Here’s mandala #5 in the Enter the Mandala Project, a series of intuitively sourced paintings to better understand the Twelve Universal Laws.
Welcome to the Law of Cause & Effect. It teaches that today is the result of your past thoughts and actions. Tomorrow is being shaped through your thoughts and actions of today.
The Law of Cause and Effect has been the most challenging of my Enter the Mandala Project paintings to create so far. I not only connected to Light and Love, as is my usual practice in the studio, but also to Darkness and Fear.
It was a journey into contrasting choices, emotions, thoughts, actions, beliefs, and resulting realities.
At first, I struggled with the idea of including the dark side in my painting. My Divine Helpers explained, however, that this was a necessary element of the teaching tool I was co-creating.
The Intuitive Reading – Visual Journey
As with all the Universal Law mandalas, I started with an intuitive reading. This is a visual journey that my Spirit Guides and angels take me on in response to my request to explore each law. It’s where I gather my ideas and symbolism.
During this reading, my whole body and energy field was plunged into a state of despair and fear. It was only momentary, but I’ll admit, it was much easier to focus on that yuckiness than to focus on the joy and manifested success of the second part of the journey. That in itself was part of my lesson.
Listen in if you’d like to hear the stories behind this painting. I was so surprised by the “bad trip”, though, that I didn’t really succeed in expressing the fullness of my experience.
The Spirit Calling Card Reading
It was only after the reading was done that I understood the full message of the initial Spirit Calling Card spread.
By experiencing contrast (love / fear), we can better appreciate the power of free will – the power of the thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and actions that we choose every moment of every day.
“Man becomes what he thinks about all day long.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
When we can fully appreciate our own creative power, we open ourselves to unconditional love – for ourselves and others.
What else does this reading mean to you? Feel free to comment at the end.
Enter the Mandala: The Law of Cause and Effect
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If you believe in karma, you believe in the spiritual principle of cause and effect, not only within this lifetime, but across lifetimes.
Good deeds and intentions lead to happiness and bad deeds and intentions lead to suffering.
The karmic wheel at the center of this mandala represents the cycle of life – our repeated births, rebirths, and opportunities to work out our karma.
“Situations seem to happen to people, but in reality, they unfold from deeper karmic causes. The universe unfolds to itself, bringing to bear any cause that needs to be included. Don’t take this process personally. The working out of cause and effect is eternal. You are part of this rising and falling that never ends, and only by riding the wave can you ensure that the waves don’t drown you. The ego takes everything personally, leaving no room for higher guidance or purpose. If you can, realize that a cosmic plan is unfolding and appreciate the incredibly woven tapestry for what it is, a design of unparalleled marvel.”
― Deepak Chopra
Everything happens for a reason. In fact, everything in our current reality is linked to what came before it.
I represented this chain of events / thoughts/ feelings with 2 chains circling inside the mandala.
I love it when this happens. After seeing a teeter totter in my intuitive journey, I found one on a cause and effect website, where I was looking for quotes to add to this post.
The teeter totter is a great representation of the physical side of the the Law of Cause and Effect. If one side goes down, the other inevitably goes up.
“For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” ~Sir Isaac Newton
In my vision, I saw the teeter-totter transform into both a pendulum and the balancing scales of The Lady of Justice, adding to the relationship between choice and consequence.
This symbol came out of my Internet research, not my intuitive vision. It’s called the Ishikawa Diagram. It shows the various causes for a particular event, grouped in various categories.
I used this graphic symbol in the base of the teeter totter to represent how our past has led to our present. I also used it in 2 of the corners pointing outwards, to reinforce how we are creating our future through our present decisions.
Buddha says it well:
“If you want to understand the causes that existed in the past, look at the results as they are manifested in the present. And if you want to understand what results will be manifested in the future, look at the causes that exist in the present.”
This is the quote I wrote in the outside ring of the mandala.
The dark side of my journey was like being an actor in a horror movie. I knew it wasn’t my reality, but I witnessed and felt the physical, emotional, and mental consequences of
- addiction
- unhealthy eating and viewing habits
- fear, anger, hate,
- inner and outer violence and the threat of violence
- reactivity,etc.
Needless to say this part my intuitive and creative experience wasn’t fun.
It took conscious effort not to let it affect me… for too long.
I have to admit, though, scrawling all those cartoon swear symbols added a bit of comic relief to the heaviness.
The lighter side of the picture was inspired by the story in my vision.
A little boy wanted to befriend his new neighbour, who spent long periods of time sullenly staring out his window. The boy followed his inner guidance through a series of inspired actions (having a lemonade stand to raise enough money to buy a baseball and glove). He was then able to draw our his neighbour and they connected through this shared passion, becoming good friends.
Instead of focusing on the separation between them, the boy kept a loving vision in his mind. From there, he followed his inner guidance, leading to growth, fun, and friendship.
I also included the cheering crowds from my vision, standing in front of marquees announcing love, peace, joy, health, and success.
Change your actions, and you change your life… Transform your thoughts, and you will create a brand new destiny.” Adam Sicinski
Do you notice how the words love and fear are not facing the same direction?
Well, that was a gentle lesson on the law of cause and effect.
I was watching something online when I was painting these words. My spacing was great, but I guess I was too distracted to notice “love” was heading in the wrong direction.
There are no mistakes. I smile now. It’s a perfect “accident”.
Are you currently sitting on the Love or Fear end of the teeter-totter?
What future are you creating with the thoughts, beliefs, and actions of today?
Please share one choice you’re making in the next hour to pivot more towards Love?
Yikes! Am I a Fraud?
/in Inspiration, Paintings“Zippora” – 12″ x 12″ -acrylics on gallery-wrapped canvas.
Earlier this month, I went to see the movie “Inside Out” with a friend. Have you seen it?
I don’t usually go for animated films, but the preview for this one grabbed my attention. It’s all about how our emotions rule our lives – for better or worse. I definitely recommend it!
It was cute. It was funny. It was sad. But throughout large chunks of the movie, I kept asking myself: “Do my intuitive reading clients think I’m a fraud?”
“Why?” you ask?
Some of the visions I’d described to recent customers were right there on the movie screen! When I had downloaded guidance from their Divine Helpers, they’d given me some of the same visions they gave the creative team at Disney-Pixar! Sure, that was cool, but it was also weird.
When you think about it, it’s really not that surprising. When we connect to Divine Oneness, we tap into the same Creative Source. So it’s natural that we may end up with very similar ideas, etc.
So there you have it – I’m not a fraud! If ever I’m looking for a career change, though, I might consider writing movie scripts for Disney-Pixar.
If you’re curious about how my style of intuitive readings can help you, click here.
“Honestly, working with Dominique was amazing! It was a very powerful experience that I highly recommend. So much of the imagery she created really resonated with me. Her visual gifts are lovely and she has an incredible talent at painting images and entire scenes for you with her words. Through her reading, Dominique was able to channel the answers I was looking for, showing me that they were deep within me all along.”
Stretching and Embracing at the NL Folk Festival
/in Events“Imagination” from the Transformation Collection
You know that feeling when a great opportunity knocks but your inner voices says “No! You can’t do that! It’s too scary! That’s too big of a stretch!”?
Well that happened to me last week.
The fear only lasted a few seconds, but it was a great reminder that comfort zones don’t always stay stretched. They contract too!
I’m so glad I was aware enough to shush those inner voices.
I don’t want to stay small! So I’m jumping for the chance to stretch those comfort zones all over again!
Here’s what happened.
I got an email from cultural coordinator of our provincial francophone federation. In his usual mysterious way, he only wrote “Call me. I have an idea”.
The last time he did that, I ended up traveling across the island of Newfoundland and into Labrador teaching intuitive painting workshops. Fantastic!
This time, he asked if I would do 2 days of live painting in the Espace Franco (French tent) at the NL Folk Festival.
Yikes! Crowds!
Sure, I used to organize city-wide festivals when I was still in my teens. My first university training was in recreation and tourism.
I’ve also been a teacher and public speaker for decades …
But the first voice I heard in my head was still “Yikes! That’s too big for me.”
Believe it or not, that’s often the first voice I hear. You wouldn’t guess it looking at my resume, but I’m not a naturally go-with-the-flow kind of gal.
It’s all about feeling the fear and doing it anyway.
Then I remembered…. I’ve done this before. Back in 1990, I did a day of live painting at the Canadian Museum of History.
So this isn’t new.
At what was then the Canadian Museum of Civilization (1990)
Contracting and Expanding
I’m a highly sensitive person. Some would call me an empath.
I tend to avoid crowds. I pick up so much from everyone around – energy, feelings, thoughts …. all sorts of vibes.
When I can’t avoid crowds, I usually contract my aura to protect myself. I bring my energy field so close, just to feel safer.
But wait! Come to think of it, that’s the opposite of what I do when I’m teaching.
In class, I expand my aura as wide as the space to create a safe, loving, light-filled experience for my students. I become one with the environment.
And what about what I’m learning from my Enter the Mandala Project?
We’re all part of the same divine consciousness. We’re interconnected! Sure, we’re vibrating at different frequencies, but we’re all made of pure energy.
So why fear it?
My inner voices are saying something different now.
“Embrace the energy Dominique! Expand your aura and love the crowd! Feel it and be one with it!”
Now doesn’t that sound better?
Yay! Live Painting!
By the end of that phone call, I was on board.
Now, I’m really excited about it!
My job? To wander the festival to gather energetic impressions and inspiration and to come back and paint it (yes, he knew how to speak my language!).
What comfort zones are you stretching this summer?
I’d love to hear. Comment below.
Enter the Mandala: The Law of Cause and Effect
/in Enter the Mandala: The Twelve Universal LawsHere’s mandala #5 in the Enter the Mandala Project, a series of intuitively sourced paintings to better understand the Twelve Universal Laws.
Welcome to the Law of Cause & Effect. It teaches that today is the result of your past thoughts and actions. Tomorrow is being shaped through your thoughts and actions of today.
The Challenge
The Law of Cause and Effect has been the most challenging of my Enter the Mandala Project paintings to create so far. I not only connected to Light and Love, as is my usual practice in the studio, but also to Darkness and Fear.
It was a journey into contrasting choices, emotions, thoughts, actions, beliefs, and resulting realities.
At first, I struggled with the idea of including the dark side in my painting. My Divine Helpers explained, however, that this was a necessary element of the teaching tool I was co-creating.
The Intuitive Reading – Visual Journey
As with all the Universal Law mandalas, I started with an intuitive reading. This is a visual journey that my Spirit Guides and angels take me on in response to my request to explore each law. It’s where I gather my ideas and symbolism.
During this reading, my whole body and energy field was plunged into a state of despair and fear. It was only momentary, but I’ll admit, it was much easier to focus on that yuckiness than to focus on the joy and manifested success of the second part of the journey. That in itself was part of my lesson.
Listen in if you’d like to hear the stories behind this painting. I was so surprised by the “bad trip”, though, that I didn’t really succeed in expressing the fullness of my experience.
The Spirit Calling Card Reading
It was only after the reading was done that I understood the full message of the initial Spirit Calling Card spread.
By experiencing contrast (love / fear), we can better appreciate the power of free will – the power of the thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and actions that we choose every moment of every day.
When we can fully appreciate our own creative power, we open ourselves to unconditional love – for ourselves and others.
What else does this reading mean to you? Feel free to comment at the end.
Enter the Mandala: The Law of Cause and Effect
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The Karmic Wheel
Good deeds and intentions lead to happiness and bad deeds and intentions lead to suffering.
The karmic wheel at the center of this mandala represents the cycle of life – our repeated births, rebirths, and opportunities to work out our karma.
The Chains
Everything happens for a reason. In fact, everything in our current reality is linked to what came before it.
I represented this chain of events / thoughts/ feelings with 2 chains circling inside the mandala.
The Teeter Totter
I love it when this happens. After seeing a teeter totter in my intuitive journey, I found one on a cause and effect website, where I was looking for quotes to add to this post.
The teeter totter is a great representation of the physical side of the the Law of Cause and Effect. If one side goes down, the other inevitably goes up.
In my vision, I saw the teeter-totter transform into both a pendulum and the balancing scales of The Lady of Justice, adding to the relationship between choice and consequence.
Fishbone Cause and Effect Diagram
This symbol came out of my Internet research, not my intuitive vision. It’s called the Ishikawa Diagram. It shows the various causes for a particular event, grouped in various categories.
I used this graphic symbol in the base of the teeter totter to represent how our past has led to our present. I also used it in 2 of the corners pointing outwards, to reinforce how we are creating our future through our present decisions.
Buddha says it well:
This is the quote I wrote in the outside ring of the mandala.
Would you like a free print to download
and my “Top Ten Tips to Empower Your Space“?
Fear
The dark side of my journey was like being an actor in a horror movie. I knew it wasn’t my reality, but I witnessed and felt the physical, emotional, and mental consequences of
Needless to say this part my intuitive and creative experience wasn’t fun.
It took conscious effort not to let it affect me… for too long.
I have to admit, though, scrawling all those cartoon swear symbols added a bit of comic relief to the heaviness.
Love
The lighter side of the picture was inspired by the story in my vision.
A little boy wanted to befriend his new neighbour, who spent long periods of time sullenly staring out his window. The boy followed his inner guidance through a series of inspired actions (having a lemonade stand to raise enough money to buy a baseball and glove). He was then able to draw our his neighbour and they connected through this shared passion, becoming good friends.
Instead of focusing on the separation between them, the boy kept a loving vision in his mind. From there, he followed his inner guidance, leading to growth, fun, and friendship.
I also included the cheering crowds from my vision, standing in front of marquees announcing love, peace, joy, health, and success.
Oops
Well, that was a gentle lesson on the law of cause and effect.
I was watching something online when I was painting these words. My spacing was great, but I guess I was too distracted to notice “love” was heading in the wrong direction.
There are no mistakes. I smile now. It’s a perfect “accident”.
Your Turn
Are you currently sitting on the Love or Fear end of the teeter-totter?
What future are you creating with the thoughts, beliefs, and actions of today?
Please share one choice you’re making in the next hour to pivot more towards Love?
Are you a Water or Mountain Person?
/in Life By Design“Flow” from the Connection Collection
Are you a water or mountain person?
If you had your choice, where would you spend your holidays? Where would you live?
For many, the answer is clear, one way or the other.
Either way, your preference can tell you a lot about yourself. Once you’re aware of this, it can help with your decisions about where to live, holidays, careers, etc.
If you’re a mountain person, for instance, what aspects of the mountains do you prefer?
Why?
If you’re a water person, have you thought about what you like best and why?
What does this tell you about your Self?
“Mystery” from the Connection Collection
Being true to ourselves in all our choices comes a lot easier when we’re aware of what moves us.
What is it about mountains or water that helps you connect to your essence? They’ve both got different energies. What you like best can tell you what energies are most nourishing to you.
I’ve traveled to many places in the world. I’ve lived on 3 continents and across Canada – in the prairies and on islands on both coasts. No matter where I end up living, I always make sure to spend time by water.
When I was little, I used to go to the next village to feed the ducks. When I was a teenager, I used to bike to waterfalls in the city and sit there for hours, or bike along the river. Now, I’m so grateful to have a small river in the backyard that leads right to the ocean half an hour’s walk away.
I need water, all kinds of water, depending on my mood. It’s also about the only thing I drink.
Even a photograph of water can help soothe my soul. I breathe deeper if I gaze upon a reflected sunset or the wake of a tall ship, like in the photo at the top.
How Inner Guidance Talks. Are You Listening?
/in Intuitive Services, Life By Design“Life by Design” – original and reproductions available.
Are you well? Are you happy? Are you living a life of passion and purpose? These questions are all asking the same thing: are you listening to your inner guidance?
“Exaltation” – reproductions available.
Luckily, there’s a huge shift happening. People are waking up to the costs of living a life that is disconnected to their heart’s callings. They’re choosing wellness. They’re choosing happiness. They’re choosing healing, which simply means aligning with their true essence, with Source.
Download a free print and “Top Ten Tips to Empower Your Space”. Sign-up to my monthly newsletter.
What are your favourite hearing aids?
Please share in the comments below.
Life by Design: When Symbolism Speaks
/in Intuitive Services, Life By DesignMy job as an active listener is to first spot those symbols. Then I can interpret them as they relate to the questions I’ve asked the Universe.
Some symbols, like the butterfly, are universal in nature – common for people of various ages and cultures.
Others, however, are quite unique to our life experiences. That’s why we’re the best ones to truly know what a symbol means to us. Learning to trust that is very empowering.
Heres’ an example. A trail of breadcrumbs will mean something quite different to someone who grew up with the horrific fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel than to someone who used to spend every Sunday with their beloved grandmother taming the ducks with them.
When I do an intuitive reading, I basically take you on a recorded 30+ minute guided visual journey through a mini-movie filled with symbols that your Guides give me. Because the story and symbols are unique to you, it’s your job to interpret them, using my worksheets. This is fulfilling transformative work if you’re willing to do it.
What Symbols Speak to You?
It’s also helpful to add the power of symbolism to your home and work environments.
Take a look around. What are your walls saying to you? Does your art support you in this chapter of your life? Does it inspire you? Does it keep you stuck?
If you’re experiencing a time of transformation, for example, what would help you?
How about the birch tree above? Does it remind you to accept the natural cycles of life? Does it invite you to let go of what no longer serves you? Does it encourage generosity and non-attachment?
Or would you resonate more with a colourful butterfly – celebrating freedom and beauty after its challenging stage as a chrysalis?
Explore the power of symbols in my new online shop. Which paintings speak to you right now, in this chapter of your life? As you look through the galleries of images, pay attention to your feelings and your energy levels?
Soul Energy Portrait: “Jen’s Magnific-Essence”
/in Paintings, Soul Energy Portrait ExamplesI feel so honoured to be of service in this way.
Happily, Jen welcomed the opportunity to share her experience.
“Jen’s Magnific-Essence”
I love knowing how people find my work, or how it finds them.
Jen first saw one of my exhibitions at Moksha Yoga in 2012, when she was in St. John’s for a conference. When she returned last year, she purchased a set of my Spirit Calling Cards. In June, she contacted me to co-create an energy painting.
Opening Meditation
I opened our session with sacred ritual to prepare myself and the space. I then asked The Universe, her Guides, angels and other divine helpers to channel a creative visualization based on her chosen theme.
It included openings for her to access guidance, unique experiences, visions, and feelings. It also included specific messages and techniques to help with her intention.
Jen’s commitment to the process was obvious from the beginning, when she set the intention to listen to the recording every day for a week.
The Layers
“Jen’s Magnific-Essence” Soul Energy Portrait commission went through several transformations during our time working together. It was great to hear back that she really resonated with the symbolism and messages I was emailing her, along with the photos.
Energy Work
Once the painting was completed, I was moved to do one more energy session for Jen. These, of course, are different every time.
Time and distance are not an issue for energy work. This is explained a little further by my mandala painting posts on The Law of Divine Oneness and The Law of Vibration.
Jen’s energy session not only involved balancing her chakras and releasing blocks, but also infusing her painting, so that it will continue to be an empowering tool on her journey.
A Gift To Her Self
As usual with an intuitive painting, I never know what it will be before I start. Neither does the client … That takes courage. Bravo Jen!
I’ll admit, it can be a bit scary for me, not knowing if the client will love their painting.
When I remember, however, that this is a work of art co-created with divine assistance, I can easily let go of that fear. I know it will serve them in exactly how it is meant to serve.
Still, getting Jen’s email soon after she received her painting/gift package was a thrill.
Would You Like an Energy Painting?
Soul Energy Portraits are time and energy intensive projects. I am only available to do a limited number of these each year, so if you’re interested, contact me to explore the timing.
Click here to find out more about commissioning an energy painting for yourself or as a gift.
” I do believe that the universe brought you to me as an opportunity for personal growth. You are truly a gifted artist with so many talents from painting, channeling Divine Helpers, providing messages for growth, engaging with community and the world.”
Life By Design: Appreciating the Treasures in Your Backyard
/in Life By DesignCanada celebrated its 148th birthday yesterday. I’ll admit, I’m glad I was born in Canada. I’ve been fortunate enough to live in 5 of its provinces from coast to coast. This is one amazing country! It’s so diverse – in its culture and geography.
This isn’t only true of Canada, of course. This entire planet is a treasure trove, filled with blessings for those with the eyes and heart to see.
I’ve had the chance to live in 4 other countries on 2 other continents and my travels keep teaching me this.
By connecting to my environment and truly appreciating where I am (literally and figuratively), life gets even better.
Sure, there are many other places I’d like to visit in my life and things I’d like to do or learn. But I was reminded yesterday that I don’t need to travel far to have my heart and soul filled with the love of beauty and the beauty of love.
For example, here are some photos I took yesterday in the paths that link to my friends’ backyard. I joined 3 of my friends, the Awe Project team, for a day of good company, good food, and a forest filled with rare exotic flowers. These Cypripedium Acaule, AKA Pink Lady’s Slipper, are a member of the orchid family and on the endangered list. Look no further than the backyard for the rare and exotic!
Truly, I am blessed to be living on the island of Newfoundland, on the very east coast of Canada.
What treasures are in your backyard?
What is one thing you appreciate about where you live? Please share below.
Life by Design: Meditation Your Way
/in Guided Meditations, Life By Design“Teachings” from the Connection Collection – available on canvas and paper.
What comes to mind when you hear the word “meditation”? How does your body react? Some of you may be feeling instantly more peaceful, but I’m sure others may be feeling guilty, fearful, or turned off in some other way.
The benefits are countless, however, so finding a style that is right for you is definitely worth it:
Meditation Styles
The trick to meditation is finding the style for you. There are many religious and non-denominational types of meditation out there to explore. Here’s a great post describing 23 Types of Meditation.
“Namaste” from the Connection Collection – available on canvas and paper.
It doesn’t have to be traditional or organized though. Some people turn washing the dishes into a meditation – I’m not there yet… I do, however, love contemplative meditation in nature, walking meditation, and the meditative states that I achieve through painting and nature photography.
Like with yoga, this means trying a few styles out before finding the perfect fit. Then all you need to do is practice, practice, practice.
Keep reading for my bonus meditation.
Learning to Meditate
There are also many ways to learn to meditate.
These vary from intensive training retreats, weekly classes, video & audio sessions, and open community gatherings. Look online to see what’s available in your area or ideal travel destination.
Here’s something you might like. Deepak Chopra & Oprah Winfrey are about to start one of their popular 21-Day meditation experiences, this one focusing on gratitude. You get access to an online recording every day, starting July 13th. Click here to sign-up.
My Exploration into Meditation
Vipassana
I once did a 10-day silent Vipassana meditation retreat – they’re free (donations welcome), they’re all over the world, and provided exactly what I needed during a transition time in my life.
It was amazing! Well, that’s not entirely true. Day 2 and 3 were sheer hell as I experienced the workings of my mind in a way that made it clear that it was all in my mind: fear, anxiety, judgment, taking everything personally, etc. After the full realization that my experience had nothing to do with my environment or the other meditators, I felt pure, blissful freedom. Well worth it!
“Kwan-Yin” from the Connection Collection – available on canvas and paper
I continued the practice, one hour in the morning and one hour at night, for more than a year until my angels told me it was no longer serving me.
Creative Visualization
One of my favourite kinds of sit-down meditations is a guided one that opens up my inner vision and helps me connect to my body, mind, and spirit. These can be for healing, relaxation, getting in touch with inner guidance, etc.
Would you like to try one?
I asked my Higher Council for one that would help you let go of whatever no longer serves you, manifest what does, and connect to your team of Divine helpers.
The recording is 26 minutes and you can download it. Click here to sign-up.
I channel one of these as an opening meditation whenever I do an Soul Energy Portrait Experience. It’s co-created with my client’s team of Divine Helpers and can serve them for years to come.
Painting Meditation
“Divine Union” – original and reproductions available
Yes, creativity can be a meditation, if you let go of the “how-to”s and especially the “how-not-to”s. When I made dots on “The Law of Vibration” for 16 hours, contemplating how we’re all energy sending energy into the world, I was definitely in a meditative space.
Painting is my teacher – in self-awareness, in letting go, in unconditional love, and now in deeper universal truths through guided visualizations.
My finished paintings and photography can then act as portals to the universal energy flow and meditative states for those willing to enter.
Your Turn
What kind of meditation works for you?
How has meditation helped you?
Please share in the comments below.
Life by Design: Walking, Walking, Keep on Walking
/in Life By Design, Uncategorized“One Step At A Time” from the Treedom Collection. Now available as a print on canvas or paper.
I love walking! It’s been such a huge blessing in my life – physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually and socially.
Walking in the city connects me to humanity, to the pulse of a culture, to history, and to architecture (like in Vienna last year).
Walking in nature, my favourite, connects me to Source, to Mother Earth, to my Higher Self and to my intuition.
While walking, I can think things through and let things go. I can reach meditative, contemplative, or appreciative states much more easily than at home.
I also get great ideas when I’m walking. It’s the best time to rehearse speeches, repeat affirmations, work out lessons, receive guidance, or just breathe.
Where do you like to walk? Do you prefer walking alone or with friends? What does walking help you with? Please share in the comments below.
The Walking Monk
Earlier this week, I participated in a series of events with Bhaktimarga Swami, the Walking Monk. So far, he’s walked across Canada 3 times, either starting or ending here in St. John’s. He’s currently getting ready for a walk across the United States. He does this to raise spiritual awareness – his own and that of others along the way.
On Monday, he shared his “Tales from Trails” – stories about his insightful and often breathtaking adventures, including interesting encounters with grizzly bears and fellow humans. Listening to him, I couldn’t help but acknowledge how much walking contributed to my own spiritual growth over the years.
On Tuesday morning, a group of us joined him for a walk around Quidi Vidi lake and through the village. Would you believe I had my hat and gloves? We are getting a few nice summer days here and there, but it’s still near freezing at times too. Still, I’d rather it be on the cool side than too hot.
That evening, we gathered again for an evening of universal truth, kirtan singing, and dancing. I love these Sanskrit (an ancient Indic language) call and response chants – I usually sing & dance to 3 of them on my mini-trampoline in the morning to start the day off on the right foot.
The Work-At-Home Walking Challenge
For the past several decades, I always chose to live within 30-60 minutes walk from where I worked or studied. When I could, I’d make sure that nature trails or parks were on that route. Being a destination walker who dislikes crowded buses and has never owned a car, I had no problems walking 1-2 hours a day in every kind of weather to get to work, but things are different now.
As an artist and entrepreneur working from home, I’ve had to push myself out the door and even borrow the neighbours’ dogs for motivation. I know how important walks are for me, but I rarely made the time this past year.
Listening to the Walking Monk this week has reminded me of how much walking is essential to my well-being.
St. John’s not only has an amazing network of nature trails within the city (including one a few blocks away that leads to our biggest park), but is surrounded by the famous East Coast Trail that follows the coast of this gorgeous island.
It’s time to hit the trails. After a year as a happy hermit, I am committing to walking more.