True North Arts

Journey of the Heart Journal - Wishes & Gifts

I celebrated my birthday this last week. I had planned a vacation to coincide with the occasion. Before I left for my excursion to Maine a dear friend came over with heaps of presents and a delicious bakery muffin topped with a birthday candle. When it came time to make a wish and blow out the candle I felt unprepared. My heart is filled with lots of wishes, but if I were to pick one, just one, which one? I paused and felt the pressure to blow out the candle before wax covered the breakfast treat. I grabbed one of my wishes and kept it vague enough so that way if it came true, I didn't limit myself too much. Later while I was cleaning up, I picked up the little red candle covered in white hearts --- it seemed charged with the wish. I decided to tuck it into a spirit house that I have that has a big heart where I've tucked little wishes written on little slips of paper.

(I'm sure you are curious about my spirit house. In a future blog post I'll show photos of it and I hope to interview the artist who created it. Stay tuned!)

This week I have two journal pages for you to download. The first page is for capturing what you wish for. What do you have tucked deep inside your heart? You don't have to pick only one wish, with this journal page you can fill it up with as many wishes as you like!

While packing for my vacation I came across a lovely card from a woman I have never met in person. We connected online first through blogging and then later on FB and we've even Skyped! Months will go by without a word exchanged, but we share a very special connection. When I came across this card I tucked it into my book bag and brought it with me to Maine.

Later in the week, I sat down at the little writing table in my room at the charming Hartstone Inn in Camden, Maine. I pulled out the card and read the first line over and over again:

You are a gift to others.

You are a gift to others.

You are a gift to others.

I had been thinking this next journal theme would be about celebration but after reading this card, I settled on the idea of recognizing our own "gifts." I read more of the card.

Some have a gift

for helping

others to see

the world as a place

of possibility...

Some impart wisdom

or comfort and care.

Some point out the path,

and some

take you there.

Some warm the heart

with a human touch.

You have all of these gifts...

Thank you so much.

 

As you can imagine I was so touched when I received this card. It was totally out of the blue and no where near my birthday.

I came home from my trip and pulled out a little book called, 100 Ways to Keep Your Soul Alive: Living Deeply and Fully Every Day and turned to the following passage:

Give Your Unique Gift

Each of us, as we journey through life, has the opportunity to find and to give his or her unique gift. Whether this gift is quiet or small in the eyes of the world does not matter at all - not at all; it is through the finding and the giving that we may come to know the joy that lies at the center of both the dark times and the light.

~ Helen M. Luke in Kaleidoscope

Identify one talent you posses that has enriched the lives of others.

This week I encourage you to download the beautiful journal page that I designed and to think about the gifts you have to offer the world.

To get your copy of the Journey of the Heart Journal, subscribe to the True North Arts Newsletter:

Subscribe to the True North Arts/Collage Diva newsletter to download the journal pages for free! That's right, subscribers will get access to a weekly journal page with new artwork, prompts, affirmations, and/or inspirational quotes. You can unsubscribe at any time.

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I'm posting photos of my Maine excursion this week on my Collage Diva blog. Swing by for a visual feast of gourmet food, gardens, harbors, and lighthouses.

My heartfelt wishes go out to you, may you recognize that you are a gift to the world.

Thank you dear ones for being the wonderful YOU.

{Namaste}

Kathryn, Collage Diva

Journey of the Heart Journal - Safe Harbor

When I set out to create the Journey of the Heart Journal, I had no idea that this would be a transformative experience. Each week I decide a theme and explore the topic. I have been impressed with how the theme develops. Little miracles appear daily - the perfect quotes appear in my inbox, or I randomly turn to a page in one of my books and therein lies words that tie in so well. What is amazing is how the unfolding journey is guiding me, helping me to listen to my heart. And while this journey has only just begun I have experienced so much personal growth. Publishing this journal and my experiences each week gives me a gentle push to keep creating. It helps me to know that others look forward to my weekly posts and more importantly this magical journey is helping them find their own way. This week I had designed the journal page first and then set out to explore the theme. I started with the word, "safety" which lead me to "safe harbor." It took all week before the words for this post were ready to emerge.

 It took a painful experience to help me focus and put to words not only what I need on this journey right now but how it relates to the theme, "safe harbor." Pictured above is my darling son. It was taken days before he left to go spend the summer with his father. My son has longed to live with his father for some time and just yesterday it has been decided that he will stay in Colorado (1800 miles from where I live). My mother's heart feels splintered. I love him so much and know that he is at an age that he needs his dad. He needs to learn from his father the lessons that I can not teach him. Even though I know this is the best thing for him and I support this decision, it is nonetheless very painful for me. I have been preparing for the empty nest in three years and didn't expect that it would be happening now. I guess it is a good thing I was planning ahead, you never know when things change up. As you can imagine, my journal is playing a HUGE role in my life. In my pain, I need a safe harbor. A place where I can nurture me and my dreams.

I left work early yesterday to come home and rest. After a little nap I thought about what I needed and I promised myself three things.

1. I will take extremely good care of myself.

I will continue to make healthy choices. Rest, nutritious foods,  exercise, meditation, and time for quiet reflection will help prepare me as I navigate this challenge and other challenges that are part of living.

On a table next to my bed is a dish filled with rocks and seashells. I pulled out a few items and held them in my hand. A dear friend gave me the heart rock and wing-like shell pictured above. Both pieces feel so good in my hand. As I rubbed the surfaces of these pieces I thought about my second promise.

2. I will embrace my feelings.

I've come to learn that it is important to honor our feelings. I have also learned that I am more than my feelings. Emotions are like storms that roll in. It is easy to get swept up in them. Our minds have a way of attaching to the emotions and playing thoughts over and over. Experience has taught me that if we don't hold onto the emotions but rather observe them, they will blow through. I know that it is important to face the pain and not try to numb. I remind myself, "I am prepared for this challenge. I have what I need. I am brave." 

The same friend gave me this unusual rock. Can you see the mother and child? I squeeze this rock in my hand. Tears pour down my face. I find myself using some of the same breathing techniques that I used to birth my son. Letting go is one of the hardest and most important lessons in life.

I have a book, 365 Mary: A Daily Guide to Mary's Wisdom and Comfort by Woodeene Koenig-Bricker. I turn to this book when I seek guidance. I hold the book and I ask Mary for a message. I close my eyes and I open my heart as I open the book randomly to a page. Invariably, the message is what I need to read.

Today was no different.

Mary answers me with "Fiat!"

Here is the passage from the book:

In some translations of Luke's Gospel, when Gabriel asks Mary if she's willing to become the mother of the Savior, she answers, "Fiat!"

More than a mere yes, her response means, "Let it be! Let it happen!" It's a resounding yes - and not just to the question of the moment but to the adventure of life, with all its ups and downs, ins and outs, pains and joys.

Mary's response -  "Fiat!" - should be ours as well. We're all called to live life to the fullest, not to go around like servants in a fantasy castle waiting for some distant moment when a prince will arrive to awaken the imprisoned princess with a kiss (and in the process wake everyone else up as well).

The time for waiting is over. The prince has already arrived. The princess is already awake. It's time to rouse ourselves from the dream world and start living!

Today observe your surroundings through freshly awakened senses. Look at the street you live on as if you've never seen it before. Drink your morning coffee as if it were the first cup you've ever tasted. Listen to the chirp of birds as if you've never heard birdsong before. Run your hand along the line of your cheek as if you've never felt a jawbone before. Breathe in the morning air as if this were your first breath. Make "Fiat!" your response to all of creation.

I make my third promise:

3. I will say, "Fiat! Yes! Let it be!"

I will keep my focus on my dreams and will take steps each day now more than ever to fully realize them. Now that I don't have the responsibility of cooking and caring for my son's daily needs, I have a new found space and time. How will I fill it? I have a storybook in me ready to be written. It is the first in a series of books and products that I will design. Now is the time to create them! 

Everyone needs a safe harbor. A place where we can be ourselves. A safe place to nurture our bodies, minds, and dreams. Pictured above is the journal page that I designed for this week. The clouds provide a perfect backdrop for your journal writing.

I pulled out the affirmation cards pictured above. They come from a delightful boxed set called, You Can Heal Your Life Affirmations Kit by Louise Hay. There are a couple of cards that really suits today's post.

My home is a peaceful haven.

I bless my home with love.
I put love in every corner,
and my home lovingly responds with warmth and comfort.
I am at peace.

Another card reads:

I am safe; it's only change.

I cross all bridges with joy and ease.
The "old" unfolds into wonderful new experiences.
My life gets better all the time.

This is the first time in my life that I am living alone. I look around my little place and I'm now thinking about how I can transform it. It is already my safe haven but now I want to declutter and design a space that is a reflection of me. I'm eager to clear out my spare room, the "creative cave of chaos" and design a good studio space.

I pulled from my bookshelf,  Altar Your Space: A Guide to the Restorative Homeby Jagatjoti S. Khalsa. I love, love, love the styles and philosophy behind the interior design in this book. It speaks to me of sanctuary building. A search on the web brought me to the following short video that gives you a glimpse of the design style and an opportunity to meet the designer behind this gorgeous book.

Altar Your Space | Jagatjoti Khalsa | Organic... by OrganicStyle

Sometimes we need to take refuge outside of our homes. Next week I will be heading to Maine for a week long vacation. I will be staying in a charming bed and breakfast. Each day I plan on revisiting the area lighthouses. I'll bring my camera and journal. My plan is to write my first story while hanging out at the various lighthouses. I will imagine my love signals going out into the world as I write my story. 

I am really looking forward to this much needed time for rest, relaxation, and reflection. 

The views will nourish this mermaid's soul.

And it will prepare me to return and provide a safe harbor for others who come to visit me at my treehouse and blogs.

To get your copy of the Journey of the Heart Journal, subscribe to the True North Arts Newsletter:

Subscribe to the True North Arts/Collage Diva newsletter to download the journal pages for free! That's right, subscribers will get access to a weekly journal page with new artwork, prompts, affirmations, and/or inspirational quotes. You can unsubscribe at any time.

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Note I will be offline and unplugged for most of the week. I will likely publish the next journal page upon my return but I may decide to give myself some extra time. Know that I will look forward to hearing from you and how you are creating your own safe harbors.

{Namaste}

Kathryn, Collage Diva
kathrynantyr@mac.com 

Journey of the Heart Journal - Gentle Steps

I am moved

By the rhythm of the day

To join in the dance

To walk with no intention

Among the trees and flowers

And to return refreshed

With some new discovery to share.

I read this invocation from a little book by Michael Davis titled, Rituals: Light for the Soul before heading out to Bedrock Gardens in Lee, New Hampshire. I was spending the day with my camera and journal, my two beloved companions. "What adventures lie ahead?" I thought as I set out. I had visited the gardens in May when I photographed many of the sculptures. I knew this visit was going to be different. I was so happy with all of the sculpture photos that this time I was going to leisurely wander then sit to pause often.

As I walked passed the trees and flowers, I wore a gentle smile. I thought of Thich Nhat Hanh's walking meditation practice. He writes:

Take my hand.
We will walk.
We will only walk.
We will enjoy our walk
without thinking of arriving anywhere.
Walk peacefully.
Walk happily.
Our walk is a peace walk.
Our walk is a happiness walk.

Then we learn
that there is no peace walk;
that peace is the walk;
that there is no happiness walk;
that happiness is the walk.
We walk for ourselves.
We walk for everyone
always hand in hand.

Walk and touch peace every moment.
Walk and touch happiness every moment.
Each step brings a fresh breeze.
Each step makes a flower bloom under our feet.
Kiss the Earth with your feet.
Print on Earth your love and happiness.

Earth will be safe
when we feel in us enough safety.

(From Walking Meditation w/DVD & CD-ROM by Nguyen Anh-Huong & Thich Nhat Hanh)

I sat next to the pond and watched several red dragonflies dance. I watched the gentle breeze move the tall grass and leaves in the tree. Gentle ripples formed and disappeared along the surface of the pond. Several people walked by many of them in busy chatter and moving quickly past. I felt lucky to have this moment to pause. I sank into the moment and when the time felt right I moved on.

While in the woods I noticed some beautiful flags.

Gently the flags swayed and danced, the wind their invisible partner.

There was a small circular clearing in the wood and surrounding it were these garden flags.

I stopped for a while to visit with artist Susan Quateman and her husband Richard. It was a delightful discovery in the woods to meet this lovely couple. Susan explained how she paints the silk. The designs are inspired by her background in landscape design and planning. Some of the designs have leaves and seeds while others sport landscape plan motifs. Her silk gems are designed as garden banners and scarfs. Originally from London, Susan now lives on the North Shore, Massachusetts. When her website is up and running, I'll be sure to share it with you. 

The adventures of the day inspired my newest journal page for the Journey of the Heart Journal. Are you feeling stuck? Or, do you feel like you are on a fast moving train ready to spin out? Whether you are moving fast or not moving at all, this week's reflections and prompts encourage you to pause and then proceed by taking gentle steps.

This week's journal theme is Gentle Steps. The free download includes questions for reflection and an affirmation. Let's explore how we can move through the day with grace and ease.

To get your copy of the Journey of the Heart Journal, subscribe to the True North Arts Newsletter:

Subscribe to the True North Arts/Collage Diva newsletter to download the journal pages for free! That's right, subscribers will get access to a weekly journal page with new artwork, prompts, affirmations, and/or inspirational quotes. You can unsubscribe at any time.

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May each step you take this week come from your heart.

{Namaste}

Kathryn, Collage Diva
kathrynantyr@mac.com

Journey of the Heart Journal - Illuminate

I found myself with an unexpected day off. We were nearing the end of the fiscal year and it was a matter of "use it or lose it." I had no specific plans set for the day. With pajamas still on I took my coffee over to my friend's house and arrived unannounced. It was a lovely surprise for all of us. Her son was eager to show me his room and pulled out his piggy banks. He dumped the contents of them onto the kitchen table and we sorted the treasure into piles while his mum and I chatted. Meanwhile my friend's sweet daughter was fascinated by a new buddha that recently came to live with them. She marveled at how the morning light was shining through the figure.

Quietly she starred at the figurine then set it down next to her and she took up his pose and beamed a smile. OOoooooh my heart be still. What a moment. What a photo op. "The buddha is illuminated and so are you." I told my little friend. She said nothing but kept on smiling.

 
I knew in that moment I had the theme for my next journal page.

Tell me friends, are you letting your light shine?

I have struggled at times with letting my own light shine. My fear is that in shining my light others will be caught in the shadows feeling small. My enthusiasm and zest for life and creativity is so strong that I fear steam rolling others who may be feeling tired, fragile, broken. 

Marianne Williamson writes, "'Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.' We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are meant to shine, as children do. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." (A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles" pp. 190-191)

I've recently lost 42 lbs. What has brought me so much delight is how the people around me are inspired by what I have done. I don't go around talking about it, rather I just shine. I have this new found energy and zest. In my radiance, others are noticing and asking about it. It is then that I share my journey towards health. As I shine, I light the way for others. The next time you see someone shining their light, don't feel small in comparison, rather get inspired by it. I see woman who are living a life similar to what I dream about and I smile thinking that it can happen and I'm going to make it happen for me! You see it is evidence that what we dream can come true.

 

This week's journal theme is Illuminate. The free download includes questions for reflection and an affirmation. Let's explore how we can shine our own light and recognize and affirm the light in others.

 

To get your copy of the Journey of the Heart Journal, subscribe to the True North Arts Newsletter:

Subscribe to the True North Arts/Collage Diva newsletter to download the journal pages for free! That's right, subscribers will get access to a weekly journal page with new artwork, prompts, affirmations, and/or inspirational quotes. You can unsubscribe at any time.

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I can't wait to meet your shiny and beautiful self!

{Namaste}

Kathryn, Collage Diva
kathrynantyr@mac.com

Journey of the Heart Journal - The Fog

One day last week while out on my daily walk, it was a super foggy morning. My thoughts quickly went to an essay by Tama Kieves titled, “How to Skip Through the Fog.” Tama has been a well-spring of inspiration for me and especially helpful at a time when I felt so terribly lost and in a fog. I remember those days so clearly for they weren’t that long ago. It was a time when I had no idea where I was heading or where I wanted to go in my life - and there was Tama who held my hand with her words. When I discovered Tama’s book, This Time I Dance!: Creating the Work You Love I didn’t think of myself as an artist and my confidence was quite low. Reading through Tama’s book and listening to her meditations, I began my transformation.

What I knew to be true for me back in those thick foggy days, was that I wasn’t happy. I was working in a temporary job as an executive secretary that turned into a 3-year position. I was stuck. My heart ached and Tama’s gentle words and affirmations gave me the encouragement to be still, take heart, and to listen. I began to trust. Slowly I began to see a little further on my path.

Today, I find that I have fewer foggy days or foggy moments. While my confidence and voice have emerged, my creative life is in full force, and I have a clearer vision, I often can’t see how I am going make my BIG dreams fully realized.

Tama writes, “I know of no other way to find and follow your calling than to take the next visible step before you.” Tama shares how her career from lawyer to writer emerged: “And thank goodness for the foresight to have no foresight because I could never have mapped out this unthinkable tapestry of grace.”

So often we want a well mapped out plan. Plans are good, they help us to stay moving, however we need to be open to the unexpected opportunities. Tama adds, “It’s just one foot in front of the other on a road your intellect may never understand, and your heart will never doubt. The path of inspiration defies navigation. We arrive by way of revelation.”

This week’s journal page from the Journey of the Heart Journal, is about navigating in the “fog.” It is a free download for subscribers to the True North Arts newsletter. The page includes reflection questions, suggested action steps, a watchword, affirmation, and inspiring quote.

To get your copy of the Journey of the Heart Journal, subscribe to the True North Arts Newsletter:

Subscribe to the True North Arts/Collage Diva newsletter to download the journal pages for free! That's right, subscribers will get access to a weekly journal page with new artwork, prompts, affirmations, and/or inspirational quotes. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Email Marketing by iContact

Cheers to dancing our way through the fog!

{Namaste}

Kathryn, Collage Diva
kathrynantyr@mac.com