Living Our Dreams

Today's Awakening: "...Yet the limbo stage is a law of nature. Like waiting for a child to be born." ~ Linda Kohanov, The Way of the Horse

From morning meditation: Grandmother Moon

The Creative Awakenings Expressive Arts Facilitator Training has been announced. If you are interested in learning more about it, sign up here! http://sherigaynor.wufoo.com/forms/z7x3x5/

Today's Awakening: The Gift

When we shine the light onto a shadow, a gift is revealed....this is duality...this is the blessing. This is grace.

The Child's Eye 2012 - Grand Opening Reception

DATE: Saturday, May 19
Time: 4 pm - 6 pm
Venue: CCAH R2 Gallery, Round Room, Suite 9 at the 3rd Street Center 
More information: Sue Drinker 945-4321 

The TCE project, conceived and executed by George Stranahan of the Flying Dog Studio, Sheri Gaynor of the Creative Spark Studio, Sue Drinker of Drinker Durrance Graphics and Karen Lanier,  continues to strive toward giving young artists the opportunity, the equipment and the software to explore and develop skills photographically, technically and aesthetically.

The artists involved with this project have been using their digital cameras for the past 3 months to express their own rendering of this year’s project title, the Good, the Bad and the Beautiful.

The 2012 Child’s Eye curriculum was developed around the proposition that we live in our various worlds… of community, of friends, of family and of self. Each of those circles are a dynamic interweaving of good, bad and beautiful things, people and places. Without judgment, but with creativity and honesty, the participants were asked to share the experience of those dynamics of every day life.

Venue Directions...
Third Street Center, CCAH R2 Gallery (room #9), located at 520 South Third Street in Carbondale, CO 81623

LIKE The Child's Eye? LIKE us on Facebook! 

Today's Awakening: Got wings?

Photo credit: http://contentinacottage.blogspot.com/2009_09_13_archive.html

 

“To be fully alive, fully human, and completely awake
is to be continually thrown out of the nest.”

― Pema Chödrön

 

Today's Awakening got me thinking about the muscle and courage it takes to be
FULLY alive, FULLY human and COMPLETELY awake. 

For me to stay alive, human and awake is like committing to an exercise program

It takes flexibility and muscle...

 

Am I up to the task? 

Someday's yes...someday's no

 

The trick is that I don't get to beat on myself if on one day...
I'm just not up to the task

Now...if I string a week of not up to the tasks together then I"ve got a problem
and I've got to be willing to take a look in the mirror and ask...

"So, what's up?"  

 

It is when I can answer that question with honesty and self-compassion 
that I can generally find the answer 

No shame, no blame just...

SIMPLE AWARENESS

For me, awareness is the first step on the journey to my creative awakening....

What does it take for you to be FULLY ALIVE?

 

FOOTNOTE: After completeing this writing, I went to take Blue for his morning walk. On the sidewalk was half of a tiny blue eggshell...TRUE STORY! 

Embracing MY Heartsong and Shining MY Light

 

It has been a long journey through the darkness of grief and into light of Spring. Like Persephone, I can feel myself rising from these last 11 months of processing my mother's loss, stronger, awake, more alive and sure of my path than ever before. I have traveled many miles this past year and although it was filled with sorrow and it's eventual release, I am grateful to have walked every step I have taken. 

As I leave to begin my EPONA training, I am leaving you with an article I wrote in November 2008. This is the 3rd time horses have come into my life as a possibility to healing and heart. As I look back on and integrate this deep understanding,  I am stunned to see where I am now and know that the time is NOW. I know this is the WAY. 3rd times a charm..."The belief that the third time something is attempted is more likely to succeed than the previous two attempts. It is also used as a good luck charm - spoken just before trying something for the third time..." 

Enjoy this article, there will be more as we move into revealing the new and exciting programs we have for you as part of Creative Awakenings. We are getting ready to launch a new interactive site and the Creative Awakenings Facilitator Training is going to be announced in June. If you are interested in becoming a Licensed Creative Awakening Facilitator, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page, and be sure you are on our private invitation list. 

My heart to all of you for your love and support, as I traveled the distance to arrive in this very sacred place...Embracing My Heartsong and Shining MY Light!

Sheri age 5...It was always there waiting....

 

Happy Trails,

Sheri

 

For digital work or licensing contact Sheri

Illumination-Bella
by Sheri Gaynor
November 9, 2008 

As we inch toward 2009 and what appears to be new opportunities and hope for all, I notice an intention surfacing. Each year I try to create an overall intention for the year as well as the monthly intentions I set on a smaller scale. This year's theme...COLLABORATION!

As a solo-entrepreneur, it can get pretty isolating working alone every day. No one to brainstorm with, no one else to set intentions with and no one else to dream with. I can feel all that changing since the book. The book was a huge effort in collaboration. With 11 other generous artist's giving of their time and experience, I was shown what is possible even with geographical challenges.

Saturday I had an opportunity to experience a very profound morning with some amazing women up at a local horse ranch. We have been kicking around the idea of bringing our gifts together to offer some cool and unique offerings for transformation and I was able to to experience what it would be like first hand.

Sheri on horseback circa 1963

One of my first loves was horses. That is so for many women. The relationship between horse and young girl can be a very powerful and healing experience. I know it was for me. I sat on my first horse at age three. FEARLESS....and gals...it is the only thing in life that has ever been that way for me. It has been almost a lifetime since I have spent any regular time with these phenomenally intuitive creatures and on Saturday, I was reminded of the power they have to transform often hidden issues. Before we began I used a deck of horse cards that one of the women brought with her to create an intention for myself. This was new to them, but familiar and important to my own process. I was grateful that Julie had the foresight to bring a deck I was unfamiliar with! I pulled Rasa Dance and Illumination.

In the photo collage I created, you see Bella, a wild mustang living her life on this beautiful ranch. Bella came toward me, without my being aware,  after we walked by her, on the way to another pasture. I was already feeling flooded with emotion following an encounter with Trigger-the Yellow Horse of Illumination-so I was not completely present to my surroundings as we walked.

The women I was with invited me to turn around and see who was trailing along and then told me a bit about her story. Bella and I spent almost 30 minutes together (with her friend Jesse one of the leaders daughter) nuzzling and "talking" to one another. At one point Bella reached for my jacket and with her teeth, lovingly nipped my heart. I almost heard her say to me, "Come back wild thing, we have missed you." That was no accident ladies...I can tell you that! 

They asked me if there was anything I could see in my imagination. I shared with them that I had an image of jumping up on her bareback and riding her through unfenced tundra, both of our manes flying freely behind me. I shared that I believed that Bella came to remind me of my shadow side. The wild nature and spirit that lives inside me, that in many ways in the daily grind feels tamed and domesticated. That wild nature used to act out and rage against herself, because I did not know the gifts my shadow nature carried, but I learned along the way that I could in fact be a wild spirit without self-harm. Sometimes I forget my wild child is there and that she needs daily doses of freedom and creativity...to stay healthy. I believe Bella and Trigger-the yellow horse of Illumination-came to remind me of this on Saturday.

After returning home, I reached for the medicine card book. I wanted to learn more about the symbolic meaning of the Horse, after coming to my own understanding of why Bella chose to communicate with me. I read these words,"...Over the rise of the hill Dreamwalker, a medicine man, saw a herd of wild mustangs running toward him. Black Stallion approached him and asked if he was seeking an answer on his journey. Black Stallion said, "I am the Void where the Answer lives. Ride my back and know the power of entering the darkness and finding the Light." "Dreamwalker thanked Black Stallion and agreed to visit him when his medicine was needed in the Dreamtime." 

I do not remember reading about Horse before and I am going to share something with you...Are you sitting down...I am grateful that I was when I read it... DreamTime is a part of the process included in the book...that is currently in production and went to press last month! And in that amazing paragraph and my own personal experience with Bella, is everything I believe about the collective unconscious, the power of intention and what we can tap into when we are awake and present. I am so excited about what is to come in this new collaboration. The unfolding of it is almost more then I could have hoped for. Thank you Julie, Mel, Jesse, Trigger and dear Bella...Happy

 

You're Invited to the 2nd Annual

Writing + Creativity + Horses = WELLbeing

With Lisa Jones, Sheri Gaynor and Susan Gibbs

June 22-24, 2012

SOLD OUT!

Click here to be wait listed

Are you in need of CREATIVE JUICE and REJUVENATION?

Are you seeking support to awaken to your deepest gifts and talents and bring them into the world?

Are you ready to give VOICE to what's inside you? 

Are you yearning to embrace your heART song and SHINE YOU LIGHT, with all the wattage you've got?

Do you hear a calling?  Is it a whisper...or a howl?  

If you hear it...read on!

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LUV Note: "The setting with the horses and amazing women who lead us was powerful. So many lessons: letting go, connecting, walking, walking away and staying, writing and the gift and power of other's stories. The mix of activities -writing, drawing, labyrinth, horses and individual reflective time was wonderful." ~Betsy Bowie, 2011 Participant 

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Scenes from 2011 WCHW Retreat

 

RETREAT DESCRIPTION

Writing, expressive arts and horses are mirrors to your soul. Join us for this extraordinary weekend adventure, where you'll have the opportunity to uncover, discover and awaken to your creative potential! 

Join facilitators, Lisa Jones, Sheri Gaynor and Susan Gibbs for a nurturing, transformative, wild hearted, juicy, weekend of renewal, writing, creativity and the REFLECTIVE energy of HORSES.  

Through WRITING, creativity, the MAGIC OF HORSES, within a sacred circle of women, you will begin to see the world in a delicious NEW way. By engaging in activities that feed your mind, body and spirit, you'll leave the weekend with a joy filled, renewed sense of self! Together we will uncover and DISCOVER what is truly LIVING inside!

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LUV Note: "I loved the integration of many processes. The labyrinth, art and writing was integral to the whole of the weekend. The horse reflection is so organic and truthful. A lot of actions initiated here in this retreat will continue to develop through the coming days. Part TWO?"~ Marti Bauer, 2011 Participant

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THE JUICE

• Free your spirit through writing from the heart with Lisa Jones author of Broken: A Love Story
• Unleash your innated creative essence with expressive arts activities facilitated by Sheri Gaynor, author of Creative Awakenings: Envisioning the Life of your Dreams Through Art
• Engage with the inuitive power and wisdom of horses with cowgirl, Susang Gibbs and her majestic her herd
• Nourish your body, mind and spirit with movement, yoga, Qigong and labyrinth walks. Leave the weekend feeling refreshed, renewed and fully ALIVE!
  
• The weekend will offer a balance of activity, sharing and quiet contemplation

Are you ready to embrace your heART Song and SHINE YOUR LIGHT? If so...Read more!

 

EMBRACE YOUR heART SONG and SHINE YOUR LIGHT!

The 2nd Annual Woman's Retreat SOLD OUT! 
Writing + Creativity + Horses = WELLbeing
With Facilitators: Lisa Jones, Sheri Gaynor and Susan Gibbs
June 22-24, 2012 at Sopris Mtn. Ranch  

Do you hear a calling?  Is it a whisper...or a howl?  

Are you ready to give VOICE to what's inside you?

Are you yearing to awaken to your deepest gifts and talents; bring them into the world, embrace your heART song and SHINE YOU LIGHT, with all the wattage you've got?

Join facilitators, Lisa Jones, Sheri Gaynor and Susan Gibbs for a transformative, nurturing, wild hearted, juicy, BIG BOLD weekend of renewal, writing, creativity and the POWERFUL, REFLECTIVE energy of HORSES.  

Through WRITING, creativity, PHOTOGRAPHY, horse play and FULL ON expression, you will begin to see the world in a delicious NEW way and you'll leave with a joy filled renewed sense of self! Together we will uncover and DISCOVER what is truly LIVING inside!

LUV Note: "I loved the integration of many processes. The labyrinth, art and writing was integral to the whole of the weekend. The horse reflection is so organic and truthful. A lot of actions initiated here in this retreat will continue to develop through the coming days. Part TWO?"~ Marti Bauer, 2011 Participant

Retreat Registration Information:

• WCHW is an intimate, nurturing weekend limited to 8 participants, double occupancy. The weekend sold out quickly last year.
• Private registration opens Monday, March 5, 2012. Would you like to be on the private invite list to get a pre-announcement of open registration? Fill out our secure form below and you'll be placed on our private invite email list. 
• Register before March 14, you'll recieve a complimentary 30-minute pre-retreat coaching session with author, artist and psychotherapist Sheri Gaynor, lcsw, reat, so you can step into the weekend feeling supported, open and with a deep sense of possibility. Sheri's gift to you! An investment of: $100.00  
• Public registration opens Wednesday, March 14, 2012.
• Payment plans options are available.

TRUE NORTH: Would you like some help finding your way to the Colorado and to the event?  We're here to help! Travel Inquiries to Sheri Gaynor 

Spaces open: SOLD OUT! Click here to be wait listed

Please fill in the confidential form below to be placed on the private invitation list going out on Monday, March 5, 2012

© 2011 Sheri Gaynor

 

Dreaming Awake....

 

My friend Robyn Hubbard has been teaching a Dream class in the studio.

During each 4 week session, I join the last week and share how I use the creative process to find deeper meaning in my dreams.

 

Finding symbolism through writing is powerful,

finding metaphor through image, moves us beyond the linear mind,

into our unconscious and becomes what I call

DREAMING AWAKE.

 

This is an image from a dream I had several months ago.

I had two dreams back to back with black panthers in them. 

Somehow that felt important,

so yesterday she and I met in the studio and worked some dreams together.

 

It was profound to share the process. 

Speaking Your Truth...

 

 

I found this today on PINTEREST

It really hit home for me.

 

Why is it challenging to speak our truth? 

Shall we count the ways?

I won't be liked...

I'll hurt somone's feeling...

Someone will leave...

They'll think I'm a BITCH....

 

Any of those sound familiar? Well they do to me. 

It took years of practice to learn to speak my truth

and now I really can....

 

EVEN IF MY VOICE SHAKES! 

 

How to begin?

Practice saying "NO" 

EVEN IF YOUR VOICE SHAKES!

Mind Expansion

I've been spending some time on TED this weekend.

Can you say EXPANSION!

Their tag line is true...

IDEAS WORTH SPREADING!

Go ahead...

take charge this week 

and

IMAGINE the POSSIBILITIES!