Heartsong Studio

I felt scared and incompetent, yet attracted at the same time. I heard about a workshop in Marrakech, and it grabbed my attention on a deep level. At the same time, doubts and fears surfaced. How could I even consider this trip ? How can I be responsible and leave my ailing husband ?

Do these feelings parallel yours when you feel drawn to make art, perhaps for the first time ? I know I’ve had the same roller coaster feelings when attempting art that’s a big departure from my usual experience.

True to my own advice, I asked in my heart to be shown if it was wisdom or whim to go to Marrakech.

I got nothing at all.

Answers don’t always come in a form we might expect. When you ask inside for guidance, are you expecting drum rolls or spectacular rainbows ? These expectations are from the ego mind, and tend to blind us from seeing what’s already there.

I volunteered when a friend gave a demonstration of divining insight into ourselves using the I Ching. My question asked if it was reasonable to go to Marrakech in my circumstances.

The “Y’s” guidance set me back on my heels ! It was a firm encouragement to follow my heart.

Deep in my belly, it just felt right. Not till later did I recognize this was the answer I hadn’t seen. I had finally noticed it. It’s that subtle. My inner and outer journey had started already.

You can start your journey too.

Take your inspiration inside and reflect in the mirror of your heart. If your idea is wise, you’ll find a calm strength within. When doubt or fears rear up, use them to guide you in asking for support. If your idea is a whim, it will soon fizzle.

Learning to trust your internal knowing is a large part of the journey.

I registered for the workshop.

It’s at this point, when the next step is to make some commitment - lay out money for a canvas, or classes, or whatever the material costs will be - that reality challenges your heart again.

Then the doubts began the next round of gnawing:

— “How can you possibly accomplish this thing ? I need self confidence.”

We need confidence not in ourselves, but confidence that we are always cared for.

— “How will it all turn out ?”

How can you predict exactly how your idea will turn out, when it hasn’t been born yet ? True creativity has little to do with foresight - and everything to do with true heart connection and faith.

Little by little, you grow more perceptive to distinguish between whims from your mind and wisdom through your heart.

A journey starts with the first awareness of something calling, and grows over time.

As I write this, I am about to leave for Marrakech. I can feel the delicious balance playing between my mind and my heart. I’ve also started a new canvas reflecting my journey to come. So far, many running legs are emerging . . .