Gratitude for the whole shabang

So it's that season ... the time to reflect on those things we are grateful for. My list includes the big stuff--My family & friends, my partner, my health, my art and creativity, Creative Nectar Studio and all participants, our mother Earth, and all the love that surrounds me constantly. All the wonderful things that make life worth living.

At a meditation group I attended earlier this week, one participant commented on how quick we as humans are to label things. Good or bad. Beautiful or ugly. Pleasant or painful. Right or wrong. We live in a world of duality, where "this" appears separate from "that". She came to the conclusion that no matter how we label or judge an experience--even if we call it "icky"--that on a deep level, beyond the world comparison, it has intrinsic beauty simply because it exists. It is, and therefore it is perfect.

Have you ever ended a relationship and felt like you were returning to even more of yourself? Or have you ever had an illness and learned something from it, like how to tune in to your body and listen more? Have you ever lost money, only to find that you were more willing to receive from others and appreciate the things you do have?

Perhaps I can expand my gratitude list to include my divorce, my inner critic, my rejection letters, my physical pains, my fears, and all the years spent trying to please others. Each stepping stone along the way has brought me to this moment right where I am--Wiser and happier.

We make it a point not to comment on one another's paintings in workshops, even with positive feedback. The reason is to not inhibit the creative flow and pre-condition us for the next painting we do. But on another level, it is honoring what is ... what has been given life right in front of us. It trains us to appreciate and honor the full cornucopia of life experiences that come our way without being so quick to judge, label and file away.

So my challenge for you: Are you willing to find the blessing in every experience you've encountered on your life's journey? Can you feel gratitude for even the yucky stuff? The whole shabang?

Terra Firma

terra firma [ˈfɜːmə]

n

the solid earth; firm ground

[from Latin]

Last weekend I went to Boston to visit my brother. On the way back, the plane I was on flew through a thunderstorm. Most of the trip was bumpy but managable. The collective mood of the passengers was light hearted and we all made the best of a
 turbulant situation. About 45 minutes before we were to land the captain came on the intercom to announce that up until that point our flight had been a moderate one. He told us the rest of the flight would be .... well to paraphrase... he told us to go to the bathroom if we had to as fast as we could and then buckle up and prepare for a seriously bumpy ride.

I was a bit freaked...I won't lie. But I thought I would be fine. I had been chanting my preferred Sanskrit mantra in my head and continued to do so. I would just pretend I was on a roller coaster and concentrate on the mantra.Within 15 minutes we were in the thick of it. My mind, chanting away,was surprised to learn that it could multitask. In addition to chanting it was also watching the passengers in the front of the plane bouncing around...up and down...back and forth, all the while gathering the necessary data of recent situations (odd and miraculous forgiveness and leaps of faith with  uncharacteristic happiness ) so that by the time we hit an air pocket that left us free falling and most of us shrieking, my mind's conclusion was inevitable....we were going to die.

Once that was cleared up things really came into focus and I started to realise I had very little left I felt I needed to do. I ... for the first time....felt pretty good about how things were in my life. I certainly had no regrets about leaving my job or wearing the same shirt two days in a row or even how much
money was in my bank account. Also, a lot of things that had for years felt unresolved had just recently been healed and resolved. In the whole of my life I had only two regrets. One of them was that I didn't have the chance to see Creative Nectar really serve her purpose and I didn't get to paint with nearly enough people. It was hard to fully understand that one. I had felt so strongly that starting Creative Nectar Studio with Jen and process painting with as many people as possible was my purpose. It didn't make any sense.

Neeedless to say we landed safely. The next day every muscle in my body hurt from the uncontrollable shaking, but I was alive. I now know even more than ever that I am living my life on purpose and I have more time to paint with as many people as possible. I am grinning from ear to ear and pleased beyond words to be back on terra firma.

"Here is a test to find whether your mission on earth is finished: If you are still alive,it isn't."
 - Richard Bach (Illusions)

In Gratitude,
Steph

Open House this Sunday!

Hello Friends,

You are invited to drop by the studio this Sunday, Nov 13th between 1-5:00, where you can preview the process-painting experience while enjoying refreshments and community in our newly painted space. You'll also have a chance to chat with us and learn about our expanded offerings for 2012.

We would love to see you Sunday! For more information, visit the FB event page.
For a map and directions to the studio, click here.

Returning to Wholeness

Healing happens in us and through us the moment we surrender to a power greater than our egos. Have you ever felt that "ahhhh..." that happens when you realize that whatever was tormenting you only existed in the moment in your MIND, and that it has no ultimate power over you?

Woah, really? What about my "story"? My "issue"? (You know what I'm talking about: The great obstacle you've spent your life overcoming.) It's almost like now it has a life all its own...

Who would you be if, in this moment, you had no history? No baggage. No illness. No failed relationships. No debt. No "story". Not even an individual personality! Just simply this BREATH. Who would you be? What would you feel? What would arise naturally from this state of pure being? What would want to express?

You ARE an expression of pure being. You are this breath. You are whole and complete. Whatever stories flood your mind are just the commentary swimming on the surface. At the depths of your being, there is stillness and peace. There is wholeness.

May you return to wholeness, your natural state...
Peace,
Jenny

PS: Our process painting day-long workshop this Saturday Nov. 12th will include a special treat: the healing/harmonizing vibrations of zither harps with guest Karen Folgarelli. Join us for a day of balance, renewal, and color! $80* suggested fee (*No one will be turned away due to financial concerns) Email us to reserve your spot.