Your Totem Animal

Creative Nudge Fridays is here!

When animal totems need to show up in your life, they find a way.

Right now I'm on a soul nourishing sojourn in the Upper Hunter (NSW, Australia). As those with me on Instagram (@jelenamrkich) and Facebook may know, I'm staying in a castle. I'm writing this in the tower room where earlier an eagle was flying directly overhead. This rather magical place is surrounded by wildlife. Thus a significant theme has been connection with the animal kingdom. So far I've connected with and seen; kangaroos, wild horses, wild deer, foxes, wombats, rabbits, bats and the bird clans including the eagle, ravens, tawny frogmouths, ibis', rosellas, currawongs, magpies, willy wagtails, swallows and blue wrens. Also bees, butterflies and dragonflies. And Bella, the cat of the castle.

As much as each animal has its own animal wisdom, collectively they also hold a message about one's own inner nature and wild self. Of course to receive meaningful messages from the animal kingdom it's not about how many creatures you see. It's about being open to the ones nudging for your attention now.

And this is the nudge. Notice which animal is asking for your attention now. Which creature is showing up regularly or which one are you strongly drawn to at the moment? What particular behaviours or characterises grab your attention? What about this creature is speaking to you? What might it be showing you about yourself? Open to receiving the message it has for you. If you like you can explore this further in your journal by asking 'what message do you have for me?' and writing down what comes to you. Or artwork out your response.

Working with animals as our guides can assist with our inner processes and help shed light on our current path. You may have a totem animal that has been with you most all of your life, while other totems show up with a specific message you need in that moment.

A note, when it's not possible or practical for an animal totem to show up in the physical, they can show up in symbolic ways too, such as via pics and imagery, the written and printed word or verbally say during a random chat or conversation. Alternatively you might choose to connect with the animal kingdom during meditation.

To remind yourself that the animal kingdom is always communicating with us, take a pic of your totem animal. Then use the pic as your screen saver or wallpaper on your phone or computer.

If you give the nudge a go, comment below or be a part of the conversation on my Facebook Page. If you share your nudge pics via Twitter or Instagram use the tag #creativenudgefridays so we can find you.

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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The Inner Compass

26 August to 1 September 2013: 'The Inner Compass', this morning's intuited sketch from my soul with a message for the week ahead.

The needle of a compass always points North. Wherever you are. 

Your inner compass always points North too. Wherever you are within. North being your divine direction, the direction of the highest vision of your life. It is the direction of your potential, your heart, soul and highest self.

You are answering the call of your North whenever you are attuned to (accepting, surrendering to and receiving) your flow. Whatever that looks like and feels like for you in the moment. The unseen flow of your life is always guiding you. It's unseen to our human eyes but sight is not our only sense. This week strengthen the connection with your senses. Pick one sense to pay attention to. You might notice your felt sense; like whether your chest feels open or constricted, or whether your stomach feels relaxed or tied up in knots. You could turn up the volume of your sixth sense, your intuition and take note of what it is telling you.

Your highest vision remains untouched by where you have come from, what you have done (or not done) and what you have been holding onto. It accepts your story and keeps right on expanding and evolving. Whenever you are unclear with where you are at, unsure what to do next or feeling disconnected from your highest vision - know your inner compass is ever-present within you. You are its centre. Your compass always points North, in your divine direction. You get to flow with it or you can choose to resist it. Let your senses inform you.

Engraved on the back of the compass are the words:

I trust my inner compass. I face and embrace my True North. I am on my rightful path.

And f-l-o-w. Northward.

I'd love to hear from you. What does northward feel like to you? Add your comments below or be a part of the conversation on my Facebook Page.

Shine 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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To Be a Rainbow Lion

Creative Nudge Fridays is here!

This week I was a rainbow lion.

As kids adorning our faces with paint is pure joy. To transform into magical creatures, animals and superheroes. Face paint momentarily becomes a part of our skin. With it we step into a certain character or a new aspect. One that might help us to have more courage, freedom and fun that we might otherwise embody on a day to day basis. This ancient practice is one way to consciously enter the realm of imagination. No matter our age it brings out our inner-child, opens our heart space and uplifts our whole self. As adults it invites us to take things less seriously or shake them off - especially any pressures and tensions we don't need to, but for whatever reason think we must, carry.

Face painting can help shift the story your body is holding right now.

For this nudge we are doing exactly that. Painting our face. I was a rainbow lion. What do you want to be? Your face painting might be a recognisable being or perhaps it's not. It could be; simple, elaborate, symmetrical, free form, tribal, contemporary, bold, subtle, multi-coloured or all in one hue. You can use ready-to-go face paints, make your own face paints or get creative with makeup. Be sure it is non-toxic and skin-friendly (check any labels as not all non-toxic paints mean skin-friendly).

A note, if you can, ask someone else to do this for you, like your partner, a family member or friend. If you have little ones in your life, hand the brush over to them!

To remind yourself that the aspects that surface when you paint your face are aspects already within you, take a pic of your face painting. Then use the pic as your screen saver or wallpaper on your phone or computer.

If you give the nudge a go, comment below or be a part of the conversation on my Facebook Page. If you share your face painting pic via Twitter or Instagram use the tag #creativenudgefridays so we can find you.

Create on, Jelena x

© Copyright Jelena Mrkich 2013.

Permission is granted to blog about this nudge or 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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Your Next Step

Once in a blue moon, a Blue Moon arrives. And it's here.

Today's Full Moon in Aquarius is an astrological Blue Moon, with the last Full Moon on July 23 also in Aquarius. During a walk yesterday morning I passed a preschool, where a group of 4 year olds were playing a game outside. One kid was shouting at the top of his lungs to the other kids standing in a line in front of him, "Are! You! Reeeeeeady!". To which the kids responded as loud as they could, "Yeeeeeees!". He said it three times, saying it more like a statement of intent than a question. As it happened 'Miraculous Emergence' had literally been on my mind, the latest intuited sketch about being born ready. I looked around me, feeling like I was in the Truman Show. Three more Truman Show type experiences have happened for me over the past 24 hours.

A super charged reminder that: Everything is happening for us not to us. 

It's up to you which perspective you hold.

The current lunar energies are gifting us a double-powered opportunity to use what is surfacing in our lives right now (inside and out) to *help* not hinder our individual emergence into more of our wholeness. To emerge calls to let go of holding onto what no longer serves you, be it a fear, a resistance or a limiting belief. It might also include letting go of thinking you are not ready to really be your brilliant self or to radiate that out.

Here is a Moon Mantra to help show up for yourself:

I am ready to emerge. I am ready for my next step.

Meditate on this mantra, or use it as a positive affirmation by repeating it quietly within or aloud. To extend on its message, write it down in your journal and say it to yourself - tune in to how it feels within your body and note it down. Express it out in whatever way feels good to you.

And howl. Oh, I meant allow.

I'd love to hear from you. What helps you let go of fears and limiting beliefs? Add your comments below or be a part of the conversation on my Facebook Page.

Shine 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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Miraculous Emergence

'Miraculous Emergence', an intuited sketch from my soul with a message for the week ahead, 19-25 August 2013;

From mud and murky waters the lotus flower emerges immaculate. 

Imagine if a lotus flower decided to focus on the murky water, refusing or resisting to blossom until it had purified every drop it drank? Instead it is the murky water that washes the lotus clean. Not a spot of mud adheres to the lotus leaves as the lotus makes its way above the surface to bloom in the open air.

The lotus starts off as a seed in the mud. 

As it grows it does not throw the mud over its shoulder to make its own journey more burdensome or difficult. The lotus makes use of the mud by planting its roots firmly in the river bed. Are you shouldering the mud in your life? The lotus says leave the mud where it is, no need to carry it with you. The mud is there to support your path not direct it.

From the darkness beneath the surface the lotus frees itself. 

It was born ready to emerge into the light. Are you waiting until you are ready; ready to be you, ready to shine, or ready to be or do… anything? The lotus says you too were born ready to emerge. You have been emerging into more of who you are your entire life. Even when it might feel like you are doing everything but.

The birth of a lotus is a miracle (like you). Its emergence is miraculous (as is yours). 

Are you holding onto a belief that your life right now is (or your yesterday was) as good as it gets? The lotus says it gets even better. Look to the miracles in your everyday. The lotus knows they are everywhere. This week pay attention to the presence of miracles in your life. They can help us shift from old ways of surviving to new ways of thriving.

The lotus seeds above the petals remind the self that when we open to our deepest truth we unleash our highest potential.

Rise up to who you are, it's your natural direction.

I'd love to hear from you. What miracles are showing up for you right now? Add your comments below or be a part of the conversation on my Facebook Page.

Shine 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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Up, Up and Beyond

Creative Nudge Fridays is here!

We're expanding.

We are masterful at pulling ourselves down. Yet we are as masterful when we allow ourselves to be, to lift ourselves beyond limiting beliefs and what we once thought possible for ourselves.

Here is a nudge to remind you that each day gifts us the opportunity to raise our perspective - and expand into greater possibility. Literally look up. Look up to the sky and hand up your doubts, fears and concerns. The sky just like the ocean can help transmute any heavy energies we may be holding. The sky is continually letting go of everything - and constantly flowing. Clouds shift, rains fall, winds blow, thunder roars, lightening strikes, rainbows beam, sunlight streams - yet these things do not define the sky - and so it holds on to none of it. It lets it all be. It lets it all go.

Your energies are a part of this same divine flow. To explore this further, here a few questions to ask yourself or write down in your journal;
- Where might you be resisting flow in your life right now?
- Where can you allow more flow to happen in your life?
- Are you trusting your own divine flow? If you aren't but would like to, here is a mindful mantra: "I trust my deep inner knowing. I am aligned with my divine flow."

A note, shifting our energies requires our focus, intention, willingness, courage and deep inner work amongst many things. And yet sometimes it can be the most simplest things that expands us just enough to open to a new way of seeing things.

To remind yourself that your highest potential is boundless, take a pic of the sky. Then use the pic as your screen saver or wallpaper on your phone or computer.

If you give the nudge a go, comment below or be a part of the conversation on my Facebook Page. If you share your nudge pic via Twitter or Instagram use the tag #creativenudgefridays so we can find you.

Create on, Jelena x

© Copyright Jelena Mrkich 2013.

Permission is granted to blog about this nudge or 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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A Radiant Gem

'A Radiant Gem', an intuited sketch from my soul with a message for the week ahead, 12-18 August 2013;

A multi-faceted gem radiates (that's you), knowing each facet (of the self) is unique yet part of the same whole. There's a facet that wants facts first, and a facet that dares to dive into the unknown. There's a facet that seeks silence, and a facet that presses its face to the window eagerly awaiting the next thunder storm. There's a facet that loves to be filled to over-flowing, and a facet that desires to empty itself of all it is not. Who you are is not a collection of contradictions (or a mis-matched mess). Nor are you broken or faulty. You are a divinely crafted whole.

Inner-battles, struggles and self-sabotage momentarily blind our higher vision when we forget we hold it all. 

Your whole self is as you already are, whole. 

You are a beauty-filled multi-faceted whole. Each one of us are well-aware of the things that seem not-quite-right about us, inside and out. Gemstones do not seek to ignore, deny or dismiss one of its facets. Each facet is held sacred as part of the one beautiful whole.

As any facets show up this week that irk you, push you, bother you or bug you, let them be (without becoming them). There are facets within you that want, will and wish for opposing things. But not to start a war in your head and heart. Simply to remind you all things are possible. So, own the facets that tug at your sleeve. No, it doesn't mean you have to become them. If one facet is loudly protesting that it needs alone (all-one) time doesn't mean you must now become a monk or a nun. Allow them space to be. Listen to what they want to tell you. Hear the message they hold for you.

When our individual facets (especially the ones that are unsure, unclear and holding fear) are allowed to be, they release their resistance and naturally 'click' into place. You are beauty-filled. Beautiful. Whole.

You radiant multi-faceted gem you.

I'd love to hear from you. What facets of self are asking you to let them be right now? Add your comments below or be a part of the conversation on my Facebook Page.

Shine 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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Surrender Your Fill

Creative Nudge Fridays is here!

We're surrendering our fill.

Once or twice a year the Moon appears lit up from the bottom. When the 'horns' of the Moon point upward. This happens when the Moon travels straight down toward the horizon. Ancient sky-watchers saw this 'U' shape as representing a bowl that could fill up with the rain and snow of the winter season. Looking up at the sky tonight from where I stood, it looked exactly like that. A bowl or a sacred silver vessel ready to be filled to fullness with what one's soul truly desires.

Here is a nudge to creatively fill your cosmic cup. Take a sheet of paper and draw a bowl-like shape near the bottom of the page. Then, fill it up with your wishes and intentions for the coming month. Some wishes and intentions might feel very do-able, some might seem otherwise. Include them all. There are many things our current self views as impossible. In which case, feel free to remind your current self --> Impossible = I'm Possible.

Then, surrender your 'fill' to the Universe in whatever way calls you. You might want to put your piece of paper somewhere where you can see it, or maybe you burn it (safely), bury it or tuck it into your journal.

A note, when filling up your cup do this in whatever way you choose. You can write down your wishes and intentions with pen, pastels or markers. Or express this visually using words and images from magazines.

To remind yourself that wishes can come true, even seemingly impossible ones, take a pic of your filled cosmic cup. Then use the pic as your screen saver or wallpaper on your phone or computer.

If you give the nudge a go, comment below or be a part of the conversation on my Facebook Page. If you share your nudge pic via Twitter or Instagram use the tag #creativenudgefridays so we can find you.

Create on, Jelena x

© Copyright Jelena Mrkich 2013.

Permission is granted to blog about this nudge or 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.

Born to Roar

This week's New Moon in Leo is telling us a story, and it's called: Born to Roar. When a lion roars, we listen. And the current lunar energies are inviting us to do the same. To own our inner-roar aka our unique voice that is solely (and soul-y) ours. Are you listening to the story it wants to tell, and allowing it to be told through you? Now, a roar that bellows up from the depths can sound scary. But a lion doesn't roar only to frighten everything away. Even the king of the jungle likes to hang out with its tribe. A lion also roars as a way to assert itself (with confidence), claim its space (sans self-doubt) and communicate (in the most effective way) with others.

A roar says, 'I am here!'. Yes you are. Own it without shouting it. Love it without doubting it. Here's a Moon Mantra to honour you and the inner-roar you were born to express:

I am me. I am here. I am seen now. I am heard now.

Meditate on this mantra, or use it as a positive affirmation by repeating it quietly within or aloud. To extend on its message, write it down in your journal and say it to yourself - tune in to how it feels within your body and note it down. Express it out in whatever way feels good to you.

Roaring is optional.

I'd love to hear from you. How are you owning your inner-roar? Add your comments below or be a part of the conversation on my Facebook Page.

Shine 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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Sacred Holding

'Sacred Holding', my intuited sketch from my soul arrived this morning with a message for the week ahead, 5 to 11 August 2013;

A seed pod holds sacred the seeds of its creation. It simultaneously protects and temporarily hides from view the new it is about to birth into the world. Be it a new dream or wish or a renewed desire or direction. Even if externally everything appears to remain the same, deep transformation occurs within the seed pod, as the seeds grow and grow until they are ready to emerge.

When we think we are but one seed, it can feel quiet lonely and disconnected. Like you are expending more energy than you have trying all your might to push through the casing, growing impatient with how long it is taking. From that space, curiosity might feel more like frustration.

B-r-e-a-t-h-e out irritation.

B-r-e-a-t-h-e in ease-fullness.

Shift your view.

You are the seed pod. 

The sacred holding. 

The space for that has already been created (you are here).

You hold each and every seed for all that you authentically desire to bring through you and into your life. When you know you are the vessel the focus shifts to keeping it clear and open. To access this space = allow it.

As any blessings disguised as blocks show up this week, notice where more energy is being spent on resistance (listening to fear) rather than allowing (trusting your soul/higher self).

The feather 'seeds' within the pod remind the self to focus on what fills you up with light right now. Then, allow it.

I'd love to hear from you. What fills your being up with light right now? Add your comments below or be a part of the conversation on my Facebook Page.

Shine 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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Your Stardusted Self

Creative Nudge Fridays is here!

The words 'we are made up of stardust' have been sung about, danced around, documented, researched, printed onto t-shirts and painted on canvas. Some see the words as a romantic idea or a whimsical thought. As the stars would have it, they are also based on scientific fact. Almost every element on our planet (including us) was formed at the heart of a star. And almost every element of our physical being is made up of the same elements that stars are made of. Elements themselves (such as carbon, nitrogen and oxygen) were actually created within the deep interior of stars.

We are made up of stardust.

For this nudge we're using these words as our prompt. What do they mean to you? What feelings come up for you? Connected, at one with all, interwoven with all things in the cosmos, ancient, nourished, light, shiny or maybe something entirely different? Allow whatever feels connected to these words to surface. Then, express this out in whatever way calls you. Maybe you create something to symbolise this. Perhaps you take a symbolic pic that represents your meaning. Or you might artwork or journal it out.

To remind yourself that you are made up of starstuff, take a symbolic pic of your nudge in action. Then use the pic as your screen saver or wallpaper on your phone or computer.

If you give the nudge a go, comment below or be a part of the conversation on my Facebook Page. If you share your star pic via Twitter or Instagram use the tag #creativenudgefridays so we can find you.

Create on, Jelena x

© Copyright Jelena Mrkich 2013.

Permission is granted to blog about this nudge or 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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