You are a Meaning-Maker

For those of you who know my blog you know I love to share with you soul-nourishing creative good things and deliver self-empowering invitations via creativity and the written word to help you be more of who you really are. This week I felt guided to do that in the form of a more personal story.

I was searching for a particular tiny notebook I had bought in Milan, Italy after spending a month printmaking in Florence in 2006. I looked all through my studio, in my craft boxes, on my shelves, in my drawers and in the cupboards. It was nowhere to be found. So I took to my art supplies storage space under my house yesterday. I still didn't find it. Instead I did come across a stack of blank watercolour papers that had belonged to my mum, Miki Mrkich (1951-2002) . She was an artist, amongst many brilliant things, who allowed me to find my own way as an artist too. In the ten and a half years since she transitioned, these precious papers were still blank, waiting to be used for something fabulous. As soon as I saw them again, I knew what they had been waiting for. My 365 Acts of Creativity project. I'm already two months into it, creating in a beautiful red art journal. Yet I kept sensing that my project wanted to be in another format. Holding the watercolour papers in my hand I knew their purpose, to be the canvas for all 365 pieces. This means quite a few already completed pieces are going to go through a rebirth and transform as new creations. Quite apt really, for the Year of the Snake. Shedding layers to reveal new layers.

This afternoon I placed the papers on the lawn and lay down amongst them. Grateful that creativity - be it through art, craft, photographs, videos, music, voice recordings, hand-written notes, letters, postcards, poems, hand-painted plates, hand-knitted socks, hand-quilted blankets, hand-beaded jewellery, family recipes, hand-planted mulberry trees or any other creative imprints and expressions - gives form to our essence and when shared with others, allows a part of us to be with them in the present and in the physical when we pass on.

Some may say, 'But it's just blank paper, there's nothing on it.'. True. There is nothing on these papers. But they hold a lot. They were my mum's and as such hold a deep meaning to me. They mean the world to me.

As with anything we own, create or do ~ what touches us and can immeasurably shift us the most is the meaning that it holds or the meaning we give it. Whenever we wish to make or create anything for ourselves or another, it is an opportunity to create greater meaning in our life right now. From my soul to yours I say, "Get your create on!".

Your view. If you like this post click LIKE, add your comments below or on my Facebook Page.

Pass it on. Here is a ready-to-go prod for you to share on Facebook, Twitter + elsewhere on the web; You are a meaning-maker, http://ow.ly/i5SV9 via @jelenamrkich

Shine on, Jelena x

p.s. Kalvin dove straight into the papers and hopped from one to the next imagining they were stepping stones. Kalvin says life is a journey of stepping stones. Some stones are more challenging than others to travel across. Each one carries its own experience, which can include; joy, sadness, laughter, tears, easeful~ness, frustration, clarity, confusion, expression, suppression, stillness, movement, wounds, healing, anxiety, liberation, grief, peace or gratitude. Each step holds value, purpose and meaning. Each step is what leads us to where we are. And when we acknowledge where we are at, we allow ourselves to be more of who we are. Kalvin says wherever you are at, express your brilliant self. It's beneficial for your whole self and your sense of wellness. And as a bonus, one day someone who loves you just might one say thank you for it too.

p.p.s. For details on my 365 Acts of Creativity project, see the postscript here.

© Copyright Jelena Mrkich 2013.

Permission is granted to share this post and images within it freely on the condition that the author is credited and this byline is included. Jelena Mrkich is an Artist, Art Therapist and Creative Catayst who is passionate about creativity as a tool for healing, transformation and self-awareness. For more info visit JelenaMrkich.com or for regular creative good things join her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

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Signs on Your Path

Creative Nudge Fridays is here!

Welcome to nudge #13. It's a sign, let's Post-It.

We can wait for a sign to show up on our path or listen to the signs that are on our path right now. Waiting can feel a bit like holding our breath as we wonder 'Is this a sign? This? Maybe that?' or 'When will I get my sign already!'. Waiting often means there is a presumption of what that sign ought to be, which can set ourselves up to miss, dismiss or doubt the signs that are showing up and feel disappointed if it arrives in different packaging to what we expected. Listening to the signs on our path gifts greater guidance in the now, enhances our ability to receive and opens up a more creative space of being.

Here is a nudge to help you tune into the message of your signs. Think about your past few days. What signs have showed up for you? Which sign stands out the most? Ask yourself, 'What message does it have for me right now?'. Then, write the message (or a reminder of the message if your message is a lengthy one) on a Post-It Note and stick it up where you can see it all weekend; on the fridge, on a mirror, on your bedside table, in your bathroom, on your computer, in your car, in your day planner or use it as a bookmark. Write it on a few Post-its and stick them up in more than one location. If you like, get creative with your Post-It, turn it into a mini collage or artwork.

Note, if nothing comes to mind when you think about the signs on your path at the moment, consider what has been synchronistic, felt like a co-incidence, seemed like shear luck, a happy accident or a random happening.

To remind yourself that the signs on your path hold meaningful messages, take a photo of your Post-It, then use the pic as your screen saver or wallpaper on your phone or computer.

Your view. If you like this post, click LIKE or if you give the nudge a go, please let us know. Share a pic with us on my Facebook Page, or add your comments below. I'd love to see your Post-It images! If you share your Post-It images on Twitter or Instagram, let's use the tag #creativenudgefridays so we can find you.

Pass it on. Here is a ready-to-go prod for you to share the nudge on Facebook, Twitter + elsewhere on the web; Get your creative on! Tune into your signs; http://ow.ly/hZxju via @jelenamrkich #creativenudgefridays

Shift from the waiting bay to activate the receiving stream in your life. See the sacredness in the signs on your path right now.

Create on, Jelena x

© Copyright Jelena Mrkich 2013.

Permission is granted to share this post and images within it freely on the condition that the author is credited and this byline is included. Jelena Mrkich is an Artist, Art Therapist and Creative Catayst who is passionate about creativity as a tool for healing, transformation and self-awareness. For more info visit JelenaMrkich.com or for regular creative good things join her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

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Peace by Piece

When our soul desires for us to receive a message, sometimes it shares the message with us piece by piece. Not to make life more difficult, rather to create opportunities for us to encounter the divine. Our soul is speaking with us always, all-ways. Developing a conscious connection invites us to open our eyes, hearts and minds that much wider to the sacred signs delivered daily on our path.

To tune in to your soulful morsels from the higher realms, ask yourself;
- What have I noticed on my path today?
- What is its message for me?
- What else have I been noticing on my path?
- What message is in this experience for me?
- What have I not been ready or wanting to notice?

Think about what signs seem to be a theme for you at the moment, whether numbers, words, colours, objects, places, people, animals or other things. When the same or similar signs keep showing up, and we are paying attention, often they are messages of confirmation and arrive for support along our journey. When signs repeat, and we miss their message for whatever reason, the signs can become louder and larger, until we pause to pay attention.

Every message from our soul finds its way to us. And everything that finds its way to us is a message from our soul.

When we greet everything that shows up on our path from a higher perspective we open to the gift in each experience. When we love what shows up, oh happy days. When we might not like what shows up, ask yourself 'What is my gift in this?'. Seeing the gift creates the space for deeper inner peace.

The Universe is the original postmaster, meticulously aware of each and every impulse vibrating through us and our life. Each message for you is delivered either when you are consciously or subconsciously ready, when you ask for it on some level or when your soul is needing the experience. Trust that the Universe knows where you live. Open to the peace in the pieces from your soul.

Each message and every sign is a gift from you, to you.

Your view. If you like this post click LIKE, add your comments below or on my Facebook Page.

Pass it on. Here is a ready-to-go prod for you to share on Facebook, Twitter + elsewhere on the web; Open to the peace in the pieces from your soul, http://ow.ly/hT0vU via @jelenamrkich

Shine on, Jelena x

p.s. Kalvin loves that the more we are aware of the sacred signs and messages on our path, the more we become aware of the bigger picture of our life. Noticing the little things allows us to see the interconnectedness in all things. Paying attention to what lands on our path and what is unfolding in our life helps us develop greater clarity, understanding and peace. Kalvin says this is super beneficial during such times when we feel like everything is falling to pieces. Sure, expanding our awareness might be like the last thing we feel like doing when in a state of anxiety, doubt and worry. Kalvin says when we are turning in on ourselves, physical triggers can help flip the switch such as; tilting our face up, lifting our eyes to focus on something else or taking a conscious deep breath in to expand our diaphragm. It's in the moments when we lift our perspective that shifts our experience - and opens us up to its gifts.

© Copyright Jelena Mrkich 2013.

Permission is granted to share this post and images within it freely on the condition that the author is credited and this byline is included. Jelena Mrkich is an Artist, Art Therapist and Creative Catayst who is passionate about creativity as a tool for healing, transformation and self-awareness. For more info visit JelenaMrkich.com or for regular creative good things join her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

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Move it Out

Creative Nudge Fridays is here!

Welcome to nudge #12. We're going to move it.

As children we instinctively bounce to the beat, no matter when or where we are. We innately move with no self conscious editing or judgement. That space is liberating, blissful and brings us in alignment with the now. As adults, dancing helps us reconnect with that space we so ease-fully enter as kids. That space where you can breathe in the pure joy of being you.

Here is a nudge to uplift yourself by shifting yourself. Play some music that moves you, literally. It might be; rock, rap, pop, be-bop, jazz, classical, country, contemporary, instrumental, techno, tribal or whatever is calling you right now. Then, move it! Dance, sway, groove, shake, stomp, jump or step it out. Dance for a minute, for the whole track or however long you like.

For those of you who are regular dancers, brilliant. This is a reason for more movement. But if you've become a rare-groover or can't remember the last time you really shook it out, here's your opportunity. Put your dancing shoes on. Or dance barefoot. Dance at home. Or outside. Dance in nature. Dance with percussion. Dance with a scarf. Dance as soon as you wake up. Dance with yourself. Dance with others. Attend a dance class. Or get creative and have a five minute dance break wherever you find yourself this weekend.

To remind yourself that shifting yourself can help uplift yourself, take a photo while dancing, then use the pic as your screen saver or wallpaper on your phone or computer.

Your view. If you like this post, click LIKE or if you give the nudge a go, please let us know. Share a pic with us on my Facebook Page, or add your comments below. I'd love to see your dancing images! If you share your dancing images on Twitter or Instagram, let's use the tag #creativenudgefridays so we can find you.

Pass it on. Here is a ready-to-go prod for you to share the nudge on Facebook, Twitter + elsewhere on the web; Get your creative on! Move it out; http://ow.ly/hLxnZ via @jelenamrkich #creativenudgefridays

Expressive movement is a positively powerful way to feel good naturally. When we feel good, it ripples through our body and out into our life.

Dance on, Jelena x

© Copyright Jelena Mrkich 2013.

Permission is granted to share this post and images within it freely on the condition that the author is credited and this byline is included. Jelena Mrkich is an Artist, Art Therapist and Creative Catayst who is passionate about creativity as a tool for healing, transformation and self-awareness. For more info visit JelenaMrkich.com or for regular creative good things join her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

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Be an Agent of Positive Change

How often do you positively love YOU? 

There are many ways to positively love the self via nourishing actions, loving emotions, kind thoughts, life-enhancing behaviours and self-caring habits. But sometimes it can seem like no matter how much we love ourselves, we encounter an impassible wall that blocks access to our highest level of blossoming. You might recognise it in your own life in such moments like; attempting to shift past an on-going issue, trying to heal a re-occurring negative pattern, striving to finally get over a self-sabotaging behaviour or tackling that all-too-familiar hurdle in the way of your dreams. So often our self-inflicted stumbles, challenges and hurts are a sub-conscious reaction to an experience somewhere along our life journey. However slight or serious our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wounds, when we have the courage to acknowledge our path, we create the space for deeper healing and transformation. Acknowledging our path also allows hidden aspects to step out from the shadows which can help us uncover why they might be resistant to heal, shift and transform. No matter how long a healing journey takes, we each deserve self-care and self-kindness every step of the way.

Which brings me to February 14. I like to call it Love Day. It's a brilliant day to remember to express love, care and kindness to YOU. Get creative; write yourself a love note, pick yourself a bunch of wild flowers, eat some chocolate, go to your favourite cafe, dance to your favourite tunes, have a relaxing bath, wear your favourite clothes that make you feel a million bucks or make a brunch date over the weekend with loved ones. February 14 also marks V-Day, a global activist movement bringing awareness to violence and abuse. In honour of its 15th anniversary, V-Day has launched One Billion Rising. A campaign that invites one billion women and those who love them to walk out, dance and rise up for the purpose of creating a real shift within humanity.

I am rising because a global rising is only made possible one by one. Every one can be an agent of positive change.

Open to a daily practice of positively loving YOU. When you come from a space of heart-centred love you become an agent for positively powerful change in both your inner and outer worlds.

Your view. If you like this post click LIKE, add your comments below or on my Facebook Page.

Pass it on. Here is a ready-to-go prod for you to share on Facebook, Twitter + elsewhere on the web; RISE up, DANCE and be an agent of positive change, http://ow.ly/hGbbD via @jelenamrkich @VDay #1billionrising

Shine on, Jelena x

p.s. Kalvin reckons every day is a day for love, care and kindness. There's no need to wait for Love Day to embody more love within us and extend greater love out. But Kalvin reminds me that's not to say don't get him anything. He's partial to dark chocolate, pink lotus petals, iced macha tea and is always open to new water-soluable pastels and dance shoes. Speaking of dance shoes, he says One Billion Rising is one ah-mazing opportunity for humanity. It will be one of the first times in history for one billion people to consciously rise up together. Kalvin says he will be rising. He says the rhythm of humanity dancing in unison for a positively powerful cause will send out ripples of healing and transformation greater than Earth has ever felt before. Want to be a part of that? All you have to do is dance.

© Copyright Jelena Mrkich 2013.

Permission is granted to share this post and images within it freely on the condition that the author is credited and this byline is included. Jelena Mrkich is an Artist, Art Therapist and Creative Catayst who is passionate about creativity as a tool for healing, transformation and self-awareness. For more info visit JelenaMrkich.com or for regular creative good things join her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

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Open to Your Doorway-Du-Jour

Creative Nudge Fridays is here!

Welcome to nudge #11. We're going to open to our doorway-du-jour. 

Doorways are a passageway of change. Whether things are flowing in, going out or being held away, doorways are all about movement from one space, place or state of being to another. Representative of the various stages and experiences of life, they can mark an entrance, a beginning, a meeting point, a boundary line, a barrier, an opportunity, an exit, an ending, a transition or an initiation.

Here is a nudge to inspire you to notice the subtle ways our higher self can speak with us. For this exercise allow doorways to be a symbol for where you are at right now. Pay attention to the doorways that you see, passby or walk through during your day. Notice which one calls you in the moment. It might be open, closed, wooden, metal, wide, narrow, tall, short, brightly painted, rustic, new or old. Then, ask yourself, 'What words come to mind when I look at this doorway?', 'What does it remind me of?' and 'What is it saying to me right now?'.

You might like to express it out in an artwork or journal about the doorway that calls you the most right now aka your doorway-du-jour.

Note, your doorway can include a door, or not.

To remind yourself that when you desire to open up to more of who you are, the doors will open, take a photo of your doorway-du-jour, then use the pic as your screen saver or wallpaper on your phone or computer.

Your view. If you like this post, click LIKE or if you give the nudge a go, please let us know. Share a pic with us on my Facebook Page, or add your comments below. I'd love to see your doorways-du-jour! If you share your doorway images on Twitter or Instagram, let's use the tag #creativenudgefridays so we can find you.

Pass it on. Here is a ready-to-go prod for you to share the nudge on Facebook, Twitter + elsewhere on the web; Get your creative on this weekend! Open to your doorway-du-jour; http://ow.ly/hyVS1 via @jelenamrkich #creativenudgefridays

Whatever door calls you right now has a message for you. Allow it to shed light on where you are at right now. Knowing where we are at helps us to choose our next step forward.

Create on, Jelena x

© Copyright Jelena Mrkich 2013.

Permission is granted to share this post and images within it freely on the condition that the author is credited and this byline is included. Jelena Mrkich is an Artist, Art Therapist and Creative Catayst who is passionate about creativity as a tool for healing, transformation and self-awareness. For more info visit JelenaMrkich.com or for regular creative good things join her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

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Decisions and Higher Visions

Aptly named after Janus, the god of the doorway, January opened the door to 2013. Open doors symbolise a time of renewal, where we leave behind what was, and step forth into what is. It's exciting to journey through renewal, through beginnings and newness. Yet it's also a vulnerable time during which we can feel exposed and in the unknown as we release the old and that which might have previously defined us. Where it may trigger our doubts and fears, renewal asks us to face those energies and move forward with courage as we embody and express a deeper truth of who we are.

The past several weeks have been abundant with the energies of renewal. We've had V.I.P. access to the renewal of a great cycle spanning 26,000 years, we've welcomed in a new solar year of 365 days and this weekend we're about to greet another renewal. The New Moon in Aquarius on February 10 births the Chinese New Year of the Water Snake. The element of water speaks of flow, movement, change, life, growth and prosperity  The wisdom of the snake or serpentine teaches us about transmutation, goddess energy, insight, intuition and creative power. It's divinely symbolic.

Like a dancing snake 2013 is calling us to rise up from what no longer serves us and is drawing us into more of who we are. It can be emotional, especially when we might have never given ourselves permission to see, own or embody our true essence. It can also be uncomfortable as we stretch ourselves beyond self-imposed limitations. Which is why February follows the doorway. It's a month of love, which includes self-love.

Wherever you are at in your journey, remember to be kind to yourself.

Now is a brilliant time to lovingly check-in with where you are at. Ask yourself, 'What is my vision for this year?' and 'Am I moving in the direction of my vision? If not, what do I need to do to realign with my vision?'. If your vision for this new year feels wavering, yet to find its feet or you desire greater clarity with your life direction, this is your month. It's an opportunity for deeper renewal on any level and a greater connection with your authentic self.

Every time you decide to be more of who you are, you open the door to a higher vision of your life. Be courageous. Creatively courageous as you open the doors from within and let your light shine out.

Your view. If you like this post click LIKE, add your comments below or on my Facebook Page.

Pass it on. Here is a ready-to-go prod for you to share on Facebook, Twitter + elsewhere on the web; Open the door to a higher vision of your life, http://ow.ly/hvvdu

Shine on, Jelena x

p.s. Kalvin says snakes continually shed the outer layer of their skin to allow for continued growth their entire lives. They shed several times a year, with some shedding every five to six weeks. Kalvin thinks this is a brilliant example of how renewal works in our lives too. He says the process of renewal doesn't shed all of who we are and plonk us back to square one. It helps us shed the layers that no longer serve us (including actions, thoughts, emotions and beliefs) as we embody more of who we are. For us too it's an ongoing process that allows us to experience continued personal growth throughout our lives. Kalvin reminds us that renewal can occur at any time. Outer experiences can trigger opportunities for renewal or we can tune in to natural cycles of renewal, such as the birth of a new moon, the start of a new year, a new season or a new day. We can also tap into its energies from within. Whenever we decide or desire to be more of who we are, we activate renewal from the inside, out.

© Copyright Jelena Mrkich 2013.

Permission is granted to share this post and images within it freely on the condition that the author is credited and this byline is included. Jelena Mrkich is an Artist, Art Therapist and Creative Catayst who is passionate about creativity as a tool for healing, transformation and self-awareness. For more info visit JelenaMrkich.com or for regular creative good things join her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

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Transform a Pause into a Possibility

Creative Nudge Fridays is here!

Welcome to nudge #10. Ready to step out of your creative comfort zone? 

A comfort zone is where we might feel safe, comfortable and aware of what we think we can or can't do. They serve a purpose until we are ready to stretch ourselves forward and grow into more of who we are. We step out of them whenever the pull of our desire is greater than the grip of our fear. That pull is one of the ways our ever-evolving truth connects to and communicates with us.

Here is a nudge to encourage a pause in your life to transform into a possibility; Uncover *one creative thing* that is calling you to step out of your creative comfort zone right now. Then, use this calling as your personal invitation to take an action step forward. As the action step will be specific to you, this nudge will take as long as you need to action that step.

To uncover your *one creative thing*, ask yourself;
- What have I wanted to try ever since I was a kid, but haven't tried yet?
- What do I wish to explore, but feel incapable of doing?
- What would I really love to do, but really think I can't?
- What do I dream of doing, but am scared to do?
- What do I wish to do, but others have told me I can't?
- What do I keep telling others I want to do, but haven't done yet?
- What did I used to love doing, but stopped and would love to do again?

Your responses might be similar or they might be different. There is no right or wrong. This is your own uncovery process.

Then, when you are ready pick *one thing* from your list that is calling you the most right now - and take an action step forward. After taking a step you might even begin to feel a momentum to take another step. Take it.

A note; your *one creative thing* does not need to be mammoth to be meaningful. It might be trying out a new recipe, using your phone to take those pictures you've been meaning to take, writing a short poem, getting your knitting needles out again, turning your sewing machine back on, returning to your garden or picking up an instrument you know how to play but haven't played in a while. Or it might be learning how to sing, buying a canvas and painting on it, attending a dance lesson, trying out a cooking class, having a go at a new instrument, writing a book, starting a veggie garden, signing up for an e-course or enrolling into a workshop to develop a new skill. Let it be whatever feels right for you.

To remind yourself that stepping out of your creative comfort zone means stepping into more of who you really are, take a photo of your *one creative thing* in action, then use the pic as your screen saver or wallpaper on your phone or computer.

Your view. If you like this post, click LIKE or if you give the nudge a go, please let us know. Share a pic with us on my Facebook Page, or add your comments below. I'd love to see your creative actions! If you share your creative actions on Twitter or Instagram, let's use the tag #creativenudgefridays so we can find you.

Pass it on. Here is a ready-to-go prod for you to share the nudge on Facebook, Twitter + elsewhere on the web; Transform a pause into a possibility. Go beyond your creative comfort zone, http://ow.ly/hlOtk via @jelenamrkich #creativenudgefridays

Each step out of your comfort zone {tiny or massive} stretches you forward, beyond what you once thought possible for yourself.

Create on, Jelena x

p.s. Rather than feeling taunted by our comfort zones, thanking them for serving their purpose can help to transcend them. Paying attention to that which calls you forth is also a helpful process for strengthening self-trust.

© Copyright Jelena Mrkich 2013.

Permission is granted to share this post and images within it freely on the condition that the author is credited and this byline is included. Jelena Mrkich is an Artist, Art Therapist and Creative Catayst who is passionate about creativity as a tool for healing, transformation and self-awareness. For more info visit JelenaMrkich.com or for regular creative good things join her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

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