Do you struggle? --Art Journeying

Of course that is a word!!  I know it is because I looked it up.  Ever go to type something and it just doesn't look right?  Honestly, I thought I made it up. I was surprised to find out it was a real conjugation.
So, now you know I'm a normal human being with doubts and flaws (like a horrible sense of humor) and guess what else?  I struggle, just like you. 

I struggle with making healthy choices. I struggle with feeling like I am doing enough all the while feeling like I am doing too much.  I struggle with worry about past mistakes and future choices.  As a matter of fact, most struggles could be summed up in that last statement.  Struggle is natural and likely necessary, what isn't necessary is the suffering that comes with it.  We suffer because we are either living in the past or  the future and not in the present moment. 

The buzz these days is using meditation to become present.  I don't know about you, but when I try to meditate, I don't feel very present.  My mind buzzes with so many thoughts!  I understand that is natural, it's that you aren't supposed to allow your attention to be captured by those thoughts.  My attention steps right into those traps, every time!    Unless I fall asleep, then that meditation pillow turns into, well, just a pillow.
Some folks suggest trying writing in a journal.  That can start out as a nice release and sadly turn into just being pulled farther into all that worry.  At least for me, word vomit is what I call it.

What if there was a tool you could use that basically forces you to become present by bringing your focus to a relaxing task?   What if you gave yourself permission to be messy?  What if for a few minutes you let go of any expectations and just let something happen?  I'll tell you what!  Your inner voice that is always nagging at you, it quiets.  Do you know why?  Because all it ever wanted, was your attention. Only now, you are giving it attention in a positive way that YOU choose. 

What is the crazy lady talking about?!   I'm talking about art journaling.  Oh my gosh, do you remember when you were little and all the crayons were just calling your name and you drew anything and everything because you just wanted to create?!  You didn't have an inner critic, you just were doing what felt right?  That inner self wants a voice and you can give it one.  No skills are necessary. In fact, it's best not to have any, then you don't have expectations of turning out a great piece of art.  You are just getting messy, making marks, doing you.  And it's a beautiful thing.

So over the next few weeks I will be introducing more of the process.  I am currently working on developing a hands-on program that I will start offering for anyone who wants to begin their own Art Journey!

Stay Tuned!