One has seen better days
Yet still smiling ‘cuz
Many more are to come
In hours of fallow haze,
Releasing what one was
As the work has just begun
Mingling among inner ways
As a loner often does
Seeking what he will become
Snapshots caught within a daze
Simply flicker, as it was,
For the days are not done
Hearts now lit ablaze
As is what Spirit does
For the All is in One
One will see better days
And continue smiling ‘cuz
All return to which he’s from
I’ve been at a loss of words or at least, ones I feel comfortable sharing though I journal daily. I’ve been busy with creative projects and inner self work which I didn’t feel was of any value to others. However, I had a friend remind me how often we each do things alone, not realizing the impact we can have on others…so here goes. I am reluctant to call myself an artist. I call myself a creative soul because I feel my way through, relying on my own instincts. I have played around a bit through the years, dabbling with all types of fiber work (we’ll get back to this in a bit), stained glass, a little metal work, collage, photography, acrylic paint, water color, drawing, and writing. My heart thrives in working creatively in all forms with the Divine Feminine archetypes and especially aligning nature photography with esoteric writing.
My creativity started with a sewing needle at about three or four years of age. Now, I find my zone in combining all these techniques into fabric panels. I’ve decided to share a bit of the things I do and the inner process which is much more important to me than the outer work. I am somewhat sensitive and I usually start with what I call an unsettled feeling or gnawing that suddenly presents itself with a word or an image. If it’s an image I sketch it out and explore the ways in which it wishes to present itself. However, if it’s a word I might have an immediate knowing of its meaning or I may have to meditate on it for hours, days, even weeks. Or give up until it returns with more clarity.
The above photo is a simple fabric panel (fabric collage, embroidery, acrylic paint, and beading). Why Sacred Stitches? Because I feel most connected with the Divine when I have needle, thread, and fabric in hand. The Sacred stitches together the fabric of our lives. Minute by minute, tiny scenes are connected to form the great picture, the story, of our lives. This Sacred energy connects us to one another. We are each artists creating our inner words, thus forming our outer.
This creative fire that burns within demands to be recognized and expressed. The essence of the fire chooses its own expression. We are vessels of containment and release. We are messengers, even when we are unaware of the message. And that very message being released is perceived differently with each particpant and viewer. Each piece has the ability to stir, provoke, or soothe. We are living art. Our mere presence does this…we provoke, we stir, we encourage, we soothe…others feel us and we feel others. We carry one another whether or not we are aware. Do we even understand the roles we play in the lives of those around us?
Let us not tear one another down for our differences but unite in our commonality. Together let’s explore this creative fire within each of us. Let’s explore our callings and how they work together. We are each novices in areas of life or creative works while mediocre in some, and perhaps masters in others.
Do you associate your work, creativity, or play with any themes? If so, how do they point to an overall theme in your life?
The seed was always going to be a sunflower. It was planted. Watered. Fertilized. Received sunlight. The sunflower was patient. It allowed time and the elements to do their parts. It focused on being because it knew in order to Become it simply needed to be. Transitions are much like this. We only need be. Much is occurring within and in time the outer catches up. The blueprint was always there, but construction takes a lifetime. We’re all being built one step/layer at a time. Looking back to my early childhood I find my sensitivities, creative impulses, play, habits, interactions, and desires were all indications of my path. How about you? What activities did you enjoy? Where was your heart centered? How did you interact with others? When did you feel most true to yourself? Why (your motives) did you act/react in the ways you did? Where did you feel needed? How did you have fun? What gave you comfort?
I had many dreams when I was young, some came to fruition, others not. I’ve traveled many paths and learned valuable lessons. I am MUCH older now, and looking back I see the cycles and the seasons between that has had me exploring the themes of childhood over various ways. Of course, these versions have matured and even somewhat mastered in areas, yet those same callings are within me. The voice became louder until it became heard, and then it settled in to a soft knowing. One must learn when to work, when to rest, and when to play. And the soul is here to teach you how to do all these things.
We live in a world of variety. Each person is gifted with an individual expression comprised of his/her own values of truth, love, and freedom. This authenticity of one’s soul/spirit guides one along the path of it’s Divine Purpose. This essence is creative in nature whether one is making art or living life. I have found the things I enjoy currently in my life are the things which brought me joy as a child: nature, sewing, collecting rocks, making things from found objects, and writing. Throughout the years this list has greatly enlarged. I feel a connection with Spirit when I engage in creative activities. It is important to nourish oneself; heart mind, body, and soul/spirit. When one honors the Sacred Self, one honors the Divine in all. I find that whether I am sitting in meditation, journaling, taking photos, painting a picture, or communing with nature I am connecting with the Sacred. What activities in your life feel Sacred? Do you view creativity as a Sacred Act? Do consider gratitude and kindness as nourishing to your Soul? How do you honor your Sacred Self?
*Channeled Message: “While a warrior knows how to wield his weapon, he doesn’t wish to use it on his enemy for he knows his heart is the way to peace. This one thing breaks barriers, opens communication, and solves problems. It is not necessarily the asking of what one wants but the offering of what one has. Sharing and communication is communion. A peaceful warrior unites, for this is his gift. Not only his gift, but his motive. When people pull together the impossible comes to life. The biggest dream begins with one small act – the stroke of a pen, a word from the mouth, a handshake, a hug. Start today. The wait is over. Every day is the start of something new. Begin where you are. See what is possible. Dreams are always in the making. Good seeds produce a healthy harvest if the crop is tended. Joy in the experience is important. Approach with wonder for the work can be pleasurable if one focuses on the path rather than the destination. What one puts in something is felt in the result. Heart and soul equal wisdom. Do what you enjoy, no stress. Allow vulnerability in your work, for the authenticity is an invitation to commune. This act builds community. Building is creative work which doesn’t only require energy and sweat; it requires heart and soul.”
*Channeled Message “One need not separate from his or her tribe to be independant. One need only be his/her authentic self. For love respects our differences as well as our similaritities. Pour your essence into every relationship. You need not be who others want or expect you to be. Be who you are in the service of love. Be YOU. This IS your job, to claim that which speaks within you and express it through your body, through words, actions, movement, art-however it wishes to speak through you; from Spirit to matter. Fear not who you are as this is your Spirit grounding/merging with Earth. This is your purpose. It need not be your vocation, yet its individual style will work its way into your every day. For this is what is called the way. The ‘way’ is not a group activity. It is a personal quest, your way to Source. It is your Sacred connection. This is WHO you are! Your indiviuality, your authenticity…this is Your truth, Your power. For it is in the service of Higher Love we find our true selves. It is the very Sacredness of you that rises from deep within, grasping for the light. For it IS the Light, rising forth to merge and shine brightly!”
Channeled “The ways of the world are not the ways of the soul, for the heart directs the soul. When one drops his burdens his wings unfold. This begins his flight of purpose.”
This was a very short message I received but right on target. When one carries too much he cannot fly. I’ve found this to be true many times in various areas of my life. I had to learn to let go of what did not belong to me. It was only then I began to hear my soul speak, and my feet were place upon the path of my heart. How about you, have you ever had a few words have a profound effect on your life?
Channeled “One can think of a lineage as one side bing the backbone and the other as the heart; one may also view these as male and female energies. Each has much to contribute. These energies are merged to create beauty and sustenance. When not aligned trauma occurs and must be healed. Sometimes this takes many generations to restore to its original intent. When one studies the patterns of the past, his own or his family line, he finds much to learn. These lessons provide direction for the future. A lineage is a book of knowledge, of great wisdom, of explanation and possibility, lost dreams and unexpected fulfillment. There are many measures of a lifetime and calculated through family history creates a lineage. There is no judgment of this, simply a basseline of time creating a map of sorts. One always has a choice in crating his own lifeline. He may see patterns and follow them or he may decide to forge his own path, whether or not this is in regard to improving his or others imprint. Opinion does not alter the truth of the past, present, or future; for it is simply what it is. One can learn from it and appreciate it for the value it bestows upon his life and enable him to see what perhaps had been missed.
Channeled Message. All messages are channeled unless otherwise noted. “The time is now. To Trust. To live fully in your own presence. To accept your heart guidance without questions. No doubts. Seek the knowing within. You are here to experience and create many things. Each is a mini journey in itself which feeds into the journey of life. Each is a path along the larger road. Back roads are full of beauty. It is where life is lived. It gives one experience, expression; zest or inspiration one might say. Connect and listen. Each path connects to another, and all lead back to the main road. A main road is a quicker route, but less scenery and sensory. It lacks composition experience provides. These backroads comprise the journey. For its is your true path; the way of feeling, of living a fulfilling life, one of love and rich in meaning. No two seeds produce the exact same flower, nor do the fruit bear the same exactness. You may think all apple blossoms look the same or an apple is an apple. But every single one is unique in its own existence, just as you are. Do not underestimate the value, the importance of your life, in the ways you perceive production or progress. Every moment, every thought, is precious. You need not put too much thought into this. Simply allow your heart to move mountains, open passageways. The valleys will appear. Climbing will become easy. Trust your footing. Each step is like a backroad leading you to the main. You’ll find the fullness of living in these backroads and will enjoy the view of the mountain tops over and again. You’ll also enjoy the rest and view of the valleys. All has much to offer. All play important and necessary roles. Let go of thought/opinion of where you are for it takes away the joy. Live through the map of your heart, and you will find harmony exists.”
“When a door closes, there is always another one to open. Be willing to step inside and see the possibilities before you. There will be doors within doors and the choice will be yours to open, close, or embark upon what is offered. There are no rights or wrongs, only opportunities of exploration, experience, expansion. Your heart will know your way. Let go of fear, of doubt. Bask in the wonder the Universe offers. There seems to be a darkness with endings but yet it is simply a germination of new beginnings. The cycle continue whether or not one is aware or understands. As the seeds flower be patient for the bearing of fruit, for it occurs in many ways and not necessarily in the way one expects. Divine Purpose runs deep, and as it rises to the surface it may be more complex or even quite simplistic than one’s sensations led him to believe. You only need to believe, to know with your entire being, every cell of your physical body, that your Spirit knows, guides, and delivers you to your destiny. Whatever path it leads you is the right one, whether or not it is what you imagined. Even though one connects with the Sacred as he brings Spirit into his physicality it is still somewhat conditioned by the perception of its physical nature. Though Spirit is not confined it still works within the limitations of its vessel. Remain open to what you receive as much beauty and love are currently within you and await you, for you to receive and share. See the beauty of love in that which has passed, what is now, and what will come to be. To feel and share the love in every moment; this is existence, this love, This is beauty. This is truth. This is where true power can be felt-what you take from your heart and find your special way to place it in the world around you. Know others are hurting though they may express it differently. Allow them that space. But know their pain, their expression, is not yours to bear. Speak your truth. Stand your ground. But do so with love in your heart. That does not mean to allow yourself to be trampled upon. The freedom to walk away is yours, but do it in love for yourself not in contempt of another. Allow them their truth as you have yours, even if they do not honor yours. Remain in your heart, true to yourself. The dust will settle, but do not settle for anything less than your own truth which is your love, your way. When you honor the Divine as it shines through you, you honor all others-this is living your truth, your Divine existence.”
Edge of Wild 