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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Round Up, Picture This

Creative Nudge Fridays is here!

Round up, picture this: We're taking a group photo. Of you.

Your team-of-you aka all your inner aspects work together as exactly that, a team. Sure, some aspects can get a bit rowdy possibly because they are so very passionate about your life direction, others want to protest or quit, some sit quiet and there are those that roll up their sleeves ever-ready to do what needs to be done to get you where you want to be.

Now, imagine gathering your team-of-you for a group photo.

As you round up all your inner aspects together, from the unsure self to the assured self and every other self in between - what does your group look like? What symbols, visuals or objects come to mind? What feelings surface? Let your imagination and intuition guide you. Your team-of-you might be flowing in harmony like a waterfall, huddled together like a mis-matched soccer team or grouped as one like a bunch of wild flowers. Allow whatever surfaces for you, sans judgement.

Note, if you find yourself wishing your team-of-you could get a make-over, how would you want them to be?

Then, allow yourself to express that out in whatever way calls you. Maybe you take a pic of something symbolic that represents your team-of-you. Perhaps you create something to symbolise your team-of-you, such as a circle or other formation of sacred, natural or random objects. Or you might artwork it out.

To remind yourself that when your inner aspects are seen, they lift your own self-awareness, take a symbolic pic of that which represents your team-of-you. 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.

Be Kind to Your Mind

Our thoughts are impressive. They make an impression on how we feel, what we do and how centred we are within our being at any given time. Where our mind goes, it creates a groove that invites our whole self to move in that direction. When we think life is always blessing us - our energy, emotions and actions tend to draw more blessings to us. When we think everything is going against us - our energy, emotions and actions tend to, well, make everything go against us.

When we think enough similar vibrational thoughts (be they calm-grounded-grateful, inspired-kind-mindful or chaotic-overwhelmed-suffering), it's like the mind sends out a memo to your team-of-you, that reads, "Heads up team! This is where we are going now! Let's align!". 

It takes a lot to keep your inner world in the state that it's in. Enter your team-of-you. It consists of all your inner aspects, from the unsure self to the assured self and every other self in between. To check in with the state of your team-of-you, observe your thoughts. Are they self-loving, supporting and encouraging? Are they helping you to move forward on your highest path? Are they impassive or reactive? In harmony or arguing? Peaceful or frustrated? Growing and flowing or stuck in an old pattern that's on replay? Too busy being busy they've pushed aside your dreams and desires? Where your thoughts are at informs you on the state of your team-of-you aka your whole self. Your team-of-you doesn't judge your choice of thoughts (conscious or subconscious), it receives them as your focus point and draws more of the same to you.

If you love the way you think, brilliant. If you desire to transform the goings-on in your mind, it's possible if you think it is.

To think the way we desire we need to break through old thought patterns. To fight, deny or dismiss them can turn up their volume. Instead thank them. Love them. For they have brought you to here. If it resonates with you ask them what message they have for you. So often old ways and modes of being, including old thought patterns want to be seen before they can move on. Acknowledgment is a powerful key for unlocking the energy of transformation.

Let any old thought patterns know; I see you, I hear you and I now let you go.

As the energies of this weeks Full Moon reminds us, when the mind is at ease it steps into its highest role of being a positive ally to our deep inner knowing.

Wherever you are at in your life journey right now, be kind to your mind. To think is to imprint. May you think the way you desire.

I'd love to hear from you. In what ways are you kind to your mind? 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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Air Out Your Thoughts

The Universe is lending us a hand right now in airing out old ways of thinking. Creating the space for new ways of being. Thanks to the Full Moon in Aquarius tomorrow Tuesday July 23 (4:15am AEST).

The airy energies of the water-bearer streams in a cleansing air for our thoughts, expands our creative flow and allows greater clarity to surface from within. When the mind is at ease, it steps into its highest role of being a positive ally to our deep inner knowing. Yet when we over identify with the mind as our guiding force, our inner critics, shadow aspects and fears can unconsciously influence our direction.

Here is a Moon Mantra to help air out your thoughts and consciously steer your ship where you truly desire to go;

I am free to be me. My deep inner knowing always guides me in my divine direction. It is safe for my mind to be at ease.

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. I felt called to work with it outside and found myself needing to twirl.

Note to self, twirling makes me inner child happy.

I'd love to hear from you. What helps your mind be at ease? 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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Pressure to Potential

Our whole self is born to be just that, whole. And so it constantly invites all our inner aspects to come to the party. There's always a group that don't need to be asked twice. Some arrive ease-fully with their party shoes on and ready to go. Others hesitate, wait by the door for further encouragement. There are those that check in with the rest to see what they are going to do before following suit. Then there are those that show up kicking and screaming. Ah, the ones who are on some level resisting (in that moment) to attend. All that resistance can create conscious and/or subconscious pressure. Which really makes them our diamond aspects. They so often hold the most illuminating of insights that at first glance can appear to be, well, bulky and cumbersome coal.

Our diamond aspects are super savvy at getting our attention. You might have witnessed them showing up in your own life as being; rowdy, mischievous, in the way, too loud, too much, too shiny, too independent, rebellious or stubborn. They are after all, very adamant that if they don't show up in these particular ways - we may very well miss their precious messages.

We can ignore our diamond aspects, push them aside or try to tune them out. Like really, really try. But when you are truly ready for or are in need of their deep wisdom, try as you might they will do their best to be seen. Before they fully come to the party, which they secretly wish to do.

It draws upon our deepest courage to pay attention to where we most resist our wholeness. When we do pause to listen in whatever way calls us, we create the space for our inner diamonds to reveal their true brilliance.

It is in opening to the gifts of our diamond aspects that activates their highest potential - of assisting us to be more of who we really are. Fully and whole.

And, as a bonus it's what gets them to the party.

Diamond aspects surface in divine time. We can not force them to surface, though we can invite them to be more clearly seen. It is a life-long journey to embody more of our wholeness. Trust your own flow.

I'd love to hear from you. In what ways have you noticed your diamond aspects surfacing in your life? 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 Your Inner Bliss

What if you knew that pleasure, as a way of being, was seeking you right now. Would you answer its call to lighten up? Would you seize the opportunity to expand your joy? Would you accept its invitation to be more playful with who you are? Or would you press pause, take a ticket and push it aside for later?

Pleasure is expansive, soul-nourishing and boundless. It is readily available to us in each moment. But how ready are we really to be present to it, and to accept it?

Every experience of sheer joy need not be off-the-richter scale states of euphoria. True inner joy is cultivated one happiness at a time, no matter the intensity. Yet how we respond to pleasure on one level informs us a great deal about how we respond to pleasure on any level. Let's consider for a moment one of the most intense points of physical pleasure aka the "big O". It is interesting to note men have little challenge experiencing this. On the other hand, according to Planned Parenthood statistics, at least one in three women have issue in this department. Our culture calls it "Female sexual dysfunction (FSD)". The very word 'dysfunction' suggests that in fact intense states of pleasure are a natural part of female functioning. Others say women just aren't built 'that way'. As George's dad in an episode of Seinfield says to Elaine, "What the hell does that mean?". She responds, "That means whatever the hell you want it to mean!". 

So, what might really be going on beneath the surface of such an imbalance within humanity? Regardless of gender we each hold masculine and feminine aspects within. Our divine masculine makes no excuses for immersing in fun on all levels and is more au fait with meeting its own needs of pleasure, including but not exclusive to sexual pleasure. Our divine feminine however, has been placing the pleasure of others (including the inner masculine) above the needs of her own pleasure, also including but not exclusive to sexual pleasure. We are living in a time where this is shifting. The divine feminine is awakening on an individual and collective level. The more we surrender to this awakening within our own selves, the more we awaken to its positively powerful ability to transform our lives, our relationships and our outer world.

Adept at self bliss, our divine masculine is now ready to expand its definition of pleasure to include the embodiment of heart-based love. Experienced with heart-based love, in particular expressed toward others, our divine feminine is now ready to expand its definition of pleasure to include her own bliss.

Inner bliss is a vital part of the full expression of who we are. Every little morsel of joy matters.

I'd love to hear from you. In what ways do you pursue or push aside your inner bliss? This question can also be used as a journal prompt! Add your comments below or be a part of the conversation on my Facebook Page.

Shine on, Jelena x

p.s. Kalvin says when we surrender to bliss~fullness on any level, it helps us surrender to bliss~fullness on all levels. Pleasure can show up in an abundance of ways depending upon where you are at in your life right now. It might show up as a smile in your eyes, in being present in the moment when immersed in play or in greater actioning of what feels good for the highest vision of your life. Kalvin says pleasure as a way of being is seeking you right now. To help you up your inner bliss here is a pleasure activating affirmation; "I breathe with pleasure. I allow pleasure to flow through me. I open to the pleasure in my life right now."

© 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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Embrace Your Truth

Creative Nudge Fridays is here!

Welcome to nudge #22. We're embracing our truth.

Our inner truth is part disconnection and part connection. The disconnection part continually calls us to let go of who we are not. The connection part is the ever-present invitation to embrace more of who we are. It's an interesting symbiosis. It is in embodying more of our light that often unveils more of our shadow or hidden aspects. This is not to taunt us, rather to help transform us.

Here is a nudge to help embrace more of your truth. Seek your shadow, as in your actual shadow when the sun or other light source is beaming down upon you. Imagine your shadow is an aspect of you that you haven't wanted to face, but that you know on some level you are ready to acknowledge. In your mind's eye or speaking aloud, have a chat with your shadow.
- What does this aspect want to share with you right now?
- What does this aspect need right now?
- And, what gift does this aspect have for you?
When you feel done, thank this aspect for its gifts. If you feel inclined write your responses in a journal or express your experience through an artwork.

A note, if you feel the light is not strong enough to cast a shadow you can chat with, you can do this exercise in your mind's eye. Visualise your shadow in front of you and follow the process as above.

Acknowledging a shadow or hidden aspect transforms its energy - and gives it permission to shift from being a hinderer to a helper in your life.

To remind yourself that facing your shadows allows you to embrace more of your truth, take a pic of your actual shadow, 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 shadow 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 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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Shine On, Like the Moon

As beings of light even our shadow has the potential to shine. And when our shadow shines, our whole self illuminates. We are full. Like the Moon.

From Earth's perspective there are two sides of the Moon that make up its celestial self. The dark or far side, which is the side we never see (though it does actually see the Sun), and the near side which is the side we do see.