Healthy Brain, Heart and Spirit

I started using watercolors to paint mandalas recently and am getting pretty good with the paintbrush. I really enjoy painting, I think more than using pencils! I still love colored pencils and sketching, but there’s something different and more “alive” feeling in my art when I paint.

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I’m using a book I found when I searched for Passion flower mandalas online – came across this artist who creates her own botanical mandalas and I ordered both her books. They’re beautiful and really inspiring.

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One day soon I will create my own Passion flower mandalas, maybe I could eventually make a coloring book and write meditative prompts… the Mandala Meditation group I started is fun, fulfilling and engaging.

Here’s an example of one of the prompts I’ve written:

September 13, 2021
Mandala Meditation Prompt:
“I take a moment to look over the work I’ve done and allow myself to feel proud of the effort I put forth, while contemplating how I could improve in certain aspects. The flow of my life right now makes me feel … ___”
Remind yourself that you are exactly where you’re supposed to be, that all your efforts are never wasted because they build your character. Think about the life you’re creating for yourself and what areas you still need to work on. If you could colorize the flow you’re experiencing, which color would you choose? Use this color to start your next mandala.
This week’s theme: Clarity – ask yourself what seems confusing right now in your life and find out how you can take steps towards making it clearer. Delve into research, take note and get inspired by someone else’s success story, try changing your perspective to gain more clarity.

I have an alarm set for every Monday at 6pm to start getting the prompt written and posted by 7pm, and it’s been a great way for me to maintain my instructor mentality.

I’ve also been cooking and singing a lot, making music videos out of nature footage I’ve taken, doing all the things that bring me joy. But I don’t know what any of it is good for in terms of a practical career or using my degrees. I just keep practicing what I love!

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I’ve always been full of ideas, natural talent and have learned a lot of different skills, but I lack something important – the ability to put myself out there the right way. I have so much to offer but no real-world outlet or way to make anything I do lucrative. I go to my shell where I’m comfortable. I guess the best thing to do is just keep creating, building a collection that I’ll be able to make into a portfolio soon to present somewhere. What else should I do with my photography, art or music, other than share it with others?

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A few days ago I worked a job for the first time since May, picking grapes at a local vineyard. That was fun actually and I like being outside. I try my best at anything I do, and really want to find a way to contribute something and be helpful.

Can’t believe it’s almost the end of 2021 and the start of autumn. I love the fall weather but will miss all my flowers and things growing in the garden. I’ve harvested over 100 Passiflora Incarnata to dry for tea, 10 per little bag. Lots of Passion fruits are ripening now too. They’re amazing… I love learning about different plant uses. Yesterday I found out how useful Sunflowers are. I’m going to try growing some in my backyard next year.

Flowers really are the best thing on Earth to me. I’m a southern girl… Happiest in the heat, waking up early with the sun, staying out late to star-gaze, wearing my favorite hat. I’ll be missing my flowers when summer ends.

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Painting, singing, photographing, cooking, researching things and continuing my slow journey towards some sort of success, one day at a time, is what I’ll be doing.

A healthy brain, heart and spirit are the main focus. That’s what I’m constantly creating for…