Are you longing to have a day for yourself? Just one day? If you have been busy giving to others in the countless ways you give, perhaps this is the time to receive, to take care of yourself. One day to connect to Mother Earth, ancestral wisdom, the Divine, and your Self. You’ll experience ceremony, meditation, a visualization, breathwork, and a simple intuitive painting experience that can reveal what is waiting inside of you to be acknowledged. If you feel a longing to reconnect to who you really are, keep reading…
Our sacred connection to the elements deepens our relationship with our essential Self. Weave together the wisdom of the past with the wisdom within ourselves through an intuitive painting practice, ceremony, meditation, and more.
We call on the Earth element to open us to our inner wisdom.
We call on the Earth element to reveal the wisdom of our ancestors.
We call on the Earth element to connect us to the Divine Feminine that is within each of us.
We call on the Earth element to connect us to our Selves!
I will guide you step-by-step through this powerful painting practice, which has the power to silence the inner critic and mind chatter. Listen to your inner wisdom and create an image on the canvas that will light your path of self-awareness.
At the end of the workshop, you will have a painting and some intuitive practices that can enhance your spiritual practice.
Register by calling Radiance at 717-290-1517.
Cost includes all art supplies and materials. Bring a lunch, a journal, and a small object/picture to represent your connection to Earth for our monthly altar. Dress comfortably (slippers welcome!!).
Creating art is one of my favorite Little Joys. It invites me to be present and playful in body, mind, and soul.
EXPRESSING MY APPRECIATION FOR LITTLE JOYS
Several years ago, I became more aware of my appreciation for life’s Little Joys. I actively sought them out. I didn’t have to look far or put much effort into finding them. They were, and are, around me every day. These treasures come bundled in gratitude, reverence, nostalgia, and humor. At times, I capture some in photographs and post them to Instagram and Facebook; at other times, I write a blog post like the one titled Little Joys Part 1 from April 2015. More often than not, I just stop, allow my Self to be fully present, and imprint the moment on my heart and soul. These memories later flow out of me and into my artwork.
Snowy days give me permission to slow down and savor each moment.
STOP AND SAVOR THE MOMENT
Some treasured experiences are so fleeting that all I can do is stop and savor the moment. After a playful session in my art studio, I laugh at the rainbow of paint on my hands and most likely, somewhere on my clothing, too. A single leaf flutters past on the crisp autumnal wind; I float with it. Sunlight dances on a sycamore’s mottled bark; I let my eyes dance over it’s surface wishing my hands could touch it, too. The snow falls with the distinct sound of silence; I let the silence wash over me and fill me. As I dress, I pay attention to the feel of various fabrics against my skin- the practical warmth of wool, the snuggly comfort of polar fleece, the luxurious softness of velvet, or the heightened femininity of lace. The strong, bold taste of coffee in a ceramic mug delights all my senses; the feel of the mug warms my hands as the coffee warms me inside. Obviously, my list goes on and on with all the Little Joys that reveal themselves to me!
What’s better than fresh ground coffee in a sturdy ceramic mug?
MY MOST TREASURED MOMENTS ARE SMALL
While I love life’s big adventures, my greatest appreciation is for treasured moments that are “small”. Julie Cameron writes in her bestseller Finding Water, “Life is made of small sweetnesses, and they come to us when we are willing to be little, instead of big.” She goes on to say, “Sometimes, we must play the sleuth with ourselves, asking ourselves what makes us eager. We must follow our noses and allow ourselves to pursue curiosities.” I agree with Julia, that at times we may be out of touch with ourselves and need to ask, “What makes my heart sing?” But for me, more often than not, I don’t have to analyze my Little Joys. I need to step out of my own way and simply allow them to be. They having a way of finding me!
Goofy dogs like Sophie and Freyja have to be on my list of Little Joys. Just look at those faces!
TO FIND LIFE’S LITTLE JOYS
When life is super-busy, it’s easy to miss the Little Joys. I’m preoccupied with to-do lists, obligations, and errands. I’m reflecting on the past and planning for the future (as every good teacher does). It’s at these times that life gives me a reminder (sometimes a friendly reminder, sometimes a not-so-friendly kick in the pants!), saying, “Be still and notice what brings you joy. Fill your life with more of that and savor each precious moment! Take time to share your little joys with the special people in your life.”
Stillness is at once a Little Joy and the light that illuminates other Little Joys. I’d delete the word “alone” if I created this now, for I’ve learned that Little Joys are best when shared with someone else.
