Gratitudes - Hot bath

A hot bath.....

So soothing and comforting after a hard day to soak in your favourite bath products....

What are you grateful for this week?

21 Secrets - Dina Wakley

Intuitive Painted Layers workshop with Dina Wakley is all about finding ways to challenge and unblock your creativity, especially when you think you are stuck.  The best way to do this is to play and have fun with your materials, not focusing on a finished piece, but seeing where it leads you.  

As we played we pulled out what we could see rather than what we felt we should see

 I had previously prepared the page with some paper that had been used to punch shapes and then stuck down. I played with the paints using acrylics and charcoal.

I then applied paint and outlined some of the shapes   

 As I played I saw some shapes taking place and worked into them until I got a clearer idea of what was forming

  I added a range of materials to the piece and finished it off by journalling on the page.  

This is a really good exercise that I will continue to do, especially in those times when you feel stuck and in need of some inspiration!  It would be great to know what ways you use to get you unstuck and into your creative flow........Check out Dina's site for more inspiration.

52 Weeks of Colour - Kindness

Reflection 

Bless yourslef with honesty, be gentle....

Quote 

What’s ahead of me and what’s behind me are nothing compared to what’s inside of me....Jean Shapiro 

Scripture  

"Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9.....

Creating in Faith - Closeness

What does closeness mean to you?...  We can think about the relationships we have with our families and friends and the closeness determined by how freely we are able to share matters of the heart, how much quality time we spend with them and nurturing the relationships. The closer we get the more we trust and let our guard down, we know we can rely on them we even know their likes and dislikes.

Are you able to do this for yourself, how much time have you really spent getting to know yourself, what you like, and don’t like, and I mean really like.  There are some people who in their later years still don’t know, because it not been something they ever did.  We can find ourselves swept along by the needs of others, constantly trying to please, going through the motions when the real you is crying out ‘what about me’. 

When you do think about yourself you have spent so long doing for others that you don’t even know what you feel like doing anymore and you realise  years have passed since the last time you thought about doing something.  I thought I would remind myself that this one life I have is not a dress rehearsal and it is to be lived fully.  I need to let go of doubts and worries and I’m sure I’ve said this before ‘get out of my own way’.  Not fearing solitude but really listening to my heart, and hearing my own breath.  Not waiting to be chosen, or rescued, but being there for me, choosing me.

One way that I have found my voice has been in my art journal and through creativity, and I do encourage you to find some creative activity that will enable you to find your hidden voice that needs your support and encouragement,  just as you would a friend, and for everything you do this week.   Spend time reflecting, getting to know again what really makes you tick, what excites you, upsets and encourages you, even what angers you, but most of all, make time for you.

This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us... 1 John 5:14

The Lord is close to the broken hearted  and saves those who are crushed in spirit Psalm 34:18

He tends his flock like a shepherd:   He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.  Isaiah 40:11

Come join the group - Creating in Faith, show us how you will be incorporating the words and scriptures and reflections in your art this week.  Step out and be a blessing and you will also be blessed!