Wow, what a year, huh? I hope that you are well amidst the pandemic and protests. I hope that the needs for liberation and rejuvenation are fulfilled in healthy ways far and wide and deep and true. I’ve been letting these hopes, prayers, feelings, and energies flow through the painting and creative process in a new Rejuvenation series.
Sometimes, I paint prayers with more specific intentions and words or sing along with encouraging music so lyrics may be layered within. Other times, I just lean in to the process and let it all flow… in and out like the breath… loosening up or refining, letting color carry me away or the movement of the paint cleanse and heal my heart. I pause to listen and often find potent medicine and messages.
Then, comes the sharing… inviting intimacy and connection or appreciation and generosity.
I’ve also been thinking of ways I can contribute more to liberation and would love for the art to have bigger ripple effects. So, I’ll be donating half of all profits from my shops from June 19th (holiday celebrating the end of slavery) through July 4th (independence day in the U.S.) to various freedom funds (see specifics at the end of this post).
I love that the original loosening up energy of the painting below carried through the layers. The botanical inspiration all came from plants that grow wild around our home. It is called “Untamed” (and makes me think of the “Uncaged” song by Zac Brown Band).
Original and Art Prints Available
In my book, The Girl Who Dances With Delight, I wrote a little about racism, prejudice and change. I wrote about a personal experience with my first boyfriend (whose mother was beautiful and black). I also said that I didn’t think we lift others up by putting ourselves down.
It took courage to share those thoughts knowing some people would disagree and I might even disagree with myself later on. It’s been two years since I published the book (on summer solstice) and I continue to learn, unlearn, and relearn. I wrote about my own ongoing journey with liberation and rejuvenation along with offering suggestions to encourage others along the way. I still think that we don’t lift others up by putting ourselves down. Yet, I have been thinking more about how we can lift others up and use our voices and energy to liberate, rejuvenate, and harmonize.
The following painting in process is about harmonizing. I started the canvas by painting the word “sing” and the song “Harmonize” by Rising Appalachia came on Pandora a few minutes later while I was painting! {This kind of experience is why all the cards in my Soul Songs deck have a song or playlist to go with them.}
I’ve also been thinking about what liberation really means and about having the freedom to explore new possibilities and outgrow old systems or ideas. Here are a few organizations worth checking out if you are curious about what that might mean as well. I am still learning and may not fully agree with every initiative from each organization, yet the information is worth considering.
- MPD150 Addressing Questions About Police, Punishment, and Prevention
- The Love Land Foundation
- Facing History (with teaching resources)
- Women on the Rise GA
- Equal Justice Initiative
- Girl Rising
- Irresistible Movements
In addition to current events, my teenagers and I have been finishing up Earth Science for homeschool. It’s been an interesting mix to be learning about the formation of the Earth and the millions of years before humanity along with current events! An excerpt from the book A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson talked about how we all share some of the same atoms from various historical figures like Buddha and Genghis Khan and algae and the stars. It reminds me of our unity and connections… how we are all intertwined.
The painting in the video above is called “Born of the Earth & Sea.” It was inspired by the ferns and vines growing around our home and homeschool books about 25 Fossils and The Story of Earth. To me, it exudes a peaceful, harmonious energy amidst the chaos.
I’ve added some of the Rejuvenation Series paintings here and to my other online shops. I prefer the one above cropped (sometimes we have to let go of what isn’t working) and it fits nicely on yoga mats that way. Donations from shop sales during June 19th to July 4th will be split among The Love Land Foundation, Women on the Rise, The Equal Justive Initiative, and Girl Rising. If you make a purchase in the Thrive True shop, you can add a comment at checkout if you have a preference for which organization. Purchases from my Redbubble and Pixels shops will also contribute to the total donations (even though I do not see who makes purchases there so I cannot thank you personally unless you let me know).
Have you found any resources that have been valuable to you during this time? Please share in the comments!
You can get a free preview of my book with a video plus more gifts and special coupon codes for art and creative courses from ThriveTrue.com/MagicMail.
I have so many more projects on my heart and mind. Yesterday during my morning D.A.N.C.E. ritual, I saw several snails. This morning, I saw a turtle. I think they are reminding me that it’s okay to go at my own pace and take one small step or bite at a time. I needed this reminder in a world that seems to rush by! Rather than overload ourselves with too much information at once or feel too small for big dreams, may we remember to rest and digest and play… that growth takes time (a lesson every gardener gets again and again!). I leave you with a song dedication and invitation to “Take It Slow“… so that we may thrive together in joyful and sustainable harmony.
Wishing you a liberating and rejuvenating day!
Love,
Jules
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Julia Ostara © 2020
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