I first heard them and experienced one in a shamanic journey I was a bit shocked. But really it is a very good thing. It is about letting go of illusions, limiting beliefs, programs we hold in our bodies. It is ego dissolution; a process of becoming more of your True Self.

I like Sandra Ingerman's description of dismemberment in her book Medicine for the Earth:
She begins, "The process of dismemberment is a cross-cultural method of initiation as well as a spiritual practice used to deepen one's connection with the source of all Life and remember the truth of one's nature and identity."

Dismemberment occurs as a vision, in a shamanic journey, dream or meditation.

Ingerman continues, "In the vision, one is literally dismembered by helping spiritual forces. A few examples of this might be where the initiate is chopped up, burned down to the bone, eaten by an animal, pecked down to the bone by birds, or stripped of skin and fesh by a sandstorm. The spirits can be quite creative, so these are just a few examples."

She also says, "The process sounds gruesome, but it actually marks an initiation into a spiritual path and practice and provides healing. In dismemberment you lose your ego and sense of self as well as all that weighs you down from experiencing your connection with the divine. As you lose your ego and allow your body, mind and emotions to be devoured by spiritual forces, you are once again reunited with the source of all life, from you which came."

I've had spontaneous dismemberments in journeys before. One I remember is being chopped up and put into a large cauldron. Remember it is only my body and ego that were "chopped up", my essence and witness consciousness were still very aware. The spirits would add things and remove things from the cauldron. The "soup" that was to be the new me became more and more solid, until it was like clay. Then the new and improved me was formed from this clay.

I was magically led to Nicki Scully and Linda Star Wolf's book Shamanic Mysteries of Egypt for my December dismemberment. Chapter after chapter of initiation, letting go and being rebirthed. I found it to be extremely powerful and the Egyptian deities remain with me very strongly.

During a dimemberment, you aren't always told what is being removed or stripped away. For some reason I was told that the things being transformed during December were guilt, shame, and not feeling good enough. I was told these were internal programs coming from this life and previous lives.

It isn't an emotion of guilt or shame being addressed here, rather it is a belief or program of it. So I could be feeling great happiness, yet this program was still in the background, perhaps limiting the amount of happiness I could feel and holding me back in many places in my life.

So I am celebrating the transformation! I feel lighter and somehow feel different in my body. I feel more confident.

Many of us carry these programs with us and don’t realize how it affects our lives. I wish for you a releasing and transforming of these limiting programs as well!

If you are interested in a guided dismemberment journey or meditation, I can lead you through one. Contact me at Lisa AT WildCreativeHeart DOT com. For more information: http://www.WildCreativeHeart.com/PartnerSpirit Soul Retrievals are also available.

Celebrating a new year and new life!

Namasté,
Lisa

(c) 2011 Lisa Dieken, All Rights Reserved

Recommended Resources:

I highly recommend both of these gifted women who assisted me during December:

Thank you to my friend Natalie Kimbrough, spiritual teacher/healer for her generosity(http://www.healingisis.com/) for asking me to be a guinea pig for a new process she is learning. (The ZPoint Process) I believed this also helped tremendously with releasing core beliefs and programs.

Also many thanks to Shamsi Charlie Pettus, psychic intuitive and friend, (http://www.shamsidances.com/ ) who validated many things, brought me new helpful information and led me to Nicki Scully and Linda Star Wolf's work (Shamanic Mysteries of Egypt and The Anubis Oracle).