The marine layer of mist and fog is “clouding” my view of Saddleback Mountain this morning. I love spending my quiet time looking out my living room window to the mountain range. It is an uplifting view. It immediately calms me and brings me to the present moment. The blank, white wall of the mist doesn’t give me that feeling.
The white, blank, mist reminds me of how I feel when my everyday worries and concerns consume me and I can’t get in touch with my real purpose and joy. Waiting for the mist to evaporate seems to only keep me focused on the unpleasant and negative.
What’s a person to do when the outer inspiration you are counting on isn’t there?
Prayer is the most basic way for me to calm down and be present with myself—asking the Holy Spirit to guide, teach and inspire me.
Reflecting on a favorite Bible verse or quote often gives me hope and a sense of direction. It is helpful to have a “stash” of such items on hand for a time of need.
Listening to beautiful music or going for a walk can also provide the backdrop for creative thinking—whether working through a problem or needing a new idea.
Our pastor gave another suggestion this weekend in his sermon on the Laws of Sowing and Reaping. One of the principles he taught was: If you have a need you must plant a seed. If you need more time…. money…. confidence…. energy…. CREATIVITY…. etc., you need to “give it away”---plant the seed for/with someone else.
My creativity is stagnant –so how can I give it away—and plant a seed? Several ideas come to mind: Call a friend I’ve been thinking about. Put a note on a neighbor’s door—she’s returning from a two week trip and I’ve missed her! Complete an assignment for an on-line group that requires honesty and vulnerability. ….I’ll continue once I follow through….
…These simple activities (took less than ½ hour) moved me beyond stagnancy. I wonder how these seeds will grow… The mist is still covering the mountain, but I am ready for what the day has in store for me.
Encouraging you to tap into your creativity,
Reggie
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
A Look Back at Summer
Before plunging into fall--well, I probably can't stop you--my neighbor has her entry way fitted out with a fall wreath, scarecrow and hay bale---and holiday planning starts early.
Before totally moving forward, why not take 10-15 minutes to look back over your summer--before you forget. Jot down the highlights with family and friends. Travel experiences. Memories made. Weddings. Birthdays. Maybe there was sadness over the loss of someone important in your life. How did you enjoy the glorious summer season of great weather?
We can move on so quickly. The pace of life can be so fast. Slow it down for a few minutes.
After remembering, gather a few photos or mementos. Organize them on a page in your journal or scrapbook--or on a piece of construction paper. Write words or phrases about your summer around the images. Be sure to write "Summer, 2011" on your paper. Place it on your kitchen counter or by your computer.
It's a time ro remember, to be thankful for the richness of life--the struggles and the celebrations. And it's a time to be hopeful. What will fall bring? What kind of experiences will I create? What unexpected adventure will come to me?
After such a time of reflection you might have an inspirational thought about what you want to bring to this next "season" of your year. Write that thought on your "Summer, 2011" page as well.
______________________________________________
I invite you to come to my Laguna Woods home this Sat, Oct 1, for an Art & Creativity Experience.
10am-12Noon. The first Saturday of every month. Just email me if you want to come rmantei@comline.com.
Before totally moving forward, why not take 10-15 minutes to look back over your summer--before you forget. Jot down the highlights with family and friends. Travel experiences. Memories made. Weddings. Birthdays. Maybe there was sadness over the loss of someone important in your life. How did you enjoy the glorious summer season of great weather?
We can move on so quickly. The pace of life can be so fast. Slow it down for a few minutes.
After remembering, gather a few photos or mementos. Organize them on a page in your journal or scrapbook--or on a piece of construction paper. Write words or phrases about your summer around the images. Be sure to write "Summer, 2011" on your paper. Place it on your kitchen counter or by your computer.
It's a time ro remember, to be thankful for the richness of life--the struggles and the celebrations. And it's a time to be hopeful. What will fall bring? What kind of experiences will I create? What unexpected adventure will come to me?
After such a time of reflection you might have an inspirational thought about what you want to bring to this next "season" of your year. Write that thought on your "Summer, 2011" page as well.
______________________________________________
I invite you to come to my Laguna Woods home this Sat, Oct 1, for an Art & Creativity Experience.
10am-12Noon. The first Saturday of every month. Just email me if you want to come rmantei@comline.com.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Honoring 9/11
It has been an emotional weekend. Our country. Our tragedy. Our heroes. So much to take in and process--even after 10 years.
What do I want to remember about September 11, 2001? I did not know anyone nor any family related to the attacks. But I want to remember and feel and learn something.
I selected a picture from the Parade Magazine in my newspaper and glued it into my journal. I drew tears down one side of the journal page. Down the other side of the page I wrote: God Help Us!
I then used cut out words and my own printed words to create a border around the picture: WOUNDS OF WAR, COMMUNITY, GATHERING TOGETHER, RENEWAL, GOD BLESS AMERICA, REMEMBERING, GOODNESS, GAME CHANGER, INSPIRATION, RETHINK EVERYTHING, STRENGTH, LIFE IS FRAGILE-HANDLE WITH PRAYER, RESILIENCE. And I found this quote to add: "Beloved, it is in these desert places that God works His will and purpose in your life." Conlon Carter. Plus the Bible verses about putting on the armour of God: Ephesians 6:10-13.
I've created something I look at to help me remember when I forget.
How would put on paper your impressions and learning from 9/11?
What do I want to remember about September 11, 2001? I did not know anyone nor any family related to the attacks. But I want to remember and feel and learn something.
I selected a picture from the Parade Magazine in my newspaper and glued it into my journal. I drew tears down one side of the journal page. Down the other side of the page I wrote: God Help Us!
I then used cut out words and my own printed words to create a border around the picture: WOUNDS OF WAR, COMMUNITY, GATHERING TOGETHER, RENEWAL, GOD BLESS AMERICA, REMEMBERING, GOODNESS, GAME CHANGER, INSPIRATION, RETHINK EVERYTHING, STRENGTH, LIFE IS FRAGILE-HANDLE WITH PRAYER, RESILIENCE. And I found this quote to add: "Beloved, it is in these desert places that God works His will and purpose in your life." Conlon Carter. Plus the Bible verses about putting on the armour of God: Ephesians 6:10-13.
I've created something I look at to help me remember when I forget.
How would put on paper your impressions and learning from 9/11?
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Activity 1: Emotions - Actions - Challenges
Getting Ready: Gather materials--journal, paint, magaziness, etc. Create a space on a table or counter and set aside at least 1 hour. SEE THE SUPPLIES YOU'LL NEED POST!
Inspiration: "To be human is to be creative. You don't have to go outside yourself to find creativity. You already have it. It lives in your heart and mind every moment of every day. You have the power to summon your creativity anytime you like." Sandra Magsamen, Living Artfully
Choose one of these journaling starters:
On a corresponding page in your journal or surrounding your journaling, use paint, pictures, words and/or drawings, to add meaning to your words or to simply decorate the pages.
If you are doing this activity with others, let everyone have a turn to share their experience. Most people want to share what is on their journal page.
Adding artwork to journaling brings a new dimension to thoughts, feelings and ideas. This activity can be done over and over--just select another journaling topic.
Inspiration: "To be human is to be creative. You don't have to go outside yourself to find creativity. You already have it. It lives in your heart and mind every moment of every day. You have the power to summon your creativity anytime you like." Sandra Magsamen, Living Artfully
Choose one of these journaling starters:
- Today, I feel...
- It inspired me when...
- My joy knows no boundaries because...
- A challenge I'm facing...
- The next right thing to do...
On a corresponding page in your journal or surrounding your journaling, use paint, pictures, words and/or drawings, to add meaning to your words or to simply decorate the pages.
If you are doing this activity with others, let everyone have a turn to share their experience. Most people want to share what is on their journal page.
Adding artwork to journaling brings a new dimension to thoughts, feelings and ideas. This activity can be done over and over--just select another journaling topic.
Supplies You'll Need!
- Paper - a blank (8 1/2 x 11 or larger) journal or a pad of heavy paper
- Paint - water colors, tempra or acrylics. Variety of brushes, makeup sponges, Q-tips.
- Glue Sticks.
- Magazines - for cutting out pictures and words.
- Markers, colored pencils, scissors.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Art and Creativity..... at Your Home or Mine
I invite you to explore with me the experience of slowing down and nurturing yourself with art and creativity. Some of the benefits will be
I will be suggesting some practical activites with journaling, painting and collage. I hope you will jump in and give this a try. Previous painting experience is not necessary. It's the process that's important-not the product. Be sure to see the SUPPLES YOU'LL NEED post before going to the activity.
Every Monday I will post a new activity. Give it a try and tell me what you think!
The first Saturday morning of every month I host a creative exercise at my home in Laguna Woods, CA. Email me at mailto:rmantei@comline.com and I will send you information.
- relaxation
- inspiration
- new ideas
- insight
I will be suggesting some practical activites with journaling, painting and collage. I hope you will jump in and give this a try. Previous painting experience is not necessary. It's the process that's important-not the product. Be sure to see the SUPPLES YOU'LL NEED post before going to the activity.
Every Monday I will post a new activity. Give it a try and tell me what you think!
The first Saturday morning of every month I host a creative exercise at my home in Laguna Woods, CA. Email me at mailto:rmantei@comline.com and I will send you information.
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