With all that we hear about algorithms, whether it's with social media, email, investing, or any other sector of the market place, timing seems to be everything. There always seems to be something that needs to be kept a close eye on in order for us to gain traction, make progress or make us feel like we're getting somewhere, otherwise, we can just feel like a hamster on a wheel, going around in circles. 

This often occurs because we're not centered, grounded or aligned with Who We Are, but instead, we're focused on everything else around us, which can be confusing, disorienting and downright frustrating, especially when we feel like we've missed the mark somewhere and haven't cracked the proverbial nut. 

It's time to get out of the "rat race" of expectation, obligation and frustration and come back to ourselves. Paying attention to our own creative rhythms, to our intuitive nudges, to those signals and signs that tell us to slow down or even STOP when necessary. 

That's why it's so important to get QUIET so we can hear what our inner wisdom is telling us instead of just listening to the Noise that never stops. 

When we choose to Deliberately Tune In to that Inner Guidance, our GPS of the soul, we will see and feel a very different picture, one that is calm, orderly, creative, fun, restful, relaxing, healing and just Right. 

Journaling is one of my favorite ways to Tune In and really find clarity on what needs to be let go of so I can Make Space for more of what brings me JOY and what Energizes me. That's how I create my own Personal Algorithm rather than allowing outside influences to dictate how I spend my time and energy. As I do this, I begin to see more clearly what direction to take so that I don't become overwhelmed and depleted. 

(Click on either image below to get The ART of Journaling Toolbox and The ART of Journaling Prompt PLAY Book and find out more of what you'll receive. Take your journaling practice to the next level and never be bored again!) 

Recently I did some investigating in my journal (in connection with a card pull I did for clarity on abundance--see this link to find out more about mycard decks) and followed up with two specific lists I wrote, one for what brings me JOY and one for what Energizes me. I have shared this list below to give you an idea of what really matters to me. Perhaps you'll want to journal your own lists. (One of my power tools in my Toolbox!) 

My List of What Brings Me JOY
Bird flight!
Mockingbirds singing
Sunflowers
QUIET
Connecting with another who focuses on JOY
Connecting with another who also keeps a journal
Hearing affirming words from my spouse
Delicious food I cook for myself
Vibrant Color
Jewelry that enhances my attire
An Empowering and/or amusing message I relate to
Design ideas that light me up
Having Creative Conversation when we get to the Heart of it
Positive feedback on my offerings
Song Writing and playing my tambourine

My List of What Energizes Me
Creative Conversation
Journaling Conversation
Resonating Engagement with folks on Social Media
Watching Bird Flight
doodling which is also relaxing
Laughing with my spouse
When someone shares my content
Listening to inspiring music that empowers
When I gain traction from action
​Looking at art that inspires me

So, there you have it. These lists Inform where my energy should go and in what form they should take. I must take this list deeply to heart and really listen to what it tells me. I must be honest with myself about what needs to be changed in order to make Space for what is on these lists. 
​
That means letting go of my own expectations and perhaps, the expectations of others. Sometimes when we say no to something, someone ends up disappointed. But self-care is of primary importance and should not be relegated below what could appear to be an obligation. 

Instead, I take action to create the proper shift in my energy, my mindset, my emotions, and in my soul and spirit, to align more fully with Who I Am in all of my life dimensions. And that includes asking myself what I have been neglecting so I can tend to what matters most. 

Make your own list today and see what it is telling you. Listen carefully. And then take action to make whatever change is necessary to align with your own personal algorithm. And let go of the one that is no longer serving you, even if you created it for yourself. I give you permission to make these changes without guilt. I know how hard it can be to say no when you've been saying less for too long. Release yourself and be personally empowered. 

And May JOY Align with Your Creative Heart. 

Copyright 2019 Dawn Herring 

I'm excited to share with you another episode (11) of Refresh Daily Podcast titled, Heart and Home, with special guest, Annie Morgan Preece, Artist, Vocalist, and creative in the home, with a special emphasis on the heart when it comes to creative expression. Annie shares her full artistic and musical history, as well as her cooking dynamic, journaling and mothering. I trust whether you choose to listen (on the left) or watch (on the right), that you will come away inspired to Find Your Creative Voice as Artist of Your Life. Annie was funny, informative and shares from her heart in a way that is sure to touch yours. EnJOY. 

​Annie Morgan Preece is an oil painter. She grew up watching Bob Ross rather than cartoons on Saturday mornings and spent a lot of time drawing as a kid. She took art classes in school and played with various mediums. As she grew older she became more involved in music and eventually set art aside completely at the beginning of high school to focus on singing. After pursuing music and family through college and her twenties, she finally rediscovered art in her early thirties, giving oil paints a try for the first time, and fell in love with their buttery richness. Annie spends her time caring for her children, making a home, and creating art. She believes art influences the family dynamic in unique ways and creates art that helps families feel connected to each other and their home. She resides in Salt Lake City, Utah with her husband and four children.
​
You can find her on Instragram at @AnnieMorganPreece 
You can find Dawn on Instagram at @RefreshwithDawnHerring 

If you're looking for some inspiration and fun ways to write your next journal entry, just click on either image above and get The Art of Journaling Toolbox and The Art of Journaling Prompt PLAY Book, filled with 7 Power Tools to keep your journaling fun, fresh and fabulous, along with 31 prompts, questions and image suggests so you can PLAY! 

Also, I have provided the current planner I am using in case you want one of your own, The At A Glance for 2019 that I mentioned in the interview. I am currently using the weekly planner which is great for everything I need to keep track of. 

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

If you'd like to read previous blog posts:
What's Worth Celebrating
​Your Journaling "Why" (1st part of a series, The Art of Journaling)

As I look back on the previous week, I began to see a thread that connected much of my activity and experience with my reading, watching, conversing, connecting and launching. It was a week full of excitement, preparation, anticipation, and sharing good news with family and the world! 

On my book shelf, I've been diving deeply into research on autism, looking to understand more comprehensively the mind of my grandson. As I determined what to start with, I managed to find several titles, one from a husband's point of view, one from a child's point of view and one from a mother's point of view. The first title is The Journal of Best Practices written by David Finch, husband and father looking to improve his relationships despite the challenges he faces with autism after being diagnosed after he got married. As I read through his transformation, I could see how life and relationships are worth celebrating especially when there were struggles initially. I appreciated his humor and point of view especially when being very specific about the way he thinks. Quite the detailed picture.

The next title was The Reason I Jump by Naomi Higashida, a 13 year old boy with autism. This young man does a Q&A so he can share what it's like to have an autistic mind and how it effects his communication, his body, and his emotions. This was quite the revealing read, especially coming from a child's point of view, which I appreciated.

The third title, called, The Spark, is written by a Mother, Kristine Barnett, who's first born son has autism and what she does to enable her son to function on a higher level so he can communicate and thrive in his gifts. This mother's heart is so BIG, not just for her own kids but for many others, both with autism and without. Her story is courageous and heroic, incredibly moving (got the handkerchief handy!), inspiring and enlightening. 

I celebrate the efforts of each person to express the struggles and the triumphs of either living with someone with autism or having it themselves.  It also have given me a deeper look into the mind of my grandson and what his struggles must be like, whether in communicating or behaving. The "Why" behind it all is enlightening, and eye opening. (If you're interested in the topic of Autism, I've included these book below so you can check them out.)

As an Amazon Associate,  I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Another thread of Celebration came when I conversed with my parents recently, and when Mom answered the phone, the first thing she wanted to express was the fact that I was a guest on a live radio show, being interviewed by Andrea Lewis, host of Heal Past Wounds and Bring JOY Back. Mom was so excited to hear my interview and Dad commented on my becoming a Celebrity! This made me laugh, feeling affirmed and loved by my parents and celebrating with me with this new experience I had. I did have such a great time talking to Andrea and knowing Mom listened and enJOYed it made me feel deep JOY. 

And my final and really exciting thread of Celebration was connected to my ART, and more specifically to my most recent launch of 12 Paintings, "Beginnings" Watercolor Series, in my ART Store! I went LIVE on Instagram and Facebook to share my JOY of releasing these paintings in my ART Store and why they are special to me,  as I tapped in the medium of watercolor and felt like I was finally creating from the heart. 

I also released a new Doodle ART collection in my ART Store, filled with stickers, buttons, keychains and magnets with fun, colorful doodles I shared from my personal journal so you can use them too! My aim and goal is creativity, journaling and finding your creative voice as artist of your life. 

Along with Finding Your Creative Voice in your journal, sign up today to receive my resources, The ART of Journaling Toolbox and Prompt PLAY Book, perfect places to find inspiration for your next journal entry, especially if you're just starting out. (You can also read, Your Journaling "Why".) 

Journaling Prompt:
Detail something that you want to Celebrate in your journal, something unsung or what might be perceived as insignificant, but you deem marvelous. 

Art Journal Prompt:
Create a Spread of Celebration tying in several experiences that you want to focus on, whether just personally or with others who were a part of what you want to detail. 
​
Doodle Prompt:
Using "Celebration" or "Celebrate" as you word  prompt, really have fun embellishing this doodle like you're having a party!! 

Copyright 2019 Dawn Herring 

Hello friends, creatives, journal keepers, small business owners and those looking to Find Their Creative Voice. Today I would like to share some tips on Journaling, especially for those who are just starting or want to start a journaling practice. What I share here is intended to help you build a strong, empowering foundation from the very beginning so that you'll want to come back to your journal again and again because you enJOY it so much! 

This post, Your Journaling "Why" is the first in a series I plan to share here at Refresh Daily, with the aim and goal of giving you  a step by step guide toward personal empowerment with journal keeping. 

Today I would like to ask the question: Why do you want to keep a journal? 

There can be a myriad of reasons: 
1. You have heard that journaling can be beneficial for well being, for personal and emotional expression on the page. 
2. You have seen others keep journals, whether through text, image or a mix of both, and you are curious about starting one of your own. 
3. You enJOY writing and thought journaling would give you a similar benefit. 
4. You've had other friends encourage you to try journal writing even though you have no idea where to start. 
5. You think it might be fun. 

Now all of these reasons can be completely legitimate and true. It can be truly inspiring to see others using their journals, to hear about the benefits of journaling and to use writing as a way to express yourself. 

My goal and aim is to encourage you to reflect on the deeper "why" of this desire to record your thoughts in a book for safe keeping. When we determine what we hope to derive from such a practice, it can help us determine how to go about it so we can experience more longevity. 

To help you get started and inspired, you are more than welcome to click on either image below and receive my 2 resources, The Art of Journaling Toolbox that contains 7 Power Tools for journal writing and The ART of Journaling Prompt PLAY Book, which contains 31 prompts, questions and image suggestions to bring more PLAY into your day! 

Let me share with you my "Whys" for Journaling. 
Journaling, for me, gives a place to express my Creative Voice, to record my intuitive hits (for a written track record when my intuition hits the bulls eye!), to hash out what is working for me creatively, to express my angst when boundaries are necessary for my well being, and to have a written record of my life insights and happenings, which are extremely important to me. Other reasons are for Clarity, Fun, Connection with Spirit, and a place to practice my doodling/hand lettering fun each evening. (Purchase the current journal/sketchbook that I'm using right now.) 

So, what do You have in mind for the reason you would like to start one? How about recognizing patterns, especially ones that are no longer serving you, so you can create new ones that will enhance your well being and self-care? This ultimately initiates positive change that leads to personal empowerment. 

Are you looking for something specific? Do you just want to have fun and see how it goes? Do you want to dive deeper into Who You Are and take a listen to The Higher Voice inside you that can tell you what you want to know? 

I encourage you to give journaling a try. Use the resources, The ART of Journaling Tool Box and Prompt PLAY Book, that I have for you so you can get a jumpstart and not lose momentum. The 7 Power Tools keep things fresh so you don't have to do the same thing on repeat (unless you want to). Sometimes, folks get bored just writing down the same thoughts every day. These power tools will help you keep it fresh, fun and fabulous. Just click on either image above. 

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

My aim and desire for you is to find your perfect sweet spot when it comes to journaling, and determining Why is a great first step toward getting a strong start that can make all the difference between journaling regularly with JOY and getting stuck and bored and forgetting about it altogether. 

Journaling Prompt:
Start this entry by writing down three reasons you want to keep a journal. Be completely honest even if you think your reason is silly or outside the box. Determine which reason most resonates with you and go deeper with it in your journal, beyond Scratching the Surface. 

Art Journal Prompt:
Using the word WHY in your spread, cut out letters or words to express your biggest reason to keep a visual journal. 

Doodle Prompt:
"Why" can be a starting point word plus using Question Marks to highlight your reason. 

Read these blog posts for more inspiration: 
Scratching the Surface with Sketchbooks
Communicating Clearly 
Book Review on Joyful by Ingrid Fetell Lee
​
Copyright Text 2019 Dawn Herring 
Copyright Header 2019 Dawn Herring 

Hello friends, journal keepers, creatives, artists and small business owners. I am excited to share with you the replay of The ART of JOY with Dawn Herring  interview hosted by Andrea Lewis, from her live Radio Show, Heal Past Wounds and Bring JOY Back, which took place on March 7. We chatted about how journaling is a power tool for personal empowerment, my artistic and journaling practices and how JOY can be simple to incorporate into day to day life. 
I thoroughly enJOYed our conversation and trust that you will be inspired and get motivated to start your journaling practice or to take it to the next level, as well as have impetus to Find Your Creative Voice. EnJOY and do leave a comment below with your feedback. We'd love to hear from you! 

Hello friends, artists, creatives, journal keepers and small business owners. This post I'm sharing is focused on art supplies and specifically on sketchbooks. But before I get into the specifics with my recent experience, I wanted to share with you my sketchbook story. 

I've been hearing for years that every artist should have a sketchbook. And I have often seen sketches as examples from those given where I have run into this subject matter. I have never done much sketching, the type of drawing that is rough, with no erasing, etc. That approach, to me, has always felt awkward and pointless, like, what am I going to do with this now that I've sketched it? 

Of course, as I have grown as an Artist and have seen work over the years, I understand that sketching is like studying for the Artist. It helps the artist become familiar with the subject matter they are working with. Going from finding the subject, to experimenting with different compositions, and then planning the colors, medium and approach for a final work of art. 

This has not been my experience until recently. Up to that point, I always replicated from images with my pencil, colored pencil and other mediums I've learned and worked with. Then, once I discovered watercolor, my approach has always been intuitive, rather than planning the composition ahead of time. This intuitive process requires a lot of trust in my own instincts and being willing to take risks when feeling uncertain. 

In my recent Artistic work, I have had several focal points and mediums I've tapped into: fashion illustration, hand lettering and illustration, and creating designs based on subject matter important to me. 

So, I have come to appreciate the essence and purpose of a sketchbook as I tap into different possibilities with fashion sketching, determining the subject matter in a new design that I'm now sketching to see where the different parts will fit together, as well as making decisions about what type of lettering to use when crafting a header for my blog or creating a new design for a new series in my art store. 

Sketching has become a more primary focal point for me as an Artist and Designer to help me work out the essence of what I want to create as well as the specifics of how I want my design to look aesthetically. 

In my recent Artistic journey, I completed a previous sketchbook that I've used for a couple of years, filled with headers and hand lettered artwork that I have used and continue to use on my website/blog, in my marketing on social media representing my products and services plus the JOY Design Series that are now available in my Art Store. (I now offer that same service to small business owners with Dawn's Dynamic Designs: Hand Lettering and Illustration.) 
​
Since I completed the sketchbook recently (see image on the right below), I decided to pull out the next sketchbook that I had stocked in  my studio. I sketched out my 2nd design in my Lyric Line Series and began to fill it with color. But unfortunately, the quality of the paper in this other sketchbook was thinner and did not produce the smooth look once the color was applied. Of course, since this design would be scanned, I tested it out and I wasn't pleased with the result. So, what to do? 

Should I look for another sketchbook that would match the quality of the previous one or try something totally different? I decided to look for the UPC code on the sketchbook I had filled and found it on Amazon. Yay! I ordered another one right away. But I also ventured out to an art supply store and picked up a set of marker paper from Strathmore (my favorite brand for creating watercolor paintings), since it was markers I've been working with to create my Hand Lettering and Illustration. 

This past week, after getting the marker paper and ordering a new sketchbook identical to the one I just filled, I decided to start with the marker paper for my next Lyric Line design (a series of art I'm creating based on lyrics I've written over the past few months). 

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

I'm excited to try this new product of marker paper to see what the difference is with the medium I use to create Hand Lettering and Illustration, whether the color is more vibrant, how smooth the application is, and if I'm pleased with the final result, as much if not more so, than previously. (I also decided that the other sketchbook will work great for writing and pencil work.) 

It sometimes takes experimentation to determine what works for us as Artists of our Lives. When something doesn't work, we can appreciate even more what does work and relish the qualities of what we love as we determine our next steps, our steps toward creativity and JOY. 

Journaling Prompt:
Have you experienced using one product, switching to something else and then deciding to get the original product again since you liked it so much? Detail this experience, comparing the two, and relish your appreciation for what does work for you. 

Art Journal Prompt:
Create a spread showcasing the aesthetic of something you really love that you use all the time. Try to get below the surface and tap into how it makes you feel. 

Doodle Prompt: 
Using your favorite writing implement, doodle the words that describe why you love this item so much and why you keep using it. 

If you would like to read previous blog posts:
Catch the replay of Andrea Lewis interviewing me for Heal Past Wounds and Get JOY Back
Communicating Clearly
Book Review on JOYFul by Ingrid Fetell Lee 
​
Please note: The links on this page may be affiliate links for products I use. 

Copyright 2019  text and header by Dawn Herring 


​

Hello friends, creatives, journal keepers, artists, and small business owners! It's good to be with you again to share my insights on the past week as a Creative, Artist, Journal Keeper, Grandma, wife and friend. 

The thread that really showed itself this week was on communication and how important communicating clearly is, to meet goals, to enhance the family dynamic, to recognize the​ value of my perspective as woman and creative. 

One way that communication really stood out to me was through affirmations in my personal journal (you can see the one I'm currently using which is available below!) and really taking the time to verbalize what I desire and record it at the same time. This is something new I'm delving into during my spiritual practice (it continues to amaze me how important my Connection with Spirit really is--every day!). It has helped to define my goals, see the importance of family, and affirming Who I Am as Artist and Creative and how all the elements of my life intertwine and influence each other. From food choices to time to create to spending time with my husband. So, this was an invaluable beginning, not something I've done before. So, communicating with my Self and with Spirit as I verbalized was the focal point here. 

Being able to speak my mind and set boundaries for self-care was another way of communication that was important to me. Recognizing stress points and choosing how to  discern what needs to be done to keep myself on track, with the aim and goal to create a relaxing, restful, quiet environment where I can thrive. 

Another path of communication has been through chatting behind the scenes with those who support me, cheer me on, and are interested in my message and in my purpose here at Refresh with Dawn Herring. Being understood and appreciated is invaluable to me and hearing from those who are paying attention and reflecting the value of what I provide back to me has been super inspiring! 

One of my paths of communication with you is through my complimentary resources, The ART of Journaling Toolbox and The ART of Journaling Prompt PLAY Book. If you haven't already signed up and received these two downloads, you're welcome to click on either image below and get ready to either start journaling for the first time or get fresh inspiration to take your journaling practice to the next level! Prompts and Power Tools are ready and waiting for you to tap into the positive change you can initiate on the pages of your journal. Get ready to PLAY! 

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

 I find it so important to communicate first with My Self and with Spirit. That's where I find the most clarity and direction for my day, especially on issues that either split hairs or directly impact my well being based on how I choose to act. 

When I get clear on my own direction, what I hear others tell me either resonates or feels false, so it's easier for me to turn off the video, put down the book, or file away something I no longer need or simply hit delete. (There is something liberating about eliminating what could feel like clutter!) 

Where are the communication lines most open in your space, in your heart, in your mind, in your spirit? Are you listening carefully to the truths ready to be shown to you? 
I recognize the necessity to be honest with my Self, whether I'm writing in my journal or reckoning with a situation that requires careful action. This enhances Communication so it's clear and resonant. 

And the best communication is sincere and comes from the heart. Thank you for reading this blog post; I want to communicate clearly that you are valued and appreciated. And if you want to stay in communication outside of this blog and social media, you are welcome to subscribe. I'd love to have you in my Refresh with Dawn Herring Community where I share what is inspiring me with the aim of helping you Find Your Creative Voice. I look forward to connecting with you! 

Journaling Prompt:
How do you communicate with your Self? Do you use affirmations, answer questions? What is the best form of communication for you: is it visual (collage or doodling), text (like quotes or blog posts) or video (watching an interview or inspiring directives). Listen carefully and record what resonates and what feels false. 

Art Journaling Prompt:
Using images of communication, create a spread that showcases what you see and hear communicated to you about yourself. What is it telling you right now? 

Doodling Prompt:
Either draw an old fashioned telephone or words coming out of a mouth; you can also use the word communicate as your focal point. 

Read these previous posts:
Joyful Book Review
My Meditative Mind
Patterns and Poignant Moments 


Copyright 2019 Dawn Herring
​Copyright 2019 Images by Dawn Herring 

Hello friends, creatives, journal keepers, artists and small business owners! 

I'm excited to share with you a book review for Joyful by Ingrid Fetell Lee. I originally found this title visually on Pinterest (​​follow me at Refresh with Dawn Herring); and I'm sure if you've known me for any length of time, that you would know that anything with JOY in the title is sure to get my attention! 

So I knew I had to get my hands on a copy, and I'm so glad I did. Ingrid is detailed, comprehensive and fun in her study on JOY as she dives deep into what initiates JOY from our Surroundings and WHY that happens. 

Through many interviews with architects, artists, designers and others who incorporate deliberate JOY into what they do, she showcases the initiators of JOY. Examples are color, shape, dynamic, energy, inspiration and a myriad of approaches to what can bring us JOY and Why. 

I love how she categorizes her 10 topical chapters (energy, abundance, freedom, harmony, play, surprise, transcendence, magic, celebration, renewal) and her comprehensive approach to sharing what each one represents, both seamlessly and with great detail. 

I enjoyed my reading of Joyful; it gave me new appreciation for my surroundings and even some ideas that I can incorporate into my space. I really loved her focus on abundance, giving examples of confetti, a ton of balloons, bubbles, and repeating wall paper as examples of what can bring us JOY visually and why it has such an impact on us. Yes, there is a science to it all! 

Somehow, this title, Joyful, really affirmed what I have already discovered and experienced as a JOY focused creative, and it just made me smile knowing that I've got this whole JOY thing right! We can have more JOY in our lives by deliberately choosing what is in our surroundings, how we decorate, how we dress, and how we connect with others in community. 

Love this quote from the book: "At the Heart of Celebration is a kind of mathematical paradox: the more we share joy, the more it grows." 

Ingrid does such a splendid job on this title, Joyful, that I wholly recommend it. Plus she offers several resources to help you figure how best to approach your choices in creating more JOY in your life every day. 

Thank you so much, Ingrid, for writing this book; it was a true blessing to read it and I'm delighted to share it with my readers. 

P.S. I've included Ingrid's TED Talk below, Where JOY Hides and How to Find it. 

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

As an avid journal keeper, I know it can be helpful to have more than one approach to journaling to keep it relevant, revealing and renewing, as well as a prompt or question to keep things fun, fresh and fabulous. You can now receive all this journal keeping support with The ART of Journaling Tool Box, filled with 7 Power Tools for your journaling as well as The ART of Journaling Prompt PLAY Book, filled with 31 prompts, questions and image suggestions to PLAY with in your journaling practice. Whether you're just getting started or looking for some fresh starting points, the resources are simply Perfect for Powerful Playing that leads to personal empowerment. Just click on either image and get started! And let me know which ones are working for YOU right now. 

Journaling Prompt:
Look at your surroundings and do an analysis in your journal about what you like the most about areas in your home and what you would like to change to make it more JOYful and aligned with Who You Are as Artist of Your Life. 

Art Journal Prompt:
Have fun with some JOYful images that encapsulate how you want to feel with more JOY in your life. 

Doodle Prompt:
Using JOY or JOYful as a starting point, draw circles, confetti and/or bubbles to highlight and accentuate JOY visually. 

You can read previous book reviews:
Creative Revolution by Flora Bowley
The Creative License by Danny Gregory
I Just Like to Make Things by Lilla Rogers
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
​Watercolor from the Heart by Barbara Nechis 
Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin 

Copyright 2019 Review by Dawn Herring
Copyright 2019 Art by Dawn Herring 

Hello friends, creatives, journal keepers, artists, and small business owners! This week I wanted to share with you a practice deep in my heart in conjunction with my spiritual practice, which includes singing with my tambourine, prayer, study, journaling, quiet, song writing. Of course, my spiritual practice didn't start out with all those components. 

Early in my spiritual practice, it mostly pertained to study, writing my own devotionals, prayer.  Then, about 5 years ago, I found Martha Beck's book, ​The JOY Diet, and the first "ingredient" on her menu was Quiet. Doing absolutely nothing for a minimum of 15 minutes. Now, in this fast paced society, being still and quiet for 15 felt like a feat for me. And that timing didn't stick when I first discovered it, but it was a seed planted...

Just like the seed of a journaling power tool or a journaling prompt, both of which are available just by clicking on the images below. The ART of Journaling Tool Box and The ART of Journaling Prompt PLAY Book are both resources to take your journaling to a whole new level. Subscribe today to get your complimentary downloads. 

Then, in addition to study, journaling and prayer, about two years ago I began to delve into the possibility of music, specifically using the tambourine, with the idea of writing songs as a result of my study. To me, this practice has been meditative in and of itself. Those lyrics and using my tambourine have brought great JOY to my spiritual practice, heightening my experience and my connection with Spirit. 

Since then, I have added time for Quiet, where I just sit in a chair or in my bed. I often focus on a word that has deep spiritual meaning for me, both visualizing and verbalizing for greater focus. 

Often you hear, when it comes to meditation, to focus on the breath. Every time I've tried to do that, it is only a distraction for me, thus contributing to my struggle to stick with it. So, instead, I decided to use my senses, specifically Hearing, to tune in more deeply and to focus when I'm not using my focal word. 

My Hearing sense is so helpful since I can focus on the sounds of what are nearby without necessarily thinking thoughts...like hearing the wind chime from the neighbors yard (with hopefully no complaining thoughts about the South winds blowing in allergens!), vehicle sounds driving by, rain falling, birds chirping, etc. (I choose not to do my Quiet when grandson is home due to noise making!) 

When I first started keeping this Quiet practice, I determined to do the 15 minutes recommended.  It truly slows things down. Being very deliberate about the restful quality of lack of activity is amazing, very much in contrast with always doing, which I can Always Be Doing! 

Then during the month of January, I decided to take my Quiet up a notch and increase it to 30 minutes. Of course, this doesn't happen every day, just on those days when I have the time to actually donate to this practice, when all is completely quiet, which is most weekdays. 

I noticed with the 30 minutes, it intensifies the experience. I hear more clearly, ideas are more succinct, the energy is more alive. More restful. More rejuvenating. 

So, now I try to Start my Spiritual Practice with Quiet, then song, then prayer, journaling/study and poem/song writing and more singing. When I can get a full practice in, I feel deeply Connected with Spirit, with Truth, with JOY. 

Recognizing what works for me based on my senses instead of the breath, along with writing, singing, studying and taking time to really Listen, makes my Meditation all the more impactful, more energizing, more clarifying, more faith building. 

Listen to your heart and where it might lead you in your spiritual practice. Don't be afraid to try what works for you instead of trying to fit into a pre-conceived box that doesn't fit right. 
​
Honor who you are in Spirit and see what opens up for you--in your heart. It's always listening.  

Journaling Prompt:
Record previous meditative experiences in your spiritual practice. What worked for you and why? What didn't resonate? What did you start and quit? What did you start and stay with? What works for you now? Detail your journey, connecting with Spirit in a whole new way.

Art Journaling Prompt:
Using images that truly resonate with your spirit, create a spread to honor your Spiritual Practice showing all it entails. 

Doodle Prompt:
Using the word, Spirit or Meditate, draw the word in colors that speak to your soul. Or Sketch an object that you keep in your spiritual practice that holds great meaning for you.  

Copyright 2019 Dawn Herring
Copyright 2019 Images by Dawn Herring 

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Hello friends, creatives, journal keepers, artists and small business owners! I've got some fun insights to share with you from this past week. I so enJOY sharing what inspires me, what fills my creative well and what I'm thinking about and working on behind the scenes as Artist, Designer, Creative and journal keeper. 

This past week, I watched a movie titled,A Brilliant Young Mind, which is a story about a young man in school who is Mathematically a genius, the mentors/teachers that helped him and his parental story, his pain and his connection with others in the process. 

One of the things that fascinates me with these stories of autistic children is how they think, how they process their world, and how they use their gifts to excel and make a life for themselves. 

In this particular story, the young man's way of thinking is in Patterns. Thus the mathematical interest and genius in his application and focus. This gave me food for thought concerning patterns and how they influence me as an Artist. 

Whether it's a pattern in wall paper, in a rug, with tiles on the wall, and even from  questions on a standardized test (remember those?), patterns are everywhere. In interior contexts, I have patterned preferences, ones that are loose and more abstract, rather than repeated, ongoing. You know, the kind that keeps your eye too busy when your'e trying to concentrate or have a conversation and it's distracting you...

I prefer focal points that inspire versus an ongoing continuum. 
I once had a rug that had different sized squares with many of my favorite colors. That rug was really cool, and I loved looking at it. It was restful yet colorful. No repeating patterns. Yep. 
This movie actually inspired me to think more deeply on what I prefer as designer, artist and resident of my abode. 

Of course, I recorded all these observations and considerations in my journal because of its relevance,  it being a great way to keep track of my Artistic Mind and where it might lead with future designs that I create.

Want to keep your journaling practice more relevant, revealing and renewing? Check out The ART of Journaling Tool Box filled with 7 Power Tools I use to keep journaling fresh, fun and fabulous. Just click on the image to sign up and get your free PDF!  
Ready to P-L-A-Y with your next journal entry with prompts, questions and image suggestions for journaling, art journaling, doodling/drawing? Check out The ART of Journaling Prompt PLAY Book, perfect companion to The ART of Journaling Tool Box. Just click on either image to sign up and get your complimentary download today! 

In continuing with the movie's story (spoiler alert if you haven't seen it yet!), the young man has a horrifying experience in the car with his Dad driving, where someone runs a red light and there's a head-on collision, killing his Dad on impact. Traffic lights are featured frequently in the movie as a reminder of what he saw in patterns at the time of his Dad's death. He had a very close relationship with his dad, despite his autism, since his dad understood him deeply and often used humor to connect with him. This created many poignant memories throughout the movie at times in the young man's life that were deeply significant. 

As a Grandmother of a grandson with autism, I deeply appreciated the father's connection with his son and his desire to enable his son to feel secure, loved and appreciated for who he was. 

I pay close attention to my grandson's development (since his birth!) and when he struggles or when he's thrilled, I try to understand him on the deepest of levels, both in connection with how I felt as a child as well as wanting to feel what he is feeling, which can be challenging when he's in his own "world." Not only do I connect with him emotionally but also through humor, just by the way I say things to him. I have had the privilege of hearing him say to me, "Grandma, you crack me up!" 

Sometimes I'll ask him what was so funny, and he will reiterate what I said. It's always nice when he understands my humor and appreciates my communication with him on that level. It brings me great JOY. 

As I continued to reflect on A Brilliant Young Mind, I realized that life is full of repeating patterns, some of which we deeply enJOY and others we would prefer to change in order to grow. 

Whatever patterns suit you, pay closer attention. They may give you deeper insight into why you like what you do. Whatever life patterns you realize in your own reflections, remember that you always have the power to change in order to grow, if necessary. And those patterns you've developed to make self care a priority, appreciate them afresh as you relish the poignant moments that you experience from the heart. 

Journaling Prompt:
Recall a pattern you remember from childhood and detail what it looked like. Why did it leave such an impression, and was it positive or negative? Compare that pattern with ones you have in your current environment. Any similarities? What are the differences? Which do you prefer? 

Art Journaling Prompt:
Find a pattern you really love in a magazine and use it to frame your next art journal spread, using colors and words to show your appreciation for such resonating visuals. 

Doodle Prompt: 
Create a Pattern in your sketch book using colors and motives that are your favorites. 

If you are a small business owner, and you desire to feel empowered and confident with the visuals you use to market your products and services, and you would like a more customized approach to how you present yourself in the marketplace, check out my service, Dawn's Dynamic Designs: Hand Lettering and Illustration. My great desire is to create art for your business brand, products and services, so you can approach the market knowing you can attract the right client with the right visual. Plus with 10 years of experience in Social Media Marketing, I can take the overwhelm out of the navigation. I look forward to hearing from  you! 

Copyright 2019 by Dawn Herring
Copyright 2019 Images by Dawn Herring 

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.