I asked a yoga instructor in my community for a private session. I want to develop a home practice that honors my body where it is now. I’ve been coping with injuries and perceived limitations. It messes with my mind and spirit. I am trying to let go, blossom, and unfold.

I would like to bloom, like a flower mandala each petal a lesson I can share with others. I am a healer and envision running and owning a healing spa with art and bodywork.

May Full Moon Dreamboard, 2012

On my last day off work for the next 13 days, I headed out to the woods, driving far to avoid the crowds at popular locations in Marquette, Michigan. I found myself at the Yellow Dog Falls out on County Road 510. I needed to reconnect to the energy of the earth and believe in the magic that shapes and shifts thru our days.

I thank all those who have visited this blog recently and for the kind and supportive comments. I feel neglectful for not having more time in the day to visit all of your blogs–but the day will come where time is abundant and self-directed. I feel the energy you’ve shared and my heart is grateful.

-Namaste

Wishcasting Wednesday with Jamie Ridler asks us, “What do you wish to jump into?” Oh how I LOVE the question, for on Wishcasting Wednesday I had  jumped into International Soul Art Day. A restless night waking at 5 a.m., followed a 9-hour day at work with no lunch, picking up my framing for a gallery hanging later this week, and I still committed to take part. So at 7:30 p.m., I began with the thought of the light beyond an image in a photograph. That we are all energy. That I need healing. And also staying mindful of my preparation for the Reiki course I’m taking part in later this month.

I knew I would map my hands or feet. I meditated and set my hands to the drawing pad and my head followed.

I want to jump into Art and Healing and the belief that my creativity will sustain the life I choose.

Jamie Ridler asks viewers this month  what we’re dreaming under this Full Pink Moon and what needs tending. Finding the answers elusive I turned to the phrase, “What is Essential to me?” I waited for images and words to surface. I listened for that inner knowing. Each time I’d grasp for a dream, my body would ache and mourn.

• My dreams of running a half marathon seem elusive as I’m nurturing a back injury, mending, albeit slowly.
• My dreams of returning to my healing practice as a massage therapist seem elusive as well due to my physical connection. My National Cerification lapsed, and new legislation is pending in the State of Michigan that will require me to re-test.
• My dreams of building my yoga practice are on hold as I heal from injury.

Each time I reach for a goal or dream, I have to edit, shift, breathe, and adaptat.

I feel held back by my physical body, medical debt, and the slow healing process.

There was a time in my life where I could make a strong intention and make steps toward fulfilling that dream.

Now, I tell myself the universe must be trying to tell me something I cannot yet realize.

I do feel forward motion in the following areas:

• Many years ago I took level 1 and 2 of Reiki. But since so much change has occurred in my life, I felt compelled to participate in a new class. Later this month I will be attuned with Reiki energy and work toward an energetic healing practice.
• I have left my old “day job” and found a new full-time position.
• I continue to take photos and develop skills as a photographer.
• I am able to walk, again, and hike short distances.

The plan to move forward will be to honor my body and it’s needs in order to facilitate healing. To allow myself rest and creative outlets. And to listen for what the Creator has planned for me.

My dreamboard shows I might be willing to walk, rather than run (at least for now). That it is essential to be outdoors, to have options, choices and adventures. I see a nest with a feather which symbolizes nurturing, safety, and eventual flight. This is hopeful (smile).

You, too,  can join Jamie Ridler, myself and others in making vision boards on the full moon.

Making Michigan Magic with Kim Nixon
April 1, 2012
In my own backyard
Apple Tree Budding

Today is cool and misty, fog blows in off the big lake. I am coping with back pain and must make do with a couple of shots of the backyard. I hope that spring will not pass me by.

Making Michigan Magic with Kim Nixon
April 1, 2012
In my own backyard
Grape Hyacinth

The trees are getting soft with young leaves. My life feels misty and out of focus. I try to look at what’s unfolding with a soft gaze, not judging, but letting it blends with my psyche. I try to exhale.

March Full Moon Dreamboard, 2012 ~ Artist Kim Nixon

Jamie Ridler asks this month, “What’s stirring?” March is the Full Worm month, the month when “…the earth starts to soften and the burrowers of her soil find their way to the surface.”

How exciting to start experiencing change in my life. I’ve been seeking clarity and direction.

I am experiencing change in my:

• Health
• Employment
• Friendships
• Family
• and in my Dreams.

With change there is some upheaval, but I am trying to stay in the moment and at peace.

The images in my collage were surprising. The elephant, Ganesha, is often seen as the remover of all obstacles. The Hummingbird a tireless winged creature that survives in spite of its small size. The woman is not running but walking, and she is walking into the future or into the unknown. Free your mind and your body will follow is a strong message as injuries have been bothersome and my health very challenging the last few months.

I want to be running, but seem willing to walk. And I am willing to walk into the future. I asked God to provide me with clarity, to assist in narrowing my focus so I’m less scattered. I am trusting the process.

Join Jamie Ridler and others at Jamie Ridler Studios to learn more about Full Moon Dreamboards.

Next month is the Full Pink Moon on April 6th. You can start gathering your images under the new moon March 22.

In my current job, I rarely work a 5-day workweek followed by a weekend; getting two-days off in a row can be a challenge. To stay full-charged means dipping into the well for a refreshing drink each day. It keeps me creative.

After a particular stressful 4-day work stretch I needed to let go of some negative energy, and creating is a great release. I came home to gear-up for a photo-walk and almost gave in to the pull of the couch, but I put on an extra layer of clothing, my boots, and headed out to a world of white.

Dead River, Forestville ~ Photographer Kim Nixon

I often find putting my feet upon the earth and following my intuition starts a healing conversation. Maybe this is some Yoda-like energy charge, like The Force in Star Wars. Regardless, some connection is achieved, and usually a few worthy photos are captured in the process.

How do you stay full-charged? Please share a comment.

Deyoungs Family Zoo~Photographer Kim Nixon

“Where do you wish to be fierce?” Asks Jamie Ridler at Jamie Ridler Studios.

Mike and I planned his birthday trip last year and it was to be two-nights away from home, a trip to Deyoungs Family Zoo and a photo journey.

One of the days, I fell ill with Celiac related symptoms and had to lay upon a picnic table staring at the sky while he took photos and I pretended to be “just fine” as not to ruin his good time. It was wonderful. Seriously. I did not need to go back to the hotel. Laying on the picnic table with the sounds of lions and tigers roaring was exotic. But, yes, I was disappointed. Here I was in photographer heaven, too ill to play. But I’m always look for the silver lining. The hope. The light. The next breath where everything can change as we exhale.

My symptoms cleared and in the evening we went exploring and I found inspiration in new landscapes on the Menominee River. We decided to go back to Deyoungs the next day. I was learning to take what the creator gives me and persevere.

Menominee River Mystery-Boat ~ Photographer Kim Nixon

The coping skills learned on our vacation offered hints of where to go next in my life’s journey. They’ve been whispering in my ear ever since. At time I was afraid to listen. And so it has taken nearly a year for me to take serious actions toward a different future. I’m not being hard on myself. I was nurturing and mending my body and soul. Suckling dreams. So they can grow!

Snow Mercat ~ Photographer Kim Nixon

Where do you wish to be FIERCE? I will be fierce as I shift and change, create and live the life I deserve. I will use my talents to help others. I will look at my world with creative eyes. I will nourish and heal my body. I will share the wildness I see as photographer.

This is a photo from my backyard. I returned home from a day of facing-up to things. And I was still mulling over the question from Wednesday and I was disappointed for not accomplishing my Wishcasting Wednesday post.

I decided to make a post on Thursday, as I make necessary changes in my daily life the question of How do you wish to spend your time? is very pertinent. Pertinent and yet, frightful.

I was worried that if I am frightened how do I achieve abundant thinking? How do I make that energetic shift?

I needed hope after my physical therapist gave me the latest news which included–don’t practice yoga for a bit. No twists, No forward bends. No stretching. And sit with a lumbar pillow.

Facebook Status I

Bolstering Hope–the theme of my day as I face the challenges of my life/style. Bought myself carnations on clearance. Found a wonderful scarf at Goodwill. Counted change for a latte. Went to physical therapy. Documented on documents and set appointments to ensure a healthy future. Talked with artists, friends, and worked on building a supportive network. I am a strong person and I can rise to any challenge. And, yes, the tropical aroma of the carnations help ;-)

Facebook Status II

Planning brings certain words to mind: Positive. Social. Spirit-based. Energetic. Balanced. Service. Healing. Smiles. Assist. Beauty. Fresh. Natural. Organic. Warm. Eco-Conscious. Love. Light. Fit. Supportive.

But the big question still looms!

How do you wish to spend my time?

• I’d like to read for long periods of time.
• I’d like to take photos and publish them frequently.
• I’d like to write articles and get back to journaling.
• I’d like to heal my injuries and feel confident enough to retrain for a career.

There are many ways I wish to spend my time. Tonight, I’m going to finish some chores and return to daily journaling.

Join Jamie Ridler and her followers in WishcastingWednesday!

And I joyously cheer …

C-H-A-N-G-E!

A-B-U-D-A-N-C-E!

S-U-S-T-A-I-N-A-B-L-E Living!

H-O-P-E!

It is a leap year month, and there is something about the 29-days in February that inspires me to break out of the norm and shake-up my existence with a little extra creative movement.

In February, I seek color. Blue Ice. Blue Sky. Pink Hearts. Brilliant orange of sunrise. Floating waves of the Northern Lights. A barn with billowing snow drifts and crisp sky on a country road.

Today, I stopped by the Zero Degree Artist Gallery on 3rd Street in Marquette, Michigan. I wanted to treat myself to some local art and buy a couple of gifts for Valentine’s Day. I am a participating artist at Zero Degrees and I really enjoy the space. Each artist brings a unique vision.

One of the changes I want to manifest this year is more art in my life! More time to develop art, learn new mediums, expand my knowledge of photography, and add new products. I want to pop off the 2D-Land of wall-art and  into objects with purpose and play.

Artist Melissa Hronkin

I want to become sustainable, work for myself, increase my abundance and livelihood with my own joyful pursuits.

Today I was inspired by Melissa Hronkin and her “Bee the Change” shirts. I’ve been meaning to purchase one. I like having positive mantras and focal points in my surroundings and on my being.

Melissa is a wonderful artist and works with beeswax as both a bee-keeper and artist. She does wonderful encaustic art, greeting cards, re-purposed tee-shirts and more.

Bee the Change!

I have been trying to hop outta my box like it is a bad-thing, this box=bad box? But then inspired by Melissa I began to think of my box as a hive. Where my mind has been busy. Working. Forming, sweetness.

Stay tuned as I take flight and share sweetness!

Artist Melissa Hronkin