Happy New Year Beautiful Ones!
As I sit down to write this post, my face is feeling a slight numbness from the effects of a lingering cold. I enjoyed a quiet two weeks with my son over the holiday. We shared many laughs and lots of savory home-cooked meals. Although we both came down with colds, our time off felt like a retreat.
I did find energy and interest in playing in Photoshop on a couple of occasions. The digital collage above emerged in response to contemplating a new year. I feel like this gypsy woman looking to her feathered companion for direction. Last night I showed this collage to a dear friend and she interpreted the many hands as the many people in my life who are supporting me. I found comfort in her words as I was feeling more like I was reaching out and pulling myself into too many directions. I've been feeling some pressure to know the direction I am heading in and to have a plan mapped out by the stroke of midnight on New Years. I'm a list maker and I love to focus on clear objectives. Lately, however, I've been feeling distracted and scattered.
My digital play produced this mysterious cathedral hidden within the walls found in the "Forest of Wishes." One of my blog friends Shell wrote, "We all need an inner cathedral to retreat to."
How true!
I recall Wayne Dyer saying that he has a place deep within himself that is his private sacred space where no one but him goes. I like the idea of having my own magical place to retreat to when life seems challenging.
One area that I want to focus on in the coming year is better organization. I desire de-cluttering and removing things I don't need or don't serve me and my creative dreams. Yesterday I started with my bedroom and now it feels like a little sanctuary. In fact, when I clean and organize and redecorate my spaces, I call it SANCTUARY BUILDING. The little lights pictured above give off a warm glow and ambiance reminiscent of a charming outdoor restaurant in Copan, Honduras. Do you have a sacred space in your home?
When I feel weary, I put on music to lift my soul and to inspire me to get into the groove. My newest favorite is Luis Villegas ~ Cafe Ole
Each year I select a word to focus on this year my word is EMBRACE. It is a call to action to lean into those challenges. It is a call to take positive risks. It is a call to live life with an open heart. I think too it is a call to give out lots of hugs in the coming year!
To remind me of my watchword, I made a 3"x5" notecard.
I seem to be drawn to blue these days. Does that happen to you? Are you drawn to different colors at different times in your life? Perhaps I'm entering into a blue period?
This week's Journey of the Heart Journal page draws upon the elements from my gypsy collage. It offers you a space to record your thoughts and feelings about entering into this new year. The affirmation, "I give myself the time I need." reminds me that I don't have to have it all figured out right now.
I hope my post inspires you to enter this year with a gentle and open heart.
Namaste,
Kathryn, Collage Diva
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Happy New Year, Kathryn.
I have an altar in my bedroom which is my sacred space. It's right next to my window where I can sit in front of my altar, and see the sky as well.
I think when the year changes, sometimes there is a lot going on. As the days go on, I'm sure you'll be able to write your lists for 2012.
Embrace is great word for 2012!
Posted by: Shell | 01/02/2012 at 04:42 PM