So here I am, certified to teach Zentangle! Apparently I also need a blog, business cards a bio a new understanding of finance a bunch of forms to fill out and networking has to be something I think about as I move through the day. If you know me then you know I put quite a lot of energy into my J.O.B. leaving little for these 'have to's' at home.
In fact all those things are sort of the antithesis of Zentangle. However if I want to reach anyone with this quest I must find a solution. After a major pity party earlier in the week I have found a place to put all those feelings of 'GAH' (to put it as my yogi bff Em says). I am choosing to let these things come as I am inspired to do them.
This year has been full of adventure. Business school (still plugging away), upping my yoga practice and completing a year with a health/life coach. Exploring fear and habits, pushing to grow but accepting myself at the same time. Some days I feel like I can breeze through anything thrown at me and some days I feel like every breath, thought, action and decision is a mistake. On most of those darker days I turn inward and practice a mantra I have learned. "I forgive myself for this fear thought and choose love instead." If that does not work I try to be grateful for what I have, who I love and who loves me. That rarely fails to convince me to put on my big girl pants and let the doubt go. When all else fails Gothic Red helps... ; ) (oops...Did I say that?)
Teacher training was like a soul spa experience. I shared it mainly with two amazing friends gained through Zentangle at The Victorian. Also, our friend, mentor, teacher and all around cool chick Molly was a constant reminder of how lucky we are! Three and a half days of art, laughter, some tears and lots of growth. While I learned more tangles and the basics of the business side I was blown away at the way everyone just clicked. More than 100 people snuggled up like we knew each other for years. Creating and learning over those three days inspired me in so many ways. It gave me hope that my dreams of doing something more was actually in reach. I was amazed by the people that traveled from across the globe to our smallest state to stay for a few days and then back home to spread the Zen. Each time I talk about what Zentangle is I find myself trying to express in a few words what this practice does for me. I feel like I'm flailing around trying to find a voice that is really best expressed by saying "Here... let me show you how to do a few tangles."
In two days I teach my first official class at the The Victorian. I have prepped and practiced and asked for advice and feedback and now I just have to pack up my supplies and give it all to the universe. I'm blessed by living in a safe place, having amazing friends and family, furry beings to warm my heart and being grateful for these things will help me stay the course. My dream is to do and share art that helps people have a better day. Pretty simple really but maybe I help someone find peace in a stressful moment, a smile in an awkward situation or focus when all that stuff we all have to do starts piling up. It's not world peace... but then again... peace starts by each person choosing to see good, be kind and be grateful so there it is I guess.
Sending love and light.
Julie.
