a capellaSoul: SoulCollage® Reflections: December 2013

December 4, 2013

Vivian, my Vivacious Inner-Organizer

I am rather tickled that I am a excited to begin working on a project: clearing clutter, organizing and beautifying my home and my life...again. Normally, this dredges up feelings of gloom, procrastination, overwhelm and guilt. This time though, after working with the Professional Organizer, Gail, which got me off to a great start and kept me focused... I intentionally began incubating my self-determination. This intention manifested my awareness of Vivian, my Vivacious Inner-Organizer. Gracious me! is she excited to get started! Vivian is over-the-moon that I finally recognized, talked with her and that I will be providing her with what makes her happy. Projects! Whether it's cleaning out drawers, closets or my art room closet; or planning out the week, or a project at work...Vivian is eager and grateful to finally live her passion.

As I reflect on her emergence I see that by working with Gail (the Professional Organizer) twice... that allowed me to open up space within myself so Vivian could rise to the surface. Prior to that I felt so bad about it all that Vivian couldn't see the light of day by a long shot! All those yucky feelings closed her out...which in essence was closing out a crucial part of myself that needs expression. It wasn't until I created this card and had a dialogue with its essence, that I realized sweet Vivian existed...and that she is "Fired up and ready to go!" I sense Vivian will bring an entirely new perspective and energy to my to-do list projects, my daily rounds and creative projects as well. -- Here's what our heart-to-heart conversation revealed:

Who are you?
I Am One Who loves to organize, plan and make lists. I especially like pretty office accessories, day-planners, colorful highlighters, post-its and systems for staying on top of things. I LOVE staying on top of my projects. I Am One Who thrives on, and craves structure. I Am in the flow, within structure..and in creating a Map for my Day. I love consulting my daily agenda and to-do list, and crossing things off!

What do you need and want from me?
I need you to give me more time 'front and center' in your life. That keeps me happy and will keep you happy too. You'll see! You will sail through your projects and love it. You will be energized.

I need time with you to plan and map our daily agenda and projects..those for necessity and pleasure.

And...I would like pretty folders and appealing storage; colorful highlighters, markers and decorative, unique ways display them; plenty of organizing items that are artful, pleasing to the eye and useful. I love all that!

What gifts do you have for me?
Ease and grace. And...the gift of looking forward to a project no matter how large or small. With my help and your persistence, and perseverance you will enjoy these gifts and how good they make you feel.

What else to you want me to know?
I want you to know I especially like this time of year, because I can be knee deep in projects, preparing to clear out the old and welcome the new. The New Year is a fresh new chapter of 365 pages...a brand new circle of 365 days. I am your loving, eager companion and each day I am waiting to play in what I love...bringing order and efficiency to all I do.

What can I do for you?
Let me reign. Keep me close. Be aware of my presence and desire to serve you. Invite me in, every day. Use me.

How will I remember what you've told me?
Set the intention that every time you open your day-planner, look at your to-do list, open the mail or walk by papers that need filing... know that I am there. Put my Card where you can see it. Thank you, for honoring me with a Card.

With immense gratitude, I thank you Vivian.
Cheryl

a bit about me -- my story...

I am a free spirit & creative soul exploring my inner and outer worlds through creative, contemplative activities and practices. As a result, I discover more about myself and live from a deeper, richer, insightful and more treasured realm. SoulCollage® has been a part of my life since 2005. The benefits are bountiful.

I am a mom, daughter, sister, friend, writer, artist, jewelry-maker, passionate resource for others, lover of life... and mindful knitter for the Mother Bear Project...(MBP) - and share the teddy bears I knit for children of the MBP at my blog: Yarn Jones.

I am a nature and animal lover, an avid reader and I am fascinated with learning and exploring what interests me!

Although words simply describe and are not "the thing itself", may the descriptions above and below offer a deeper glimpse of what has called me into deeper study and practice. Perhaps one will be a catalyst for you as well. So on that note, here goes: I am a trained and registered SoulCollage® Facilitator, taught personally by Seena Frost and the loving SoulCollage® mentors at SoulCollage®, Inc.; and also certified in Soul Coaching®, trained and personally mentored by its creator, the luminous, immensely generous and beautiful spirit, Denise Linn.

My inner-explorations have revealed that I love creating free-form mandalas - or "Mandala Medicine" as I call it! Over a period of 3+ years I created over 200. That practice helped to save me at a critical time in my life. My interaction with other creative spirits online was a source of connection and inspiration. I was inspired to share the mandalas on my Mandala Oasis blog...as well as to create the Yahoo Community which has brought together mandala enthusiasts from all over the world, each of us creating mandalas in our own unique way, and connected to one another by the over-arching Creative Spirit.

In 2008, I had the honor and pleasure of moderating an 8-week series of Mandala Webinars with Mandala Process pioneer and luminary, the late Dr. Judith Cornell. I loved every bit of getting to know Judith as we worked together... and was deeply saddened to learn of her passing. May her eternal soul rest... yet soar in love and peace.

Also, I am a Certified Empowerment Coach (via IPEC). I also trained in-person with Jill Badonsky to lead a variety of powerful creativity and expressive-art workshops known as "Muse Groups", and completed Jill's Kaizen-Muse Creativity Coaching training. I continue to reap the benefits of Jill's comprehensive, insightful and playful-yet-powerful work...to this day! Even though I opted-out of pursuing certification, I practice the principles and methods personally and in my work with others.

Through my luminous soul sister Lisa Sorce Schmitz, founder of Whispers from the Moon, and her Soulful Creative Offerings, I've also had the honor and delight of studying, working with and getting to know artist, teacher, art therapist and author Pat B. Allen. Her Studio (Pardes) Process of conscious intention-and image-making, and witness writing have not only deepened my my creative process, but has also enhanced my personal awareness, and life overall.

In October 2012 I was introduced to Process Painting. This painting process is opening my heart and awareness and opened me from the inside out, allowing release of old "stuff". It's akin to my spontaneous, free-form Mandalas, each one it's own one-of-a-kind jewel in my unfolding journey.

Each act of intuitive & spontaneous creativity is a precious gem-of-an-experience for which I am immensely thankful.

May your creative play open your heart wider, and bring you even more insight, joy and deep awareness. Ahh... "awareness" - that lovely place where choices are born.

Cheers to our vivid, creative, ever-blooming life! May the Creative Force be with you... :)

Important about SoulCollage®:

Using SoulCollage®, as developed by Seena B. Frost, a person creates a deck of collaged cards from found images. The cards are arranged in suits for the primary purpose of self-exploration and self-acceptance. (It is understood that in some group populations one or more of the suits may be emphasize while others may be omitted as not appropriate.) SoulCollage® cards are collaged from images found in purchased or donated magazines, calendars, books, cards, etc. and from stock photos and/or personal materials (e.g. photos, one's own art). SoulCollage® cards are not sold, traded, bartered, or copied as stated in the “Principles of SoulCollage®”.

Where SoulCollage® cards are available to be seen by others, it is for the purposes either of demonstrating the SoulCollage® process or sharing the card-maker’s inner process in the context of community. SoulCollage® is grateful to the artists and photographers who make this deep awakening process possible, and in all ways SoulCollage® seeks to be respectful of their rights.