First of all...  I do and teach that which I love and resonate with the most...  
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With that said...

"You Are the Poem Between the Alpha and the Omega" - 2016

​Why Creativity/Painting?
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For me creativity is the physical manifestation of inspiration.  According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, inspiration is described as "a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him/her to receive and communicate sacred revelation."  It also means "the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions."  And lastly, my favorite definition, "the act of drawing in; specifically: the drawing of air into the lungs." (From the Latin inspirare, to breathe or to blow into).

Therefore, creativity is not the same as having an artistic talent but rather is a form of self-expression in which communion with "all that is" (with the Sacred) is possible.  For me, creativity is a form of life force, something to be honored, experienced, encouraged, shared and passed on. Paints are a "fluid" medium and therefore ideal for creation and exploration. 

"The Secret of an Orchid" - 2017 (photo)

Why Drumming?

In addition to being used as entertainment in the western culture, drums also hold a special place in history.  Drumming was often used as an accompaniment for healing and social ceremonies, rituals, worships, rites of passages, dance, self-exploration, self-expression, community building, etc...

When I was trained on facilitating drum circles by renowned board certified Music Therapist, Christine Stevens, MSW, MT-BC, I was  touched by a particular practice.  Since then, I begin every drum circles the same way:  "All of us have a drum inside of us," Christine would say,  "it's our heart.  It beats the rhythm of our life.  As long as you have a heart beat and can follow it's beat, you can drum."  Thank you Christine!  So, so true!! ​

Why Creativity/Painting as Meditation?

It has been my experience that creativity and the way we do art changes once we enter first grade.  Not only are we encouraged and told how something should look or sound like, but we are also constantly graded and compared to others.  If we are lucky and have enough confidence and natural talent to express ourselves through creativity and the arts, life is good.  But what happens if we need a little more time to connect with ourselves and with the right side of our brain hemisphere?

All too often we tend to dismiss our creative efforts or worse yet, discourage others (especially children!) with limiting words such as "you are not got at..." (fill in the blanks), or "this is not you or for you...." These words can hurt and tends to haunt us throughout our lives, crippling our energy, flow and vitality.

Creative energy is innate to all of us and we need to connect with it, protect, guard, honor, fan, grow and express it.  Since everything in life is energy, we too are beings made from the same substance that keeps the universe expanding.  We are meant to stretch, grow and expand not shrink, fade and vanish behind self-judgement, criticism, comparison and grades. 

This is the reason I choose to facilitate my groups within a meditative setting in which self-exploration and expression are the focus.  I believe that if we can quiet our minds and be fully present in the moment, we can be gifted insights, wisdom and peace with a profound connection to ourselves, others and to "all that is." 

​Creativity/Movement is the "what."  Meditation is the "how."  Contemplation is the "why."

Trusting In The Void - 2016