This is recent artwork of mine. It is an offering to my Spirit Animal that has come to me in dreams for years.

Here in my expression, I am aware of something in me that doesn’t have a way to describe in words but in colors and images, is finding a stronger alignment with my inner guidance, and the medicine of Horse that is already inside me.

The Artist

I’m very happy to be cultivating the artist in me again. As I’ve been shifting internally, I’ve found that artwork gives me a way to experience beauty and meaning without having to voice it or even process it. I can go into a zone, in flow. It has also felt important to draw in (literally and figuratively!) the artist in me, as it has been a part of my essential being when I was younger and in my first career as an art teacher.

The artist in me is part of me that I have not made time for, and at times wanted a break from for some time. Because of traveling, I have not wanted to bring along or buy paints and other art supplies. I’ve considered using natural found materials, but something didn’t feel exactly right.

I recently found an app where I can do my artwork electronically. It makes me happy even though my hands aren’t getting messy in the paints. I’ve been wanting to stay minimalist and light in my travels, so this app was just right, at least for now.

Essential Parts of You

Does any of my experience resonate with you? If you’re interested in enriching or cultivating your own pleasure and joy, you might consider the following questions for exploration:

• What parts of you that you have neglected, put aside out of busy-ness, or have forgotten?
• What activities enliven you into the feeling and experience of beauty?
• What part of you would like nourishment, attention, or time?
• What ways would you like to find self-expression that are pleasurable or joyful?
• Are there ways that you like to create or nourish yourself without words, logic, or thinking?
• What was your favorite thing to do as a child? How would it be to do that now?

Consider making time for contemplating these questions and taking a step that brings you into your own uniqueness and richness. As we change and grow, it’s important to rest and find beauty, pleasure, and joy. To simply experience our human being-ness.