Mind Body Spirit Artist Series: Laura Milnor Iverson

As part of our continuing Artist Series we are pleased to feature an interview with San Francisco Bay Area visionary artist, Laura Milnor Iverson.  Laura was "very" first person to join the Mind Body Spirit Marketplace when we set it up on 1000 Markets many moons ago and I knew exactly at that moment that we were headed down right path!  Enjoy the interview, and I 'm sure you'll find Laura's work as uplifting and enchanting as we do!    
                                                         ~ diane fergurson
              

Green Buddha Meditation

MBS: Can you tell us a little bit about how you got started as an artist? How did your career develop.

Laura:  I've always done art. My first recollection is having a free hand deer drawing I did in crayon put up on the board in 1st grade. My goal in high school was to do something with art daily--a sketch or work on a painting. The first free-hand oil painting I did was when I was 12. I did this Madonna and Child (to the right) when I was 16:

My father took up oil painting when I was in my teens. It would be hard to separate his involvement in my development as an artist. Just being in the environment of art, being so important to him, was an influence. Some of his work is online.  He passed away in 2001.

As an adult, I switched to watercolors when I moved to a tiny apartment with bad ventilation. Acrylics, at the time, were not the medium they are now. I did that up until my father passed away.

Due to that traumatic event, I felt an overwhelming need to return to oils and found the water-soluble ones. I started experimenting with acrylics around 2006 or so, and found the switch quite easy. I still work in both mediums although, with the new "open" acrylics, I find I use oils less & less. The long drying time makes them less practical for online sales, in my opinion.

Bent Pine Tree at Moonrise

Around 2005, I broke out of traditional landscapes, seascapes and figures, and into the Zen Series, which remains my most popular.

In 2006, I started working with polymer clay, primarily as a vehicle of offering my paintings in the form of unique, hand-sculpted jewelry

My most recent exploration has been into fantasy, ghosts and graveyards. I've always loved ghost stories and the paranormal.

MBS: I can see there have been several different series that you have worked on over the years. What interests you to a particular subject matter enough to make you want to spend time with it and paint it? Is it a specific idea that you are pursuing, or maybe the challenge of capturing something in particular with paint? What sparks your interest?

Laura:  I guess I got a little ahead of myself and answered some of this in the previous answer :-).

I tend to paint things I love, to capture a place or moment or feeling. I live in a beautiful area of California and I often go walking out in nature. I find constant inspiration. In the tree branches for the zen and Peace Tree series, many of the tree branches are the old gnarled oaks I see on my walks.

Even a fanciful scene like this: http://zenbreeze.com/store/zenwishes.htm owned its origin to a spot in a local park, Los Gatos lakes. I was intrigued by those three pine trees on the hill in the distance.

The new ghost series was also inspired by a local site, an old abandoned cemetery on the coast. That combined with my love of ghost stories, especially Poe's The Raven.

Books are also an inspiration. I read a lot of urban fantasy, children's/juvenile series, ghost stories and such. The Shaman's Gate series: http://zenbreeze.com/store/gatespring.htm was inspired by a scene in a children's book. The character goes to a mysterious house and he notices that, over the wall, it's winter & snowing, although it's summer where he is. 

Lenore in Lavender Moonlight

MBS: I think it's interesting the way you chose to portray the ghosts in your new ghost series. Transparent women with long flowing hair and gowns. Graveyards. A very, romantic traditional representation. Any particular reason?  

Laura:  I suppose I am influenced by some of the old illustrators, such as Rackham and Brock. I also researched Victorian fashion plates and illustrations from the time. I use long flowing hair in the mermaids too but their hair is loose.

MBS: I love the cats in your work. The cats and the moon seem to be a re-occurring theme. Can you tell us a little about that?

Laura:  Thank you. I love cats. I always have. Originally, I just painted the moons and branches. That went on a couple years before I started adding animals. Cats were first. Then crows. Then various flying things (other birds, moths, butterflies, dragonflies). But the cats are the most popular. People seem to relate to that setting and often send me photos of their cats, which further inspire me.

Siamese Cat in Autumn Glow

MBS: What format do you normally work in? A specific size...large, small...or does it depend on the project? Also what materials do you use.... Acrylic, on canvas, boards, paper etc...

Laura:  The size depends a bit on the project, although I tend to work on canvases 16" x 20" or smaller. The reasons are practical. I don't have a separate studio so my workspace is limited and I find the smaller sizes easier to pack and ship. My favorite size is 16" x 20" because I feel it's also the best for making prints (I run prints at home and the maximum size I do is 11" x 14").

The only time I work on paper is for ACEOs (miniatures) and those are pretty rare for me. I mostly offer that size in limited edition prints of larger work. I feel the paint moves easier over canvas than paper.

MBS: What is a typical work day for you? Do you keep "hours" and go to work painting like a 9-5 job? Or are you less scheduled about it?

Laura:  I wish I could keep a regular schedule but the demands of family make that a bit impractical. Typically, I get up before everyone else, at 5 or so. That's my best creative time. I check messages and that while I make tea & breakfast. After that, it somewhat depends. On days I have orders in, I pack those (and run prints, if necessary), then get them out to the post office. Customer service is important to me and that accounts for my repeat customers.

In the afternoons, I like to work on my pendants in clay or painting, if I get a little alone time then. Otherwise, I do listings and other administrative tasks. That and social networking and visiting with my online friends. That often goes on through the evening.

Blue Moon Tea

MBS: I know many artists who are very hesitant about selling their work online. I've noticed that you actively sell quite a bit of of your work that way and are on several different selling sites. How has selling online worked out for you as an artist? Any advice you can give to other artists who are thinking about selling their work this way?

Laura:  I went straight to online so I can't really give informed pros and cons. Working with galleries seemed too difficult and cost prohibitive. I don't know how galleries are in other areas but, in mine, you're talking about spending hundreds of dollars just to have your work looked at. Some even charge so much a piece per month to hang there. For shows, you seem to be too much at the whim of factors, such as weather, how much advertising the venues do, etc., and all the artists I talked with said they were pretty much just selling cards and small prints, often not even covering the booth fee.

MBS: You mentioned above that you spend time social networking in the evening. There are so many artists I've run across who really don't understand what social networking is about or how important it is as a tool to promote their work. What has your experience been as an artist using social networking?

Laura:  Social networking is fantastic for artists on a number of levels. This is one small example. I was chatting on a thread and someone asked me if I did 5" x 5" prints. She collected them. I'd never heard of that size before. It was easy enough for me to offer them, once I knew they existed. Although someone could have sent me a message directly, it's more "committal" than chatting on a forum, twitter or facebook. Social networking also provides a way to cross promote with other sellers. I got a fairly large print order as a result of someone else posting about my work on facebook.

MBS: Any advice you have for those who wish to (seriously) pursue an artistic path?

Laura:  Create what you want to create. If you love it, there will most likely be buyers. And, if not, the creation is important. Never try to create "what sells". You'll always be playing catch up and miss out on true creativity.

MBS:  Thank you so much for spending time with us Laura!  We appreciate it and the best of luck to you!

End
 
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You can find links to Laura's work here 
and also through her main Website.

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Also from our Artist Series:
Interview with Emily Balivet 

Mind Body Spirit Odyssey Book Review: The Zen of Financial Peril

 By Diane Fergurson


Sometimes people have to hit rock bottom before they allow themselves to open up to a hard self examination of their behavior and beliefs.  That's what happened to Jay G.M. Taffet, and his journey inspired him to write about it in "The Zen of Financial Peril: The Art of Happiness in Crisis".

When this book first came across my desk, I really didn't know what to expect.  Was it about finance?  Zen?  Zen and Finance?  I had no idea.

According to Taffet, "The Zen of Financial Peril" is a motivational guide whose goal is to demystify spirituality and put it into a more practical context. This is done primarily by encouraging the reader to change the perspective they have on their life by learning how to distinguish between decisions made by the mind and by the soul.  For most people who read and write about spiritual issues, this theme may not seem to be a new one.  But for someone who is not familiar with this concept, when the discovery is made it can be quite overwhelming.

Taffet writes his book in bullet style.  Every phrase and thought he presents is a theme in and unto itself. There were times I wished he would have expanded his thoughts and explanations a bit.  Also, this is not really a book about Zen and business or finance.  The title stems from Taffet having made his discovery while he was at the brink of financial peril and his ability to achieve happiness by changing his outlook and choices. 

I have no doubt that many readers will find "The Zen of Financial Peril" a very helpful, motivational tool that they can use to improve their lives.  It is a very readable, pratical book and quite absorbing once you start it.  If you are stuck in the funk of winter and need to gain a new perspective about yourself or your business, this book will definitely activate your thinking and help you gain new insights about what you are doing and why you may be doing them.

You can find out more about Jay G.M. Taffet by visiting his website.

His book is also available through Amazon 

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2011 Year of the Rabbit (Hare)

Many scholars consider Chinese astrology to be one of the world's oldest forms of Astrology.  Unlike the other Moon-school traditions; Tibetan, Vedic and Judaic, which are couched in religion, Chinese astrology is purely secular, a direction shared by Sun-school astrologies (Western and Arabian).

Ming Shu (Circle of Animals), is just one form of Chinese astrology, but it seems to be the one that is most commonly recognized by westerners.  This system is what Sun signs are to Western astrology, meaning, you only have to know the year of your birth to create a general personality profile.  Like all of the world's major astrological traditions however, a person's time, date and place of birth are essential to create an accurate, true birth chart.

2011 is the year of the Hare (Rabbit).  Although there are general behavioral patterns associated with the Hare sign, the delineation is further augmented according to which element (earth, metal, fire, water, wood)  happens to be in control the year that you are born.  For example, the personality of a fire hare is very different from that of a water hare.

You are a Hare if you were born the following years:

1939 earth
1951 metal
1963 water
1975 wood
1987 fire
1999 earth
2011 metal

In general, the Hare person does not like change.  They are a creature of comfort and a keen observer of other people's strengths and weaknesses.  Virtue and prudence are essential traits in their nature.

An Earth Hare is steadfast.  They move in a calculated fashion.   Their aim is for personal fulfillment and desire.

A Fire Hare is more outgoing then the rest of the Hare personalities.  They may be temperamental and  outspoken and are often easily swayed in situations.

The Metal Hare is very observant and does not compromise well.  They usually try to fullfull their own ambitions.

The Water Hare is born with an empathic nature.  Their memory and intuition is very sharp.  They tend to be emotionally fragile, however, and worry about the future and the past.

A Wood Hare is compassionate and generous.  They need to watch that other people do not take advantage of their generous nature.

What ever your particular Chinese birth sign may be, we hope you enjoy and celebrate this wonderful New Year!

~ diane


In formation for this post was taken from Miller and Brown's "The Complete Astrological Handbook for the Twenty-first Century"; Understanding and Combining the Wisdom of Chinese, Tibetan, Vedic, Arabian, Judaic, and Western Astrology.

The hare graphic is courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

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Winter's Song

Silence surrounds. The shadows of trees fall across the snow, hands that 
neither beckon nor abandon, but allow communion, embracing heart and 
soul with Winter’s spirit.
 
My prayers float away from me on this chill air. On these moon-filled 
icy nights there is no concealment. Whispers roar like waves on the 
ocean, and the mind opens into a vast landscape for night’s secrets.
 
I drink in this spell. Like honey on the tongue, the cold is coaxing. I 
lean back and feel the breath of angels on my face.
 
I do not imagine sunflowers or conjure June skies. I do not escape into 
wanderings through Summer’s bright images. Winter has its place in my 
heart, brings me a centering stillness I could not live without.
 
I do what I did when I was a child; wrap myself up in wool, make a quiet 
trail into the trees, and greet the moon who watches our dreams like a 
grandmother. I sit until I can’t anymore, until I begin to notice the 
cold. Usually, my teeth don’t chatter, my fingers don’t turn numb, as I 
feel peace.
 
In such cold, tears freeze before they form and fears melt away. As my 
heart calls out, for wars, poverty, for the inhuman acts mankind has 
birthed out of someplace I cannot even imagine, a song reaches into me 
that soothes and guides, calms, and brings peace.
 
It is a song that Nature sings, a gift from the Earth for when we need 
to hear, need to believe and find faith. It speaks strongly, and I have 
become the stark stillness of Winter, and I become the knowing. The 
truth lies in the silver snow of night, that all will be okay, all will 
be okay.
 

 ~ nellie levine 

 "The Rabbit House" is by photographer Jude McConkey and is available through her Etsy Shop.
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Baby Carrots - Do You Know What You Are Eating?

I'll admit I never gave a second thought to a baby carrot until I read about them in the latest magazine issue of Mary Jane's Farm.  Then I just wanted to gag.  Sure, they are cute.  And yes, I always thought that they were a good alternative to giving kids chips for lunch.  The grocery stores where I live out East have multitudes of them.  Organic, non organic.  And who among us has not munched on them for a "healthy" snack or at the appetizer table?

Baby carrots are not actually "baby" carrots at all.  They are cut down from regular full-grown carrots that have been rejected for size and deformities.  The are not as nutritional as regular carrots because, as we all know, most of the nutritional value of a carrot comes from the skin and the area around it...which is peeled away on a baby carrot.

Since these baby carrots are pre-peeled, they are then soaked in a chlorine solution to kill the bacteria and help preserve that lovely right orange color (that never seems to change, if you stop and think about it).
Unfortunately, this is a standard practice even for organic carrots.

Watch what you are buying.  Read the labels closely and look for "true" organic carrots, those that are grown and harvested as babies.  Better yet, spend and extra 5 minutes in the morning and cut them up yourself for your kid's lunch.  It's less expensive that way too.

This is just another small way to "go green" folks, and improve the quality of your diet as well.

~ diane

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We're Having a Giveaway!

In Hinduism January 24 is one of the most auspicious days of the month of Capricorn when the Sun begins its northern ascension. In honor of this day, we're giving away a silver coin of Lakshmi! Donated by Indira Govindan of DharmaKarmaArts, this silver coin (99% pure) from India features an image of Lakshmi on one side, and the word Shri, in Sanskrit, on the other. As Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and prosperity, giving and receiving this coin is considered auspicious.

To enter to win the Lakshmi coin, just leave a comment below. Please make sure to include your email address in your comment so we know how to reach you in the event that you win. A winner will be chosen randomly from all comments made on this blog post, on January 31st and the winner will be announced on
February 1.

 ~ Nellie

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Goddess Lakshmi photo courtesy of Wikipedia

* this giveaway has ended

Book Review: Dolores Cannon's The Convoluted Universe, Vol 1,2,& 3

  
by Abby Horowitz

Are you an intrepid explorer of the unknown? Do you enjoy having your mind twisted in ways you never thought possible? Are you ready to leap down the rabbit hole and emerge in undiscovered territory? Well then...The Convoluted Universe (Volumes 1-3) is your ticket!

Dolores Cannon’s involvement in the field of hypnosis for over 40 years has resulted in many thought provoking books. She also lectures around the world and teaches her very special method of induction. Cannon began her career as a hypnotherapist, aiming to help her clients solve their problems through the process of hypnosis.

It was during one of these early sessions that her amazing journey into the unknown began. While under hypnosis, her client suddenly transformed before her eyes – a totally different personality emerged with it’s own vocal patterns and body language. In the next series of sessions she regressed her client to 5 distinct lifetimes back to when she was created by God! Cannon’s life and belief system was changed forever. Fascinated, she now saw this work as a way to explore the history of our world and beyond - “firsthand”.

In the late ‘70’s she discovered that the majority of problems people experience can be traced back to events that occurred in their past lives, instead of their present ones    Over the years she has developed her own method of regression, and is able to quickly get her clients to the somnambulist trance state which is the deepest possible trance state. It is there that she is able to contact and communicate with the individual’s subconscious.

Through her books, Cannon brings us along with her as she regresses her clients back to past lives and beyond. The narrative voice is engaging and down to earth. She shares her internal dialogue as she comes to terms with the strange situations and areas of the unknown her clients find themselves in. The most amazing thing to me, is the shocking similarity of information brought forth by these people from all over the world - all strangers to her and each other. That really got me thinking. Buried deep within our subconscious lies a wealth of experience and information. And the knowledge that we are all connected.

Volume One of The Convoluted Universe transports you to the days of Atlantis, where you’ll learn about many Earth mysteries such as the lines of the Nazca Plains, Easter Island, the Pyramids, and so much more. You will explore parallel universes, group souls, other planets, alien life, other dimensions, and more. Most of all, when you come to the end of the book you will want more! Not to worry there are three volumes, with another on the way!




Volume Two begins with insight into Cannon’s personal journey. You will stand beside her clients as they relate accounts of their past lives in places such as ancient Egypt, Atlantis, and hidden underground cities. You will hear about life on other planets, time portals, karma, star people, advanced beings, aborigines, creator beings, facets of the soul, raising of vibrations, frequencies, the New Earth, and things you could never have imagined! By now you should be brimming with questions and a longing to discover more. Just in time for Volume Three!




Volume Three takes you on adventures in non-human bodies, delivers mind-bending concepts,
and lots of information on the upcoming changes for the Human race There are more insights into previously unknown areas than I can mention here. I don’t want to give away any more of the book!
Read The Convoluted Universe and your vision of the world and reality will never be the same!



You can find more information about Dolores Cannon on her websites:
www.dolorescannon.com http://www.ozarkmt.com/
http://www.facebook.com/DoloresCannonOfficialFB

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Abby Horowitz and her wonderful line of jewelry are online at:
Abby Horowitz Designs
You can also find her through her shop on Etsy

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You may also enjoy some of our other Book Reviews:
Black Elk Speaks 
Return of the Children of the Light
 

Mind Body Spirit Artist Series: Emily Balivet

We are pleased to begin our new monthly Artist Portrait Series by sharing with you a wonderful interview that I conducted recently with artist Emily Balivet.  A fine artist/illustrator living in Vermont, Balivet's work explores the mystical feminine elements of ancient goddess mythologies from around the world through style that reflects her interest in Art Nouveau and the pre Raphaelite movements.
The result?  Strong, confident women focused through a painter's lens of exquisite color and grace.
                                                                                                                           ~ diane fergurson

                                                    "Nepenthe Goddess of Bliss"

MBS: Can you tell us a little bit about how you got started as an artist? I know you are self taught, but how did your career develop from something you loved to do to pursuing it actively as a career?

Emily: I was 17 when discovered spending hours upon hours creating things was completely fulfilling and I made a decision to make a career of my art. In 1991 I began marketing my random creations in the craft fair/festival circuit and wholesaling to shops near and far, but nearly always as a supplement to my income. I dabbled in a variety of mediums (woodworking, textile art, silk screening, candle making, jewelry, etc.). However, my big big love was painting (with acrylics) and I painted daily for years without ever displaying my "real art" to the public. Perhaps I felt my skills weren't developed enough or maybe I was too emotionally attached. In 2004 I busted through some psychological barriers and began marketing my artwork online....and it's been a fantastic life ever since! Not only have I been able to make a living doing what I love, but the fears and attachment I once felt about my art quickly dissolved. It's the feeling you get when you know you're doing exactly what you were made to do!

                                                                "Faeries on Parade"

MBS:
I've noticed that the themes explored in your paintings revolve primarily around Goddess and Mythological subjects. How did this evolve into such a focal point for your work?

Emily:  It was definitely an evolution and not planned out at all. I became interested in Greek mythology when I was younger and a later Arthurian legends (books like Le Morte D' Arthur). Around '95 I became fully inspired by the pre-Raphaelites and most of my art for a number of years after reflects that inspiration. For a few years now I've also been adding in a touch of Art Deco/Nouveau influence into my work while maintaining a theme of mythological archetypes. When it comes right down to it I just paint what feels good at the time, so themes and inspirations are subject to change ;)

                                                 "The Lap- Breastfeeding Mother Ocean Goddess"

MBS:
Do you work in a series? And if so, can you tell us a little bit about the one you're currently working on?

Emily:  I most often have a number of projects going, some individual paintings and some that work into a series. I have the Medieval Alphabet, a tarot deck (not yet published), and a few other projects including book illustrations. In fact, I'm currently in the early stages of illustrating a children's story by Vermont author, Tanya Sousa. 

MBS:
Wow...wonderful! Sounds like you are pretty busy. Can you tell us a little about the tarot deck you are working on? The imagery.

Emily:  The imagery of my deck is fairly classical and in quite a similar style as my Medieval Alphabet. However, after completing it and sitting on it for a while, I've decided I need to repaint several cards before publishing. In fact I may make some major changes to the entire project! ... Make it more powerful, more my own, and enhance the symbolic imagery I'm looking for in a deck. It's very important to me that this particular project turns out just right!

                                                       "Persephone- Queen of the  Underworld"

MBS:
What format do you normally work in? A specific size...large, small...or does it depend on the project? Also what materials do you use.... Acrylic, on canvas, boards, paper etc...

Emily:  My main medium is acrylics though I do enjoy oils as well. Before I began marketing my work on the web, I used to work on much larger canvases and Masonite panels. Considering the cost and difficulty shipping larger works involves, I've since switched to smaller pieces, 20x24 usually being the largest.  

                                                        "Brigid- Celtic Goddess of Inspiration"

MBS:
What is a typical work day for you? Do you keep "hours" and go to work painting like a 9-5 job? Or are you less scheduled about it?

Emily:  Oh, much less scheduled than a regular 9-5 job. I like to stay up until the wee hours of the morning painting, but I also like to wake up in the wee hours of the morning to paint! This means that I'm often switching sleeping patterns to have the best of both worlds. The most amazing things occur in my mind at night! (Possibly a side effect from being raised in Alaska and enduring months of darkness)! 

MBS:
That's a great perspective!
I have kind of a nuts and bolts question next. A lot of times one of the hardest things an artist finds is trying to maintain a balance between doing their creative work and having to tend to business...paperwork, promoting themselves etc. Since you expanded your business by putting it online, how do you handle this and what advice can you give to other artists who are looking to branch out in a big way?

Emily:  The business aspect certainly did not come naturally to me. For many years I thought I needed an agent or someone to work behind the scenes, making connections, marketing, etc.
When I began taking on those tasks myself I discovered that every small step I took made a huge difference and (to my surprise) I sometimes enjoyed the business end of things! Having been a freelance artist for a number of years now, I've learned to distinguish between these two very opposing urges in my mind. Some days I wake up with a lack of enthusiasm for my painting, but with a crazy desire to go over inventory or post new paintings around the web. I've learned to go with the flow when the mood strikes. If I miss the opportunity, doing the marketing when I MUST is like pulling teeth for me!
As for what advice I would give other artists? Post your art to as many sites as you can handle. I honestly believe there is a buyer out there for every piece of art. The art and the buyer just need to be connected, so make it as easy as possible for your art to be seen!

MBS:
That sounds like very wise advise. Thank you so much for spending time with us and we're looking forward to seeing your new work when it's published! 

end
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Prints of Emily's work and also some her original paintings are available in her Etsy Shop.
Also through her Website.

You can also email her at art@emilybalivet.com



You May Also Enjoy:
The Sun and Moon Tarot Review
Beltane Blessings

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Eating With The Tai Chi Diagram Part 3

A Strong Foundation of Common Sense

 “Eating with the Tai Chi Diagram I” concentrated on your starting point, acceptance, contemplating the Tai Chi Diagram, and creating small changes. “Eating with the Tai Chi Diagram II” presented the problematic nature of the market solutions, and suggested adopting the Tai Chi Diagram as a lifetime study with you as the master teacher.

I will now discuss some of the thoughts and actions I find helpful.

We hear a lot about “good” and “bad” foods yet the diagram is made of Yin and Yang, White fish, and Golden (or Black) Fish. Make a shift in consciousness from good/bad to yin/yang.

In the world of good and bad you look for information mostly outside of you. In the world of yin and yang you look for information mostly inside of you.

In the beginning you may want to find a teacher that can guide and help you in this transition,

Follow the law of nature:

 Follow the law of nature. Follow common sense. For example, here are three simple, common sense ideas:

1) Eat when you are hungry

2) Eat till you’re 80% full

3) Pay close attention to how food affects you. If a certain food feels not right for your body or mind, don’t eat it for a while

In most cases if you follow these three guidelines your weight will go down, your health will improve, and you will be happier. For some it is that simple, but if you find following the guidelines hard to do you are not alone. For some of us staying sane, healthy and happy is hard work.

It’s all in the mind:

It is all in the mind and that is why the mind is a good place to start. Examine your views, attitudes and habits about and around food and eating. For example guideline 1 tells you to eat when you are hungry. Do you know when you are physically hungry? Have you ever been physically hungry? Can you tell the difference between physical hunger, and emotional hunger? Or habit hunger? Do you eat for recreation? Comfort?  Company? Instead of sleeping? To suppress sexuality? Because you’re angry, and lashing out is not an option? Because you’re sad, and crying is not aloud? The answer is simple: Eat only when your body needs food. Applying this principle to your daily life may take time and work. Contemplating it will lead to developing the awareness in your body, which will give you answers. Then you will need to go back to your mind where you will build acceptance, followed by creating and implementing small changes. The word “gong” (as in Qigong) means achieving/cultivating and it implies time accumulation. Take the time, do the work, don’t over do.

Of course the same line of thought follows for guidelines two and three: Can you sense how full you are while you are eating? Can you sense it after you’re done eating? How do you find 80% fullness in your stomach? What qualifies as discomfort? How do you know if that discomfort came from something you ate? And what was that something? Remember: Small changes! Rome was not built in a day; neither were your habits. Pick something that you can relate or connect to and slowly experiment with incorporating it into your life. Be creative, and be well.

~ Miriam Moran Shankman

Article Part 1
Article Part 2

Mir-Yam School of Tai Chi, Qigong, and meditation, offers:

• Weekly classes in Tai Chi, Qigong, Meditation: practice, theory, and applications
• Medical Qigong sessions
• Guidance in “Eating with the Tai Chi Diagram”
• Workshops and presentations

To contact Miriam, www.mir-yam.com, miriam@mir-yam.com

Also by Miriam:
Slow Down We Move Too Fast:  A Prelude to the Holiday Season


"Butterfly Summer" Photo Art Print is by artist Karen Casey Smith and available in her Etsy Shop.

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Eating With The Tai Chi Diagram Part 2

ASK YOURSELF

I once read an article that stated that each one of us has his or her own reason for seeking, and sticking with Tai Chi, at the time I was not aware of my reason. For two years I contemplated going to a Tai Chi school. I stepped it to my first Tai Chi class six month after I became aware that my food consumption was hurting me.

I wanted a solution to my problems NOW, and the market had always been willing to provide me with quick and short-lived options. Tai Chi never claimed it would help. Looking back, the best way I can describe what happened is that with consistent practice, over time, Tai Chi taught me how to take good care of myself. It made me sensitive to what was going on in my body, mind, and spirit, and guided me to healthy solutions.

You may say, OK, that’s a nice story, but “How do you eat with the tai chi diagram?”

The story goes that a man passing by a master’s school asked a student exiting a weekly tai chi class: “Have you finished doing tai chi?” “You do not ‘do’ Tai Chi,” answered the student, “You live Tai Chi.” The man looked at him and said: “It’s not possible to live once a week.”

I am changing into living Tai chi. it takes time, practice, and hard work. It is an adventure. Here are a few notes from my journey so far in the hope that they may be of help:

If you are searching high and low for the “right” diet, food combination, book, nutritionist, or secret that once and for all will eliminate your struggle, please consider Jou Tsung Hwa famous saying: “There is no secret, only hard work.” Take a chance, make a 180 degree turn from the society you are living in and come to believe that work may become your salvation. (Please note that the hard work I discuss here is not busy work but the work that needs to be done within you. Many times that will be exactly the work you rather not do. That is what makes it hard!)

Also from Jou Tsung Hwa: “Don’t ask the teacher, ask yourself.”  And: “You don’t need a teacher, only common sense.” You know what is right for you. If you do not know, it may be because you have learned to hide the truth from yourself. Over time Tai Chi will help you uncover what you already know, and become yourself. In the meantime, “Do your best, don’t overdo,” ask for help, and spend time looking, contemplating, meditating on the Tai Chi diagram. The lack of balance and sanity in your food and/or life may be a reflection of something in need of balance within you.

~ Miriam Shankman

End of Part 2
__________________________________


You can read Part 1 of this article here
You can read Part 3 here


Photo courtsey of Creative Commons

Miriam Shankman  is a practitioner and instructor of Tai Chi and Chi Kung in the New York, Tri-State area.  If you would like to contact her, you can visit her website at:  http://www.mir-yam.com
or drop her an email at:  miriam@mir-yam.com

You may also enjoy reading this post by Mirian:
Slow Down We Move Too Fast:  A Prelude to the Holiday Season

Eating With The Tai Chi Diagram Part 1

We're pleased to have Miriam Shankman back, sharing with us a wonderful three part series to help in our cultivation of new thoughts and healthy habits for the new year!

EATING WITH THE TAI CHI DIAGRAM I

 START WHERE YOU ARE

By: Miriam Moran Shankman

Consider where you come from

To know where you are it is advisable to consider where you started. Culture plays a major role in one’s life, and food is part of culture. I found I have a mixed bag: I am of Eastern European heritage, but I was born and raised in the Middle East, and I lived my adult life on the US East Coast, studying the Taoists’ and Buddhists’ ways.

You may ask: “For example, what did you eat today?” I shall be honest in answering that, and tell you I had yogurt with fruit and nuts for breakfast. Through the morning, I drank two cups of my favorite green tea, and for lunch I enjoyed two shortbread cookies with three chocolate shells (the little ones that come from Belgium), and an apple. Great work Miriam! Big fat chance that any health conscious magazine editor is going to publish this one! Well, I hope someone will give me points for honesty, and as for that “naughty” lunch, maybe it will make more sense at the end of this page…

Tai Chi philosophy shows me that each one of us can seek and find his or her own balance, his or her own common sense.

Start Where You Are (I learned it the hard way)

No matter how old you are, where you come from, how many degrees you’ve earned or how much money and/or friends you have, you’ve got to start where you are: check it out. Fess up. Write it down. Tuck it under your pillow.

Back to me…I start with some positive tendencies: A total love affair with fresh veggies, fruit, and low fat, white dairy (I give the credit to the place and culture in which I was born and raised, the Middle East). But I also start with a sweet tooth that includes a great love for the delicate and intricate pastries one can find in my Eastern European heritage. And last, I start with a willingness to skip any consumption of animals flesh. I am not sure where that came from. Maybe it is a combination of growing up on a farm, and loving animals. Left to my own “girl on the town” and “let’s have a life full of fun” I would be dinning on great big vegetable salads and stir-fries, and wonderful pastries of all kinds, shapes, textures and colors along with fresh fruit and frozen yogurt…Putting it that way, it sounds wonderful (your cravings maybe different but the principal still apply) and, in any case, it is where I start.

Accept Your Limitations (I learned that the hard way too!)

That last sentence: “It is where I start” needed time to mature and surface, and I needed time to grow out of the above party menu. I like to call myself a recovering vegetarian. Rarely do I crave meat, and my common sense told me: “Great. I can be animal friendly at no cost to me.” Then came Tai Chi…and taught me to listen to and hear my body. Not my mind. Not my stomach. Not my ancestors. Not my girlfriends. This body I live in told me it needs and wants some animal flesh (please remember this does not mean it is necessarily true for you. You will have to conduct your own research on your own body.) It was painful and humbling to accept that my body would compel me to eat animals. I was once told: “You may have to give up exactly the thing you are least willing to give up.”

No Big Changes

Once in a conversation seeking direction from my doctor, she said to me: “No big changes.” There is a world of wisdom in those three words. Stick with small. Keep in mind that sometimes you may have a set back. Use that set back as opportunity to study your habits and patterns. Make a plan for a small change, and gently put it into action. You may discover that what you thought was a set back has actually become a part of your progress. Think of the Tai Chi Diagram. Imagine it. Draw it. Look at it. See your set back in it. Plan tomorrow accordingly.

Tai Chi seeks balance. Life seeks balance. You are seeking balance (I know because you’ve read this far). The culture we live in…not exactly seeking balance. Go within. Ask your body. But please, at first, do not believe everything your body tells you. It takes time to know “who is talking” and “who to listen too.” With time and practice Tai Chi will guide you.

 Make a small Change

In the meantime make a small change. For example: This afternoon I stopped at “Starbucks.” I had it in my mind to order a tall cappuccino. Why did I want a tall cappuccino? 1) To warm up a bit. 2) To have some milk. 3) To get a treat. 4) To get an energy boost. Then I remembered that in the past, most cappuccinos have actually drained my energy and that took reason 4 away. So I made a small change and ordered tall steamed milk! The lady at the counter asked to make sure I knew what I was saying, and looked down to see what child I must have been ordering this for. No child. Just me. Making a small change. The hot milk was real good. (Don’t forget to ask for foam!) 

End of Part 1

Part 2 can be read here
Part 3 can be read here


------------------------------------------

Miriam Shankman  is a practitioner and instructor of Tai Chi and Chi Kung in the New York, Tri-State area.  If you would like to contact her, you can visit her website at:  http://www.mir-yam.com
or drop her an email at:  miriam@mir-yam.com

Our photo "Big Blessing Bowl" comes from Patty Mara's Sacred Heart Cafe which you can visit on Etsy.




You may also enjoy reading an additional post by Miriam:
"Slow Down, We Move Too Fast:  A Prelude to the Holiday Season"

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The Magic of January Snow

         "The universe, silence, a world stretching into all eternity
          They came here from far away- hundreds and thousands of clumps of ice- 
          moving through outer space.  After a long journey through the expanse
          between plants and stars, the grand journey is about to come to an end."

                                                                      ~ masaru emoto
                                                                         The Secret Life of Water

Edgemont Park, Montclair NJ  1-7-11

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Our Unique, Yet Charming Zodiac Sign Flaws

In the February issue of Dell Horoscope Magazine there is a delightful article, "The Charming Character Flaws of the Signs" by Brian Clark that examines the character flaws associated with each Zodiac sign.  Clark explains in a humorous yet informative way, that it's all these little flaws and characteristics that combine to make us all unique and interesting individuals.

Probably one of the amusing aspects of the article is that before Clark describes each sign he prefaces it with a little Astrological quote by the 17th century essayist Joseph Addison.  As he points out in the article, it's interesting that even back in the day, our ancestors were fascinated by the zodiacal quirks of character! 

I thought I would share Addison's quotes with you.  If you get a chance, read the article.  It's great.  A lot of good wisdom and information.

~ diane


 Aries
Who works from morn to set of Sun,
And never likes to be outdone?
Whose walk is almost a run?
Who?  Aries.

Taurus
Who smiles through life-
except when crossed?
Who knows, or thinks he knows. the most?
Who loves good things:  baked,
boiled, or roast?
Oh, Taurus


Gemini
Who's fond of life and jest and pleasure:
Who vacillates and changes ever?
Who loves attention without measure?
Why, Gemini

Cancer
Who changes like a changeable season:
Holds fast and lets go without reason?
Who is there can give adhesion
To Cancer?


Leo
Who praises all his kindred do:
Expects his friends to praise them too-
And cannon see their senseless view?
Ah, Leo.

Virgo
Who Criticizes all she sees:
Yes, e'en would analyze a sneeze?
Who hugs and loves her own disease?
Humpf, Virgo.


Libra
Who puts you all off with promise gay,
And keeps you waiting half the day?
Who compromises all the way?
Sweet Libra.

Scorpio
Who keeps an arrow in his bow,
And if you prod, he lets go?
A fervent friend, a subtle foe-
Scorpio
 
Sagittarius
Who loves the dim religious light:
Who always keeps a star in sight?
An optimist both gay and bright-
Sagittarius


Capricorn
Who climbs and schemes
for wealth and place,
And mourns his brother's
fall from grace-
But takes what due in any case-
Safe Capricorn


Aquarius
Who gives to all a helping hand,
But bows his head to no command-
And higher laws doth understand?
Investor, Genius, Superman-
Aquarius

Pisces
Who prays and serves, and prays and
serves some more;
And feeds the beggar at the door-
And weeps o'er love lost long before?
Poor Pisces

~

16th Century Zodiac Woodcut - Wikipedia



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