Art journaling is a creative way to combine the written word with visual elements like drawings, paintings, collage, and more. It is a form of expressive journaling that allows for both visual and written exploration.

While a traditional journal focuses primarily on words, an art journal may use images as its primary medium, with words playing a supporting role—or vice versa.

Here are some characteristics and benefits of art journaling:

1. Self-Expression: Art journaling offers a platform to express thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a visual format. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who find it easier to communicate or process emotions through art rather than words alone.
2. Creativity: Art journals provide a space to experiment with different artistic techniques, such as sketching, painting, stamping, collaging, and more. It’s a playground for artistic experimentation without the pressure of producing a final product.
3. Therapeutic: Many people find the process of combining words and art to be therapeutic. The act of creation can be meditative and calming, helping to reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
4. Documentation: Just like a written journal, an art journal can serve as a record of one’s life, capturing memories, feelings, and ideas in a unique and vivid format.
5. Skill Development: Regularly working in an art journal can help enhance both artistic and writing skills. Since there's no pressure to make things "perfect," individuals can experiment and learn without fear of judgment.
6. Personal Growth: Reflecting on one's life and feelings through the combined lens of writing and art can provide profound insights and foster personal growth.
7. Flexibility: There are no strict rules when it comes to art journaling. Some people might lean heavily on visuals, while others may incorporate more writing. Some might use it as a daily diary, and others as an occasional outlet.

To start art journaling, all you need is a blank notebook and some basic art supplies like pens, pencils, paints, and brushes. From there, it is all about letting your imagination run free and allowing your thoughts and emotions to guide your creations.

As our times seem to be getting more chaotic, it is important to remember our focus- in our own life and lifestyle habits.

According to Quantum Mechanics- we are all connected and the chaos of life itself brings about our so-called ordered existing, i.e. this manifested world!

​As people who choose to live consciously, when we are surrounded by challenging news, it is easy to feel scared or worried- but remember that it is in all of us as our own 'iccha shakti', our intentional-will that can help to process and create well-being from all the chaos surrounding us!  
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As above, so below… as nature creates order from chaos, so can we… something to think about as we start a new week…

But spring is also the time to address old grudges and issues. If you can patch up your differences, then take the time to do so. And in case you feel that you (or the other person) has moved on in their life, then wish them well and make it a conscious decision to move on.

Life is too short to waste it on hurts and grudges!

Wishing everyone a wonderful spring time ahead…

Spring- time to patch up old differences and move on to new avenues... a fun art, card made using faux alcohol inks on plain white card paper.

​Today is the Spring Equinox- time that signifies change! It is the start of spring. Even though we still have deep memories of the bitter cold winter, all the fresh growth around us, ask us to let go of the past and work on the new…

How do you plan to bring in the wisdom of today’s Equinox? 

Have you recently been through some major challenges? Have you been struggling trying to save a lost cause (be it about a person or a situation)? Then do not fret about it anymore. 

Spring Equinox brings us this message today to let go of the past and embrace the new. When we hear about endings- we typically tend to feel afraid and worried. But it is important to remember that all new beginnings need an ending somewhere… at some point… and at the same time, all endings ultimately lead to new beginnings.

This is a simple and yet profound truth of our life and existence- “The Cycle of Life” or Samsara in Sanskrit.

Equinox which is just an important juncture in the cycle of nature- asks us to remember and honor this important truth about the cycle of life.

​Coffee is not just a beverage many of us start our day with, but it is a drink that conjures up memories of hanging out with friends, going out on a first date or even simply meeting up a work colleague for some off-site chat.
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Coffee has become part of our culture, so it made total sense to sprinkle some coffee on this painting for fun, color and texture!

This art card is made with faux-alcohol inks on plain card stock. Coffee anyone?

This May it is going to be almost a year since I have travelled to a distant land! Though, it would be very easy for me to pick up my bags and simply step on the next flight out from Canada to some exotic destination, part of living consciously is to recognize the divine plan and then modify one’s actions accordingly. 

I knew there were several things I needed to take care of- which also meant, I needed to be here locally- finessing out my path, helping people and reaching out and connecting with many more folks across the world. As I was laying down the foundational stone for many of these activities, I needed to be firmly in one place (for several reasons). 

This art card was spontaneously from my heart- an expression of my longing to travel again. Hopefully soon… Though, I wish to  visit somewhere amazing, I am in no hurry. I know it will all be in the Universe’s “perfect time”.

With a map-style look, I have aptly called this art card-   Longing to Travel Again...   :-)

​Very sad to read about the recent attacks in one of the world's most peaceful countries!! Felt inspired to make this artwork with one of my artcards- which resemble country maps.

Lots of love, light and well-wishes to New Zealand...