Tag Archive for: photography

Tune In #2: Which Treedom Calls You Today?

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Want to find out what your intuition is saying to you? Tune in! Which treedom calls to you most today?

Then, scroll down to find out what it means.

Tune in to your intuition pick a photo 2- Which Treedom Calls You

As you contemplate your chosen image, also add your own interpretation. This is a great way to exercise your intuitive muscles. Why do you think that image is calling you?

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Yes, please!

#1 – Humble

"Humble" from the Treedom Collection

Your life is of great importance. You’re making a difference.

Indeed, you’re a Gift for those around you.

Do you doubt it?

It’s true.

Allow your being-ness to make an impression where you stand by simply standing there. There’s no need to shout from the rooftops.

Simply be in your here and now.

And connect to the greatness that is all around you.

Acknowledge the support you’ve received to get you here.

Be grateful for both the challenges and ease & grace.

Then, in the peacefulness of your heart, ask your Self why you’re being called to humbleness today.

Your answer is within.

* Want to go deeper? My intuitive readings, custom guided meditations, and Soul Energy Portrait Experiences support your intuitive development and transformational journey.

#2 – Abundance

"Abundance" from the Treedom CollectionAs above, so below. As within, so without.

Your life is a reflection of your inner reality.

What are you feeling? What are you thinking?

You’re already so abundant in so many ways.

Can you name 10 signs of your abundance in various areas of your life?

Bask in the golden glow of your life as it is now.

By first recognizing the light that shines within you and all around you, you attract more of the Universe’s gifts to you.

Yes, focus on your abundance and see it mirrored in its limitless beauty.

* Want to go deeper? My intuitive readings, custom guided meditations, and Soul Energy Portrait Experiences support your intuitive development and transformational journey.

#3 – Healing

"Healing" from the Treedom Collection

Rise up sister! Rise up brother!

Feel Mother Earth’s energy coursing through you from the soles of your feet all the way up to the top of your head.

Then raise your eyes to the Heavens and ask archangel Raphael to bless you with his healing green light.

Visualize these energies intermingling as they infuse your whole being.

Breathe deeply through your nose into areas that you feel need more attention. Your breath is your Life Force.

Then, as you exhale through your mouth, imagine that you’re letting go of all that no longer serves you in body, mind, and spirit. Trust that nature will recycle it into something that’ll serve the Greater Good.

You have amazing healing abilities, and there are so many resources available to help you on your Path to your Highest Good.

Asking for Divine Help, the power of visualization, and deep breathing are a few of these. So is the vibration of beauty.

Spend a few more minutes contemplating this image and soak in its life-enhancing energy.

* Want to go deeper? My intuitive readings, custom guided meditations, and Soul Energy Portrait Experiences support your intuitive development and transformational journey.

#4 – Compassion

"Compassion" from the Treedom Collection

Are you feeling motivated to help relieve the suffering of the world?

You’re such a compassionate being.

Know that your thoughts and actions make a difference.

You’ve lived so much already in your life and that experience can help others. You understand them.

Spend a few moments brainstorming ways that your compassion can be put into action.

How can you add your Light to the world? At what scale?

Does a friend or family member need your help?

Are you feeling called to join a committee or organize an event?

Your Light grows as you shine it outwards.

Your Light also grows as you reflect and feed the Light of others.

You know what it means to be a part of the Divine Oneness. Thank for your compassion.

* Want to go deeper? My intuitive readings, custom guided meditations, and Soul Energy Portrait Experiences support your intuitive development and transformational journey.

Did you resonate?

Which treedom spoke to you today? I’d love to hear how the message resonated and / or what you got from the image. Please comment below.

Bring Nature In

It’s so important to surround yourself with the love and beauty of Mother Nature, even when you can’t be in her embrace.  

I invite you to visit my online shop for:

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Tune In #1 – What’s Your Connection?

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Welcome to the launch of a new series to help you tune in to your intuition for a more fruitful journey on your path to your Highest Good.

Tune in to your intuition pick a photo 1-what's your connectionWant to find out what your heart and soul might be saying to you? Tune in!

Which of these 4 photographs from my Connection Collection attracts you most today?

Then, scroll down to find out what this says about you.

My suggestions come from what I was experiencing at the time of co-creation and what they’re saying to me now. But feel free to add your own interpretation.

You’re truly the best to figure out why you feel called to a particular life-enhancing energy-infused image.

Want more of my art & inspiration? Join my mailing list and get a free guided meditation mp3.

Yes, please!

#1 – Bridge to Contemplation

"Bridge to Contemplation" from the Connection Collection

There are lots of changes happening or about to happen in your life.

Contemplate the mysteries that lie beneath this time of transition.

Then keep walking, stepping beyond your comfort zone so that you may grow even more into your own Light.

You’re almost there. Don’t give up.

The path before you is straight ahead, safe, and clear.

Accept this invitation to cross over the unknown to what is calling you.

Then relish in the pure delight of being You and welcome the miracles and synchronicities that come your way.

* Want to go deeper? My intuitive readings, custom guided meditations, and Soul Energy Portrait Experiences support your intuitive development and transformational journey.

#2 – Gateway

"Gateway" from the Connection Collection

You’re at the portal of your authentic life.

Are you ready to dive in?

Yes, this means letting go of what no longer serves you. This may be challenging but worth it.

Just ask your team of Divine Helpers and Mother Nature to help you let go with ease and grace.

It’ll start happening naturally as you focus on the magnificent beauty of living in total alignment with your soul.

What does that look like? What does it feel like?

Imagine it daily until, little by little, you start living it.

This is your gateway into the kaleidoscope of your Truth. Allow its reflections to feed your imagination and spark your intuition.

* Want to go deeper? My intuitive readings, custom guided meditations, and Soul Energy Portrait Experiences support your intuitive development and transformational journey.

#3 – Nourish

"Nourish" from the Connection Collection

It’s time to nourish your body, mind, and soul, so you can soar in your own life and for the good of all.

What does self-care mean to you right now? How about self-love?

Please don’t assume others can or should know what you need. They’re not mind-readers.

Identify what you need, and don’t be afraid to ask.

How can your friends, family, community and the Universe best support you right now?

Your Divine Helpers are glad to help. But because of Free Will, they too need to be asked.

It’s your turn to receive help – whether from your Self, others or your environment. Ask and you shall receive.

* Want to go deeper? My intuitive readings, custom guided meditations, and Soul Energy Portrait Experiences support your intuitive development and transformational journey.

#4 – Contemplation

"Contemplation" from the Connection Collection

Your life is a garden. Are you happy with it?

Contemplate what has led you here and whether you’re still heading in the right direction.

Give yourself a score between 1-10 for how fulfilled you feel in the 8 areas of your life.

  1. Health & wellness
  2. Romance & family
  3. Finances & life planning
  4. Social Life & community
  5. Physical location & environment
  6. Fun & recreation
  7. Business & career
  8. Personal & spiritual development

Now ask for Guidance and listen to your heart for ways to increase these scores. Keep a record and start implementing inspired actions this week.

* Want to go deeper? My intuitive readings, custom guided meditations, and Soul Energy Portrait Experiences support your intuitive development and transformational journey.

Did you resonate?

Feel free to share in the comments below how your image choice helped you tune in. I’d love to hear.

Surround yourself with beauty.

Do your walls need a makeover? It’s so important to surround yourself with objects and art that support you on your journey to your Highest Good.

I invite you to visit my online shop for:

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Backyard Photo Break

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I can go days without leaving the house. I like it like that.

I may be a globetrotter, but I’m also a happy hermit. 

Whether I’m in writing, painting, channeling, movie, or yoga & dancing mode, everything I need is here.

The Universe helped me find this home in 2014 after my return from a year studying visionary art overseas. It had everything I asked for, including its owner – my housemate Orinda. We live really well together – what a blessing!

As you can see in these pictures, its location is also ideal. Half an hour’s walk from downtown St. John’s, it has a big backyard that slopes down to a small river. On the other side, past 2 streets of houses, are the tree-covered Southside Hills.

I don’t get cabin fever here. All I need to do is open the door and step into my backyard to be in nature. I can even snowshoe along the river when there’s enough snow.

But we haven’t had much snow yet this year. Rain is slapping the windows at the time of this writing.

So you can imagine my joy when I woke up one morning to find this scene in the backyard. As daylight appeared, I grabbed my camera and tripod and headed out. About an hour later, the sun melted the snow off the branches.  I’m so glad I listened and acted on my heart calling!

Do you have a favourite? Comment below.

Oh – and can you find the one that’s been digitally transformed into a snowflake?

Note: Click on the first and use the arrows if you’d rather see them one at a time.

If you enjoy my photography, remember that there are 5 galleries for you to peruse in my online shop. Prints are available on canvas, fine art paper or metallic paper. Click here to visit my galleries.

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Playing tourist on Bell Island – natural inspiration

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59-Bell Island-Dominique Hurley-_DLH6337

A client asked to postpone her Soul Energy Portrait experience, so I found myself with 2 days wide open last weekend.

I love what I do, so I’ll admit, I tend to overwork.  But after my teaching contract ended, I promised myself to add more summer fun to the mix.

So what did I do?  On Saturday, I checked out the online event listings and treated myself to 2 theatrical performances and lunch out. I love playing tourist in my own city!

If you’re in St. John’s, go see “Fleming” – a great way to tour the Basilica with the Bishop whose vision it was to build it in the late 1800s. Theatre and history make such a great mix. This was so much better than reading panels.

On Sunday, two of my photo buddies and I went to Bell Island.  It’s a 20-30 minute drive from St. John’s and a cheap 20-minute ferry to the island.

Oh how wonderful it was to explore without a plan, hike in such beauty, and learn about the iron-ore mining history that had once turned this 20km island into a booming centre.  The mines closed in 1966 and the population dispersed. But the new hiking trails, museum, and lighthouse café were plenty to keep us happy. Plus we never drove more than 2 minutes without stopping to take pictures. Fun!

Playing tourist is definitely one of the ways  I enjoy  exploring and expressing my love of beauty and the beauty of love.  

Enjoy the results and make a date with your Self or friends to do the same. You don’t have to go far to have a holiday! 

Note: Click on the first image and use the arrows to scroll through bigger images.

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A Change of Scenery

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Brigus NL-Dominique Hurley-DLH_3793

It’s only February, and I’m already manifesting my way through my 2016 intuitive vision board. This time, I took its soul advice for a change of scenery and spent 4 days at my friend Victoria’s in Spaniards Bay, a little less than an hour from St. John’s.

I love road trips. I’m constantly gasping at the beauty (sometimes a bit alarming for the driver).

But since I’ve chosen not to have my own car, I don’t get out of town much – especially if I’m focused on work as much as I was in 2015.

So Victoria came to get me, and we spent a lovely 4 days driving around taking pictures, socializing, eating, and getting to know each other and her 4 fur-babies better. It was great!

I first met Victoria in an art class I taught back in 2011. She’s taken almost every one since. She was also instrumental in helping me raise funds for my Vienna Art Scholarship Fund.

I felt right at home in her new house. Plus it was thrilling to see so much of her artwork live. She’s not only thriving with intuitive painting, but creating wonderful figurines and mixed media hooked pieces on slate. Click here to visit her FB Page.

Vision by Victoria Munavish
Salt-Water Cowboy by Victoria Munavish
Three Sheds on Cavendish Beach by Victoria Munavish

I came home with a closer friendship, lots of new photos, a few extra pounds, work in a new gallery, some cute kitten scratches (the kittens were cute, not the scratches), and all the benefits of recreation.

So there you have it.  By traveling only 50 minutes away, it was a complete change of scenery. What a blessing in so many ways! Thanks Victoria!

You don’t have to go far to play tourist. 

Where can you go this February for a change of scenery?

P.S. You can also click on the first image and scroll from there.

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I’m an 8. You? It’s All About Choice.

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Beingness

“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.

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Are You Seeing Fireworks?

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alternative fireworks photo

“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?

 

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Stop Horsing Around!

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horse photo

“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?

“Horses help us bring focus and attention to the present moment. Engaging with horses requires clear and consistent communication. Horses pick up on our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours and they respond to these when we interact with them. Therefore, with the help of an equine assisted learning facilitator, being with horses can help us understand ourselves better and gain valuable insights inspiring change.” Carol Marriot, Ravenheart Farms

Horse Photography

horse and sunset photo

“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.

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Where Do You Stand?

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Rockface

“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.

Go to 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.

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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.

 

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Are you a Water or Mountain Person?

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photo of wake

“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?

  • the forests?
  • being on the very peak overlooking the world?
  • the challenge of climbing the rockface?
  • the relaxing gondola ride to the top?
  • being so far from civilization?
  • the fun of family skiing holidays?
  • making your way to the top?
  • looking down to see how far you’ve come?

Why?

If you’re a water person, have you thought about what you like best and why?

  • the crashing waves on the cliffs, shaping grooves into the rock?
  • the peaceful trickle of a stream?
  • walking in the rain?
  • the meditative quality of lily pads growing in a pond?
  • the romantic canoe paddles on the lake?
  • the wilderness camping adventures and week-long portages?
  • the gentle rocking of a boat?
  • the excitement of surfing the big waves?
  • reflections ?

What does this tell you about your Self?

sunset photograph

“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.

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