Monthly Archives: January 2013
Empowering the Year of the Snake – Chinese New Year & Reiki Master Teacher Training
When Venus and I set up our upcoming Reiki and Yoga Workshop Weekend in New Jersey, we hadn’t realized that Sunday’s Reiki Master Teacher class would coincide with the Chinese New Year of February 10th – The Year of the Snake. One of my dear friends and soon to be Reiki Master Teacher attending this class brought it to my attention when she discovered the beautiful and empowering symbolism it held for her, along with the alignment of pulling a Snake/Healer card for herself in conjunction for the class meaning. I LOVE synchronicity!
After this discovery I felt that the weekend would be receiving additional transformative empowerment energy, along with extra divine support for all who are attending, given we had followed only our intuitive guidance on dates. It also felt very aligned for my own journey and process as well, especially given my connection with snakes (I do happen to wear 2 sacred snake tattoos – one of which sits entwined on my right hand/wrist used in Reiki sessions and attunements). Afterall, snake symbolism and energy is SO aligned with the effects of the Reiki training and initiation attunements we will be experiencing this day and weekend. Plus, what a powerful way to celebrate the Chinese New Year together in the energy of Reiki and all that it brings, individually and collectively, in opening to.
We only have 11 days now until our weekend workshop adventures of heart begin and the last day to register is 2/7. If you are in the area and would like to register, we still have some space left. You can email me at tania@taniamarie.com to do so. For all of the details about the workshops in New Jersey on 2/9 and 2/10, please see the link above.
In light of this, I thought it would be supportive to touch on a little about snake symbolism and the energy of this Year of the Snake soon-to-be, in order to shed a little understanding of what you have to work with while you continue your chosen journey.
Snakes symbolize cycles, rebirth, patience, fertility, creation energy, eternity, connection to the shadow worlds, secret knowledge, pointed focus, assertive power, primoridal life force, search for balance, eternity, cunning, intuition, awareness, healing, intellect, protection, solemnity, rejuvenation, transformation, the hidden or occult, knowledge, male/female duality, and kundalinin energy.
Water snakes, or nagas, embody the feminine aspects of nurturing, benevolent, wise qualities, in addition.
2013 is the Year of the Black Water Snake. Changeability, mobility, and dynamism are the Water characteristics that the Black Snake will embody. The reigning color is black, which is the color of deep waters, space, and abyss and hence will carry the creation, visionary, and imagination energies (this reminded me of my recent post Diving Deep into the Inspirational Abyss 😉 ) as well as the energy of the emotions, unconscious, spiritual focus in life, dedication to quiet introspection, interest in understanding the underlying meanings and mechanics of life, flowing, and pooling your resources together in readiness and strength so you are ready to make a move forward when opportunities present themselves.
This heralds a year of unexpected changes abound and the need for cautious, careful planning, while remaining as flexible and versatile as you can (like the Snake) in order to flow with the changes and strike at opportune and aligned moments. If you are able to ride the transformative waves by embracing the energies present, you can aid a return to balance and harmony, which this collective #6 year is about, rather than get caught in the imbalances and inconstancy that will be brought in with the Snake year – all to help you evolve and learn to “be” the energy of Water, which shifts in chameleon-like ways.
In summary, some other things the energy of the year will bring includes a time for deep transformation and healing, major out-of-the-blue changes, a time for reflection, going within, and withdrawing rather than being involved in tons of social situations, in order to focus on steady, methodical progress, details and serious responsiblity. (This interestingly coincides with the energies of my own #7 year I’ve personally been moving into already and so I can say from experiencing and working with this energy that if you embrace it rather than fight it, you WILL experience the rewards).
This will also be a time for “shedding” the very deep-rooted old in order to release and begin anew, realizing that hidden aspects may surface for your gentle integration. Having all of your senses on conscious-awareness-high-volume will aid you in not being taken by surprise, as well as assist in understanding the perfection of the unfolding. This is a great year for physical healing of the body as well as moving into a more spiritual way of life, if you haven’t already. Or, you will start integrating more of this into your life in deeper ways – having it become your way of being, rather than a novelty or side focus.
For more details on these energies summarized, along with some of the general, coinciding planetary influences, here is the Yearly Horoscope 2013 Year of the Snake from Go To Horoscope
2013 horoscope: Planets in 2013 year of the black Snake
2013 is the year of the black Snake begins on February 10th shortly after the New moon in Aquarius, the humanitarian of the zodiac. This 2013 year of Snake is meant for steady progress and attention to detail. Focus and discipline will be necessary for you to achieve what you set out to create.
The snake is a studious creature. Preferring quiet predictability to ruckus and mayhem. Peaceful solitude is also a Saturn preference. It’s not surprising that Saturn has such a strong influence during the year of the Snake.
In 2013 horoscope Saturn is in harmonious relationship to Mercury, planet of communications; Neptune, our connection to the cosmic whole; and Chiron, the wounded healer. The Trine is a supportive aspect, an aspect of past earned easy situations. A blessing, also known as Grace. But Saturn is still into hard work. It’s heavy even when it’s good. A new-found ambition to greatness will inspire you to be all you can be, and provide you with the follow through to actually achieve your goals. Saturn knows how to take on responsibility. And, the year of the Snake also supports added responsibility,
During the 2013 Snake year be prepared to feel like you are on shaky ground. Not quite settled. Uranus is active this year and likes to shake us out of false realities with sudden shocks- lightning bolt change can occur when Uranus comes out to play. Out of the blue realizations create major change. Mars is just itching to go through all this. It makes for super tense times. But also creates movement and growth.
Be extra careful with your work this 2013 year of the black Snake. Signing documents of any kind requires very thorough attention. 2013 horoscope predict it is a good year to begin important detail work. Research and investigation are supported. The Snake has sneaky energy that can be to your advantage. Look for the holes in the loop.
Deep transformation and healing are often represented by the Snake. Moreover according to general 2013 horoscope Pluto exposes what is hidden through a deep revealing of subconscious material. Slowly we begin to see the reasons for things, we understand the root cause of some dysfunction. Just like the snake, slowly we shed our skin. We become shiny and new as we acknowledge and release the past.
Create a safe space to work from this 2013 year. The Snake likes protection, needs to feel safe and secure to utilize its special analytical skills. This is the year to make headway in slow and methodical ways. Saturn will assist this effort as well. Things will definitely be accomplished as you focus forward.
There is no need to put yourself out there. Consider this 2013 year to focus within. You won’t be drawn to social situations as you are more interested in serious progress not superficial chit chat. Allow yourself withdrawal as it is necessary to self reflect and ponder situations.
Celebrate the 2013 year of the black Snake with dark colored clothing. Honor this transformative beginning with a day positive thoughts. It is tradition to place a pine twig out to represent the Snake. In mythology the Snake often represented healing of the physical body while shifting to a more spiritual outlook. Expect a true release of past blockages this 2013 year. A great deal of quite progress can be made in the 2013 year of the Snake with the help of the planetary energy. Slow and steady wins the race in 2013 year of Snake.
SustainAbility ~ Eco Art Exhibition in Malibu Featuring My Painting, Temple of the Sacred Heart
Temple of the Sacred Heart by Tania Marie
I am excited and honored to have one of my pieces be a part of the upcoming Eco Art Exhibition, “SustainAbility,” at Art 4 All People’s AY Fine Art Gallery in Malibu. The piece to be shown is one of my Universal ARKitecture paintings, Temple of the Sacred Heart, was accepted into this 45 day exhibition and will be featured along with other artists’ creative expressions, all in the theme of SustainAbility.
Art 4 All People shares:
“SustainAbility is an Environmental Art exhibition that features artists who are exploring the pivotal need for stewardship, awareness and advocacy for our ailing Mother Earth. Such eco-artist-warriors, with their individual visions, are shining a powerful light on how can we individually create sustainability through our own actions. These artists inspire us though their transformative art and innovation, and they offer us a glimpse into new ways of being.
The 56-day exhibition will give the audience the abilities, inspiration, insights and tools to create their own sustainable way. During the Sustain Ability exhibition Art 4 All People will be offering unique workshops, lectures, beach cleanups and happenings.”
If you recall, Universal ARKitecture is a series of what I call sacred vessel, animal spirit paintings that hold antidotes for a new “ARKitectural” plan and code of life for creating the New Earth experience. It features endangered and “threatened” species that hold shamanic messages of wisdom teachings to empower us into a new way of being with ourselves, each other, and all of creation, along with bringing awareness to these animals and how to care for Mother Earth and the environment through conscious and compassionate change.
Temple of the Sacred Heart conveys the tender divinity shared between mother and child endangered Asian Elephants (and cosmic creatures) representing strength, honor, stability, patience, loyalty, good luck, fortune, longevity, ancient wisdom, advanced sensitivity, social connection, personal responsibility, determination, confidence, reliability, power, royalty, removal of obstacles, protection…
“Let the honor of your fellow man be as dear to you as your own honor.” The Talmud
I LOVE the essence and energy of what Art 4 All People stands for and shares. It mirrors much of my own values and missions and I am grateful that spaces like this exist and continually are being cultivated into the collective community. Art 4 All People is home to a transformative art and yoga studio, retreats, creative vacations, bed and breakfast, and transformative fine art gallery. They host ongoing workshops and retreats all in the name of the evolutionary healing arts.
In their own words:
Art 4 All People is an award winning Transformative Arts and Cultural Retreat Center founded by Lisa Rasmussen, M.F.A. and Ceylan Fadiloglu, M.A.
Ceylan and Lisa are two Renaissance women who truly believe in the intrinsic power of ART to transform, empower, and to potentially heal all who are open to exploring the mystery and the depth of creativity in the breadth of all life. In the beginning of 2012, the two community arts pioneers created Art 4 All People. The primary mission of this Art Hub is to be an international sanctuary, fostering creativity, community, imagination, reverence, and expression in this world.
AY Fine Art Gallery is an upscale gallery space in the thriving Malibu art scene, beach art sanctuary, and a bridge connecting Transformative Communities, Artists, and Collectors from around the globe. AY Atelier fine art gallery at Art 4 All People is dedicated to exhibiting and fostering artists in a wide range of media, who are searching for a personal, psycho-social and spiritual dimension in their art. Art 4 All People promotes meaningful interaction with significant works of art in order to appreciate and to build a conversation around the direct experience with art as vehicle of beauty, healing, transformation and social change
Ay Atelier is a place where the magic of creation is honored, fostered, and revered.
AY is the word for moon in Turkish. We feel it is the primordial sound/word for Moon. One can image the first peoples as they gazed up at the moon in exhilaration lifted their arms into the sky blurted out AY. Atelier is the French term for art studio, gallery and workshop. Atelier in addition to designating an artist’s studio it is used to characterize the home of an alchemist or wizard. AY Atelier is space for Artists and Collectors to revere and honor ART in all its power, inspiration, mystery, and beauty.
Art 4 All People believes that art is profoundly connected to personal and cultural transformation. We are an arts and consciousness gallery, workshop and retreat space that is located in an idyllic Contemporary Art Beach House in Malibu It is dedicated to building relationships among artists, collectors, and agents of change. It is a new-paradigm organization that believes art viewing, collecting, and creating should be a holistic and inviting experience, accessible to all people. Art 4 All People promotes meaningful interaction with significant works of art in order to appreciate and to build a conversation around the direct experience with art as vehicle of beauty, healing, transformation and social change. The gallery is dedicated to exhibiting artists in a wide range of media, who are searching for a personal, psycho-social and spiritual dimension in their art.
SustainAbility Eco Art Exhibition Info Below. You can also visit SustainAbility for all details and to RSVP:
We are all in this together and all of us must join in this call for action and change. This will be a momentous occasion, as the exhibit and opening reception mark Art 4 All People’s 1 year anniversary.
Exhibition Dates: February 4th – March 31st, 2013
Awards: Best in exhibit will receive a free night at Art 4 All People Retreat Space, value $250
Selected Artists will be invited to private wine and cheese party for themselves and their collectors.
Opening Reception with Eco gift bizarre: February 16th, 2013 from 6pm – 8pm. Reception includes light appetizers, and wine
Art 4 All People is located at:
19562 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
Just minutes away from Santa Monica with plenty of parking on PCH
I will not be attending the opening, but there will be another March event for this exhibit for select artists, which I will attend. Details and date to be announced. I will post them when I receive notice.
If you’re in the area I hope you can attend this celebration of conscious and transformative art and come to view the eclectic and support the eclectic group of artists and art that will be exhibited. Appointment needed for off days and hours. Otherwise you can come to view the exhibition during regular operating hours or at one of the reception events.
This Month’s Newsletter Sharings & Opportunities Before I Head Out to Reno & Lake Tahoe
This is just a short post to share that when sunrise and the birds make their debut tomorrow morning, Reno will be in sight for the 8 hour drive ahead. I will be away for the next week, 1/26 – either 2/2 or 2/3 (driving provides options 🙂 ) and during that time will still have email and web access, but will not be able to take on any work until I return.
Looking forward to time with my family, my mom’s 70th birthday (she so looks and behaves 20 years younger – go mom!), lots of time up at Lake Tahoe (my very missed and loved previous home before returning back to my roots in Southern California), playing in the magickal snow filled forests, fields, and mountains, visiting my favorite crystal shop there (with coupon they sent me in hand!), seeing a couple of friends, and being creative with painting and designing.
I will be back in full action on Monday 2/4, but likely will still post a couple of blogs while away.
In the meantime, I wanted to share my latest newsletter I just sent out last evening, which includes some “Tania words” for the month to share 😉 and all of the exciting things to look forward and that are going on including the upcoming art showcase extravaganza in Los Angeles, the approaching New Jersey Reiki and Yoga Workshops, an opportunity to host a workshop event and receive FREE Reiki training, group discounts on local Reiki workshops, this year’s Bimini retreat to save dates for, a Valentine’s Reiki Healing Attunement Promotion at 34% discount, and more!
The Reiki Healing Attunement discount is good until 2/14/13 and is only $33. Regular price $50. Savings of $17.
Here is the newsletter link: Love, Creativity, Manifesting & Flow ~ A Powerful Year of Opportunities & Fun
Wishing you all a magick-filled week! xoox!!
Forging Your Own Dream Life ~ An Inside Look & Interview with Healing Facilitator & Adventure Guide Lynne Day
Today I’m happy to share an inside look and short interview with a visionary leader in her own right, Lynne Day – visionary of passionate living.
I believe that everyone has a unique story that imparts something beautifully inspirational and supportive even if they don’t think that they do. I like to find and reveal the hidden treasures in all people, all of life, and everything in between. 🙂 While living in service so naturally that it is out of thought, but merely a breath is wonderful, I also feel it to be valuable to honor, recognize, and have gratitude for those beautiful gifts. There are seeds of inspiration that when heard, read, seen, or experienced at just the right moment, can help foster the same in others.
This is part of the reason for sharing stories like Lynne’s – to help light that spark for others. I love to also share some of the inside things I have come to see and/or share with each person to offer another perspective that reveals their unique beauty I admire. Lynne is just one example of so many shining lights out there, simply “being” and “being” it well.
Lynne definitely is one that walks the walk of everything that is meaningful to her. She really knows how to live a zestful life and simply by being who she is and doing what she loves, she is an inspirational example to others. Everything she touches is full of love, laughter, light, and life.
I hope you enjoy a more intimate connection with her through my own sharings and some of her own.
And for some amazing insights from Lynne’s clients, check out these testimonials about her healing and guidance gifts: Testimonials
A Little Background On How I Met Lynne and My Words About Her:
Me and Lynne biking in Mile Square Park, Fountain Valley, CA
Lynne and I both happened to live in Reno at the same time, unbeknownst to us. We shared a mutual friend who gifted her a Reiki session with me and from the moment she stepped through my door, we shared tears, laughter, and a kinship that was like connecting with a long lost friend. We both chuckled that we’d not met earlier, but all things have their divine timing.
Lynne’s tattoo I designed in co-creation with her
Lynne also became my very first sacred tattoo design client, shortly thereafter. This was such an amazing experience to be part of with her (her first tattoo) and I still remember when we drove up to Lake Tahoe together (which we both LOVE) and I shared the drawing and symbolism behind it with her, how magickal it was to experience that energetic connection through its manifestation – the beginning of quite a journey with this for me. It was also a beautiful gift to see her eyes light up in love with it. 🙂
We share an ongoing joke about bananas that will likely not ever be embraced by anyone outside of us – all stemming from a raw food meetup in Reno we attended together (but turned out to be much different than we thought) where we sat in a circle and the leader had us “pass the banana” in order to speak (exactly their words). Who ever was holding the banana had the platform and this had us riddled with uncontrollable laughter, which just so mirrors the lightness and child-like spiritedness we share. It was one of those funny-bone ticklers that literally had me crying and laughter-tummy-sick for two days after. This is one of the things I admire most about Lynne is her knowing how to never lose that inner child, how to bring it out in others, and how to make the most out of everything.
It is never a dull moment and always full of laughs when in Lynne’s presence.
And it wasn’t long after that we both moved back to Southern California – not planned and again unbeknownst to each of us, but we both received the message to move at the same time. She went first and I followed just shortly after, within like a month, feeling it was important to both of our journeys.
Since the first time we met at my home for her session, our times spent together (even though not often) have proven to reveal a kindred spirit we both share in many regards. Some of which include both being freedom lovers, adventure 
travelers of the world, lovers of nature and animals, and having an innate sense of not being able to conform to any reality other than our own. If not doing the work she loves, you’ll find her off on the next adventure exploring the nooks and crannies of nature near and far.
That is one of the many things I love about Lynne is that she just “is who she is.” She loves her life, she loves life, and she creates her life as “she” chooses.
This is one of the first things you’ll discover if you have the pleasure of meeting Lynne and receiving her gifts of service, is how much she exudes joy and love, how unconditional and nonjudgmental she is and how ready she is for the next adventure. You name it, she’s there! And yet she still manages to have this sweet shyness and demureness that is adorable.
I love her simplistic approach to life, as she truly understands what is most valuable and important. Like with anyone, there’s the ups and downs of life to maneuver in, but as her quote on her website shares, “The water knows its destination. Don’t fight it, let it take you there.” Lynne is an example of embracing and flowing with life, rather than fighting it, and where she arrives, she is, happily.
Lynne is multi-faceted in the hats she wears. She loves all of her “jobs,” although would never refer to any of them as that, as they just are natural extensions of what she loves doing, and she creates her own schedule around what feels right for her.
Lynne in Bali
Lynne Day is a Massage Therapist, Reiki Practitioner, and Hiking Adventure Guide, as well as works for Whole Foods and REI only a few days a week simply because she loves being of service, working in fields she loves (helping with nutrition and outdoor knowledge), and assisting in an environment of community. She is an example of seeing and loving the value of every part of her life, cohesively bringing all of her gifts together in a blend that gives her what she desires, and that speaks volumes.
Lynne expresses, ” I am a healing facilitator, adventurer and nature lover” who loves to “share with you my love of life, and to begin to bring awareness of living a happy, meaningful and fulfilling existence by maintaining a balance of body, mind and spirit.”
She really is an example of integrating all of her loves and gifts into creating anew each day, the life she desires to experience. She’s a perfect example of how to turn your passions into your life’s work, do what you love, and live your dreams.
Lynne also has a sweet shyness, as I mentioned, and very humble quality to her, which creates a nice balance with her fun-loving nature. This is part of why I also wanted to share my own insights alongside the questions I asked. I hope you enjoy knowing Lynne a little bit more through her words.
Lynne Day In Her Own Words:
Lynne at Lake Tahoe
“I am a nature girl at heart with a love of being close to a big city. I suppose this comes from being born and raised in the Pacific Northwest where the natural world was everywhere, yet cities, with all of the culture they offer, were nearby too.
Today I can honestly say that Southern California is a perfect ‘home base’ for me. The mountains, the beach, the city, a major airport to fly off to places unknown, are all at my doorstep. I love it!
I consciously choose to see the positive in everything and every situation and consider myself a ‘glass all-the-way-full’ person. I practice living my life to the fullest each and every day.
I believe that happiness is a choice and yes, it is my choice! I take care of myself from the inside out and is the only way to finding the way back “home”. The outside shell is but a reflection of one’s inner life.
I look forward to connecting and smiling with you and to explore the possibilities for deep healing and inner discovery.”
A Short Interview with Lynne Day:
Lynne at the Channel Islands, CA
Tania: What things inspire you most in life and how does that translate into the services you share with others through your passions and gifts?
Lynne: Every day is a new day with infinite things to learn, explore and do. An infinite wisdom in the Universe, making it all somehow ‘happen’. It fascinates me and I always am inspired by it. I think by me living each day to it’s fullest and always seeing the positive and infinite possibilities in life, often times inspires others to do the same. That, in turn, inspires me to be more of me and share more of me. Does that make sense? lol
Tania: What do you love most about living in Southern California and how does it mirror who you are?
Lynne: The mountains and ocean are right here. The energy of both combined, fuels me. I love getting outdoors and exploring it all. I get to see the ocean every day! I love the diversity of people and things to do in LA. I love having my spiritual community close. I love having a major airport nearby where I can fly in and out so easily. And, of course the beach climate…for me, it’s ideal.
Tania: I see that you love to travel the world and are such a free spirit. What are some of the most memorable places you’ve explored and how have they influenced your life and work?
Lynne: Backpacking the Inca Trail through Peru was life-changing. I became very sick and was the sickest when I had to climb the highest peak of 14,000 feet. Without the support of my team/tribe, I would not have been able to have accomplished it. It made me realize that we all need each other, we’re all connected and that there’s so much connecting us all.
Bungee jumping in New Zealand was one of the scariest things I had done at that time (I am scared of heights). It was a metaphor for my life. I knew that if I could take that one step forward, that it would allow me to be free and give me the confidence to do others things that scared me. And I did it!!
Tania: Are there any particular people or experiences that have been instrumental in your life and how have they inspired you and your work?
Lynne: Yes. My Master Teacher is Dr. Rev. Michael Beckwith. I have studied and practiced his teachings now for 7 years. And of course people like you Tania Marie. I just love you!!
(Tania:) Aw! Thank you
Tania: Do you have any favorite quotes or mottos that are the foundations of your life?
Lynne: “Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better.” ~Albert Einstein
Whenever I have a question, I can always look to nature for the answer. It just makes sense to me.
“Not all Who Wander Are Lost” ~J.R.R. Tolkien
I’m all over the place (lost it may seem to most) but as long as I’m grounded ‘within’ I am never truly lost.
Tania: If you could only use 5 words to describe yourself, what would those be?
Lynne: Loving, Adventurous, Spiritual, Peaceful, Optimistic
Tania: Can you share a little about how your journey in the healing arts and the world of nature evolved into your service to others?
Lynne snow angel
Lynne: I think from a small child I was surrounded by nature and adventure and also grew up in a family dynamic where I was sort of the ‘center’ of the family, the one who was either the rebel or the ‘go to ‘ person for help. It sort of set the tone for who I am today. I find that I feel at my best with nature and adventure in my life and when I can help people through my energy work and wisdom of life experiences.
Tania: What do you love most about being a Reiki Practitioner? Massage Therapist? Outdoor Guide? And what do you hope to support and inspire in others through these services you provide?
Lynne: All of these things bring forth my greatest gifts. I feel that when we can share our gifts and our true selves, there is no greater success in life. To practice this and inspire others to do the same, inspires me like nothing else.
Tania: What are some of your favorite places to take people on an outdoor adventure?
Lynne at some Mayan ruins
Lynne: It just depends on the person/people. But I love showing people new places or watching them light up when they see something in nature that they have never seen or noticed before. It brings me great joy.
Tania: How has the practice of Reiki influenced your work? Does it enhance your massage work? And if so, can you explain how and what your clients have experienced through the combination of receiving Reiki and massage?
Lynne: Reiki has influenced every part of my life. I don’t really know how to explain it but my clients always tell me that there’s something ‘different’ in my massages. That I have a very peaceful energy about me and that they feel so much better when they’re around me.
Lynne on the Santa Monica Pier, CA – a mascot herself for environmental awareness
Tania: You’re such a fun-loving person who seems to always have a positive outlook. Is there anything that brings you down in life and if so how do you find balance to return back to that positive state of mind?
Lynne: Thank you. 🙂 Yes, there are things that bring me down of course. One thing that pops up for me right away is people’s neglect for the environment and ignorance for what their contribution is to our failing eco-system. I find balance and optimism when I know that I am doing as much as I can, making a difference but especially when someone reaches out to me and expresses concern and wants to know ways in which they can help.
Tania: What are your dreams for your work?
Lynne ice skating
Lynne: I have never been one with a big set plan. I just follow my heart basically and try not to look too far forward or too far back. Just stay in the moment and enjoy every one of them to the fullest. I guess that translates into my work always evolving and changing but at the same time having an intention of adventure, healing and bright light always!
Tania: If someone wants to contact you for a Reiki or massage healing session or to acquire your guide services, how can they reach you?
Lynne:
(310) 755-8815
Thank you Lynne for allowing me to share more about you so that others may find inspiration in the qualities I admire in you.
Host or Co-create a Life-Enhancing Workshop Event in Your Home Town: Opportunity to Receive FREE Reiki Training Plus Big Group Discounts for Locals
To continue from yesterday’s post, The Power of Reiki Healing Attunements and Teaching Reiki, even if you don’t ever see yourself practicing Reiki as a profession, learning Reiki and receiving an initiation attunement will completely transform your life in beautifully supportive ways, drawing in mirroring experiences that reflect your new vibration.
Plus! You will be able to support yourself with ANY thing – helping to put you back in control of your own life – AND you will be able to effectively support your friends, animal companions, loved ones, global peace and healing, all while tapping into a bit of magick to infuse your life with.
As with anything, the key is to make it a natural part of your life and to practice it so you can refine your skills and learn to make it uniquely your own. Cultivating it in combination with any other gifts and healing modalities you already use will not only be fun and empowering, but you will come to understand how everything is a tool you can mold into unlimited creation to mirror you. Foundations provide you a place to build upon, but then your heart will lead the way.
Because things happen naturally and will coincide with your unfolding path, the effects are not always easily traced back to the origin without consciously doing so, as it really is a synergy of all things coming together perfectly that takes place. Yet, if you do pause for a moment and take a look at it all, it’s an interesting story that you have written by embracing the process.
The energy of Reiki kind of sneaks up on you and as you continue to integrate it into your life you find things blossoming beautifully in ways you never imagined. Many who never thought they would practice, or teach for that matter, (including myself) will discover a whole new lease on life that supports powerful shifts mirroring innate qualities you had forgotten you had.
As promised yesterday, today I am sharing an opportunity to receive FREE Reiki training while gifting others a hosted workshop that will be powerfully life enhancing. Plus, some big group discounts on local workshops.
With the evolution of things I always follow where I’m guided and in seeing and experiencing how powerful everything continues to shift for my students, clients, Reiki-practicing friends, and even myself, I am always on board with supporting enhanced ways to help more people through these experiences, while spreading harmony globally, and sharing the Reiki love and healing energy to all who feel called to this path.
That brings us to the opportunity I mentioned yesterday of being able to host a Reiki workshop or event in “your” home town while receiving FREE Reiki training yourself.
I can customize the teaching and add any additions as well, based on what the needs of your group are. And if you would like to combine the workshops into a fun event that fuses with your own offerings, I would love to collaborate with you on that to co-create an event of partnering synergy.
An example would be like the Reiki and Yoga workshops I will be doing in New Jersey with the lovely Venus Banguela. For details on it see: Opening to Living and Giving from Your Heart
The following pertains to hosted groups outside of my local Orange County and Los Angeles area of Southern California. For locals, please see below for special group rate packages available.
The Reiki classes offered are part of the Traditional Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Certification Training. Each level takes this knowledge to a much deeper and more refined level and frequency. For more information on Reiki and the classes offered please visit: Reiki
To Host a group Reiki workshop/event in your home town, whether out of state or out of country, these are all the fun details.
What I contribute:
- The host receives FREE Reiki training up to the level I am teaching for the event (if all 3 levels this is a gift of $1221, which is the regular price of taking the classes separately)
- Thorough manuals and certification to each participant
- Personalized workshop to meet the needs of your group (any additional things you’d like to focus on, your wish is my command)
- Special rate packages created for your group
What you contribute:
- Book the workshop/event at least 1 month in advance
- Have at least 5-10 people, depending on where you’re located and the associated travel expenses (we can discuss)
- A space to hold the workshop/event
- Registration fees collected from your group 1 week ahead of event
If you are local to my area, there’s also opportunity for special big discounts on receiving your Reiki training when you have a group of two or more people. These discounts are only available for local students.
This can also be of benefit to massage therapists and any of your fellow students you went through school with, as Reiki is a highly beneficial compliment to take your massage practice to the next level.
The workshops can be taught either at your location or mine. Groups of more than 6 will need to be at your designated location.
Group discounts off of regular Reiki workshop prices for the Los Angeles and Orange County areas of Southern California:
The discounts below apply for both workshops. You can take the two workshops separately or as a weekend workshop. If you book both workshops together, you can apply the per person discount shown that corresponds for your group number x 2.
Pre-payment due for your group at least 2 days in advance of class. Please book your group workshop at least one week in advance.
Reiki 1 and 2 Workshop (regular price: $500)
Reiki 3 Master Teacher Workshop (regular price: $666)
- Sign up in a group of 2 – Receive $100 discount off regular price per person ($200 off pp if book both workshops)
- Sign up in a group of 3 – 5 people – Receive $150 discount off regular price per person ($300 off pp if book both workshops)
- Sign up in a group of 6 – 9 people – Receive $200 discount off regular price per person ($400 off pp if book both workshops)
- Sign up in a group of 10 + people – Receive $300 discount off regular price per person ($600 off pp if book both workshops)
If you have any questions about Reiki, what each workshop entails, would like to register for one of the current workshops, set up a private or group workshop here locally, or have a group you’d like to host in your home town, please contact me at tania@taniamarie.com so I can be of assistance.
I look forward to supporting your journey.
The Power of Reiki Healing Attunements and Teaching Reiki
Reiki Healing Attunements rock. If you’re a practicing Reiki Master or Reiki Master Teacher you know just what I’m sharing. And with the increased flow of everything lately, this just amps up the Reiki Healing Attunement process and results like crazy. I’ve been experiencing increased instant magick with Reiki Healing Attunements and I know that others are too. It’s one of those available tools that sometimes I know people forget about, so if this is you, it’s time to remember to put it to use!
If you have any stories to share of your miraculous and powerful experiences with Reiki Healing Attunements and Reiki, in general, I’d love to hear about them.
As always, it’s important to be mindful of your intention, as this is the key factor, along with aligning your heart with the highest good for all concerned and being open to the result that mirrors this best. You can always spice things up with any other modalities you know or love, or invite other “friends” in to help….for me this includes the seen and unseen and especially my crystal friends.
If you’re not familiar with it, a Reiki Healing Attunement is one of the elements and sacred processes you learn in Reiki Level 3 and it really amplifies things to a whole new level. A Reiki Healing Attunement helps to remove blocks and promote growth and healing for any specific concern or issue you are facing and would like support with. It can be used to support yourself and others in all areas desired. It also aids in goal achievement by helping you to move past existing, resistive blocks and limiting patterns. In a Reiki Healing Attunement the Higher Self is allowed more of an “active” role in the process of achieving goals and brings about the highest good for all concerned. It also really helps align things to have that “being in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing and then some” all magickally come together for a greater good.
It’s powerful stuff. And so full of Universal Love!
I find Reiki to be one of the channels that supports us to “be” the love of the New Earth experience and a way to help spread that energy of loving service to others.
And for me, my joy is in empowering others. Teaching Reik is such a gift to be able to give and to see each person transform through the process is rewarding beyond words. I love how with each level and initiation attunement, the personal shifts they experience just keep amping up. It’s sometimes something they don’t notice, since it seems to naturally take place, until I call their attention to look at how far they have come. Amazing!
It’s also a hugely transformative and empowering process for the teacher. I know that my life has transformed exponentially since starting to teach Reiki in 2007. It’s not something I thought I would do when I first started down the Reiki path, but it definitely was where I was meant to go and not only assisted this area of my life gifts to share, but supported all areas of my life and opened up so many more latent gifts, evolutionary change, and courage of heart than I can even begin to express. Going down the path of becoming a Reiki Master Teacher, or being a teacher in any genre, is truly a life-changing experience for yourself and all whom you will touch in your life.
There’s a beautiful magick that takes place during a class or a treatment session that brings deeper inner, and mirroring outer, connection. As a teacher, I feel that my commitment is to continually embrace and surrender to the Spirit of Reiki consistently in my life – which to me is unconditional love – to live a life of service working towards being an example of the principles, and to always challenge myself to keep growing and learning. I feel that a good teacher is also simultaneously a good student. When ever I’m teaching or doing a treatment, it reminds me how life-changing each moment is in providing opportunity for making a profound, evolutionary difference.
William Lee Rand shares this about becoming a Reiki Master: “The desire to grow is inherent in simply being alive. As we look around ourselves and observe living things, we can clearly see that the one activity that all living things share is growth. Everything that is alive grows. Because this is what living things do, one could even say that the purpose of life is to grow. Therefore, the desire to grow in ones Reiki potential is a natural expression of ones core essence and of life itself. If you feel this desire in your heart, honor and respect it. Doing so, will fulfill an innate need.”
Reiki isn’t a path for everyone, but it definitely is a supportive tool for anyone to actively be a part of the change you wish to see.
There will be more opportunities this year for deepening your practice of Reiki with me, whether you’ve already gone through some of the levels, want to explore it anew, and for anyone who has not taken any classes at all, but feels drawn to this path. I will be posting new workshops and retreats as they develop. And as always, if I am in your area and have time, I’m always available to teach a private or group class. Just keep an eye out for posts on where I’m headed.
Right now the New Jersey workshops still have some spots available if interested. There will likely be some Laguna Beach, CA workshops in March and I’m in process of setting up another Bimini Reiki retreat this coming June to look forward to! Yay! I have some other places in the works, but will leave those as a surprise for now. 🙂
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post and opportunity to Receive FREE Reiki training while gifting others a hosted workshop.
If you have any questions about Reiki, Reiki classes, would like to register for one of the current workshops, or set up a private or group class here locally, please contact me at tania@taniamarie.com so I can be of assistance.
Diving Deep into the Inspirational Abyss – Creative Energy & Expressions Are Flowing!
This photo taken by my friend Lynne on the Santa Monica Pier last week of me in my french beret had me rolling in laughter. Not only do I look like a little girl, but it just so captured the abundant inspirational feelings I have. Not to mention some odd unidentified flying object is to my right unbeknownst to me in my play time. LOL
Maybe it’s all that beautiful ocean energy and nature I’ve been immersed in lately, the retreat in Bimini, the unlimited Source-well of creativity and inspiration I feel connected to evermore so, or simply “being in the flow,” but another huge creative wave has arrived and I”m ready to surf it through what ever waters, and to what ever shore, it takes me. 🙂 Right now, I’m feeling a lot of high-vibed flow with all this creative energy and magickal experiences, an invigorating hike today, and some new Andara crystal friends sitting on my desk – woo! Yes I am loving this energy. Are you?
This year seems to be a supportive year for “seeing” the beauty in the miracles of life around us and sharing beauty with the world through our individual gifts. It’s a wonderful time for cultivating creative new endeavors, being the Michelangelo of your own life, and diving deep into the inspirational abyss.
I have SO been enjoying seeing all the new creations that others are manifesting lately and all the new leaps everyone is taking. I LOVE it! There is SO MUCH talent out there and it’s so amazing to me to see people come into realizing that about themselves and what they have to offer the world. “Rocking it” is far from doing you all justice to say. The energy abound is simply stunning and it only gets better.
Just remember to create balance, nurture and recharge yourself, be gentle, remember to add “flow with grace” when asking for things, and love, without judgment, every minute and every part of your magnificence in creation.
To be creative means to be in love with life. You can be creative only if you love life enough that you want to enhance its beauty, you want to bring a little more music to it, a little more poetry to it, a little more dance to it. ~Osho
I have learned to flow with where I’m guided in any given moment, rather than dictate or create ideas of what that should look like. In doing this, I find stress removed, balance in my life, divine timing unfolding, and optimal ingredients for fulfilling outcomes on all levels. My intuition and heart are my guidance. My trust, belief, imagination, passion, and connection are my wings to get there.
The awesome thing is….you can never use up all of your creative juices! It’s one of the most amazingly abundant sources of energy that constantly recreates and reinvigorates itself and just gets better the more you courageously tap into your imagination and dreams and release all judgment and fear. The challenge is to keep evolving into greater depths of exploration in order to bring forth ever-new expressions. Nothing is done. There is always more to have fun with!
You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have. ~Maya Angelou
As you know, painting had taken a small hiatus at the end of last year for me, as I was working on other projects and preparations for Bimini. But I heard the message to wait until I return, as I would receive answer to what to create next, when I do, and where I would be led. For me, this is not unusual, as many times I have been guided to halt things until returning from sacred journeys, since the transformative energy changes the course of things and brings in new inspiration and messages – sometimes entirely new directions and life evolutions.
I have found that what is important to get done will be revealed and WILL get done and the rest will just happen as it needs to, or isn’t important to do in the first place. So by not rushing into it, it may actually end up falling away. Or, it comes back with more focused direction that is very clear and more aligned, by letting it percolate.
But, of course the innate artist within is never gone, even if on hiatus. She just takes takes the passenger seat for the time she needs to take everything in, recharge, reinvigorate, and learn to be a powerful presence in new ways. And with that pause, she is then ready again to bring forth the fruits of her labor.
Needless to say, alongside some of the other projects, events, and retreats for this year I’m working on, a sweep of creative excitement is abound. I am also in the middle of another cleaning-out phase and that also has great energy-shifting potentials!
I’ve been really enjoying the sacred tattoo design vibes coming in right now. The energy of the latest pieces are really mirroring the collective, as always, and I’m about to embark on a new round of designs that I’m excited to see what will be unveiled in the process. It’s always a welcome mystery and journey I feel deeply honored to walk with each client. ❤
Yesterday, I found a coupon and was off to the store purchasing a bunch of canvases for this artistic surge explosion. I now have 13! canvases awaiting me. YAY! I love choosing canvases and letting them speak to me, as I feel the essence already trickle through their unique energy of what they want created on them. Four of these canvases will be to complete my Universal ARKitecture series and the other 9 are for new creative visions I’ve received. FUN!
Yes, you heard right. Only 4 more pieces left in the Universal ARKitecture series. This is one of the several shifts and messages I received from the Bimini trip. Originally, I felt there would be 33, but received there will only be 12 now and that likely they may become a calendar upon completion. As always, the conclusion remains to be seen, but 12 is the new number and 4 more are still to come. I’ve actually already received the 4 animals ahead this time as well, which is an interesting twist, as before they only came when I was about ready to paint. So this is very cool to already know and now just to let them emerge forth in their sequence.
The 4 will share owl, harp seal, bighorn sheep, and orangutan wisdom. I’m so excited, as they each have perfect messages for the now I feel. Looking forward to what they each have to reveal to me and the depths they will take me too.
An artist paints, dances, draws, writes, designs, or acts at the expanding edge of consciousness. We press into the unknown rather than the known. This makes life lovely and lively. ~Julia Cameron
Garden of the Gods by Tania Marie
In the meantime, don’t forget that prints and originals are available on the 8 paintings, already completed and widely embraced, in the Universal ARKitecture series. Several size options are available to meet your needs. You can read about each individual painting’s message here: Universal ARKitecture by clicking on each painting’s image to enlarge for detail and information.
Originals are available via payment plans to meet your needs with a full refund if not satisfied, minus all shipping charges. Special discounts are available with purchase of the whole series of originals, or more than one original. Contact me with questions and inquiries at tania@taniamarie.com.
To refresh your memory on the focus of these paintings, here is some information on the series:
Universal ARKitecture shares messages spoken through the many voices of the animal spirits of the Earth, focusing on many of the endangered and threatened species, uniting us through a Universal language of the heart. These sacred vessel animal spirit paintings hold antidotes for a new “ARKitecural” plan and code of life for creating the New Earth experience. An “ark” by definition and historical understanding was a vessel built by Noah to house and keep safe his family and pairs of every animal of the Earth. It is also known as a sacred chest where the ancient Hebrews kept the two tablets containing the Ten Commandments. In either form, it is seen as a sacred and protective structure that contained the promise of a new life where a new architectural system of life codes would be embraced and instituted to start anew. Shamanic practice honors the wisdom and power in all things on Earth, believing that everything has something to teach. These power animals act as guides to share their wisdom on how we can better cultivate awareness towards living consciously. Compassion demonstrated in care of these precious beings, as well as understanding their connection to us, helps nurture the Earth collective at large.
Every day is an opportunity to be creative – the canvas is your mind, the brushes and colours are your thoughts and feelings, the panorama is your story, the complete picture is a work of art called, ‘my life’. Be careful what you put on the canvas of your mind today – it matters. ~Innerspace
The remaining 9 canvases, as mentioned, are for a new wave of smaller, yet extremely powerful, energy creations that I will be starting shortly and in partnership with some of my favorite things. 😉 A new adventure awaits, as well as a deeper journey into the courageous heart of expression! I am very excited about these and have yet to know how they will come to be fully, but I trust the “how” follows my embracing the “Yes, I’m in!” I sense these will be a synergistic partnership highlighting a special connection shared, where subject becomes guide and I am its loyal servant. Stay tuned for an upcoming blog on these new creations channeling through. Exciting!
A lot of these new creations will be featured in the upcoming April 11th RAW: Los Angeles Presents Marvel art showcase event. This will be such a fun night of indie artists from so many genres coming together in community sharing of their gifts. If you’re in the area, I really hope you can join us at the Belasco Theater, anytime from 6 – 10pm, and if not please share your appreciation for the arts with a ticket purchase, as the proceeds go to supporting the indie artists.
Details at the link or you can support directly here: RAW
I’m about to head off this weekend for a week in Reno and Lake Tahoe (visiting one of my absolute favorite spots on the globe, the family, and celebrating, as well as pre-celebrating three of our birthdays that are all close to each other), which I know will prove to be very inspiring and revitalizing for me to be in the magickal energies of the lake and to have fun in the beautiful alpine high altitudes I so thrive in. With the convenience of driving, rather than flying, this enables me to bring a few things along with me to explore my creative inspirations while there, including painting, reading, writing, and even making a couple of jewelry pieces for myself that I felt inspired to create from some of my natural treasures discovered. No, this doesn’t mean I will be taking up making jewelry myself, but I AM going to have fun creating these shaman pieces I am guided to make.
I’m very much in the creative flow and I LOVE it! The deeper I go, the more possibilities are available. I have always believed all things are possible and will never accept anything less.
What do you desire to create anew today? Perhaps the reinvention into a courageous heart could be the most valuable creation to begin with.
A truly creative person rids him or herself of all self-imposed limitations. ~Gerald G. Jampolsky
Last Chance to Pre-Register Today for Accelerated Reiki & Yoga Workshops
2013 continues to herald in the energy of harmony and community, along with an increased sense of service to humanity, finding balance between giving and receiving, making responsible choices, connectedness, peace, and love.
This is a transformative time to empower yourself in ways that will enhance your life and the lives of everyone you touch.
Reiki is a beautiful expression of unconditional love and service that can unite you with others through the source of Universal Life Force Energy.
If you’ve been feeling the desire to connect more deeply, or needing loving support to help bring you back to wholeness from the intense shifts taking place in your life and around you, then taking a journey of the heart to help anchor in the acceleration of experiences, at the core, may be of resonance to you.
Reiki is one tool that can support this and is an option that perfectly mirrors the essence of this year.
Don’t miss out on the pre-registration special discounts that end today. Join others like yourself in a Heart Opening experience that will take you to a new level of living, giving, and receiving in empowering ways.
To pre-register please email at tania@taniamarie.com.
It’s not often I get to the east coast, so I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to connect with everyone there and support this journey, as my greatest joy is in empowering others.
All the exciting details can be found here: New Jersey Workshops
Testimonials from a few past students:
“Tania, you are a reminder of how powerful it is to be of service to others with your love and energy. I am very impressed with the integrity and credibility of your Reiki course. You are very patient, kind and nurturing. I feel as if I was somehow guided to you for your service and energy; the world needs more people like you in this critical stage. I had a longing inside me for a deeper spiritual connection and you provided me with just that. I am grateful and honored that I received my Reiki training through you. Reiki facilitates a deep sense of calm and relaxation in the body-mind-spirit. I plan to incorporate Reiki into my healing work as a nurse, so many people can benefit from this wonderful gift. All one needs to perform Reiki is an open heart, set of hands and a willing spirit. Thank You! Tania, I have been born again.”
Sincerely,
Amanda Barnett, RN, Sparks, NV
“Dear Tania, The moment I saw your photo on your website as I was searching for a Reiki instructor, I knew I had to meet you. I felt an instant rapport that assured me that you could help me transition into a higher awareness and purpose. And I was right! My Reiki I Attunement with you was incredible. My whole life has changed in such a positive way since that day in December 2008. You are a great role model and teacher. Your calm and quiet nature comforts and soothes me. You are wise beyond your human years and I look forward to learning even more from you in the future. Thank you for being there for those of us who are ready to move forward in our journeys.”
Your Friend and Student,
Diana Hooper, Reno, NV
“Thank you so much for the last class! I left feeling like I was “somewhere else.” Happy, just off somewhere. I slept wonderfully. I have a much more calm feeling and far more grounded and at peace than what I had with Reiki 1. That was very happy, light, almost child-like. This is all that with a better feel of direction and purpose. I guess that is the best way to put it. But still, I thank you. And thank you for being a kind and gentle teacher. You don’t even know how much that helps. Thank you for offering ways to help myself, that is mostly what I look for. I don’t care to have things done for me. Plus, that lets me know someone else has faith in me. There is such a gracious, peacefulness about offering Reiki to someone other than yourself. I don’t know how to explain it other than it just fills your heart with so much love. This has been the best investment, other than my children, of my life so far. (both money and time) Thank you again my friend. I can’t even begin to fully express how much you have helped me. Blessings to you.”
Shellie, NV
You can still register for New Jersey, Reno, or Park City Utah workshops after today, but the pre-registration offer will end at midnight tonight. The non-pre-registration prices are still offered at discount from regular prices, so you can still sign up at special offer. Just make sure to do so at least 2 days prior to classes starting, as all registration closes then. Pricing is the same for all of these workshops and is reflected at the link above for New Jersey Workshops.
A reminder on dates:
New Jersey workshops are Saturday 2/9 and Sunday 2/10
Reno workshops are available between Sunday 1/27 and Wednesday 1/30
Park City workshops are available between Sunday 2/17 and Friday 2/22
One Client’s Synchronous “Spiritual Skin” Journey Shared in Her Own Words
As I’ve shared, it’s been so cool to see many of my clients having their sacred tattoo designs brought to life in the flesh this year. 2013 really seems to be an empowering opening for everyone and these Spiritual Skin symbolisms are helping the new energies to take form. I LOVE to hear magickal sharings from others in general about anything, but especially LOVE to hear magickal stories about the individual experiences each person has with their designs, when they actually get inked, the way everything comes together, and how their lives change from the experiences.
One such story of how things came together in synchronous unfolding, is that of Leanne Wierzbicki’s Spiritual Skin journey. I helped co-create a sacred tattoo design for Leanne last year and she just had the piece started, after patiently awaiting the right alignments to take place. In the meantime, she used the design as a meditative piece and a space holder for the new she was evolving and expanding into.
Leanne posted her story on her blog at BreathLiveBelieve just a few days ago that I thoroughly enjoyed her sharing with me. She has graciously given me permission to share it here as well. She not only was guided to the right tattoo artist, divinely, but got through her transformative sitting beautifully with the help of a powerful clear Quartz and snow Quartz crystal friend, some Rescue Remedy, Colour Therapy Peace & Harmony, yoga breath, positive belief, and some vegan samosas in her belly :), and only has the shading now remaining. I can’t wait to see the final creation completed. I hope you enjoy her personal journey with her Spiritual Skin, as shared in her own words.
Here is Leanne’s first post about her sacred tattoo journey coming into being: Intentions Are Manifesting Already
And here is Leanne’s update (as she is going to continually keep us posted as to the unfolding story and completion of the her sacred tattoo): Progress Photos of My Spiritual Skin Journey
If you would like to partner in co-creating your own sacred tattoo design to embody the empowerment you desire, you can contact me at tania@spiritualskin.com.
For more information about the process and pricing please visit: What is a Tattoo Design Consultation
Some people have preferred to read my book, Spiritual Skin, especially if they are new to sacred tattoo designs, before embarking on this journey.
If you are drawn to learn more about sacred tattoos you can order a copy of the book here: Spiritual Skin
It is also available in Kindle and PDF formats here: Spiritual Skin
Guest Article: Art as Therapy for Mental Health Issues by Ryan Rivera of Calm Clinic
I love the continual synchronicity that takes place these days. Today’s post is a guest article from Ryan Rivera, Publisher and Founder of Calm Clinic. His article touches on his insights about “art as therapy” for mental health issues.
I found his article synchronous for several reasons. I, myself, find art to be very therapeutic in my own life and feel that it can have a powerfully transformative effect on the many who are challenged by different forms of anxiety and stress. It also coincides with one of my current focuses of gearing up to teach art workshops: Creating Life as a Work of Art – offering personal and spiritual growth through the process of creative expression.
So when Ryan contacted me with his article we felt it to be a good fit to share.
A little about Ryan:
Ryan Rivera has spent 7 years of his life suffering from, as he calls it, the “whole package” – panic attacks, severe anxiety, agoraphobia, social anxiety, unbearable physical symptoms, headaches, neck pains, constant tension, diarrhea, palpitations, pounding heart. After trying numerous different treatments for his anxiety (including various medications) a tipping-point in his life made him overcome his emotional problems. Ryan made a number of “huge leaps” toward anxiety elimination and a more fulfilling life. His successes inspired and gave him determination to help other people who suffer from the same condition as he did and show them the light at the end of the tunnel.
His website, Calm Clinic, offers a plethora of information and help for panic and anxiety sufferers in manageable and holistic ways. He reveals the reality about medications and quick fixes, and offers insights and a variety of helpful tips so you can make educated decisions. He feels that curing the issues is a process and long term plans, as well as realistic strategies and tips, can help daily reduction of experiences. Some of these include: exercise, better sleep, understanding your anxiety, breathing, visualization, and relaxation techniques, lifestyle and dietary changes, eliminating stimulants and destructive habits, improving your internal dialogue, etc. – art therapy being one of the ways you can support this process.
Here is Ryan’s article:
Art as Therapy for Mental Health Issues
My friend is a talented artist. She puts her heart and soul into her work. She paints from her emotion, without reference objects or photos to ensure that her work is realistic or clean. She has never been good at math or science or writing, but she is the definition of art: a person that puts the way they feel on paper, without worrying about marketability or social acceptance.
But while she has an artist’s soul, she lacks an artist’s technical talent. She couldn’t paint an accurate still-life, even with all the time in the world, and any time she attempts to paint people they end up looking like fan art anime characters. This lack of technical talent has made it difficult to find a career in art, where many galleries want proof of technical talent before they accept the value of a person’s art.
Yet this hasn’t stopped her in the slightest. She continues to paint away, subsidizing her art with a low salary cashiering job. One day I asked her how she stays motivated, even with all of the gallery rejections, and she shrugged and said “it makes me feel better.”
Using Art As An Outlet
I strongly believe that my friend is going to be accepted within the artist community someday soon. All it takes is that one gallery owner – or that one coffee shop owner – to realize her talent as a true artist and she’s destined for great things. But what struck me most was that even if she didn’t become a “successful artist,” she didn’t care. Her art made her happy. Her art made her content. And that is the definition of success.
Art has long been considered a creative emotional outlet. Many artists – both those with severe mental health issues and those without – have turned to art as a way of releasing their emotions. But what is it about art that makes it so valuable?
Little research has been completed on art therapy for adult populations. But there are several reasons that engaging in art may be valuable for dealing with anxiety and other mental health issues:
- Healthy Distraction – Its primary benefit is as a distraction. What many people don’t realize is that anxiety affects the way you think. It’s natural to want to be “alone” when stressed, but when you’re alone your mind has a tendency to focus and dwell on negative feelings and experiences. Art is a healthy way to relieve that distraction. You cannot do art without focus, and so it stops you from focusing too much on negative thoughts.
- Accomplishment – Art also provides a feeling of accomplishment. With each stroke, you add something to the art piece, giving you a sense that you’re completing something meaningful to you. Not everyone completes their art, but most people still feel that positive feeling of accomplishment as they continue working on the piece.
- Emotional Outlet – It’s widely believed that art also gives you a chance to express yourself on paper. The piece itself is often based on what is on the person’s mind and how they feel, and many scientists believe that color choices and painting/drawing styles may change depending on the mood of the artist.
There are so many reasons to believe that art itself is a powerful tool for controlling anxiety and depression symptoms, that it should arguably be one of the first tools that experts use to help people with their daily coping needs.
An Anxiety Solution
Is art itself likely to cure someone of all of their anxieties and stresses? Probably not. Anxiety goes much deeper than any single outlet can provide, and most people turn to art as a way to express thoughts and emotions that are the result of anxiety – not stop that anxiety from coming altogether.
But as a coping tool, art has some very profound benefits, and it is absolutely worth exploring regardless of your own artistic talents.
About the Author: Ryan Rivera has used art regularly for years as one of his daily stress coping tools. His anxiety information strategies can be found at Calm Clinic.
Tania Marie 