Art Journal: Building Blocks

Building Block Art Journal Spread by Dawn Herring

Have I told you how much Fun art journaling is? But it's not just fun. It's insightful. It's a place to give full expression to your heart, your emotions and your thoughts about life. And you can get a specific and as general as you wish. 

I find art journaling to be a powerful subconscious tool since it can combine many elements together, such a color, texture, image, words, and layering of things that can be meaningful in ways that go deeper. I like it when I go deep. Although it can be a challenge to assimilate what I learn since the deeper you go, the more insightful it gets. When you receive insight about yourself, you may recognize areas you need to change, And we all know that change isn't easy. But it's necessary if we are to grow into Who We Are every day, right?

So, art journaling is, for me, a great way to understand and know myself in such a way as to create authentic positive change. 

For this spread, I started with a stencil. I recently purchased alpha and numeric stencils to use in my art journaling, and lately I've been experimenting (love to experiment!) with sprays. I've been putting pigment in water in a little spray bottle to see how well it works and how dark a color I can get with it. That's still a work in progress. 

This time I used liquid ink in an red/orange color with water and sprayed it twice (drying in between) over a numeric stencil. It didn't come out as dark as I would have liked but it was visible even though washy. This was also a spread I made stencils for. (Making stencils was one of my goals this year as an art journal keeper and artist in general.) I made a leaf stencil and one with squares, both of which I used in this spread as you can see even more clearly in the images below. (I also added a yellow watercolor.)

Up close of Leaf Stencil

I like the way the leaf stencil came out. I used a cosmetic sponge to apply the watercolor paint. I just have to watch I don't use too much water otherwise it gets under the stencil. It really is all in the experimenting! I learn as a go, and I have fun at the same time. (That's my mantra in art journaling, isn't it? ;)) Once I had my stencils work in place, I noted that the squares reminded me of building blocks. So I decided to add the words, Building Blocks, using colored construction paper as background and I would stamp each one with a letter. I had to determine where the blocks would go. There are so many variables based on what's on the page already as well as what looks right. Once I settled on the 'where' of it, I adhered them with matte medium, and then stamped the letters. 

Up close of Blocks and square stencil

Once I had that completed, I felt like the yellow was a bit "loud," so I decided to tone it down a bit with red watercolor paint applied with a sponge and then later, outlined with a paintbrush. I also decided to add more building blocks to the page by cutting out squares of paper, laying them out in such a manner as to resemble bricks, which I later outlined in white  and red on yellow. 

Up close of Challenges

Once I had that completed, I begin to think more deeply about the Building Blocks of life. Not only do our homes get built with a strong foundation, but our inner lives have one as well. But what are those building blocks made of? 

Joy and Happiness are wonderful building blocks created from lovely life experiences we have. But what about those life challenges that throw us off our center or make us look more carefully at our choices? 

Ah yes, those! They have so much to teach us, don't they? What triggered that initial reaction or action on our parts? What can that tell us about ourselves? 

I'm always one to dig deeper in my journal when I ask myself such questions so I can learn what I can to make that all-essential positive change. Know what NOT to do next time and what TO DO for my health and well being. 

So as I asked this question, I decided to add 'Life Challenges" to my spread, using a stencil for the lettering, which I applied with watercolor and outlined with white gel pen. 

As I thought more deeply, I realized that Life Challenges are Building Blocks to....Alignment! (Which I added also with stencil.) Yes. When we recognize the positive change needed and take action to do what is necessary to implement that positive change, we get REALIGNED with Who We Are. (I was actually excited to share that with you since I know how powerful it was for me.) 

I am all for realigning with Who I Am, since I know when I am thrown out of alignment from life challenges, it doesn't feel very good. No. And who wants to stay there anyway? Not a very healthy place to be. 

My journal and art journal are both places that help me stay aligned and help me re-align when needed. 

Art Journal/Journal Prompt:
Are you facing a life challenge that has thrown you off your center? Have you been blindsided by something unexpected and are smarting because of it? Explain in detail this challenge in your written journal, including what triggered the challenge, how you reacted to the challenge, and what made you realize it threw you off your center. What did you do or still need to do to get realigned? What positive change do you need to make as a result of this life challenge? 

In your art journal, use the color that most represents this challenge for you and apply in a way that Honors your emotion and your feelings right where you are. Pull text from magazines or simply write words that express those feelings best visually. You can also use an image that best represents what this challenge is telling you about yourself. You can also write a poem that Honors the Positive Change you are implementing as a result of this life challenge you have experienced. 

Validating and Honoring your emotions and Who You Are in a Life Challenge is essential to help you go deeper in understanding how your life works for you and what you can do to make it the best quality of life you can. 

Remember that those Life challenges can be the Building Blocks to the Life You really want. Don't be afraid to go for what Aligns you with Who You Are from the inside out. 

Copyright 2015 Dawn Herring
Copyright 2015 Images by Dawn Herring Collection

Note: I have included a link to my new Refresh Daily blog where this post was originally created. I wanted to be sure you received this post since you are a  reader and subscriber to this For A Fresh Perspective Blog. However, I am not posting every Refresh Daily post here. If you want to get all of my blog content, you are welcome to subscribe to Refresh Daily. 

Art Journal: Soul Deep

Have I ever told you how much I love Art Journaling? I'm always singing its praises since I know how rewarding the process can be. And this 2 page spread that you see in the first image is no different. 

I did want to express the importance of having a good stash of art journal fodder on hand if you like the collage element of creation like I do. I recommend saving magazines, circulars, junk mail and anything that has images, text or designs that you like and pull what you're drawn to. I love doing this; sometimes when I don't want to paint but I do want to get into a creative mindset, I'll go through a magazine or two and pull what I like and stash it in my drawers for future reference. 

For this particular spread, I used several things from my stash, with my current favorite color (or at least one of them!) turquoise. I decided I also wanted to lay down some newspaper and tissue paper along with the magazine fodder to create a more layered look. And I achieved just that. :) 

I used gesso to prime the pages initially. Then I started to tear the newspaper in strips and adhered them with matte medium. Once I had that down, I tore bits and strips of the turquoise fodder, first one with a lighter color turquoise, then later I added the darker hues that included black from another image altogether. I added more gesso between these applications to tone down the color but to also add texture and visual interest. Gesso is great for that. I usually apply the gesso with a wide plastic palette knife initially then I switch to a more narrow palette knife when using it over layers. The second image is an up close of the left page. 

Once I had all the layers and gesso down, I also added some turquoise watercolor paint from Prang and added stippling in various areas for more design and for visual interest. I also added some black in various spots to highlight some of the black on parts of collage I used. Once I had all of this complete, I began to look carefully at the composition I created and realized it reminded me of being under water with the color turquoise. Deep under water. Water can also been symbolic of emotion. And emotions are in the soul. Thus the title, Soul Deep. So I stamped the words SOUL DEEP with upper case alpha stamps and again in smaller letters. I accented the letters with black, turquoise and white to define them. The third image is an up close of the right page. 

One of the things I wanted to point out with this Soul Deep spread; when we want to go deeper in learning more about ourselves, deep where those core emotions lie, it can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when we reckon with unexpected emotions of the soul. This is where we have to be nurturing with ourselves, so we don't end up feeling like we desperately need to come up for air. You know how when you go swimming and dive deep, the first thing you want to do, out of necessity, is come up for air. The same goes for emotional swimming. There's a place for seeking and splashing and discovering. But when it's time for air, we need to be flexible with ourselves, rather than exacting. Especially when we've made mistakes. 

Be willing to go deep--even soul deep. But Be Gentle with what you discover. But be ready to see what needs to change too, because that will come. But you'll be ready for it. 

And when you do come up for air, the air will be sweet and invigorating; and you will be changed--for the better. 

Enjoy your swim! 

(This post was originally posted on my Refresh Daily blog; I have posted it here for my subscribers. If you would like to continue receiving all of my blog posts, you're welcome to subscribe to Refresh Daily.) 

Copyright 2015 by Dawn Herring
Copyright 2015 Images by Dawn Herring Collection

A Comforting Awareness

Some of My Comforts: My favorite chair to journal in, my current artsy journal sketchbook and my favorite mug for tea.

One of the Comfort and Joy Prompts from Jani Franck's Ecourse was What Comforts You using the sense of Touch. I really had to give some thought to this. But as I wrote some things down, like my warm tea mug in the a.m. and p.m.,  and ways in which I care for myself with skin care and other things I do that involve a sense of touch, I realized that my perspective on each item had not been initially sensed this way...with comfort. Many of them were seen and experienced like more of a task, something that needs to be done, part of my routine. 

So, as I considered this disparage, I realized I needed a fresh perspective on how I viewed these things so I could better experience them as they could be if I go about thinking about them differently. This activated a new Awareness of what Could Comfort me that I hadn't considered before. 

Once I had this epiphany, the next time I engaged in any of these previously experienced "tasks" but with looking at them as something I could enjoy, relish and find comfort in, I found myself feeling more grateful, more present, more appreciative of what I have and how I can take care of myself and find comfort in these things at the same time. 

I believe that when we slow down long enough to understand and appreciate each task or thing we do for ourselves, instead of running on rote thinking and not really noticing each engagement, we can transform much of what we do into something loving, nurturing and meaningful. 

It becomes a Comforting Awareness when we take the time to see them and experience them that way. 
I have become much more aware of my mug of tea, my journal, my watercolors, and many other things that are a source of comfort to me as I relish them in the moment. 

What are you rushing through that could become something you thoroughly enjoy and even find a sense of Comfort in? Jot these things down and then, the next time you engage with them, Be Very Present. Relish the Moment. See what a difference it makes for you. 

Life can truly be filled with many good things when we take the time to enJOY them as only we can. 
How will you Comfort yourself today? 

Copyright 2014 by Dawn Herring 

Note: This post was originally posted on my Refresh Daily Blog. I've shared it with you, my readers, so you wouldn't miss a thing. You're welcome to subscribe on my website! 

Refreshment or Rejection?

Refreshment is a key component to my daily life. I know the deepest benefits and that's why I always remind folks to refresh themselves daily.

However, it's easy to let a day or two or many more slip by without re-invigorating ourselves in some way; but unfortunately we may experience the "side effects" of not doing so and, maybe, not even realize it.

Such was the case for me recently...

I was having a challenging morning, feeling a bit discouraged, a bit out of alignment and un-grounded. You know how I could tell?

I was feeling doubtful about some things. I was impatient, lacking faith in areas of great importance to me.

(Yes, this is an honest confession.)

I was really wondering what was going on with me; I don't like feeling or acting this way. It's very disconcerting, perplexing and distressing.

So I certainly did NOT want to stay there.
NO.

So I got my journal out and wrote my a.m. entry. After detailing my distress of those minutes I just described, I then switched to my non dominant hand and began to ask what went wrong.

What I wrote came as a complete but revelatory surprise to me.

I had not painted in about three days.

That was it.

You wouldn't think that putting pigment on a paint brush and applying it to watercolor paper or canvas would make that much of a difference, right?

But, here's the truth in a nutshell: I am an artist. It's a huge part of the core of my being. (I continued to journal just this truth when what was next came out in all of its profoundness...)

When I go one day without creating in some way, especially painting, which helps me activate my creative center and stay aligned with Who I Am, I am essentially Rejecting that Core Part of Myself.

Self Rejection!

This really woke me up.

It's easy to point a finger at another and say, this person has rejected me, and put the blame elsewhere.

But in reality, rejection from another is often a reflection of how we are rejecting ourselves and not even know it!

I realized with this revelation of self rejection when not taking the time DAILY to honor Who I Am as an artist, I also came to the conclusion that Daily Authentic Refreshment is even more Vitally Important than I initially realized, for as much as I remind folks to refresh daily.

I understood on an even deeper level what it looks like and feels like to not refresh yourself to nourish the core of your being.

Instead of simply saying to get your guilt free refreshment daily, now I'm saying, Don't reject that Core of Who You Are by letting a day go by without that essential nourishment that is so vitally important to your well being. That cannot be overstated.

I realize that now more than ever before.

So, guess what?
I have painted daily since then, whether in my art journal or on canvas/paper. I finished one painting and started another.

Yes, when I paint daily, not only do I nourish myself, I also get more artistic work accomplished, and have a splendid time doing it.

And it does make a major difference in how I feel: more aligned with Who I Am. I can hear that Intuitive Voice speaking ever so clearly: Go Paint. And I say, Okay, I will!

My painting gives me space to express what's in my heart; it gives me deeper understanding of what I'm feeling, thinking, saying and doing.

And you know what else I realized?

My journaling practice is a super powerful tool that gives me space to express how I feel and listen to my Intuitive Heart; but it's NOT ENOUGH to keep me nourished in the Core of my being.

Once you find what nourishes the Core of your being, do it daily. Whatever it takes. Even if it's just 5 minutes!

And if you don't know what that nourishing activity is just yet, you're welcome to check out my Your Life Refreshed! Creative Strategy Sessions so we can get on board with helping you find out just what that is!

No Rejection. Just Love, Care and Nourishment...ultimately so you can make a positive mark in your world.

© 2014 by Dawn Herring

Lighten UP!

Lighten.

That was one of the words I wrote making a list of words I love and hate.
Of course there was a reason for doing this. I was doing a journaling exercise provided by my good friend, Jill Winski.

When I wrote the list of words I love, Lighten showed up the first time.
And again the next day.
And a third time a few days later.

So Lighten got my attention, needless to say.

I journaled about this word and what it meant to me right now.
It awakened me to any possible heaviness I was experiencing and my need for lightness in my day.

You know, when life starts to feel to heavy and hard--when you're in transition with a lot of unknowns, or when life feels risky because of choices you've made with work or other important dimensions of life. Or when life feels uncertain in connection with relationships, especially ones that are out of your control.

You know the issues, you know the feelings.

Heaviness is no fun, is it?

So, Lighten UP!

I know it may be easier said than done.

So we have to start thinking about what would lighten things up for us.

Hmmmm. Let's see what comes up.

I love seeing other artist's dress like they paint...like I do sometimes in what I call my "crazy wear" including colorful socks and t-shirts and sometimes shoes too! I notice when I wear this kind of stuff, I feel lighter and more vibrant!

Talking with my grandboy when he says something new--that always lightens things up and makes me celebrate!

Having a good laugh with a family member, especially when the source of the humor is spontaneous, totally unexpected.

Painting in my art journal often lightens things up a bit. Or working in a painting in progress, especially when it comes together the way I want it to!

Spending time with hubby chatting about what matters most to us.

Reading my daily comics, Baldo, For Better or For Worse, Luann, One Big Happy and Rose is Rose along with Zits. I usually got a good laugh from the irony or a resonating topic covered.

My journal writing lightens me since I have a place to release my angst and focus on the good stuff too.

I feel lighter when I listen to or watch a live vocal audition--I enjoy seeing someone succeed in their efforts with sounds of applause following. I find that inspiring!

I also feel lighter when I learn of someone's creative process, whether in music, art, photography, or other forms of artistic expression. Thus interviews are of interest to me regularly.

So, it's your turn! What lightens you in your day to day experience, especially when you feel the growing heaviness of life's responsibilities and relationships?

Write a Lighten UP list in your journal and see what shows up.
And if you haven't experienced what's on your list in a while, make it a priority!
Make plans to get some Lighten UP type stuff going in your life.
Seek it out. Be deliberate about how you spend your time to keep your day light.

It's interesting how one list leads to another list, isn't it?
That's one of the things I love about journal writing--you never know how one idea can lead to another and then life takes a positive shift for the better, and that really is often the point, right?

So get your journal on--and feel lighter in the process!
Enjoy and have some fun!

(You're welcome to share how it went in the comments below or email me direct at refreshwithdawnherring@gmail.com.)

© 2014 by Dawn Herring

Transition

When we are in transition, change is inevitable. I suppose that's why transition can often create challenge and difficulty for us; so we don't like change necessarily. Change means we have to do things differently than before when we've gotten so used to the way things were.

But that can also mean that we're in a rut. Sometimes it's good to change things up.

But what kind of transition are we talking about?

There can be the kind that we don't necessarily choose. The kind that blindsides you, like when you lose your job or your house goes into foreclosure because of financial difficulties or a relationship comes unraveled and you simply don't know how to put it all back together.

These kinds of transitions can throw us off our center, even for long periods of time. That's why it's so important to listen carefully to our inner wisdom so we can move through these transitions as authentically as possible, paying close attention to Who We Are and Who We Are Becoming.

Because with transitional change comes inner change as well.
But are we resisting that inner change?
Is it triggering questions about Who We Thought We Were?
Are we finding ourselves reckoning with possible Illusions about Who We Thought We Were?

That can make a transition painful, but if we choose to be honest and gentle with ourselves as we face these changes, we can slow down and take a closer look and really listen to our hearts and determine what is our most authentic path.

Perhaps these changes are a gift and we just don't see the ribbons or bows just yet.
Not all packages come in fancy attire. Sometimes they're just plain and we don't realize the gift that is inside, that is showing us Who We Really Are and it's the most beautiful thing we've ever seen in ourselves.

That can truly take us by surprise. But what a lovely surprise it is.

That can make that transition transform into one we now Choose for ourselves, knowing we are now following more readily our authentic path that we had found ourselves lost without. But we have found it once again, and now we know where we want to go and maybe, just maybe, we have the courage to follow that path into a place we thought we'd never reach. But it's just right there. We just have to go a little further.
We just need to hang on and not give up.

The world we live in needs to see us not give up and to follow our authentic path so others can be encouraged to follow their's, just in the nick of time because they almost turned away too.

You can never know how you can help make the world a more courageous, authentic place by choosing your authentic path, whether or not you feel afraid or doubtful or discouraged or wonder if you're simply crazy for wanting to go in this new direction you've never been on before but you know it's totally right for you and so you will go there.

But you know you need to have Faith that the Universe will be with you every step of the way so you are not alone. No, we are NOT alone. All is well.

So, be strong. Don't be afraid.
Listen to Your Heart.
When you're in transition, see it as a gift given to you from the Universe as your way of getting back on your authentic path, and as you walk it, look out for all the good stuff that's coming your way and don't give up when you meet up with resistance, because it will come. It's only part of the process.

But don't give up. Stay on the path. Be strong and full of courage.
Then you will see the sun rise and you will see good things come to pass.
Just believe and be strong.
You won't regret your authentic path; it is a winning way.
The only way that will truly satisfy.

© 2014 By Dawn Herring

Making Space

Do you have something in your life that you want to make room for?

We all have dreams or even small ideas that niggle at the back of our minds just waiting for space to be expressed, don't we?

So, what is holding us back?

Probably doubt.

But another issue that may be a tougher nut to crack is looking at how we are spending our time and determine activities that are the most time consuming, even if we happily engage in those activities. We have to determine if those activities can either be cut back on or eliminated all together to make space for what we really want.

My main "something" that I've been longing to spend more time on has been my ART. Over the past few years, as I've discovered the wonders of watercolor, I've wanted to engage with it all the more.

But so many responsibilities and activities have prevented me from doing so.
So recently, in my journal, I asked the question, what is holding me back from engaging in art more so, since this is the Heart of Who I Am. No second guessing that.

I touched on a few issues concerning doubts about my direction and other smaller things related to certain projects I have in mind. But I knew that wasn't the Core Issue. My main problem was where I was spending too much of my time.

So I got serious about looking more closely at my time-sucks.
Obviously my increasing duties where my skills are greatly needed in our Bill's Quality Electric, LLC electrical contracting company are of primary importance, which I already knew. So that wasn't the issue.

Soon I discovered what was the most time consuming, and why it was. So I decided that I needed to create more boundaries, determine what mattered most and greatly reduce what wasn't necessary. Of course, it hasn't been easy. Old habits die hard.

But every extra moment I've had in my studio as a result has been a great reward for reducing the other activity.

So, how do you reckon with making more space for your desired activity, perhaps an Authentic Refreshment?

You have to look honestly at what is sapping your time and energy and really determine what matters most.
What will you lose if you either limit the other activities or eliminate them altogether? Be totally honest here. Reckon with any illusions that may be causing you to think something negative could happen when, really, you  know it won't. You just think it will.

Once you have that figured out, set a do-able goal on how to make that change in time spent on that activity that isn't deserving as much time if any at all. Don't be afraid to let go of something if you think you'll really miss it. (Like emails that are begging to be deleted but you're hanging on to them just in case. I'm always surprised by the relief I feel when I hit that delete button; and I've never missed even one of those emails!)

There is a time and a season for everything; and sometimes what we used to spend vast amounts of time doing no longer feeds us like it used to. If it feels like it's sapping you instead of adding to you, you know it's time to make a change.

Once you start implementing the change, be gentle with yourself if you fall back to doing that activity too much again; just get back to the greatly desired activity that you really want to do, and you'll get into flow of Who You Are.

Remember, we are constantly changing. What worked for us before may not work for us now. The more we really listen to those changes and embrace what really keeps us centered and aligned with Who We Are, the happier, more peaceful and more energetic we'll be.

You have that idea or activity in mind for a reason; don't neglect what your soul really wants. Give it space to express itself. That positive change just might change your life!

© 2014 by Dawn Herring

Illusion

illusion (n) something that a person wrongly supposes to exist. A false belief about the nature of something.
pretend (v) to create a false appearance of something either in play or so as to deceive others.

We all remember what it was like when we were a child and had a desire to imitate life around us. Like pretending to cook in the kitchen or pretending you're superman with a cape on. Or writing in your diary thinking you'll be a grown-up writer someday.

What did you pretend to be when you were a child? Was it fun? Adventurous?
One of my favorite pretend activities was with my Barbie dolls; I would come up with all kinds of scenarios of what they would do and be. I also pretended to feed my doll bottled milk (you know the kind that disappeared when it was horizontal.) It was all so fun and felt grown up to do something I hoped to do one day. (Of course I had two daughters, so that did eventually happen!)

Pretending is a huge part of a child's imagination and an essential part of growing up. It's all good.

On the flip side of that whole typical picture is illusion.
I don't mean the kind that magicians carry out to make something look real when it isn't. That's all in good fun.

No, I mean the kind that speaks of things that we worry about. The kind of content that runs around in our brains when we're trying something new or when we're figuring something out or when we're determining what comes next in a relationship or conflict we are facing.

We don't often return to the childhood activity of play, even though we should; that's often where imagination takes on a decidedly authentic turn, showing us how to solve problems and determine which path to take when we are perplexed.

It comes naturally to kids to problem solve; they don't give up easily, especially if it's helping them do something they really want to do. Child's play is nothing to laugh at when it comes to it's effectiveness in helping us learn our way in the world.

So why do we resort to that worrying narrative that runs around in our heads, undermining our imagination and twisting it into anxious and fearful thoughts that are just that...anxious and fearful thoughts?

Where do they come from?

My guess is our subconscious minds are trying to solve our perplexities but it's not getting past the noise to the voice within. This happens when we don't choose to be deliberately mindful, choosing better thoughts as we recognize something we think about that isn't really true because it hasn't happened yet. I call those thoughts Illusion. Those thoughts, most of the time, cause anxiety. And when we give our energy to them, without even realizing that's what we're doing, it creates a sense of un-ease that is so unnecessary. It steals our peace and produces an unhealthy energy that saps us dry.

Let's get mindful! Let's get deliberate about the thoughts we choose to think. Let's record in our journals the thoughts that are troubling us so we can determine if they are based in truth (what we know for sure) or in Illusion (what hasn't happened). Let's use our imaginations to create a life that is authentic to Who We Are.

Just like children who do eventually grow up and become who they wanted to be. Maybe they really did become that artist, that writer, that astronaut, that Mom or Dad with their child in their arms.

And maybe you can be Who You Want To Be even now. Knowing Who You Are is the First Step toward directing your thoughts authentically and in a direction that is true and lovely and good.

We'll keep Illusion for the magicians who like to make things look real when they are not.
Know Your Truth and Live In It and Become Who You Want To Be. For Real.

© 2014 by Dawn Herring

A New Paradigm

We all have our routines filled with to dos, tasks, conversation, decision making, choices, relationships and expectations, either initiated by our own desires or someone else's. This all sounds like a pretty typical life. So we don't often make much change since we get used to the way things are.

But that's not necessarily a good thing.
Especially if we're feeling the stress of unmet expectations no matter the source, if we find ourselves tired and worn out from not pacing ourselves and if we find less joy and more discouragement in our overall emotional life experience.

We need to heed the warning signs of doing too much, saying too much, and not taking enough time to do what will invigorate, inspire and re-energize.

Thus we need a new paradigm. A new approach. A New Way of Doing Life.

How do we know what changes to make?

We have to base them on our values, what really matters to us most, what is priority over everything else.
That means saying no to things that we may see as valuable or at least reducing the amount of time we spend on them with no major consequence and at the same time, increase the amount of time of what we know is essential to our well being.

First of all, one of the best things I've ever done is choose to SLOW DOWN. Take it easy. Take Breaks. Don't push yourself too hard. And forgive yourself when you make mistakes. Life is full of them; we cannot expect perfection, just our best.

I have found that when I PACE myself, doing certain tasks at certain times, and then taking a break to relax, journal and do something that energizes me makes all the difference in the world for my over all well being. Don't let your life circumstances become so overwhelming that it's what you have to do. Pace yourself now so you're body will thank you later.

Another issue I've addressed: when I feel stress in a situation, I exit, going somewhere where I can regroup, center myself, and give myself space to release stress and relax, doing something I love to do, even if it's just being quiet for a time.

Speaking of Quiet, reducing your amount of conversation can actually enhance your well being. The less we say, sometimes, the better. Much of what we say, whether just in daily existence or in conversation with another, is full of unnecessary noise. How often do we find ourselves saying, "Why did I say that? I should have just kept my mouth shut." Exactly.

If you institute less talking (try writing down everything you want to say and you'll find yourself saying less automatically just because writing it down is such a pain), you will find more energy for doing things you want to do. It's also quieting for the soul. Less talk produces more quiet contemplation.

It can also help to keep a journal when you institute less talking so you can record what you're thinking and still feel "heard" in a way. At least your point of view still matters on paper. The point is that when you talk less, what you do say will have more power. They say your words carry energy; so when you use that energy to speak, really think about what you say before you say it. Be choosier with your speech. It may just change the way you think about everything.

These changes will take some getting used to since we're so used to being in a rush, talking too much, and doing too much every single day.

Make space for Quiet Contemplation. Connect with your Source Energy and find yourself more aligned with who you really are. With Quiet, Slowing Down, Pacing Yourself and Taking Time to do what you love, you will enter a whole new Paradigm and Way of Life that will increase the quality of your life experience and give you a greater sense of purpose in all you do, say, and think.

Do you need to Slow Down? Be More Quiet? Say Less and Do More of what you Love?
Start now before your body starts speaking for you in ways that are uncomfortable and unpleasant.

Listen carefully to your Higher Self, that place of Inner Wisdom and Intuition that will tell you what changes you can make to enter a New Paradigm for Living Authentic to Who You Really Are.

In the process, you'll also make the world a better place.
Have a Happy New Year and Happy New Life.

&#169 2014 by Dawn Herring

It's About Time

You know how some folks pick a meaningful word at the start of a new year to create a specific focus?
Well, for 2013 my focus word was TIME.

Yes, time in all of its dimensions, meanings, uses, approaches and struggles.

I used time as a meaningful visual and textual dimension in my art journaling pages and journaled about time and its facets and how I wanted to make meaningful changes concerning time and its effects in my life.

When I think about time, often the issue that arises is not having enough time to do the things I love.
So I was determined to make more space for my artistic pursuits.

I moved my art studio from a bedroom with a door to the center of the house off the kitchen area. I knew this move would initiate more time at the creative table since it was more convenient and available to me. I could paint, create texture, stamp messages, collage, and paint some more in between making dinner in the kitchen, doing business on the computer and doing chores/housework.

I have spent more time pursuing my love of art journaling, mixed media and watercolor fine art. The samples of my work on my art gallery are evidence of the time I have set aside for it. Really, I have incorporated art into the fabric of my life which makes it more seamless, like it's simply what I do. It's priority--for my heart, my soul, my mind.

I also considered the time I spent on writing projects. I actually cut out several of them in late January since I felt I had written myself into a box and felt there was too much of it every day. So I stopped. I still kept my journals but I let go of those projects not concerning myself over if and when I'd get back to them. Sometimes it's just necessary to take a breather and regroup.

This time pause with writing projects lasted about two months. I was very much aware of what I was not doing in order to do less in my day, giving myself space. And I knew when it was time to get back to it. And it felt right, like I wanted to continue on with what I started. And I enjoyed the break I gave myself.

I also determined to change my approach and structure so it was more in the flow of who I am. It's amazing how we will create a structure that becomes binding when we don't have to or need to. Sometimes a small change can make all the difference in our energy and enthusiasm for what is important to us.

Another issue I addressed with time was thinking that very little time had passed when I started something new or was referencing an event or decision I made previously; it amazed me when I discovered that those time spans were much longer than I thought they were. (That's what makes journaling life experiences so wonderful for those of us who don't remember how long it's been!)

Something I chose to do three years ago only felt like 18 months to me.

When you realize the longer time span, you have to regroup and gain a fresh understanding of how that decision you made affected you with that longer distance separating you from that time long ago. It truly gave me pause, and I excused myself, in a sense, of not remembering. Although I do find it frustrating at times, like I'm totally out of the loop on when I started doing something, I realize it's okay not to remember.

Another issue of time I addressed was in relation to what I wanted to accomplish; there are some things that take longer to build or create; and it takes consistent action and persistence not to give up when things don't go in the timely way you desire.

For instance, it would take me several months to get a painting done instead of several days or weeks. Or I intended to post on my blog every few weeks and, instead, five or six would go by, and I wouldn't realize it. (I am now more mindful of this with my focus on Time.)

Then there's the issue of time passing and everyone getting older. Whether it's my parents in their 70s, my spouse in his 50s, my grandboy turning two (and not being so lap-interested like he once was) or having two grown daughters. My own age also comes to mind with keeping myself strong and healthy with a special focus on my spiritual, emotional and physical well being. (This I also address in my art and written journals.)

I want to be a good steward of my time, talents, gifts and roles I fill in my life; and knowing I won't be here forever keeps me motivated to stay true to who I am, to pursue what makes my heart grow, and to love fully.

This year, 2013, has been full of challenges, choices, decisions, determinations, boundaries, expansiveness and growth as I look at how my new perspectives and meaning of time has affected my roles as a wife, mother, grandma, journal keeper, artist, writer and host of #JournalChat Live. As a result, I now have an even stronger sense of purpose to help me make the most meaningful mark in the world that I can.

Ultimately, it really is about time.

&#169 2013 by Dawn Herring

Preparation

"It's all in the preparation!"

I think there's something to be said for that, especially when it comes to unexpected or self-initiated change.

No matter what kind of change you may be experiencing right now or what change that you are deliberately choosing, it helps to be ready for what that change might entail.

We never stay in one place for very long; otherwise we'd become stagnant, in an unhealthy mindset, which would prove to drag us down.

Instead, we are constantly evolving, learning, growing, and hopefully, through the best choices we can make, becoming more of who we really are.

But in that process of change, there are specific areas that can help make our "change transition" easier. We can move through the process with anticipation, expectation and confidence rather than fear, anxiety and trepidation.

Of course, our lives are full of many dimensions, but I think of a few that can really help make a difference in our experience with change, no matter where it comes from.

Relationships. The people in our lives can have a tremendous impact on how we respond to change; so it pays to pay attention to who we spend our time with, who we give our energy to, and who supports us in our life adventures. If we find ourselves depleted with certain relationships, we may need to look at where we're losing our personal power. We can do something to develop proper boundaries where we need to activate more self-respect when necessary. When we find that a relationship really boosts our energy and enhances our confidence, then we know we've hit on a gold-mine of relationship that is worth savoring and spending time with! In the process of determining where and how to invest our time with the people we care about and who enhances our life experience, we can see how that relationship benefits us in regards to the change we are experiencing.

Work. Work will either deplete us or give us purpose, depending on our perspective. What we do with our time will often determine how seamless a life change can be. When we look at the successes in our work lives and feel good about what we accomplish, then we will be better prepared to meet with the results that change brings. When we work from the heart, giving it our best, we will benefit from that diligence as we work through change more naturally.

Play. Hobbies, Authentic Refreshment, and taking time to do what you don't normally do come to mind with play. Play can help us have a broader, more comprehensive perspective when meeting with change. We may come up with better solutions to problems that arise; we may get a more flexible perspective on what direction to take so we don't feel stuck with the where of things. Play helps us bring our subconscious mind to the fore, whether we're painting, singing, dancing, spending time with our kids or grandkids, or simply enjoying nature or going for swim. Being in a more relaxed state of mind will do volumes for preparing us for the unexpected.

Spirit. Our connection to what is larger and vaster than we are can give us a true understanding of change. We can gain a stronger, more flexible position when we know we have the Creator of the Universe working for us in our process of change. Taking the time to tune in to our soul and listen carefully for that inner wisdom and intuition we are all gifted with will enable us to face change more seamlessly, with confidence and clearer vision of what it is we really want. Whether we pray/meditate, read spiritual text that livens and encourages, or simply tune in to what we already know, connection with Spirit can make all the difference in preparing us for what lies ahead.

Each dimension of life will affect to a great extent the way we experience change, whether unexpected or self-initiated. Change can be a great place to be when we know who we really are, when we know why we're here, and when we know what really matters to us in life. When we pay close attention to the decisions we are making with our relationships, with our work process, with our playful opportunities, and with our connection with Spirit, our experience with change can actually be a catalyst for fabulous opportunities, for forging deep and lasting friendships, and for giving us an even greater sense of purpose and love for our destiny and what we are called to.

It's best to be prepared for what change is on the horizon; we can meet that change with great expectation of good things to come and know we are headed in the right direction.

Are you prepared?

&#169 2013 by Dawn Herring

Are You Listening?

We all have an inner ear.

We hear things from different sources.

Some voices are loud and cacophonous, irritating and annoying, even criticizing.

But how can you separate the voices in your inner ear? How do you know which ones are true and which ones are just noise?

There are several ways we can discern the difference, if we're listening carefully from all possible "venues."

1. Our Body
Yes, our bodies speak to us all of the time, and if we listen carefully, we can learn a lot from what our body has to say. Whether it's the food you ate for dinner last night, for better or for worse. Or a tightened feeling you get in your belly when a certain topic comes up in conversation or when you meet up with a person who is toxic to you. There's your body's energy, either by the depletion or the increase of it; you may notice it in your daily experience, especially when you're exhausted and didn't take the time to recharge or when you meditate and feel invigorated afterwards.

2. Synchronized Messages
When a message must get to you in response to a question you have asked, you will see an answer in various places that may seem totally unrelated but are actually in sync with each other. You may read something in a spiritual or self help text that really resonates with you, and then see it again in another form, and it all adds up to what you were looking for. Or someone may simply say something to you that you already read that day or that another person already said to you and you notice it.

3. Inner Wisdom
We are all birthed with an inner wisdom given to us by the highly intelligent Universal Energy (or God or Creator) that we can access simply by asking, whether in prayer, meditation, or through a more hands-on/ artistic application of journaling, art journaling or collage. This inner wisdom is powerful and personal, and when we listen carefully, it can have a profound, even life-changing effect on our lives.

4. Intuition
Call it a gut feeling. A Mother Bear response. A Protection from toxic energy or from danger. You could be drawn to something that ultimately adds to your energy; you may not know why at first, but when you embrace it, revelation comes. As a result, you are elated and encouraged. You may find a book title that actually changes your life. You may run into a person who becomes a fast friend. And you notice the inner feeling of intuition when it happens.

Yes, we all have wonderful sources of positive, life-enhancing messages for our inner ear to hear. But it takes an awareness, a decision to slow down long enough to hear it clearly, even if it's just a whisper.

Sometimes what it says may seem a bit odd or different or even crazy. But when we follow through on those messages and give heed to them, we may find ourselves in a better, more authentic place, one that challenges us, but in a good way.

But we have to keep our inner ears open and listen carefully. To the whisper, the idea, the intuitive hunch, the warning of danger, or even just a word to keep us out of a traffic jam.

Whatever it is, take heed and follow that lead.

It might just make your day.
It might just change your life.

Are you listening?