I was recently so inspired by two of my mentors, Dan Blank who helps creative professionals, and also Cynthia Morris who is an amazing illustrator, plus many other talents, that I wanted in too.
They have each begun doing more videos – Dan helping encourage creatives in various ways – and Cynthia doing videos on what she has dubbed “creative quickies.”
Of course, being a creative myself, I thought, hmmmmm, how can I be of inspiration and encouragement to others?
And so I began experimenting with what I call Joyful Pause moments via video. I did begin by calling them Meditative Moments, but then thought, dah, I should really call them Joyful Pause moments instead…it’s more in align with what I’m all about here!
Like I said…these are experiments, so “mistakes” will be made.
But it’s all about weaving more creativity into our lives and fits right in with learning to pause more often and insert moments of joy into our daily, busy lives–and as you know, much of that I’ve learned from the PAWS in my life with my dogs.
I hope you will enjoy the first three videos I’ve done. I will be updating the sideline of my website each time I post a new video for you to enjoy or you can also follow along on my YouTube channel if you wish, too.
It’s only two days away! My first author visit to an elementary school in almost three years.
On Thursday I’ll be traveling about 45 minutes from my home to Fair Park Elementary in West Bend, WI. The last two weeks I’ve been busy working on a whole new presentation based on questions the kids and teachers put together for me.
This talk, different than the many I’ve done in the past, is that it is mainly focused around reading and writing.
One of the questions the kids will be asking is “Do you love reading as much as you love writing?”
It’s such a toss up, really! But as you can see from the ottoman in my living room, with dear, sweet Kylie peeking through some of the many books, I love to read. Most nights you will find my nose buried in a book.
I’ve practiced my presentation, like, let’s see, a bazillion times! ha! But the more I practice, the more excited I become. I hope to instill in the kids that reading and writing are so important…and fun!
Some have asked me if Gidget will be going with me. No, she won’t be. I just don’t feel she is a good fit for school visits for various reasons. And that’s okay.
And I won’t really be without a sidekick as this cutie (below) will be with me. And I won’t have to worry that she will poop in school–which was known to happen or time a two with Frankie!– but ah, it was bound to happen and we made it through. Like I came to accept…It’s Only Poop!
I confess. I was a bit apprehensive when a few weeks ago I signed up to take part in a group healing with Native American Energy Healer, Dennis “Rocky” King. I didn’t know what to expect.
But for as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by the traditions of the Native Americans– and especially in how they understand animals and the healing medicine animals provide us in their teachings. But the more years I’m on this planet, the more it breaks my heart what we are doing to our mother earth and to ourselves.
But I do believe we can change this. And it all begins with looking in the mirror and healing our own “stuff.”
I’ve come to understand that by working on my own issues and finding more peace and acceptance of who I am that this in turn sends a positive energy out into the world.
Rocky, part of the Bear Claw tribe, began our healing circle on Saturday by thumping his large, strong hand on his heart saying we must repeat to ourselves twenty times a day, “I love myself. I love myself.”
Dennis “Rocky” King
It really does begin with each of us. If we can’t love ourselves, how can we expect to love those around us? And I know for many it is one of the hardest things to do – to say we love ourselves.
I remember years ago during a retreat I helped create with a friend. We did an exercise called “mirror work.” It was my part, to hold a mirror in my hands, look into it and say what I loved about myself, instead of what we most often do, and point out our flaws.
I couldn’t do it. I was too self-conscious. I felt bad that I let down my partner I was facilitating the retreat with. And felt even worse for not being a positive example to the women taking part that weekend.
For a long time, I beat myself up about it. But I’ve since forgiven myself because I know that I am human. I’m a work in progress and I’ve grown since then and loving myself comes much easier these days. Not that I’m perfect, far from it! — but I’m at least much more aware and can remind myself to be kinder to that lady in the mirror looking back at me.
Each time I step out of my comfort zone, as I did on Saturday, taking part in this healing is another step in my awakening. And another chance to be of good in this world.
Native American, white, black, or whatever your color or race, we all have our struggles. Rocky opened his heart to us about his alcohol addiction and how he finally saw what he was doing to himself. But more importantly that he had been given a gift that needed to be shared. And he came to understand the rough start down the path of life was part of his journey in order to share his gift and help others.
His gift has not come without struggles either. He’s learned to trust and have faith in Spirit. To know that he will be provided for, even when he really questioned how that was going to happen.
Someone in our circle asked Rocky if he ever doubts anymore. He said he does not. Whoa, really? I thought. I’m still wrapping my head around that one. And I know it is because of my own moments of self doubt that I question it because I am not yet there.
But I loved the experience and all the thoughts it has brought since then. I so appreciate the work Rocky is doing along with Bear medicine in a world that really needs it.
If you want to learn more about Bear medicine, here is a link. You can certainly do a Google search for other resources too. And if you wish to learn more about Dennis “Rocky” King, visit his Facebook page.
