Holy Camoly! Where do I start?
How about with “I love this mandala!”
Welcome to #6 in the Enter the Mandala Project – The Law of Compensation. It’s part of a series of intuitively sourced paintings to better understand the Twelve Universal Laws.
If I had to pick a favourite mandala right now, this would be it. I’m sure it’s not the first time I think that about a new painting, but I’m on a post-painting high right now!
Basically, this law says that you get what you give.
The more you contribute in life, the more you receive from the Universe. Of course the opposite is also true.
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It’s another version of “you reap what you sow”, which we also saw in “The Law of Cause and Effect“.
Actually, I’ve just read that some people group these two laws together. But I’m glad I have 2 different paintings for them. The teachings I got from the 2 intuitive readings were unique and worthwhile.
I’ve just re-listened to the intuitive reading I did almost a month ago for this mandala. That’s where I got all the symbols I used here. I thought I’d done a good job of including the whole reading in the painting, but now I see that I just scratched the surface.
Our Divine Helpers delivered quite the mini-movie for this one – a 23-minute trip I invite you to listen to.
Here’s the Spirit Calling Card spread I got at the beginning of the reading. It’s yet another invitation to reflect on the Universal Laws to create the life you were meant to live.
A Closer Look at the Symbols
I love this gal!
At first I didn’t get why Medusa would show up here.
But she isn’t Medusa. She is the spirit of a being actively giving, receiving, and building in the world.
Her tentacles reach out to take and share the riches of the world. Her hands open to receive, and her mechanical arms work in the fields and cities to create abundance.
I have to say … I look at construction crews and their machinery quite differently since I painted her.
On her forehead, or third eye, I painted the symbol of eternity, or the number 8 (symbol of abundance).
At one point, I entered through her eye and into the depths of her cavernous mind. That’s where I saw some of the symbols that I painted on the outside of the canvas: the treasure chest of riches, the committee meeting, the caveman drawings, plants, and a warm golden light. I also added the cauldron and watermelon field from an earlier part of the reading.
The more you give, the more you receive… Think about it. How do these relate to the Law of Compensation for you?
Then you’ve got Robin Hood and Peter Pan. Why do you think they showed up in my vision? I got a sense of purposeful community when I saw them flicking back and forth in my mind’s eye.
Peter Pan’s gang also brought magic and mischievous playfulness while Robin Hood’s band of Merry Men brought moral fairness or justice.
After that, you’ve got the caterpillars inching their way up the leaves, eating and defecating as they go. They later grew wings in my reading. I believe they represent fuelling up with enough energy for transformation. I also got a sense of our abundance being used and recycled as fertilizer for future growth.
Take a look between the stems. You’ll see a reflective pool of water. It not only provides a mirror for our main character, but life-giving droplets dripping from the roots. That’s where they became ballet-dancing feet in my vision.
So are the drops feeding the plant or coming from the plant and nourishing the earth? I got the sense that things are multidirectional in the Law of Compensation.
And what about those endless doors opening to the depths of the Universe? That’s where Earth, as a bouncing ball, came to rest. It’s also where its growth was being measured against the door frame, just like when parents mark the heights of their kids at various ages. The more doors you open with your generosity and kindness, the bigger your world becomes.
How do you like what’s happening on the outside ring of our planet? In my vision, the entire surface was covered in a highly textured network of richness and community. Everyone’s tentacles were wrapped around the planet, linking to each other in a spirit of friendship. Together they created the flow of giving and receiving.
There were cities and forests, fields and livestock. Don’t you just love how the sheep is wearing a sweater made of its wool?
I’m not sure if Tinker Bell is flying around the canvas adding sparkle everywhere, or if it’s being generated by the giving and receiving happening there, but the whole Universe sparkled from an abundance of love and beauty. I used 3-D sparkle paint to outline the beings and mica chips around the outside of the planet (for love and compassion).
I tell ya, when our Guides get together to deliver these mini-movies, it’s fantastic! You can get your own personalized symbol-filled Guided Visual Journey to find answers for questions in your life – click here for more information.
More on the Law of Compensation
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote that each person is compensated in an identical manner for what he or she has equally contributed.
That can be a lot or a little.
He called this the Law of Compensation – the law of all laws.
Bob Proctor, who you might recognize from the movie “The Secret” explains it more in this video.
So if today is a reflection of what you’ve given in the past, how can your choices today attract what you’d like to receive in the future?
The Law of Compensation in Action
Last Friday, my 16 students graduated from their intensive 5-week English as a Second Language Explore program at Memorial University of Newfoundland. It’s my fifth summer in a row teaching it.
Once again, it’s been such a rewarding summer! I’m not just talking about the very appreciated income. I’m also talking about the fulfillment that comes from fully dedicating myself to my class for 5 weeks.
As anyone who has ever taught will know, the more you give, the more the students will give back. It just warmed my heart to see them embrace what I had to offer and flourish in the environment we created together. That’s not all. The more the students gave, the more they got out of it, and the easier it was for me to teach them.
These super motivated students, mostly from Quebec, won government scholarships to improve their English and experience a different part of Canada. They g0t 16 hours of class a week, plus afternoon and evening activities, workshops, presentations, outings and weekend day-trips. And, of course… homework.
In addition to class prep, I spent much of my free time during the past 5 weeks correcting journals and essays. I know before I start that I won’t be getting much painting or socializing in for 5 weeks. That’s partly my choice. Teaching takes a lot of energy for an introvert like me.
But as I said, it’s so rewarding! I designed a program that’s as much about personal growth as it is about language. I love what I can offer here and the students do too.
My employer has also been very appreciative of my work. She’s offered me special curriculum development projects in the past that tapped into my creativity at times when I needed the income. For example, I got to develop a whole series of listening skills lessons based on inspiring TED Talks. I also developed 3 thematic units that were fun and educational to develop and great to teach this year.
I’m coming to accept that I’m a multipassionate being. I don’t know if I’ll ever be a full-time artist year-round. This year, I only taught ESL for 5 weeks, and it was nice to get out of my hermit cave and explore and express my love of beauty and the beauty of love (my mission) in the classroom.
I’m grateful for it!
I’d love to hear what you think some of these symbols might mean. Pick one (or more) and leave a comment below.
Do you resonate with this Law? Feel free to share your stories. Thanks.
Grateful For Grocery Store Miracles
/in Life By Design“Receiving” from the Blossoming Photography Collection
Have you ever left the grocery store with tears in your eyes? I did. Yesterday.
I’d just finished telling the lady at the Customer Service desk how touched I was by the all the good service I’d received.
Thanks to the staff at the Stavanger Drive Dominion for caring!
If you’re not familiar with where I live, St. John’s is the most easterly city of Canada, on the island of Newfoundland.
We’re the last stop for delivery trucks in this country. Sure, we’ve got some local produce, but with this year’s cold, blueberries and raspberries are just ripening now…. at the same time!
Back to Dominion’s.
When I walked in, I could see the organic fruit section was pretty empty.
I asked the man placing produce if he had any organic fruit in the back.
I craved grapes. I’ll only buy organic since they’re on the dirty dozen list. If we get them in at all, they’re often close to the hairy stage. But I keep hoping.
He said he’d seen some, but they were all gone.
Good news though. They had peaches and nectarines in the back – another rare treat! They were the nicest I’d seen all year. I didn’t mind paying $10 for 5. I felt so blessed!
I then went to the natural foods section to get Vega One protein powder. I’ve been adding this whole foods supplement to my morning smoothies for at least 10 years. I love the berry flavour!
OMG! $20 off in-store special! I could save $140 if I stocked up for 6 months – my usual habit.
But the sale wasn’t for all the flavours. So I asked the man stocking the fridge if some tags might be missing.
He came back with the section manager, who scanned the tag. More good news!
So I asked if the sale overlapped with one of their tax-free days. Yes, on Saturday. That would save me an extra $45. But since they weren’t expecting another delivery, I decided not to wait. I took 7, leaving the shelf pretty bare.
We chatted some more about the Vega products. He was new to the section and appreciated the info.
I may be a health food nut, but I’m also a chipaholic. They love me back too. Look what I found in my last bag. I had a coupon for a free bag of chips of any size, so of course I chose the party bag. Another smile on my face.
A few minutes later, when I was in the checkout lane, the natural foods section manager came to find me. He handed me a gift card to thank me for our chat and to help make up for the difference with the tax-free day.
How nice was that!?
The cashier had trouble processing the card, and so I had to wait for a supervisor to come help. I don’t mind waiting. I know I’m in no position to judge anything as good or bad because I have no idea how it fits in the big picture.
I soon found out.
Just as I was about to leave the store, the produce man called to me. He was coming from the opposite end of this huge store, so he’d been looking for a while.
“I found some organic grapes. Did you want some?” YES! Thank you! I followed him smiling ear to ear. There were 2 kinds! The stems were still green on the Coronation grapes and the green grapes were still plump and juicy. Not a hairy one in the bunch! I took both.
After paying and giving my compliments at the Customer Service desk, I headed out the store again, feeling truly high with gratitude at the small miracles in everyday life.
Oh – but I stopped to buy a lottery ticket first. I haven’t checked yet, but either way, I’m a winner.
I received little miracles, great service, and more saving on all my errands yesterday.
What a great example of many of the Laws I’ve been learning about in the Enter the Mandala Project, including the last one, The Law of Attraction.
Like attracts like. My high from the little miracles of every day life brought more to me. And I’m sure that those who were so helpful on my path are also enjoying the gifts they’ve created for themselves.
What are you grateful for today? Please inspire us to be grateful for the small and big miracles happening everywhere. Comment below.
Challenges Happen For You, Not To You
/in Life By Design, Photography Projects“Gateway” from the Connection Collection
How did you feel when you read that title? Do you agree?
Sure, I pray for a life of ease and grace. But I’m grateful for what my challenges have given me.
My 2 biggest ones were:
I believe my soul chose those challenges before I was born.
That’s right. I believe challenges happen for me and not to me.
I wouldn’t wish those experiences on anyone, but I don’t regret them.
I could’ve chosen to be bitter or start throwing blame around. But that wouldn’t’ve served me or anyone else.
It may have taken time, but I eventually recognized those challenges as the gifts they were.
Now if only I could apply that to the relatively small challenges I face these days, like website-building glitches…
Where attention goes, energy flows. I know that. I need to focus on the learning, not the difficulties. Since I needed the reminder, I thought you might like it too.
What gifts have come out of some of your challenges? Please inspire us below.
Enter the Mandala: The Law of Attraction
/in Enter the Mandala: The Twelve Universal Laws, PaintingsFollow your bliss and you’ll attract the keys to unlock your magnific-essence. The Universe will answer your prayers.
When my Guides first asked me to create a dozen mandala paintings based on the Universal Laws, this is the only one I could name. Welcome to mandala #7: The Law of Attraction.
Did you see the movie “The Secret?” That’s what made The Law of Attraction so popular.
My favourite mentor though is Abraham channeled through Esther Hicks.
Painting this mandala while listening to Abraham Hicks on YouTube was pure bliss.
As Joseph Campbell said:
“Follow your bliss.” That’s what the Law of Attraction is all about.
Today, I give you a new twist on the teachings, this time from my own team of Divine Helpers. You get to listen to the intuitive reading and see how I created this mandala with many of the symbols they provided in my guided visual journey.
May this inspire you to put the Law of Attraction into action.
Listen In
When I ask Source, my Spirit Guides, and Angels a question and close my eyes, they deliver a mini-movie filled with symbols – it’s like watching a Disney-Pixar film filled with lessons. It’s beautiful and meaningful.
I asked on behalf of you and me, so trust that there’s a message here for you too.
As you listen (30 minutes) and look at the painting, think about what these symbols mean to you. What messages do you get?
This was the Spirit Calling Card reading I got at the beginning. Perfect, don’t you think?
Would you like your own intuitive reading? I also offer Guided Visual Journeys for couples and work teams.
The Creative Process
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The Symbols
I offer some insights, but feel free to add yours to the comments below. Let’s learn from each other.
The Planetary Prayer Beads
Seeing that friendly giant using the planets to pray in my vision was heart-opening! It reminded me of:
Can you add to this list?
The Mountain Slide
In my vision, I saw kids sliding down a huge spiral slide that went from the top of the mountain all the way through the earth.
As they laughed and played, their joy attracted all sorts of goodness to them.
It was like static attracting lint. The happier they were, the more pixy dust they collected on the way down.
When they got to the other side of the planet, they had no trouble running back up to the top to go again.
The soundtrack was great – imagine a busy water park on a hot summer day.
Before going down the slide again, the kids would put what they’d attracted into their locker. These lockers had no doors. I got a real feeling of trust and abundance from that.
If you look closely, you’ll see symbols of love, peace, joy, health, wealth, happiness, and more in those lockers.
The Power of Emotion
If the line-up for the slide got too long, the children held hands at the base of the mountain and sang.
This was all about keeping the emotions high. There was no impatience or frustration.
These kids were still connected enough to Source to know that feeling good is what brings more goodness into their lives.
Abraham Hicks calls that your emotional guidance system. No matter where you are on the scale below, all you need do is start thinking thoughts that make you feel a bit better. It’s not about giant leaps up the ladder. Just head on up.
So if you’re in a state of despair, for example, anger can be very helpful. But if you’re worried, don’t let it turn into anger. Do something or think something that might turn that anger into a less charged frustration.
The Emotional Guidance Scale (From the book “Ask and It is Given”, pg. 114)
Like attracts like. So what are you feeling today?
The power of emotion was shown to me over and over again in my guided visual journey. I chose to represent this as swirls of colour, both in the circle of singing children and the characters in the outer ring of the mandala.
That’s where you’ll find:
Pulsating Shining Rings
There are no accidents in intuitive painting.
I wanted to paint the pulsating heartbeat of the world from my vision. I started with a bright blue pulse around the mountain, but when I stood back, it overpowered the other elements.
So I covered it up. But its energy and texture are still there.
Then, I painted a golden heartbeat ring instead. Love it! It’s about life and the vibration we send out into the world by our very being, both on the surface and below.
We don’t have to be loud about what we want. It’s all about asking and receiving through what Abraham Hicks calls the Art of Allowing.
Good Things Are On Their Way
I was in such bliss painting and listening to Abraham Hicks that I know more good things are on their way. I trust that.
I ALSO know I’ve attracted a slow start to the sales in my online shop because of all the technological stress and near burn-out I experienced while creating it.
I wasn’t always following my emotional guidance system.
But that’s OK. It’s all part of the learning.
I know that doubt, regret, or complaints would only stop the abundance of clients and experiences I’ve asked for. I’ll just stay in my bliss and take action when inspired.
These mandalas have been great teaching tools for me, and I hope they’ve helped you too.
What’s one thing you can do today to follow your bliss?
Up Close & Beautiful
/in Life By Design“Wave Autoscape” from the Shades of Time Collection
When you start to appreciate the beauty in the details, it’s so much easier to let go of labels and judgments. That’s why I fell in love with macro photography.
So let’s get up close & beautiful!
For example, what do you think of this photo? Is it an exquisite piece of abstract art that reminds you of a Monet painting?
Or is it just an old rusted car?
Spending part of the day in a scrap yard in Saskatchewan years ago with my nose up-close to old rusted cars was truly an uplifting experience. There’s beauty everywhere if you look for it.
The next time you’re taking a walk, be it in the city or in nature, zoom in real tight to the world around you. What did you miss every other time you walked there?
The Shades of Time – Autoscape Collection
More than an invitation to let go of judgment, my Shades of Time – Autoscape Collection celebrates the beauty of impermanence.
That’s what Wabi-Sabi is all about. Have you heard of it?
It’s a Buddhist-derived “Japanese world view or aesthetic centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection”. Wikipedia
I first showed this collection of rusted cars in my photography program’s graduation exhibition at North Island College on College on Vancouver Island back in 2006.
I’m an 8. You? It’s All About Choice.
/in Life By Design“Beingness” – available as a print on canvas or paper. Part of the Transformation Collection in my shop.
“On a scale of 1-10, how content are you?”
My housemate asked me that over dinner.
I took a few seconds to sit with different numbers, then came out with “8”.
As soon as I did, I realized the gap between 8 and 10 was totally in my head. It was a choice!
After all, I’d spent a few minutes in bed just that morning being so grateful for my life.
I love where I live. I love what I’m doing. Sure, I have challenges, but they’re helping me grow.
Any lack I feel isn’t real. I don’t need for anything.
If I wanted to take a day or a week off the computer, I could.
If there’s something I wanted to buy or somewhere I wanted to go, I could make it happen. Raising money to go study art in Vienna and Bali in 2013 proved that!
If I wanted to spend more time with friends, not be single anymore, get regular paycheques, or get rid of my eczema for good, I could make different choices.
Some choices are bigger than others (starting a war vs. having another bag of chips), but it’s all about choice.
Can you see how your life is a reflection of your choices?
I know making the leap from an 8 to a 10 means being more mindful and conscious.
I’m the only one standing in my way.
I need to look at the choices I’m making today, especially about my thoughts and and how I see people and events (including technical problems!).
What about you?
On a scale of 1-10, how content are you? What’s one way you can close the gap today if your number isn’t as high as you’d like.
If you’re a 10 (or higher!), I’d love to hear what you do to be / stay there. Please comment below.
“Pétales Musicales” Painting from the NL Folk Festival
/in Events, Paintings“Pétales Musicales” – 4′ x 4′ – created live at the NL Folk Festival.
Remember when I wrote that live painting was a stretch of my comfort zones?
Well, I had a great time painting in the Espace Franco at the NL Folk Festival last weekend. Thanks again to the Réseau Culturel Francophone TNL for the invite!
No regrets! That’s usually what happens when I feel the fear and do it anyway. Sure I was nervous, but excited too. I’m so glad I listened to a higher calling.
In this post, you’ll see the layers and read some stories about the creative process behind “Pétales Musicales”. For purchasing details, click here.
Symbolism
“Pétales Musicales” (Musical Petals) is as much about listening to the song of your soul as it is about becoming a part of the music around you.
If you honour your unique voice first, you’ll rock this world …. (I couldn’t say folk it… just didn’t sound right).
Live Painting at the NL Folk Festival
My mission was to get the festival’s energy down on canvas.
If music, summer, fun, variety, and community are what you get from this painting, then I did my job!
My “research” started Friday night, sitting on the lawn of Bannerman Park with hundreds of other folks, filling my soul with the music of Emma Peckford, Allan Ricketts, Katie Baggs, Sean Panting, Kat McLevey, Andrew Laite & Josh Sandu (Rube & Rake) and Steve Maloney.
I could hear Jim Payne and Fergus O’Byrne from the bus stop, but I missed Hey Rosetta. They started at 10:30 and I knew I’d be a wreck the next day if I stayed.
In bed by 10pm, I was all set to go early on Saturday morning for set-up!
The weather was cold (9°C at times) and damp, but it didn’t rain (amazing since the forecast called for 20mm on Sunday).
The music, the crowd, my lunchtime fish tacos, and all those who stopped to chat inspired this painting. It came to life layer by layer.
I never knew what the next layer would bring. That’s the beauty of intuitive painting!
Would you like to try intuitive painting? Get my free step-by-step guide with lots of photos.
During the Fred Penner concert, I walked around tracing hands of children in the crowd. Thanks to Catie and Freddie of St. John’s, Sam and Anna of Hollyrood, and Ava of Nova Scotia! You’re at the heart of this festive flower!
On Sunday morning, I woke up raring to go. I started an hour before the festival opened.
I was glad I had my alpaca wool socks, layers of thrift shop fleece (great for paint stains), and my groovy hat! I love NL weather as long as I’m dressed for it!
I couldn’t believe it! The thick strokes I used for the petals on Saturday weren’t dry by the time we left on Sunday! We’re talking acrylic paint that normally dries in a few hours…
If you see a few bugs when you look real close, that’s why!… all part of festival and floral life! Part of me feels bad, but our local black flies have taken a few chunks out of me this week, leaving smears of bright red blood on my face and neck, so part of me doesn’t mind …
The Finishing Touches At Home
Yay for de-humidifiers! The petals dried at home overnight.
I worked on the painting for another 15 hours.
You can’t see all the tangle pattern details in the hands and shading from far, but when you get up close, there’s a whole other world to explore. Click on the photos below to see them larger.
Then there’s the iridescent 3-D paint. Fun! Fun! Fun! Did I say I love my job!
I spray varnished it yesterday, covered from head to toe in protective gear. Then I headed to Beachy Cove beach with friends to chill out. Actually, it was sunny and warm. What a contrast!
“Pétales Musicales” is SOLD.
Enter the Mandala: The Law of Compensation
/in Enter the Mandala: The Twelve Universal Laws, PaintingsHoly Camoly! Where do I start?
How about with “I love this mandala!”
Welcome to #6 in the Enter the Mandala Project – The Law of Compensation. It’s part of a series of intuitively sourced paintings to better understand the Twelve Universal Laws.
If I had to pick a favourite mandala right now, this would be it. I’m sure it’s not the first time I think that about a new painting, but I’m on a post-painting high right now!
Basically, this law says that you get what you give.
The more you contribute in life, the more you receive from the Universe. Of course the opposite is also true.
The Creative Process
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It’s another version of “you reap what you sow”, which we also saw in “The Law of Cause and Effect“.
Actually, I’ve just read that some people group these two laws together. But I’m glad I have 2 different paintings for them. The teachings I got from the 2 intuitive readings were unique and worthwhile.
The Intuitive Reading
I’ve just re-listened to the intuitive reading I did almost a month ago for this mandala. That’s where I got all the symbols I used here. I thought I’d done a good job of including the whole reading in the painting, but now I see that I just scratched the surface.
Our Divine Helpers delivered quite the mini-movie for this one – a 23-minute trip I invite you to listen to.
Here’s the Spirit Calling Card spread I got at the beginning of the reading. It’s yet another invitation to reflect on the Universal Laws to create the life you were meant to live.
A Closer Look at the Symbols
At first I didn’t get why Medusa would show up here.
But she isn’t Medusa. She is the spirit of a being actively giving, receiving, and building in the world.
Her tentacles reach out to take and share the riches of the world. Her hands open to receive, and her mechanical arms work in the fields and cities to create abundance.
I have to say … I look at construction crews and their machinery quite differently since I painted her.
On her forehead, or third eye, I painted the symbol of eternity, or the number 8 (symbol of abundance).
At one point, I entered through her eye and into the depths of her cavernous mind. That’s where I saw some of the symbols that I painted on the outside of the canvas: the treasure chest of riches, the committee meeting, the caveman drawings, plants, and a warm golden light. I also added the cauldron and watermelon field from an earlier part of the reading.
The more you give, the more you receive… Think about it. How do these relate to the Law of Compensation for you?
Then you’ve got Robin Hood and Peter Pan. Why do you think they showed up in my vision? I got a sense of purposeful community when I saw them flicking back and forth in my mind’s eye.
Peter Pan’s gang also brought magic and mischievous playfulness while Robin Hood’s band of Merry Men brought moral fairness or justice.
After that, you’ve got the caterpillars inching their way up the leaves, eating and defecating as they go. They later grew wings in my reading. I believe they represent fuelling up with enough energy for transformation. I also got a sense of our abundance being used and recycled as fertilizer for future growth.
Take a look between the stems. You’ll see a reflective pool of water. It not only provides a mirror for our main character, but life-giving droplets dripping from the roots. That’s where they became ballet-dancing feet in my vision.
So are the drops feeding the plant or coming from the plant and nourishing the earth? I got the sense that things are multidirectional in the Law of Compensation.
And what about those endless doors opening to the depths of the Universe? That’s where Earth, as a bouncing ball, came to rest. It’s also where its growth was being measured against the door frame, just like when parents mark the heights of their kids at various ages. The more doors you open with your generosity and kindness, the bigger your world becomes.
How do you like what’s happening on the outside ring of our planet? In my vision, the entire surface was covered in a highly textured network of richness and community. Everyone’s tentacles were wrapped around the planet, linking to each other in a spirit of friendship. Together they created the flow of giving and receiving.
There were cities and forests, fields and livestock. Don’t you just love how the sheep is wearing a sweater made of its wool?
I’m not sure if Tinker Bell is flying around the canvas adding sparkle everywhere, or if it’s being generated by the giving and receiving happening there, but the whole Universe sparkled from an abundance of love and beauty. I used 3-D sparkle paint to outline the beings and mica chips around the outside of the planet (for love and compassion).
I tell ya, when our Guides get together to deliver these mini-movies, it’s fantastic! You can get your own personalized symbol-filled Guided Visual Journey to find answers for questions in your life – click here for more information.
More on the Law of Compensation
That can be a lot or a little.
He called this the Law of Compensation – the law of all laws.
Bob Proctor, who you might recognize from the movie “The Secret” explains it more in this video.
So if today is a reflection of what you’ve given in the past, how can your choices today attract what you’d like to receive in the future?
The Law of Compensation in Action
Last Friday, my 16 students graduated from their intensive 5-week English as a Second Language Explore program at Memorial University of Newfoundland. It’s my fifth summer in a row teaching it.
Once again, it’s been such a rewarding summer! I’m not just talking about the very appreciated income. I’m also talking about the fulfillment that comes from fully dedicating myself to my class for 5 weeks.
As anyone who has ever taught will know, the more you give, the more the students will give back. It just warmed my heart to see them embrace what I had to offer and flourish in the environment we created together. That’s not all. The more the students gave, the more they got out of it, and the easier it was for me to teach them.
These super motivated students, mostly from Quebec, won government scholarships to improve their English and experience a different part of Canada. They g0t 16 hours of class a week, plus afternoon and evening activities, workshops, presentations, outings and weekend day-trips. And, of course… homework.
In addition to class prep, I spent much of my free time during the past 5 weeks correcting journals and essays. I know before I start that I won’t be getting much painting or socializing in for 5 weeks. That’s partly my choice. Teaching takes a lot of energy for an introvert like me.
But as I said, it’s so rewarding! I designed a program that’s as much about personal growth as it is about language. I love what I can offer here and the students do too.
My employer has also been very appreciative of my work. She’s offered me special curriculum development projects in the past that tapped into my creativity at times when I needed the income. For example, I got to develop a whole series of listening skills lessons based on inspiring TED Talks. I also developed 3 thematic units that were fun and educational to develop and great to teach this year.
I’m coming to accept that I’m a multipassionate being. I don’t know if I’ll ever be a full-time artist year-round. This year, I only taught ESL for 5 weeks, and it was nice to get out of my hermit cave and explore and express my love of beauty and the beauty of love (my mission) in the classroom.
I’m grateful for it!
Your Turn
I’d love to hear what you think some of these symbols might mean. Pick one (or more) and leave a comment below.
Do you resonate with this Law? Feel free to share your stories. Thanks.
Are You Seeing Fireworks?
/in Life By Design“Listening” from the Connection Collection
I realized back in my teens that disappointment was only a reflection of my expectations. It was one of those personal aha moments.
It was empowering to know that how I experienced the world, events, people, and even myself was of my own making.
Now, I do my best to remember that I always have a choice – between love and fear, acceptance or judgement, resistance or allowing.
We create our experiences!
Nothing outside ourselves makes us feel, think, or do anything. We’re responsible for how we feel and how we choose to experience the world.
Are you feeling disappointed in anything or anyone? How have your expectations created that disappointment?
What expectations are you putting on your partners, co-workers, children, service people, other drivers, the weather? How is this detrimental to you? To them?
Creating My Own Fireworks
This photograph, now available in my shop, reminds me of the joy of creating my own experience, even in bad weather. Great symbolism there!
I was taking a spiritual workshop on a cruise to Alaska with photography projects at every stop. Although I had lived on Vancouver Island shortly before that, I had never gone to the world famous Butchart Gardens at night to see their fireworks. I was looking forward to it.
I’m lucky. I don’t usually let myself get affected much by weather.
At this stop, I was rather grateful for the effects the rain added to the gleaming sidewalks and lit gardens. I especially liked the clear umbrellas that the garden staff handed visitors so that they could still enjoy the gardens and fireworks.
The crowd was hopeful, but alas, we only got a smoke show that night. Still, I had fun with silhouette shots of spectators and their clearn umbrellas.
On the way back to the cruise ship, I decided to create my own firework experience. I sat in the front seat of the double-decker bus and took long exposure shots of the traffic lights as we drove under them.
When I got back to my computer, I had fun superimposing my crowd shot and traffic light shot. Voilà, my own fireworks. Yay!
I love the reminder and energy of this photograph. Can you feel it?
Stop Horsing Around!
/in Photography Projects“Mindfulness” from the Connection Collection
When preparing my photography choices for my new e-shop print galleries, I was reminded of a wonderful weekend I spent in the Horse, Spirit and Play workshop at the Ravenheart Farms Equine-Assisted Learning Centre and Retreat in Saskatchewan.
I’ll admit, I’m a personal growth workshop junkie. I’ve taken so many and now teach some of my own.
I believe self-awareness is a great tool for navigating through life in a more unconditionally loving way, and I’m open to exploring new ways to achieve that.
Animals are Great Teachers
My training as a professional dog-trainer and behaviour therapist (although I wouldn’t hire me as I’ve yet to share my home with a dog) taught me as much about myself as it did about dogs.
For example, I learned that as a lifetime dog lover, I used to approach them in the park with such overpowering joy mixed with neediness that it was sometimes too much for them. I hate to think that I might have approached dating in the same way at one time…
If you’re not sure what I mean, take a look at this scene from the Celestine Prophecy movie. It has stayed with me for years. I try not to be this way – with people or animals, but the reminders are always good. I may not actually see energy like some folks I know, but I certainly sense it.
If you’re into energy and haven’t seen “The Celestine Prophecy” or read the book, I recommend it.
Horse, Spirit & Play Retreat
Horses have been much less humanized than some of our household pets. They’re more authentic in a way.
During this Horses, Spirit and Play workshop, we never actually got on the horses. We learned to be with them. We learned how our energy impacted them.
This was not about horsing around!
Were we coming on too strong? Were we trying to manipulate them? Were we respectful of their space and subtle communication? Did they mirror our fears? Were we in the present moment authentically?
Horse Photography
“Miracles” from the Connection Collection
I took a lot of photographs when I wasn’t participating in the Horses, Spirit and Play workshop. These three were part of the Connection Collection no longer available in my shop.
At the top is a layered photograph of Sugar, a Quarter Horse/Paint mare, and her tail. This is Lacey, a Welsh Pony mare, superimposed with a sunset shot also taken on Ravenheart Farms. The wall preview below is of Raven, the namesake for the farm. I photographed this wise Welsh Cob and then the sky above it, combining them in Photoshop.
Your Turn
There are so many ways to connect to our essence – to re-learn to how to be real. In a way, it’s an unlearning of the protective and reactive emotions and behaviours we’ve taken on in our lifetimes.
What kind of workshop do you enjoy? Which images remind you of such experiences? Feel free to comment below.
Where Do You Stand?
/in Life By Design“Rockface” from the Connection Collection
Back in 2011, I received a Spirit Call to move to the island of Newfoundland. It’s lovingly called “The Rock”, and it had an immediate and powerful effect on me. The energy of the land here is so strong. Plus it’s absolutely gorgeous!
Soon after I arrived, I was walking in a field and paused to look out at the ocean. Then I looked down. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was in total awe!
This is a photograph of what was beneath my feet.
Stunning, eh?!
To this day, it remains one of my favourites of the thousands of photos I’ve taken across this large island.
I’m happy to say you can now purchase a print of this photographs, on canvas or paper, in the Connection Collection of my new shop.
Be Here Now
How often are we so preoccupied with looking far ahead in space or time that we forget to appreciate the spot in which we’re standing?
Yes, I’m speaking literally as well as metaphorically.
Take a moment. Where are you standing? Look around. Look up, and yes, look right beneath your feet. What do you see? What are you grateful for?
Connecting to your immediate environment with gratitude is one of my Top Ten Tips to Empower Your Space. Have you received your free copy?
Click here to sign-up to my monthly newsletter and receive your free print and Top Ten Tips to Empower Your Space.
Connect to the Energy From the Land Wherever You Are
Are you feeling disconnected from the land because of where you live or work?
When I was a kid, I used to wander into nature on my own all the time. I communed with nature and connected with the nature spirits.
I confess. Now I have to pull myself away from my work to do so… How about you?
Even if you can’t find a patch of grass or rock right now, you can connect to the energy of the land while sitting in a chair on the 20th story of your office building. There are no barriers to energy.
Visualize the loving, sustaining, healing, powerful energy of the land travel through the concrete, the soles of your feet, and up through your body. Bask in the energy with openness and gratitude.