Thoughtful Tuesdays : The Truth Shall Make You Free

We've reached the end folks. This is the last Thoughtful Tuesday post on Douglas Bloch series. It's been an insightful year with lots of learning on my part of it, and I sure did enjoy sharing it with you all! I wonder what my next blogging adventure will be about. If you have any ideas, or would like to share your experience with Thoughtful Tuesdays, leave a comment below! I love hearing from you all! Enjoy!

The following is an exact excerpt from the book Listening To Your Inner Voice by Douglas Bloch. I in no way possess any ownership of the following. I am simply sharing the thoughts, expressions and words of an author who has inspired me.

*Feel free to change the word 'God' to fit your belief system. I directly quoted Bloch's work.

The Truth Shall Make You Free

Listening to the inner voice means living a life of honesty and integrity. As Gandhi stated, "For me, God and truth are convertible terms. Devotion to the truth is the sole reason for my existence."

The truth is inescapable. There once was a wise teacher who gave of two men a chicken and told them to kill the chickens where no one else would see. The first man went behind the barn and killed his chicken. The second returned after three days with a live chicken. "Why didn't you kill the chicken?" the teacher asked. The man replied, "You told me to go where no one was looking, but everywhere I go, the chicken see." It is the same in our lives. We can deceive others and even our conscious mind, but everywhere we go our own God-self sees. 

Telling the truth to ourselves and others is liberating. Once you acknowledge the truth of a dysfunctional relationship, you can do something about it. Once you admit that you are powerless over an addiction, you can begin to threat it. If, however, you you deny the problem, there is no way to change it. This is the meaning of the saying, "You are only as sick as your secrets."

The great historian Cicero said, "Our minds possess by nature an insatiable desire to know the truth." Let us live, breathe, and speak this so that we may come to know the beauty and perfection of our inner divinity. 

Affirmations

1. I am honest with myself and with others.
2. I see the truth of what is.
3. I am willing to face the truth, even if it hurts.
4. The truth liberates and sets me free.
5. I release my old illusions and perceptions.
6. Your Own _______________

Thoughtful Tuesdays : The Readiness Is All

Have I told you I'm impatient yet? That I like instant results? I may have mentioned it in passing before. Haha. I may have also mentioned that since 2008 I have been practicing mindfulness. Now granted I am no zen master, but the work I have invested so far has proven that I must be on the right track.

When I first began teaching art classes I had expectations. I put my heart and soul into my lesson planning. This was my opportunity to pursue my dreams. Correction, this was my first opportunity to pursue my dreams. I thought I was ready. No one signed up. My heart broke. I didn't give up though. My second opportunity arose when I found success at Clay Cafe Avalon through art camps. My name was not established yet in the arts community, Clay Cafe however was well established and incredibly popular. Thanks to Jamie who believed in me, I was able to design and instruct the art camps offered at her business. The feedback was incredible. The experience unforgettable. I got my feet wet and I loved it. I drew to myself the experience I needed to help manifest my dreams of teaching art. I was ready to keep this going. The world however wasn't ready for me. So despite my hard headed personality (blame it on being Aries), I decided to put the classes on the back burner for a bit. I invested my energy into other areas of my life. I didn't let the light of my dream burn out though. As I worked on other projects I grew as a person. I learned, I explored, I watched, I listened. Finally I spoke. First it was a tiny voice. Without giving my all, I did some research on venues where I could teach, I poked here and there for an interest in art classes within the community. I wasn't ready to teach at this point but I wanted to nurture that tiny flame. Months passed by and nothing became of it. Shortly after being handed the keys to our first house it became evident that the Universe was ready for me to start investing in my dream again. I  had many delays along the way, but they were worth it. The timing was finally right and everything aligned for me to pursue my dreams again. Though it wasn't on my schedule, my readiness and the readiness of the Universe finally found a way to work in unison. That's all that matters.

And that folks, is my long winded introduction to today's Thoughtful Tuesday's post. I hope you enjoy it. I hope it creates an opportunity to reflect on your experiences that are similar and inspire you to hang in there a little longer ;)

The following is an exact excerpt from the book Listening To Your Inner Voice by Douglas Bloch. I in no way possess any ownership of the following. I am simply sharing the thoughts, expressions and words of an author who has inspired me.

*Feel free to change the word 'God' to fit your belief system. I directly quoted Bloch's work.

The Readiness Is All

As we follow the path of our inner voice, timing plays a critical role. We draw to ourselves the experiences we need, when we need them. As each phase is mastered, the next appears. 

It is when we try to force or rush things that trouble arises. Children who are pushed to achieve too early in life burn out at a young age. Receiving something before you are ready for it can be worse than not getting it at all. This is why a wise person once said, "I pray not for enlightenment, but simply to be ready when it comes."

Sometimes we think that we are ready for some good when in fact we are not. The delay we suffer often indicate that more time and preparation are needed. Several years ago, a friend wrote a screenplay that she was sure was ready to be made into a movie. At the time, no one was interested. Five years later, she became inspired to rewrite the script and alter the plot. A studio immediately made an offer. 

If you are facing delays in your plans, remember the saying, "with every delay, there's a blessing on it's way." Be patient and do what is required. When the time is right, the result you are seeking will manifest itself with ease. And because you are ready for it, it will be ready for you. 

Affirmations

1. My life unfolds in perfect Divine order.
2. As I open myself to success, success opens to me.
3. Whatever I am ready for is ready for me.
4. I am ready for the prosperity and abundance to flow into my life.
5. I live according to the Universe's time schedule.
6. Your Own ______________.

Liberate Your Inner Artist

 It's time to liberate your inner artist!!

 I want to share my love for art with YOU!

Starting July 5th I will be offering both private and group art classes from my nest.  Are you ready to get messy with acrylics? It doesn't matter if you already express yourself with art, or have never touched a paint brush before. My classes are personalized for all levels. Gain confidence as you learn how to express yourself through painting. In an encouraging creative environment setting we will explore the world of art as we learn new techniques, study the masters, and experiment with different styles of painting.


So how will this work? 

Given the limited amount of space I have, group classes will have a maximum of 5 artists. Which means you must book  and pay for your seat before the class to ensure you have a spot. When you message me to confirm your seat we can arrange for payment. Over the next few days I will have all classes posted on my  facebook page  along with descriptions and cost my events section on my page, as well as on my website. All materials will be covered in the cost of class unless otherwise specified. If materials are not included, I will send you a list once you are registered of the materials required and where to purchase them. This list will have two options for supplies depending on your budget.

There are different age groups for the classes. These groups are broken down into ages 7-12, 13-17, and 18+.  Be sure when registering that you chose the correct age group. Some classes, like Pepperoni and Pointillism will be offered on an ongoing basis. Each class we will do a different painting.

Interested in a private lesson? We can pick from classes available, or customize a class that suits your level and interest.

When you arrive be sure to be wearing old clothes. Acrylic paint will not come out of your clothes. No need to dress to impress here haha!


Are you as excited as I am? I hope so! Can't wait to see you and get our art on!

While Visions of Paintings Danced in My Head

It was a cold and dreary day here in the small, quaint town of Amherst. The kind of days where even if you sat on top of the fire there was no warming up your bones. I even threw myself in a tanning bed in hopes that would do something. No dice. I did however learn that I can drive in the rain. So that's a plus I guess? Take that daily challenge. haha. Actually my daily challenge was FAR more intense than that however rumor has it that a girl needs to  keep some level of mystery so I'm going to stick with that theory. 

I spent some of my day using familiar tools in a not so familiar way. I had my "palette knife" and my "plaster" and my "canvas" only instead of creating art, I filled holes and cracks in the walls of some rooms that need some TLC, before a fresh coat of paint can be splashed (ok not splashed, more so painted with precision). Pretty soon there will be office space available above the gym for some luckily local business to flourish in. I decided to volunteer some spare time and help breathe life back into the rooms. Imagine if all that wall space could be turned into paintings and not just one colour..ohh my!

I think the movement of plaster on the wall awakened my inner need to paint. Since moving here a month and 17 days ago (but I don't see anyone counting haha), I have been unable to put anything on canvas. Despite the help from Beth in transforming a section of her basement into a Spidey Cave,  the big shopping spree to stock up on canvas, paints, and brushes. Nothing was bringing my visions of paintings through my hand, and the brush and onto the canvas. Now for me, that's beyond the valley of frustrating. Why is it that even after creating a space just for me and my paints to play in the magic isn't happening? I even took the time to smudge the space. Still nothing. I'm not a fan of forcing paintings out of myself. I know that when they come naturally, I feel more rewarded in the therapeutic process it offers me. But for the love of Aquaman please let me paint something soon, even if it's a stick man!! Something has been blocking my creativity and I have a funny feeling it's the one thing I rely on to paint with. My emotions. I had some personal challenges to overcome today. I validated the feelings in my heart and gave my heart a voice to express itself. In turn, it thanked me by giving me new ideas of paintings, and even a strong itch to start.

I guess that's another lesson learned today. By taking time to listen to my heart and express the emotions I have bottled up over the past few weeks, I was able to release the toxic energy that was building up and hopefully made room for creative energy. I'd head down to the cave now to paint, but honestly, this nest of blankies I've wormed my way into is far too cozy and warm to leave for a basement right now. Hopefully a good nights sleep will be the icing on the cake and tomorrow I'll be covered from head to toe in paints! Maybe some will even make it on canvas!