Tag Archive for: B School

2015 – A Year In Focus

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By the dawning of 2015, I’d already decided to devote my year to my art. And that’s exactly what I did. With great focus, determination, trust and growing patience, I put my whole heart into my art, bringing it, my Self, and our partnership to a whole new level.

My art was my baby, my lover, my teacher, my seed and my tree. It was my whole world. I even went into hermit mode for part of the year to accomplish my goals.

As with all relationships, developing and nurturing this one required unconditional love, forgiveness, and faith.

I learned a lot in 2015 and wanted to share its celebration with you.

New Creations

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Fourteen new paintings were birthed this year in addition to my mandalas.

Ten of these provided me with a chance to channel the energy I needed at the time, evolving through layers of meaning, reflection, connection, creation, and celebration.

All but one of these originals are still available in my online shop, where you can also order reproductions on canvas, HD metal plaques (only available for some sizes), and fine art or metallic paper.

One was a donation to a project that paired artists with local nursing home residents.

The other three Energy Painting Commissions. What an amazing experience to support others on their transformational journeys through these intensive experiences. This connected me to three women across North America in ways that further opened my heart and soul on my own journey. What an honour and blessing! My intention is to be of service to many more in this way in 2016.

“Tania’s Magnific-Essence” (12″x 12″)
“Carolyn’s Magnific-Essence” (11″ x 14″)
“Jen’s Magnific-Essence” (11″ x 14″)

B-School and the Business of Art (or the Art of Business)

I’d set the intention to get my business online in 2015. So in February, when a friend reminded me of Marie Forleo’s B-School, an intensive online business program for big-hearted entrepreneurs, I jumped on board.

This was quite the investment in time and money, but it felt guided and aligned, so I didn’t hesitate. And no regrets.

I now have a professional website that I designed myself and the marketing materials to get the word out. For the first time, you can now purchase my art online, even ordering prints of your favourite paintings and photographs in various sizes and mediums.  That was my goal!

That’s not all B-School gave me.  Through the course of several months, I gained even greater courage and confidence. I’m no longer camouflaging my intuitive gifts. I was able to build a business platform that cohesively offered my intuitive art & inspiration, including my unique style of intuitive reading, which comes with bonus visual gifts.

I also learned from pushing myself to the brink of burn-out, with months of 12-16 hour workdays, 7 days a week. I know the stress and pressure I was feeling was entirely of my making. My self-imposed deadlines came from a scarcity mentality. My technophobia came from overreacting to things outside of my comfort zone or control. There’s a lot I needed to learn about the futility of trying to force things to happen.

With the pre & post modules, B-School was my all-consuming full-time job and personal growth program for about 5 months.  I’ll be going through the it again in 2016. We have lifetime access. Plus my business and I aren’t the same as when we did it the first time. So I trust it’ll take us to the next level – more gently this round.

Enter the Mandala Project – Inspired Action

all 12 Universal Law mandalas in a row

While I was with family in Ottawa a year ago, I received intuitive guidance to create a dozen mandala paintings. So when I got back to St. John’s, I submitted a grant application to help fund the project. I also ordered 12 – 30″ x 30″ canvases, which ended up taking a few months to arrive. Looking back, I’m so glad I followed my inspiration with action.

I then got so busy with B-School that I stopped connecting and listening for guidance. But on March 25th, I had a 30-minute Skype consultation with a coach for intuitives I met through B-School. Without knowing about my intention to create a dozen mandalas, she said my Guides wanted me to create a series on the Universal Laws… and there happened to be 12.

In April, I received news of a $1000 grant by the City of St. John’s, covering part of the materials for my project. My canvases arrived at about the same time. I needed the grant implementation deadline to force me away from the computer and into the studio. I’m so grateful as this was essential to my well-being this year.

Had I not followed through on my initial guidance with inspired action, there’s no way I would have completed the Enter the Mandala paintings by now or hosted the Winter Solstice Event.  Both parts of the Enter the Mandala project brought me in alignment with my life purpose. Here’s what one participant wrote to me about the event:

” I want to express my thanks and gratitude for the wonderful day you in-visioned and brought to fruition  … It was so powerful to be part of the group and to share all the heart-based energies that bathed us for the entire day. Until now, my only real energetic “community” has been online and I held fear around being seen fully in my life, all the while desiring to connect with like-minded and like-hearted individuals and groups. I feel as though the Solstice event illuminated a new path forward for me, while uplifting and transforming the heaviness of past patterns and obsolete beliefs about myself. The powerful energy of your artwork, of your soul expressing itself through your visionary co-creative process and story-telling, combined with the energetic offerings of Leslie, Regina, Katie and Tina was phenomenal to experience!” M.L.G.

This powerful collection (which now has 13 mandalas) has taken me deeper spiritually and artistically than any other painting project before it. The Universal Laws have taught me much, and I’ll continue to practice them as a key to my happiness.

My goal is to find a permanent home for them in 2016 and to keep on teaching what I’ve learned.

Exhibitions and Events

 

 

I’ve had many opportunities to share my work in St. John’s this past year. For this I am truly grateful.

These included:

  • a month-long solo exhibition at The Sprout
  • participation in juried and open group exhibitions at Eastern Edge Gallery, the Craft Council Gallery, MUN Botanical Garden, First Space Gallery, Le Festival du Vent, and Earth & Sky Healing Centre and Gallery.
  • displaying my work in the offices of Dr. Laura Nurse, Tina O’Brien (Reiki/Facial practitioner), and National PR (juried pop-up gallery),
  • live painting for 2 days at the NL Folk Festival
  • booths at The Wellness Expo and The Healthy Living Show
  • the Enter the Mandala Winter Solstice Event & Exhibition

These helped me reconnect to the the purpose of my art and of my life. They also helped me practice patience and trust in divine timing, especially when it comes to income.

I love sharing the energy that I channel in the studio. But I have to learn to keep on giving to this relationship with my art and its fans without becoming needy or over-dependent. That only stifles the relationship.

Re-Connecting with the Community

I value my alone time. First, I know I’m never really alone.  Second, I enjoy my company (most of the time). Being in hermit mode was great and very productive. But I knew I could get too comfortable and disconnected if I stayed there too long.

Sure, I’d talk to you through my blog twice a week, but that’s not the same. I had to get back into the community and the opportunities came when I was ready.

  • I taught a fulfilling English Second Language Program at the university for 5 weeks in the summer
  • I met new circles of like-minded souls
  • I joined the Newfoundland & Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs for its business coaching & mastermind group opportunities
  • I taught a few painting workshops though the Art Association of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Association culturelle francophone de Saint-Jean
  • I participated in community initiatives like the Massonic Art Project
  • I spent time some time with friends
  • I joined with community during the Enter the Mandala Winter Solstice Event that I organized with 4 friends.

A Great Year Indeed

I’m so grateful for the foundation I was able to build for my business in 2015. After 26 years of being a part-time professional artist, I’ve made the leap to full-time (or almost). In 2016, I’d like to continue that, but with a better work-life balance.

Apart from a trip to Ottawa to visit family, I didn’t even leave town this year. I’m now open to a lot more leisure time alone and with friends –  in nature and new surroundings.

I’d also like to socialize outside of my current circles of women. If it’s meant to be and in my Highest Good, I’m open to meeting a man who’s similarly dedicated to growing in unconditional love.

I want to nourish my soul through more than just my art.

To do that, I’ll take the time to ask and listen for guidance as I continue to explore and express my love of beauty and the beauty of love.

2015 was a huge year for me and my art. 2016 is a mystery. I’m open to it. I welcome it. And I look forward to sharing it with you.

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More Eye Opening Entrepreneurial Books

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Dominique-Lean-on-Me-PortraitI’m So…. Me!

I am so typically myself, I crack myself up – I say with a serious face… B-School started on Monday.  My goal had been to finish all the books on Marie Forleo’s recommended list before the start of classes, which I almost did.  I still had 2 left though and simply couldn’t bring myself to start something new before finishing what I had started. So although I watched her 6 videos as an overview of the first module and all the work ahead of me this week (while rebounding), I just had to finish all 12 books before really diving in – because that’s what I told myself I would do…

Eye-Opening:

I’ve never paid much attention to business news or even world news, for that matter.  Needless to say, therefore, I’ve learned so much!  This intense immersion into the world of big-hearted successful entrepreneurs who are making a positive difference in the world has definitely opened my eyes and my heart.  I’m thinking bigger than I did before, even if I can’t even begin to imagine their kind of impact coming from what I feel moved to create in my life. I’m not even sure I’ve got what it takes to be an entrepreneur… but that’s probably just fear talking. Eye-opening and confusing can co-exist in my world.

Another 6 Books:

I wrote about the first 6 books on Marie’s list in a previous post.  Here are the ones I read / listened to after that.

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Two Books by Richard Branson:

Sir Richard Branson‘s 2 books kept me entertained for more than 21 hours this past week.  He had a lot to say.  I don’t think I had ever heard the name of this English billionaire and founder of the Virgin group of companies (over 400 of them!) – if I had, it hadn’t stuck.  Truth be told, that’s not surprising.

Being one of those people who doesn’t listen to the news, I know that I’m not very globally aware. Frankly, however, I’m quite amazed that I wasn’t more familiar with the Virgin brand, except for a vague recollection of a red logo on a poster in the bus one day- I think it had to do with their mobile phone service as I was in the market for one. In this world of over-consumption and visual and information overload, I confess I’ve often chosen to stick my head in the sand. It was more peaceful that way.

But what this man has accomplished goes way beyond changing the way businesses are run.  He’s made a huge impact on the welfare of the planet and its inhabitants. Did you know he was the driving force behind the foundation of the independent group of global leaders called The Elders?  I didn’t even know it existed, but listening to stories about his conversations with Nelson Mandala and other global leaders moved me.

7.  In “Business Stripped Bare: The Adventures of a Global Entrepreneur“, he basically told the story of his entrepreneurial life (through the voice of a less-than-convincing British voice actor) – which started at the age of 15.  The book is filled with stories about the various Virgin companies and why they were created. I’m certainly going to pay more attention to Virgin companies from now on – I like what they stand for. I like what they do for people – inside and outside the company.  This book is all about success and making a difference – and he’s a master at both.

This book has reaffirmed that I am more of a manager/technician than an entrepreneur, but it was super helpful to hear about the spirit, mindset, ups and down, etc. of something so huge – way beyond what I want to do.

8.  In “Screw Business as Usual“, he spent more time on the social good that individuals and companies can make on the global scene. He explains that

“Never has there been a more exciting time for all of us to explore this great next frontier where the boundaries between work and purpose are merging into one, where doing good, really is good for business.”

I really enjoyed listening to this one – not only because the voice actor was much more convincing, even if he had a North American accent.  By the end of it, I simply felt happy there were people in the world like Richard Branson (more and more of them)- and dumbfounded at how much one person can accomplish in one lifetime… with the help of many, of course.  What leadership!

9. “Tribes” by Seth Godin

His name was familiar, and although I see he’s given 3 TED Talks, I don’t think that’s why the name rang a bell. Oh well, no matter.  This is a great book on leadership that was inspiring to listen to. I’m not the most social person – I’m an introvert who loves my alone time. I find social media and much to do with crowds overwhelming.  But I know the power of like-minded groups of people getting together to empower each other and make a difference in the world.  I really felt this when I lived in Saskatoon.  I’d recommend this book to anyone who wants to make a difference..

CoCreative Bliss-Dominique HurleyBy the time I finished listening to this book, I felt clearer about my desire to offer / market co-creating energy paintings with the Higher Councils of those attracted to this service. Some of you may remember that I offered this as the highest-level gift during my Vienna Visionary Art Fund crowdfunding campaign.  While working through the preparation exercises for B-School, I reconnected to that experience as perhaps the most powerful and fulfilling artistic experience of my career.  During an amazing weekend by the ocean, I worked with 2 donors’ teams of angels and guides to create empowering paintings for them on their paths to their Highest Good.  I’ve thought of that experience several times since, but had yet to offer it more publicly. I’ll admit, part of me was scared of claiming my ability to do so…

In “Tribes”, Seth Godin reminds us that the whole being burned at the stake for being heretics thing is over and done with and that we need to own up to what is calling us – to become leaders. That was exactly what I needed to hear. “The only thing holding you back is your own fear – not easy to admit, but essential to understand”.

Time of Transition-Dominique HurleyHe also addressed some of my other fears:

“The secret of being wrong isn’t to avoid being wrong. The secret is being willing to be wrong. The secred is realizing that wrong isn’t fatal. The only thing that makes people and organizations great is their willingness to not be great along the way. The desire to fail on the way to reaching a bigger goal is the untold secret of success.”

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10.  “Business Model You – Alexander Osterwalder & Yves Pigneur (and Co-created by an amazing crowd of 470 practitioners from 45 countries).

You can download a 72-page preview of the book at the link above.  They describe it as “A handbook for visionaries, game changers and challengers.”

Again, this book is much more than I’ll likely need for the micro-business I’m creating, but it did help me find a bit more clarity on what and how I’ll offer my art & inspiration to the world.

The greatest gift this book has given me is an understanding of the 9 building blocks to any business: customer segments, value propositions, channels, customer relations, revenue streams, key resources, key activities, key partnerships, and cost structure (in a very visual way – perfect for me as an artist).  Alas, being a successful artist is going to take so much more than just painting in my studio. It’s true, I’ve done a lot more than that for the past 26 years of being a professional artist, but not nearly enough.

What was really cool is that the morning after I finished reading this book, I received experiential proof of how it has helped me in my understanding of how businesses work. After booting up the computer, I was immediately faced with 2 invitations, one about some technological advance and offering by Firefox and the other by Wiki for teachers. I found myself responding with curiosity, openness, and knowledge instead of reacting with my usual suspicion, annoyance, and dismissiveness (I’m a bit of a technophobe).  So wow! what great feedback that information is indeed power.

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11. “ReWork” by Jason Fried& David Heinemeier Hansson

This is a great little book. I bought the hard copy because I couldn’t find an audio version, but it exists. That’s OK. I had it done in a day and the funky visuals the the start of each chapter add personality.  The authors, founders of a very successful software company, talk straight and in a very down-to-earth manner about what they’ve learned along the way. I related much more to this book than to Richard Branson’s because theirs is a small company and that’s how they like it. They understand the financial realities of those starting a company and offer their own version of screw business as usual.  They didn’t do it like the books / school say to do things, and it worked.  I liked that.

If you want to do something, you’ve got to do it now. You can’t put it on a shelf and wait two months to get around to it. You can’t just say you’ll do it later. Later, you won’t be pumped up about it anymore.  … When you’re high on inspiration, you can get two weeks of work done in twenty-four hours.  Inspiration is a time machine that way.”

That reminds me of several times when people were surprised at how quickly I had accomplished a project – be it my Spirit Calling Cards or curriculum development.  Once inspiration descends upon you, and you mix that with discipline and focus, magic happens.

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 12. “Now, Discover Your Strengths” by Marcus Buckingham and Donald Clifton & “Strengths Finder 2.0″ by Tom Rath

The one book on Marie Forleo’s recommended list that I hadn’t immediately purchased was “Now, Discover Your Strengths”. The reason? I read the book and took the test about a decade ago.  It was totally life-enhancing and I recommend it to anyone!

I loved how it focused on the importance of developing your strengths instead of becoming a well-rounded person who was mediocre at everything (my words, not theirs).  I’m such a fan of self-awareness tools and completely resonated with the unique profile it came up with for me.  I even remember handing part of the results to my employers – it was an itemized list of my strengths and how best to lead me as an employee. It totally made sense.

This week,  I downloaded a free 12-page summary of the book from this website.

I had to chuckle at this quote – it’s what many spiritual advisers say as well.

When you exploit your natural abilities, you can’t help but succeed. Of course, the converse is also true.  Expect an uphill climb if you are always in “self-improvement” mode.

I decided to take the test again online for $19.95 USD (since I didn’t have the code at the back of the book).  There are 177 questions and you have 20 seconds to choose between paired descriptors (about 35 minutes). Great stuff! Based on Gallup research, the authors developed 34 dominant “themes of human talent”, or strengths (talent + knowledge + skill). Based on our online test results, we’re given our top 5 themes out of 33 million possible combinations, and several tools on how to use our new-found information and how these work as a group. Although they say a few may change if you take the test again at a future time, they were probably all part of your top 10.

Test results:  This isn’t the exact list I got 10 years ago, but the feel is similar.  I’ll admit, my first reaction upon reading my list was: “I sound so boring – serious and boring!” I know I was comparing myself to all I’ve been exposed to in the past couple of weeks. I’m afraid I don’t fit the entrepreneurial bill…

This is what I got this time: Discipline, Achiever, Responsibility, Learner, Deliberative.  Ten years ago, I remember I had Focus, Fairness, Empathy.  The other two were probably part of this group. The list of action steps and descriptors are useful – and very very accurate.  I certainly recognized myself in 99% of what they reported.  The trick, according to them is seeing my perfectionist tendencies, for example, as a strength, not a weakness. They provide a few tips.

I’ll re-read their report again soon – although I’m sure I still won’t find “fun-loving, extrovert, go-with-the-flow, risk-taker ” on there.  Don’t get me wrong …. I love myself – no use wanting to be someone else or comparing myself to others.  My talents have been amazing gifts in my life and I’ve used them well. We’ll see how I can put them to work in bringing my art & inspiration to the next level.

Flower Child-Dominique HurleyOnce again, I wrote about the first 6 books on Marie’s list in a previous post.

 

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Stoked on Quotes: A Journey Through 6 Entrepreneurial Books

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Walking the Moon Path-Dominique HurleyWant to know some of the gems I’ve gleaned from the first batch of recommended audio-books I worked with in preparation for B-School?  Here goes.

1.  “Do the Work” by Steven Pressfield

I had to rewind and play that bit a few times – it tickled something deep down inside.  I even wrote a brief email to Steven Pressfield to thank him for making a difference in my life – something I like to do. Little did I know at the time that he had also written another book on the list – “The War of Art” and the novel “The Legend of Bagger Vance” – I had just watched the movie the week before as part of my Waking Up to the Movies program.  His insights on how we create obstacles for ourselves (one of the many things I’m good at 🙂 ) were very useful.  By the way, he responded – “Thanks for that, Dominique. It’s great to be quoted! Seriously, thanks for the very kind words — and thanks to Marie Forleo too.”

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2. “The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael Gerber

To say that I learned a lot about running a business from this book is an understatement.  It was an eye opener that led to some useful questioning.  In it, Gerber

dispels the myths surrounding starting your own business and shows how commonplace assumptions can get in the way of running a business. He walks you through the steps in the life of a business … (and) shows how to apply the lessons of franchising to any business whether or not it is a franchise. Finally, Gerber draws the vital, often overlooked distinction between working on your business and working in your business. (amazon.com)

That last point was the kicker for me.  I realized that I’m mostly a technician (I like to do my art).  Part of me just wants to be a hermit painting in my studio… and win the lottery so I can do that.  Although I do have a strong manager in me, I’ll really need to awaken the entrepreneur inside if I want to make it as full-time artist in my own business.  That’s why I’m in B-School. I’m already ahead of where I was last week.

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3.  “Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action” by Simon Sinek

I was familiar with Simon’s work.  He gave a great TED Talk that I use with my ESL students.  His main point is that “People don’t buy WHAT you do, they buy WHY you do it.” It’s all about mission / purpose. That’s why Apple is such a success – no matter what kind of product or service they come out with.

Angel of Mine-Dominique HurleyAbout 15-20 years ago, I identified 5 nouns as my governing values: Spirituality, Love, Beauty, Freedom, Integrity. From there, I developed my personal mission statement, a powerful decision-making tool I’ve used ever since:  “My purpose is to travel through life exploring and expressing my love of beauty and the beauty of love.”  After listening to this book, I understand that my values don’t only drive me, but also my customers –  those who believe as I believe. 

Coming up with verbs for those values was a very valuable exercise for me.  This is what is at the root of all I am. This is why I do what I do – my guiding principles.

Spirituality = Connect to your Higher Source.
Love =  Love yourself and others unconditionally.
Beauty = Appreciate and create beauty that touches hearts and souls.
Freedom: Be true to your Self, and follow your Inner Guidance.
Integrity: Always do the right thing. (Simon had already translated that one for me – yay!)
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I’ve always disliked the question :”What do you do?” I usually ask “How do you enjoy spending your time?”.  Next time, I’ll try “Why do you do what you do?”…
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4.  “The Fire Starter Sessions:  A Soulful + Practical Guide to Creating Success on Your Own Terms” by Danielle LaPorte
Have you heard of her?  I hadn’t, but I seem to be among the few who haven’t. Grant it, I’ve been focused inward in the past few years, so it’s not surprising that I’m not up to date on the new inspirational generation.  She’s Canadian – living in Vancouver, and she rocks!
Dancing with my inner child-Dominique HurleyThis book was a great listen and each session was accompanied by a short video and worksheets online. You can also access the first chapter of the book below the first video once you listen to it.
I had to get off my rebounder quite a bit while I was listening to write a few of her messages down:
You become a trailblazer by virtue of being your genuine self. It is that simple, it is that profound.
If we want to live bold full lives, we must take our whole selves into the future. Nothing can be forsaken or hidden because it is in integrating all of the aspects of our beings that we expand: cosmic love and worldly ambitions; consciousness and cash; high standards and compassion.
She also touched on my recent inquiry into the roles of the Left and Rain brain in business.
In the Moment-Dominique HurleyWe speak the same language – even if hers is a tad more colourful at times 🙂
Choosing easy is smart, efficient, elegant; a fantastic form of self-compassion; giving yourself a break and getting out of your own way. Choosing easy is letting inspiration be your compass. Choosing easy is allowing for the things that you’ve been asking for to enter your life. … Quality easy brings a sense of expansion to things. Quality easy is compelling—because when you say yes to grace, you’re saying yes to the natural flow of life. You lift your face toward the grace, like flowers lean into the light.
In one of her sessions, she talks about Eckhart Tolle’s principle of awakened doing:  acceptance, enjoyment, and enthusiasm.
Enthusiasm, the third modality of awakened doing, is when the universe creates through you. You are involved in a creative act. You are bringing something new into this world. When that energy comes in, you feel an intense aliveness that flows into what you do. That is enthusiasm.  ~Tolle
That is why I create art – be it in the studio or in nature with my camera… Although I had read his books years ago, it was good to reconnect with his work again. I may not retain the source or the details, but everything I’ve learned along the way has helped me to be exactly who and what I am today – more and more of my Self.
The most useful exercise, however, was in “Session 7: Fear and other Tough Stuff.”  I did her worksheet on deconstructing fear and had myself the kind of aha moment that left me stunned. I basically asked myself “Why are you afraid of running out of money?” over and over again until I got to the root of that fear.  Although some of my earlier answers included being afraid of not having access to a healthy diet of high quality and organic products and having to work at a job that no longer fuels my passion, the root went much much deeper.  I was actually afraid that not being financially successful at my business would prove that I’m not worthy or good enough a channel for receiving and expressing God’s love through my art – Major “not good enough” junk!  The interesting thing is that this revelation is so not aligned with what I believed I believe: my concept of Divine Love!  That’s probably why I’ve been bouncing from scarcity mentality to abundance mentality most of my life.  That “Not good enough for God/ The Source” was in there somewhere deep.  Time to let that silly belief go, eh? 
Later in the day, when I was rebounding gleefully and energetically to the song “Happy” – (there’s a 24-hour video to which you can keep going for as long as you want), I started sobbing (not like the crying that happens when I watch movies). It caught me off guard. I was happy, but sobbing. So what was this? It only took a moment to figure it out.  It was a deep cleansing sob – every cell in my body was shaking off that deep-rooted nonsensical fear that was driving the scarcity mentality that sometimes takes a hold of me. I was letting go of all “I’m not worthy” beliefs.  Yup! I was literally shaking the fear up and out while dancing with joy.  Phew! There’s one potential dis-ease gone – out of there! Yay!  Do you want to dance with me? (Listen to the lyrics – the fact I’ve had a studio without a ceiling for a week is pretty … coincidental?)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Sxv-sUYtM

Many of these books touched on my fear of failure and provided uplifting perspectives on both success and failure.
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5.  “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield
All the Days of My Life -Dominique HurleyIn this book, Steven Pressfield went far beyond helping us understand resistance. It’s his later chapters that most touched me this time. He talked about the Muse – about angels.  I so resonated with his description of the creative process. It was so refreshing to listen to someone describe it in my language. There’s no way I could describe it better, so I’ll leave you with his words.  If you’re not comfortable with references to God and angels, substitute with whatever works for you.
Every breath we take, every heartbeat, every evolution of every cell comes from God and is sustained by God every second, just as every creation, invention, every bar of music or line of verse, every thought, vision, fantasy, every dumb-ass flop and stroke of genius comes from that infinite intelligence that created us and the universe in all its dimensions, out of the Void, the field of infinite potential, primal chaos, the Muse. To acknowledge that reality, to efface all ego, to let the work come through us and give it back freely to its source, that, in my opinion, is as true to reality as it gets.
Watch Over Me-Dominique HurleyCreative work is not a selfish act or a bid for attention on the part of the actor. It is a gift to the world and every being in it.  Don’t cheat us of your contribution. Give us what you’ve got.
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6.  “Super Rich” by Russell Simmons
This book was so much better than I ever expected from that title. I fully appreciate the flow of financial energy and welcome more of it into my life, but I’m not in it just for that.  Focusing on the business of my art & inspiration this year is not about becoming a millionaire – it’s about living the life I feel guided to live.  It’s true, to do that I need the financial means to not only survive as an artist, but thrive. I would never have picked this book up off the shelf though, but I’m so glad I did.  It’s all about the yoga of life and business from a guy with quite the story. Again, I had never heard of him, but Russell Simmons went from being a drug dealer to music and fashion mogul. He’s also a vegan yogi/meditator/ philanthropist who is now helping people have super rich lives – way beyond the superficial meaning of that phrase.
Note: I’m not sure of the official punctuation in this quote – I wrote it down while listening.
This Little Light of MineWhat a great week of learning – I wonder where the next batch of books will take me.  My goal is to have them read/listened to before the official start of B-School on the 9th.  Alas, my schedule is a bit fuller this week than last, so the hermit must leave the bedroom.
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Another 6 books have been reviewed in a future post.
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Life by Design: Committing to Passion

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Spiral Tree - Dominique HurleyI made a huge decision and investment last week. I went from feeling guided, to scared (about the financial investment, as usual), to excited, then to calm once I had committed even more to my passion – all within a few hours. I’m on the right path. I know it. I’ll tell you more near the end, but that’s what has inspired this post.

What are you passionate about?

If money and time weren’t issues, what would you be doing? or not doing?

Are you taking the necessary steps to bring more passion into your life?

Committing to your passions goes hand in hand with simplifying your life.  It’s about identifying what’s important to you and eliminating everything else.  It’s about committing your time and finances to what fuels you. Sure, this may mean lovingly saying “no thank you” to many of the demands, requests, invitations, expectations, social norms, etc. that come your way.  It also means saying YES! to truly living life – especially once the basic physiological and safety needs are met (as per Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs).

Committing to your passions – whether that means scheduling time for a weekend soccer game with friends, devoting time every day for reading, or going back to school to change careers –  is also about loving yourself enough to be true to who you are, no matter how quirky or risky that may seem to others. So no matter if your passion is creativity, raising children, tango dancing, clock mechanisms, ant colonies, sky diving, quantum physics, skiing, traveling, writing, or statistical analysis, you’re worth it.

Dominique Hurley Art & Inspiration Quote SeriesThe benefits of doing what you love are countless. For yourself, this could mean skill-building, feeling more engaged and energized, connecting with your gifts and talents, self-esteem, happiness, fulfillment, and self-actualization. There’s nothing selfish about that. In fact, the benefits to those around you and those you serve can be just as limitless.

What benefits would you gain from reconnecting to some of your passions?

How would it benefit others?

Following What Calls You:

Many passions make great hobbies and don’t require huge financing (reading vs. race car driving for example.)  Some passions lead to great careers and require much more in terms of finances, time, and risk-taking.  If you’re a multi-passionate person, the challenge may be figuring out what passions to focus on at various times in your life, which to keep as hobbies, and which to combine into a business. That’s been my path. What’s really cool is seeing how delving into each one has made me who I am today and helped me build the skills/knowledge/experience I need to materialize this Life by Design.

  • Even as a young child, I loved spending hours alone in the woods, which helped develop my imagination, strong connection to my guides, and to Nature.
  • In elementary school, I loved stamp collecting, which helped develop my organizational skills, focus, and attention to details.
  • I’ve always been passionate about dogs, probably because they’re naturals at unconditional love. Interacting with one is often a highlight of my day. Not many know that I’m a professional dog trainer and behaviour therapist…  I certainly wouldn’t hire me or even ask me for advice though as I’ve strangely never lived with a dog before. But I wanted to understand and spend intensive time with them during a transition phase in my life. Since I was about to move provinces with my cat to do my Masters of Education, it wasn’t time to adopt a dog. Instead, I took an intensive certificate course that opened up many opportunities to learn about and connect with these wonderful creatures.  Who knows how that will fit in the big picture.
  • I’m obviously passionate about learning. I seem to be back in school every few years studying something, or doing some other self-study program for personal or spiritual growth.  It’s all been worth it!
  • I’ve long been passionate about providing life-enhancing experiences through event planning and teaching (which I started at the age of 15). I climbed the career ladder quickly in recreation and arts administration, then jumped to English as a Second Language, and now I’m more in the wellness sector.
  • I’m passionate about travel – discovering new places, cultures, etc.  I spent 11 years of my life living on other continents, teaching and traveling, and have lived in 5 provinces across Canada, from coast to coast.  I can’t begin to list the opportunities and growth that has led to.
  • I am passionate about photography, which came out of traveling. As a bit of a technophobe (OK, a lot), I had to take courses in the late 90s to get over my self-imposed obstacles.  I took a professional certificate program online and a whole series of local workshops to learn how to use a real camera.  Then, when digital photography came out, I went back to school in BC for 10 months. This led to working with a photographer and his wife who both greatly influenced my spiritual path.  Now, my photography is one of the ways I use to get fully present, to share my way of seeing the world, and to inspire.
  • I am passionate about unconditional love.  My extremely sensitive nature and early bewilderment by human behaviour led me to focusing my life on love. My focus on being more unconditionally loving (of myself and others) has required lots of study and practice, but what a worthwhile journey!
  • I am definitely passionate about painting. I dove into it in the late 80s. Although I was self-taught for years, I devoted a couple of years to full-time art education in my 40s. Painting has been a healer and spiritual tool for me and seeing how my paintings have become so for so many others over the decades has definitely been fulfilling.
  • I love writing!  I spend a few days every week writing these posts, for example. I love sharing, educating, entertaining, and empowering.  I used to write 20-40 page circulars that I mailed when I lived in South Korea (before the age of blogs).  I’ve also written articles for health & wellness magazines and as a guest blogger.

Dominique Hurley Art & Inspiration Quote SeriesI’ve long said that should I die today, I would have no regrets. I’ve already lived a very full life listening to my heart callings and living my passions.  Having said that, I look forward to continuing to explore my love of beauty and the beauty of love and to finding clarity on how they’ll come together in ways that better serve the world while earning a fruitful income.

A Passion-Filled Business Model:

As you can see, I’m a multi-passionate Creative.  That’s part of why I’ve had a hard time coming up with a business model over the years. I love a lot of things and can be equally satisfied behind the camera in nature as in the studio painting! I’m at a point now, however, that I want to have a cohesive business in which I can give and receive more generously. I need to figure out what to put together in my business model to give me the time and location freedom my passions require, with unlimited potential for income while living a simple life- all that while having local and global impact.  Figuring that out is what I had set as my intention for the year.

Life by Design-Dominique HurleyOne key point that I’ve been hearing a lot in my business coaching lately is that we don’t need to monetize all passions, especially if we’re multi-passionate creatives. Some things are best left as hobbies.  We don’t necessarily have to focus on just one either – there are ways to combine things.   I need to decide what passions will be the most profitable – financially and spiritually.  It’s not all about making money from my passions, although I’m a firm believer in “Do what you love and the money will follow”.  A successful business, however, means focusing on those passions that will bring me to my goals and presenting them to the world in a way that will best serve my market. Indeed, it’s about creating a Life by Design that will make the biggest difference in my life and that of others.

I’ve already talked to you about registering for 6 half days of training over a six-week period starting in March with NLOWE (Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneur).  Well, it turns out that is just the beginning.

My Big Decision:

Last week, a friend of mine sent me the intro videos to Marie Forleo’s B-School, which starts on March 9th. It’s an internationally renown 8-week super intensive online business/ marketing course (with lifetime access to materials) to fuel higher profits and higher purpose. I had gone through her videos and got all excited about B-School a year ago, but I was still in Vienna and my plate was deliciously full with art school.  At the time, I had told myself “maybe next year”. My memory being what it is, however, I forgot about it. I’m so glad my Guiding Spirits have a better memory than I do!  They worked through my friend and within 24 hours of her email, I had invested $2,500 ($1,999US) in what will be a life-changer for me and my business, I’m sure. Here’s how I started my reply to my friend that morning: “Yikes! Hee Hee! OMG! Why not?! Yes! Thank you!” 

I’ve seen what this program has done for others (many whose free online summits have provided me with hundreds of hours of inspiring podcasts), and so I was totally ready to commit. I’ve also witnessed Marie’s spirit, integrity, and authenticity through countless inspirational videos on Marie TV – she truly is a big-hearted creative. Fun too! 

Wings of ChangeIf money hadn’t been an issue, I wouldn’t have hesitated.  Selling “Wings of Change” in Europe last week was a big help, and a sign –  so was that calm certainty that lay beyond the fear.  I know the Universe will support me through this as it has every time I answered the call.  Spirit wins out over ego yet again. Yay!

Dominique Hurley Art & Inspiration Quote SeriesI’m saying YES! once again – to myself, to my art & inspiration, to my love of beauty and the beauty of love, to you and all those I will reach through my work … and to life itself.

I’m fully confident that this program will help me thrive as I find clarity, create a professional website that sells, develop a communication plan, get more traffic, develop products and services that inspire and empower, and then market them  -one pillar at a time.

Very exciting times!  As Marie says:

The road ahead will be exciting, uncomfortable, challenging and ultimately, one of the most rich and valuable experiences ever.

I’m open to that!

How would your life be different if you committed to your passions?
(if you haven’t already) 

Believe me, you’re worth it and the world deserves it – whether it’s finding more time for your hobbies or committing to turning your passions into your career.
Exaltation-Dominique Hurley

 

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