it has been a long. hard. winter.

physically

emotionally

spiritually

Most creatives can appreciate what I’m saying…even if your “winter” was 80 degrees and sunny. There are those periods of time (some longer than others) where you feel….. spent. Creative people tend to feel more deeply and process those emotions in artistic ways. writing… painting… making.

With the approaching spring, the ground begins to warm and leaves start to bud on the trees. The first blooms begin to peek above winters crust, and a sort of HOPE takes root. It’s time to nourish those frosty parts of you.

Feeding your soul has many layers

Religion would tell you that it comes through reading the bible and praying. Others would say doing all the things you love to do, or pursuing your dreams  is the ticket. Still more insist that reaching out and helping others will fill your heart.

I think the answer to this soul question is a bit more complicated than a pat answer can give.  They aren’t wrong…any of them. But your personal soul fulfillment is just that – Yours

No one can tell you what the answer is. What works for one person may not work for you. Learning to listen more deeply to our own needs is key. But I mean really listening. For me it is a one step at a time journey through which I seek to connect with the Eternal. See evidence of heaven here on earth. And hear what creation is telling me.

It includes scripture reading in those times that I don’t feel like I’m hearing properly or need something more visual to hold onto. Getting in touch with the natural for me is also key – seeing the evidence of vibrant life all around me helps to pull me out of a profound funk and brings my Muse home from that too long sabbatical. Sharing what is in my heart, both practically and emotionally has always been fulfilling in more ways that I can even list, and certainly is a vital component to the equation.

CLOSER

That is my guiding word for my life right now. Moving closer to what I already have. Looking closer at what it is saying to me. Living closer to what my heart tells me is my purpose. and seeking to BE closer to God above all else.

I process these things through creating, writing, and sharing. This is me, it’s how I roll. Maybe this is you too? Maybe not – only you know what your soul needs….and if you don’t know right now – ask. The Creator who knows you best will tell you. Are you willing to hear it?

Art Feeds My Soul

I’m participating in The 100 days project this year.  It began on April 2nd and runs through July 10th. A weighty task indeed! But….daily art practice feeds my soul – even when I don’t feel inspired. Work through it anyway. There is so much to learn about ourselves in this process.

You may discover a new process you LOVE that you wouldn’t have otherwise

Story happens when you engage your inner soul with your outer creative being. Even without words, your pictures can tell a tale of joy, heartbreak, loss, vision, growth….

It’s up to you

Would you like to join me?  I have a list of one-word prompts for each of the 100 days to help you on your journey of discovery. (the100daysproject PROMPTS) Use them how you like. take them literally, or figuratively….it’s your food.

Here is what I did this week:

Day 1: QUOTE from a famous artist

Day 2: PICTURE

Day 3: HOUSE

Day 4: LEAF

They won’t always be perfect. You may not even think they are beautiful. But they will always be an expression of what you are feeling. Emotion is tied directly to Art. As Day 1 says: “art is not what you see, but what you make others see – degas”

I started with 100 pieces of cardstock, all the same size to make it easy. All I have to do is grab one each morning and paint, glue, write….whatever my heart desires. My only expectation is that they will be the truest expression of me in that moment. At the end of the 100 days, I am going to bind them all into a book. On the last day I will have a video of that process for you to follow. but do whatever your heart is telling you to create.

I’d love to see what you are working on. Use these hashtags so we can all find you: #the100daysproject #100daysofcreativefaith #creativefaith

Enjoy the Process. Connect with the Creative Part of Your Soul. See the Beauty in Life.