In this short TED talk, Arianna Huffington shares a small idea that can awaken much bigger ones: the power of a good night's sleep. Instead of bragging about our sleep deficits, she urges us to shut our eyes and see the big picture: We can sleep our way to increased productivity and happiness -- and smarter decision-making.

Having Trouble Sleeping or Want A Better Sleep?
Harmonia Self Care Tools for Sleep

As most of us know sleep is so important for our overall health and well being. To many of us walking around are not getting enough sleep and that leads to sickness on multiple levels.

The good news. Is there are amazing self care tools for you to enhance your sleep.With the Harmonia practice integrate them into one session right before you go to sleep.

These are the 8 best oils for a better nights sleep.

1. Lavender is often considered a must-have oil to keep on hand at all times due to its versatile uses, including calming and relaxing properties that promote peaceful sleep and ease feelings of tension.*
2. Vetiver - With a unique, exotic aroma, Vetiver is known to provide a calming, grounding effect on emotions—making it ideal for massage therapy and promoting restful sleep. It is very grounding oil.
3.Roman Chamomile - While providing a sweet, floral aroma, Roman Chamomile can soothe body systems as it supports calming effects for the skin, mind and body
5.Bergamot - With both calming and uplifting abilities, Bergamot can dissipate anxious feelings while simultaneously providing cleansing and purifying benefits
6. Sandalwood - The sweet, woody aroma of Indian Sandalwood is a reflection of the soothing benefits of the essential oil—which can be used for skin imperfections or to enhance mood during meditation.
7. Marjoram - With its calming properties and positive effect on the human immune and nervous systems*, Marjoram was once known as a symbol of joy and happiness in ancient cultures.
8. Cedarwood - With properties that help to soothe the mind and body, the warm, woody scent of Cedarwood essential oil promotes a relaxing environment when used topically or aromatically

Integrate your essential oils with yoga. Use them topically on the soles of your feet, neck and on the ears. HERE are tips for a very relaxing ear massage. take a bath with the essential oils, massage your muscles,  and or in your diffuser.  HERE is an article on 9 yoga poses for better sleep. Have a short meditation. HERE is an article with 5 tips for a sleep inducing meditation.Then create a dream mandala with an inquiry and place under pillow. When you awake the next day write down your dream. Then stare at your dream mandala and see what answers or insights you received.

I believe that honoring your sleep time and making it into a sacred self care ritual is key. Sleep is the place and space where true healing occurs in your mind, body, and spirit.

The oils I use in the Harmonia's sacred self care practice is Doterra essentials. I love the quality and the mission of of Doterra. Please feel free to use your preference. If you are interested in using and buyingDoterra wholesale, please contact me I can help you set up an account. Also, if you are interested becoming a Doterra Wellness Advocate let me know. You can share the oils and build a business at the same time. E-mail at [email protected] Doterra's quality is amazing and there so many tools for educating yourself on the power of using essential oils in all parts of your life.

 
The is no question, that we live in a very toxic world. Just take a moment and open the news cycle. Ever time I do that, I feel like the Edvard Munch's "Scream" painting. I just read that over 40 million adults in the USA suffer from anxiety. As well eight out of ten people suffer from extreme stress in their lives. What is the solution? The solution is everyone must develop serious daily self care practices and rituals. That is why there is over 20 million yogis in the USA.  Being a hyper sensitive (HSP), I to have suffered from life long anxiety and panic disorders. The only way I have been able to manage and heal it is through the practices of art, yoga, nature meditation, mystical studies, and essential oils.

Way back in 1999, I frequented the Yoga Tree in San Francisco and the owner Tara  become my art collector. At the moment, I began merging art and yoga as one practice. Previously, art was my ultimate self healing practice. Also in graduate school at JFKU  in the Arts and Consciousness: Holistic Studies Program, I took it further and developed a holistic transformative art program to heal emotionally traumatized youth in foster in Oakland, CA. Then 2012, I co-founded Art 4 All People with Ceylan Huyla and that is were together created the full on YogART practice. We created workshops, teacher trainings, and certifications to expand YogART as an Arts and Healing practice. Then in 2016, I developed Harmonia. Which is an off shoot of YogART. With Harmonia I added essential oils and the Goddess Archetypes. Every year with my Arts and Healing organization, Artemis Sacred Journeys, Mary Rockwood Lane of Healing with the Arts, and I lead women's empowerment Retreats to Tinos, Greece. That is where I teach Harmonia and see the true power of this holistic arts and healing practice. Harmonia is multi sensory experience and it takes one deep into their interpersonal transformation and empowers individuals to heal themselves, de-stress, and live a more balanced and harmonious life. 

Below is my latest Harmonia Practice © workshop

I just discovered the Goddess Archetype Aletheia , I feel she is a potent and raw energy of pure truth. She pulls back veils and enables you to reconnect with your truest self. The bottom line is as a woman, we have been labeled and oppressed since the Patriarchy has been in the dominant power.  In today's world it is tough to realize, who you really are. It really takes a lot of self care, self inquiry, and self work to peel the onion and to find your authentic self. For me the Goddess Aletheia will mentor you to "Know They Self."

Enjoy the DIY Harmonia practice. Remember you are a limitless, eternal, live in infinite potential and possibilities.  If you have any questions or would like me coach or teach Harmonia at a deeper level e-mail me at harmoniainstitute.com

Blessing, Love, and Light,
Lisa

_________________________
Your Inner World Is The Final Frontier

Harmonia: Discover that your own creativity is a source of, flow, harmony, transformation, healing, and balance. Empower your Creatrix through the Harmonia Practice, a magical and integrative sensory art, yoga, and essential oil ultimate self care experience.

Free Harmonia Goddess Practice © ~ 90  minute session

Supplies and the Set Up
You will need print out mandala template, paper, pen, and pastels.  Or anything else you want to create your mandala with. Like acrylic paint, watercolor, collage materials.

Crystal Work:
Stone to carry or wear while doing the practice: Is a Turquoise.  This stone is potent purifier and healer.  It also strengthens and protects spiritual warriors.

Choose for one or all essential oils. I use Doterra essentials, feel free to use your preference. If you are interested in using and buying Doterra wholesale, please contact me I can help you set up an account. Also, if you are interested becoming a Doterra Wellness Advocate let me know. You can share the oils and build a business at the same time. E-mail at [email protected] Doterra's quality is amazing and there so many tools for educating yourself on the power of using essential oils in all parts of your life.

• Blue Yarrow: Brings the water element energy to clear stuck energy and repairs the aura
• Douglas Fir Oil: Grounds one deeply into the forests, easing worries and helps one be fully present
• Lemongrass:Heals a broken heart
• Eucalyptus: Is a cleansing, uplifts, and healing on all levels

Other props

• Yoga mat. Study or print out yoga series at this  from Mind, Body, Green at https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-20842/5-yoga-poses-to-open-your-throat-chakra-express-your-truth.html
• Study a bit about your Chakra's at this link HERE
• A cushion or bolster
• Create a quiet sacred place for this practice. Have a candle, sacred objects, water, tea, a glass of wine, and or dark chocolate are some suggestions. Make it your epic self care ritual. Potentially plan to take a bubble bath after with the essential oils after your practice. HERE is an article on how to create a sacred space

Invitation To Goddess Aletheia Harmonia Practice ©. She will be activated in your Throat Chakra.

Reclaiming the Feminine Mystery of Creation Through The Goddesses
Mandala Art Creation,Archaeology, Art as Your Oracle

To begin your Harmonia Practice

1.Opening your sacred circle and creative visualization
Light your candle and grab your essential oils. Place the essential oils on your wrist. Tent them, meaning place your the tips of your fingers together and bring your wrists up to your nose. Close your eyes and breathe and breathe out. Imagine your breath is traveling down your chakra system down through your feet into the core of the earth. The crystalline grid. Feel and hearing the heartbeat of the Gaia/Earth Mother. Then imagine a golden light is traveling down from the heavens, through your crown chakra and all the way down your root chakra. Lastly, imagine the crystalline grid from Gaia is pulling up all the way to your throat chakra and simultaneously the golden light pouring down from the heavens is entering your throat chakra. Feel and breath in this light.
2. Mindful Reading and Preparation
Go to your yoga mat. Bring your mandala, reading, and art supplies next to your mat and then softly read about the Goddess.
"Labels have been applied to the nature of Woman for thousands of years, beginning with sacred and divine, at times unclean and shunned, and accusations of wanton and tempting.  These were the Truths that others applied to women and we accepted them and even lived entire lives under those labels: the Mother, the Career Woman, the Good Daughter, the Attendant Wife, the Whore, the Bitch, too many to name.  Under those labels and the acceptance by women of those labels, there was always Aletheia – She burns brightly in our WomanRoots, our Women’s Blood and within our Women’s Mysteries.  She held the Truth until we were ready to Remember and Become Unhidden. For some, the journey to their True Selves is too frightening or perceived to be too difficult and Aletheia is relegated to the obscured and forgotten.Remembrance of our WomanRoots – our True Selves, Actualizing Authenticity and Cultivating the State of  Unhidden could be called The Great Work.   The impetus of Aletheia is to take on the mantle of The Great Work – Personal Transformation in accordance with our Truth of Self.  Actualization and emergence of our True Self occurs as we allow the soul to burgeon and unfold itself – the action of revealing. Revealing leads the Self to connect and tune to its proper place in the Universe.  Attainment occurs when our True Self releases its Will into the Universe and takes action. Aletheia has started a chain reaction of potentiality for lives full of Bliss and Self Love and Authenticity. Our WomanRoots are planted deeply and firmly, infusing us with the Sacred everyday How can we invite Aletheia and her gorgeous unicorn into our lives?" From http://themotherhouseofthegoddess.com
3. Yoga Series
Slowly tent your oils again and begin your yoga series in your imagination invite Aletheia into your being.
Begin the series with 1. Easy Neck Release 2. Baby Cobra Pose 3. Supported Fish Pose (you will need a block are cushion) 4. Shoulder Stand and end with 5. Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose

In mindful way rub one of the essential oils on the soles of your feet.

4. Creative Writing: Shedding the Labels, Old Stories, and Self Identity
Write in your art journal.
Reflect on the fear, the lies we tell ourselves (or allow others to tell us) and feelings of aloneness and being stuck are the barriers to Aletheia. Shed the barriers from each Chakra, write down three or things/stories/patterns that create a barrier between you and your core Truth.

• 7th Chakra ~Crown Chakra (Golden orb) Highest Self
• 6th Chakra ~ 3rd Eye (Indigo orb) Intuition
• 5th  Chakra ~Throat (Blue orb) Expression
• 4th Chakra ~Heart (Green orb) Love
• 3rd Chakra ~Solar Plexus (Yellow orb)  Will
• 2nd Chakra ~ Sacral (Orange orb) Creativity
• 1st Chakra ~ Root (Red Funnel orb) Survival
• After shedding all the veils from you Chakra’s imagine within your inner being a rainbow is flowing and balancing through all your Chakras. Sense how do you feel in this realm? How does it feel to remove all your labels, patterns, and old stale stories?

6. Mandala Making
Now invite the Goddess into your creative processes and create your mandala. As intuitively as possible. Try not to think, just let your hand move.
7. Witnessing and Your Art as an Oracle
What information or message does your Mandala reveal to you? What messages does the Goddess  Aletheia reveal? What is your truth? How does your Truth feel? How will you embody this into your daily life?
Lastly create an Affirmation
What is your Aletheia Mandala’s affirmation?

Later in the evening light a candle to your mandala and gaze at it. Does it have anymore information?
*Below is the Mandala Template
Show me your Mandala. Share in the comment section below.

Woot! Doterra just launched their Turmeric Essential oil! I am in love, as is my Ray of Sunshine Cat (Raymond) to start creating some amazing DIY skin care and skin transformation products!
Check out the amazing benefits of Turmeric below!

10 beauty benefits of turmeric essential oil
by Richa Ranjan | March 26, 2017

From fading blemishes to imparting a glow to your skin and fighting hair loss, turmeric is an excellent beauty ingredient. Turmeric essential oil is extracted from the roots of turmeric plant and just like turmeric powder; it has anti-allergic, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic qualities. It is also loaded with antioxidants. Learn how you can use turmeric essential oil in your beauty regimen.

An important point to remember is that essential oils should be diluted with carrier oils before applying on the skin or hair. Do not apply turmeric oil directly on your  skin. Mix it with a carrier oil like coconut, olive, jojoba orapricot oil before using.


For drying acne
Turmeric oil mixed with carrier oil can be used on acne. Being an anti-fungal and antiseptic, it will dry out the pimples and also prevent further breakouts.

To fade blemishes and marks
Turmeric is often used in anti-marks and anti-spots creams. When used persistently, turmeric oil can fade away marks giving you a blemish-free skin.


Treating cracked heels
Being an excellent healing agent, turmeric oil can be effectively used to soften cracked heels. Add a few drops of turmeric oil in 2 tbsp of coconut or castor oil, and apply liberally on yourfeet before bedtime. Practicing this regularly will give you soft heels in no time.

Skin rejuvenator
If your face lacks glow, turmeric oil can come to the rescue. Mix 2 drops of turmeric oil in 3 tbsp of olive oil. Store in a jar and massage on your face every night with this oil concoction. You will soon see your skin bloom.

Eliminating signs of ageing
Rich in antioxidants, turmeric oil can help diminish fine lines and wrinkles from yourskin. Mix 4 drops of turmeric oil in 4 tsp of almond oil. Mix and scoop out a little oil on your fingertips to massage your face targeting the wrinkles. Using a tissue, wipe away the extra oil. Include this in your night time regimen to say goodbye to signs of ageing.


In facial masks
Adding a few drops to turmeric essential oil to your face mask will give it an anti-bacterial advantage without any side effects.

Relieving inflammation
Curcumin found in turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory compound and so turmeric oil can give immediate relief from inflammation. Create an anti-inflammatory concoction by adding 4-5 drops of turmeric essential oil to a carrier oil like coconut, jojoba or olive oil. Apply on the area of concern.

Defeating dandruff 
A good massage with turmeric essential oil can help you get rid of dandruff problems. A few drops of turmeric oil added to your regular hair oil will give it an anti-microbial edge and help reduce dandruff with time.

Curbing hair loss
Turmeric essential oil can come in handy if you are suffering from hair loss caused by a fungal infection. The anti-fungal quality of turmeric can rid your scalp of the infection which can be the end of hair fall. Use turmeric oil infused hair oil to massage your hair and scalp and the fungal infection will be cured in a few weeks (depending on the severity of the infection).

Treating scalp conditions
From relieving the scalp of dandruff, fungal infection and itchy scalp, turmeric oil can do it all. The anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory qualities of turmeric make your scalp infection-free and healthy.

You might also want to read 5 interesting ways to use essential oils 

Do you Love Essential Oils?
Are interested in having a more holistic lifestyle and learning about the use of plants for your well being and health? Are you wanting to learn DYI yourself skin care, cleaning products, and so much more?
Are you interested in making extra income?

***Schedule your an essential oils Harmonia free consultation session at [email protected]

With your purchase of doTerra, I will teach you Harmonia 101.  With your purchase you will receive a free Harmonia 30 minutes session. I will teach how to incorporate essential oils in to your creative practices. As well as the basics of essentials oils. Your session comes with a free Harmonia and  holistic goal setting worksheet.

About Harmonia:
Learning to Glow & Flow with Harmonia & Do terra Essential Oils. A Self-Care Practices for a Healthy Mind, Body, and Soul 

Dive deep within and discover a new modality of self care.  Learn strategies for stress management, life - work balance, and success. Learn to listen to your heart. Learn the empowering basics of essential oils for your emotional and physical well being. As well as discover Harmonia, an effective self care process that unleashes your creativity and magnifies your hearts desire through the interweaving of seven plus transformative tools. This practice is for artists, life coaches, instructors, creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wishes to enhance their own well being and their clients in natural way. Through this potent process gain new perspectives, radiance, and inspiration and achieve a new outlook on balancing the many competing aspects of life

Upon Mother Earth (Gaia) Everything is on Purpose!
This amazing planet "HER" we live on, is a  magical self regulation ecosystem of wellness and healing. Intuitively we reach out plants to settle symptoms, ease ailments, and infuse our bodies with well being. Integrating essential oils into your daily life enhances your health and verve.

Essential oils contain volatile aromatic compounds – which are tiny organic molecules that serve a variety of protective, reproductive and regenerative purposes.

Harmonia Essential Oils is inspired by the Goddess Harmonia. In Greek mythology she was the Mother of the Amazons. Which were a tribe of powerful female warriors. Harmonia Essential oils holistic mission is to empower all women to tap into the ancient wisdom of essential oils. Returning and revering Gaia. Embracing HER gifts, their true nature and well being.

Harmonia do Terra, Wellness Advocate, & FLOW Coach: Artist, Arts & Healing Practitioner -Lisa Rasmussen MFA lives in Santa Monica and takes daily meditative walks on the Beach. She in on Heroine's Journey
I empower women to lead courageous lives through Creativity & Art www.harmoniainstitute.com
Lisa is also Art Alchemist, Tree Hugger, Cat Lady, Mystic, Foodie, Thalassophile (Lover of the Sea) Sacred Site Wonderjunkie

Create Your Own Home-Based Wellness Business
Become a doTerra Wellness Advocate. Read about how you can partner with doTERRA essential oils, with myself as your mentor in creating a beautiful home-based wellness business.

I invite your to take a seat at the Harmonia Teams Table
Step-by-step instructions on how to do that are below. I recommend starting with the Home Essentials Kit (you’ll get the 10 oils we believe every home should have, plus a diffuser).

To begin purchasing and using Doterra essential oils.
 Besides the physical and emotional healing and well being benefits, I have found that I am saving money on not buying expensive skin creams and cleaning supplies. Doterra offers a huge recipe guide for DIY products. You can check them out HERE.

** Step-by-step instructions on how to sign up are below.
To begin and sign up

I recommend starting with both the membership fee of $35 is covered in both kits

• Home Essentials Kit (you’ll get the 10 oils we believe every home should have, plus a diffuser). Which is at this link HERE (it contains Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon, Melaleuca, Oregano, Peppermint, doTERRA Breathe®, DigestZen®, doTERRA On Guard®, Deep Blue®(5 mL bottles)
  Petal Diffuser, The doTERRA Essentials Booklet

• Family Essentials kit which is at this link HERE (it contains Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Melaleuca, Oregano, Frankincense, Deep Blue®, doTERRA Breathe®, DigestZen®, doTERRA On Guard® (5 mL bottles)
  Peppermint Beadlets, doTERRA On Guard® Beadlets, The doTERRA Essentials Booklet

• If you need a diffuser. See on Amazon HERE
  
  
• If you chose to just pay the membership for $35 I would suggest Peppermint, Lavender, Copaiba, OnGuard
  
  

IF YOU CHOSE THE  HOME ESSENTIALS & OR THE FAMILY ESSENTIALS KIT IT CONTAINS:
Click HERE for Essential Oils 101.
Amazing uses for the oils that are included in your Home Essentials Kit and some of their uses.

Peppermint: Cools body temperature, energising, settles upset tummy. This is also great to add to water and to brush your teeth with. Click HERE  for 35 remarkable benefits and uses for peppermint oil

Lemon: Detoxifying, no-tox cleaner, purifies air, great for focus, delicious in salad dressings. Click HERE for 10 of the greatest benefits and uses for lemon oil.

Lavender: Calming to the nervous system, soothes irritated skin, promotes restful sleep. This is a wonder oil. Great to create a skin care product with coconut oil. Click HERE for the amazing benefits and uses for lavender oil.

Oregano: Nature’s antibiotic! You can also use this to cook with and to clean with. Click HERE for the top 21 benefits and uses for oregano oil.

Tea Tree: Great for bites and stings, blemishes and can be used as an insect repellant. Super for gum and teeth health to. Click HERE for 14 benefits and uses for tea tree oil.

Frankincense: Fights inflammation, incredibly beautifying and anti-ageing for the skin, promotes cellular regeneration. The wonder oil. Click HERE for the healing benefits of frankincense.

Doterra Breathe: Respiratory blend, clears airways, great support for asthmatics, energising. This perfect clear allergies and stuffiness. Uses

• Diffuse, inhale directly from palms, or rub on chest or feet when seasonal and environmental threats are high.Use when outdoors to minimize the effects of seasonal threats. Diffuse at bedtime for a restful environment.

Deep Blue: Apply topically for muscle and joint pain. Wonderful for aches.

OnGuard: Protective blend - wards off bacteria, protects the immune system and loads the body with antioxidants. You can create cleaning products this as well. Safe and natural cleaning recipes HERE. I also use this for teeth and gum health. Great when  you are feeling a little bug coming on.

DigestZen: Digestive blend - promotes healthy digestzen, settles heartburn, bloatedness, cramping and nausea. This really works.

Some Recipes
When mixing the oils always use glass containers. For little bottles you can find them on Amazon HERE. These are also fun for gifts as well.

**Back pain relief essential oils: Peppermint, Cypress, and Frankincense mix with coconut oil either fractured (See HERE  for fractured coconut oil or use regular)

** For amazing firming and anti aging skin oil use

1. Jojoba oil mix in 10 drops each of Cypress oil and Geranium oil, 7 drops Frankincense oil to buy Jojoba oil from Amazon click HERE.
2. Jojoba oil Sandalwood oil 5 drops each of: Geranium oil, Lemon oil, Frankincense oil, Myrrh oil, and Rosemary oil
3. Click HERE for Food recipes
4. Click HERE for DIY Skin care and body products.

With Doterra you do not just receive the oils you get guidance, education, and support. Doterra Online Education is HERE.

When you become part of DoTerra with Harmonia you will get

•  Welcome email with a gorgeous PDF outlining the basics on how to get started
• 150 Uses for Your Home Essentials Kit PDF
• 30 minute Harmonia Wellness Consult with me. We’ll make sure you have the oils you need and that you’re getting the most of of your membership.
• Access to our Wellness Essentials Tribe Facebook group, where people share their experience with the oils on the daily.

HOW TO BUY THE OILS AND TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE

WHEN YOU'RE READY TO PURCHASE, FOLLOW THESE DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY:

• Click this link: mydoterra.com/harmoniaessentialoils1
• Click Join & Save
• Choose the country and language that's appropriate for you
• Choose either Wholesale Customer or Wellness Advocate. ( I recommend Wellness Advocate)
  
  
• Enter your personal information. There is no need to include your tax information if you’re not intending of sharing the oils with your friends and family.
• At *Enroller id*, enter my number: 5533975
• Then click verify (it should then show you my name)
• Allocate yourself a password
• Click over to the next page
• Select what kit you'd like to order. If you just want to start with a couple of oils instead of a kit, start typing the name of the oil in the box and it will appear for you to select it. Be sure to select the $35 introductory packet if you're not enrolling with a kit. Purchasing a kit waives this enrollment fee.
• Enter your Credit Card details and process your order.
  
  

Once your payment processes, you'll be asked whether you want to set up your Loyalty Rewards Program order. This is voluntary (there are no obligations), however, if you're looking at exploring the business opportunity, a monthly order is essential so you can get paid commissions. If you're simply interested in being a customer, you'll love the LRP for the free product incentives.

If you decide to go ahead and set this up, select a date preferably before the 15th of next month (you'll receive a FREE oil from doTERRA if your order reaches 125PV or more), select your oils, and enter your payment details one more time. Please note: your credit card will NOT be processed until the date you've selected for shipping.

Shop essential oils HERE
Wholesale Products and doTerra Wellness Advocate Opportunities.
For more inspiration, education, and articles go to Harmonia Facebook page HERE

  Transmission of Diamond Light, The Universe is Talking to Me
Yesterday, I went to a powerful and transformative event hosted by Ruth Klein. Ruth has an amazing lecture series at Santa Monica, California Montana Branch library called “Generation Why Not®? Living a Soul-Centered & Purpose-Driven Life.” Last nights lecture and dialogue was all about the nature of our perceptions and the illusion it creates within your Ego.

During the last part of the evening, Ruth did a lovely creative visualzation on letting go of a negative perception and in that empty space discovering a new gift to receive. During the visualization had a profound experience. In the process I chose to let go of my life grid filled with the illusion of anxiety. As I released those memories and perceptions, I was stunned at the vastness created inside me. The gift that I received was a huge golden box with a luscious red ribbon around it. The colors of the gift were illuminating like a Tibetan monks robe. In my vision, I took the box within my inner chamber and placed it in my Sacral Chakra area. Which is the seat of the emotional body. In that field the box seemed to melt into a brilliant diamond light. The energy was dazzling. What gift! By releasing my dreaded anxiety, I received the gift of the diamond light within my Sacral Chakra. I knew instantly that this was related to Tibetan Buddhism and their practice of using the diamond light to slice away the illusion or the Maya that mind creates. I joked to the group saying I was Tibetan monk in past life. This imagery was so empowering. I left the evening feeling empowered and full of light.

 When I went home I started doing research on the Diamond Light. The Vajra symbol came up. “The vajra or dorje in Tibetan Buddhism is the symbolic tool of the thunderbolt, that which is capable of destroying illusions, mental obstructions and projects.Only with the puissant forces needed to break through the illusions can we release the inner light. Imagine that your true nature is held captive by beasts such anger, fear, and erroneous assumptions. Therefore an equally powerful energy must you destroy the grip that these beast have on you. The Vajra is the tool. ” states Julie Tallard Johnson, in her book Wheel of Initiation: Practices for Releasing Your Inner Light

 Yes, that is what happened I metaphorically destroyed my illusion of anxiety with the thunder of clarity and inner light. Below is a photo that I took in Nepal with giant Vajra.  Nepal is were the Green Tara become my savior from the dire grief of losing my Mom. I am still connecting the dots 22 years later.

The next amazing thing happened to me as I was walking in the diamond light. In the morning on meditative beach walk I was embracing the diamond light. I carried a crystal with me and saw the diamond light in all beings and in all things. I realized that the diamond light is the chi of life, the truest life force in all things! It is our natural way. It is the pure clear light of love and compassion. Gaia is the diamond light.

After this amazing meditation, I went and I asked my higher self to pull an archetype card from the Goddess Oracle. And lo and behold, I picked the card Machig Labdron, the diamond-hearted dakini. I was blown away. She is holding Vajra. As well as when I was reading the card there was rare thunder happening in our Santa Monica skies. The Vijra is a symbol of a thunderous diamond. Pure synchronism!  The Goddess, Machig mantra is “I face my ego beliefs to feel free.” “According to Tibetan buddhist, she is reincarnated as Lama Tsultrim Allione, an American Buddhist teacher. Alione explains in her book, Feeding Your Demons, the Chod is “a method for bringing our shadow into consciousness and accessing the treasures it holds rather than repressing it.” says Meggan Watterson in Divine Feminine Oracle Guidebook. Another crazy synchronistic thing is I just discovered Lama Tsultrim Allione and her book Wisdom Rising: Journey into the Mandala of the Empowered Feminine. In the book Allione teaches you how to embody the enlightened, fierce power of the sacred feminine—the tantric dakinis. She also is aligned with the Green Tara, her Retreat center is called the Tara Mandala in Colorida.

This is what Ruth precisely did in her creative visualization. She did a sort of Chod, were she asked us to discard one of our negative perceptions and to receive its divine gift. True transformation happened at Ruth’s lecture. For me it has been a rich, illuminated treasure of growth and expansion of my inner diamond light. Diamond light is an in powering force of Divine alignment to ones Higher Self. It is transcendent when one walks in the field of miracles, the universe is sending you signs and signals to be a light in the dark.

As the - Diamond Sutra as qtd. in The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying says….

Know all things to be like this: A mirage, a cloud castle, A dream, an apparition, Without essence, but with qualities that can be seen. Know all things to be like this: As the moon in a bright sky In some clear lake reflected, Though to that lake the moon has never moved. Know all things to be like this: As a magician makes illusions Of horses, oxen, carts and other things, Nothing is as it appears. - Diamond Sutra as qtd. in The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying 

 My story of the Green Tara Saving Me
 The Green Tara is a bodhisattva - an enlightened being who refuses to go to nirvana until she enlightens all souls. She is the divine Mother - the mother of all the buddhas. She embraced me on a pilgrimage to the Nepalese mountains.

 My journey to those mountains was one of healing. I had come to spread my recently deceased mother's ashes into the sacred landscape. I came with a tour group of 14 people. We hiked through the mountains each day. On the day of the most difficult climb, I fell terribly ill. I thought I was going to die. But I got through it. The next day, I felt rejuvenated. I saw the sun rise, and I embraced the beauty of the morning. I felt like I had died the night before, and that I had been reborn. I knew in my heart that this was the right day to spread my mother's ashes. After breakfast, we began hiking again. In the afternoon, as we were ascending to a monastery in the mountains, I saw a magnificent river carving its way through the landscape passionately. My eyes were drawn above it. Three hundred feet on a cliff, I saw an image of the Green Tara. I was awestruck by the shooting stars painted above her figure.

For a few moments, I felt connected to the eternal. I felt my mother communicating with me, telling me that she would always be with me. On the evening I heard the shocking news of my mother's death, I stared at the sky hoping for an answer... a reason. Blazing through the Chicago night, I saw a shooting star... 'Mom'? That same evening, my older brother also saw a shooting star in the night, as he tormented over my mother's death. We both were moved to write and express this at her wake. When I saw the shooting stars above the Green Tara, I knew that I was meant to be there at that moment in time. I felt my mother's love, and the warmth of her embrace. For a few moments, I felt that I was one with the universe, and that I would never be alone. The stars and the Green Tara embraced me. I was filled with peace and a sense of letting go. I knew this place was where my mother wanted her ashes to be united with the universe.

 Afterwards, on a short sabbatical in the Ozarks at my family home, my passion for the Green Tara spewed from my paintbrush and my soul. She has been my guardian from the moment I saw her on the cliff. She embraces the world, and assists all who ask for her guidance. She demonstrates her magic when one is letting go... and bliss transcends. 

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

This Art Break Day make art with the world

(Camera Obscura Art Lab at 1450 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401 on 9/7/18 from 1-5pm)

Since 2011, over twenty-six thousand people in cities across the world have participated in a free and public art-making event known as “Art Break Day.”

Art Break Day is a daylong celebration that encourages people to sit down, take a short break from their busy lives, and make art for free. Tabled booths are set up in highly trafficked locations in various cities across the globe and passer-byers are provided art supplies and the opportunity to make art for free. The annual event occurs simultaneously in all participating locations on the first Friday of September. This year’s Art Break Day will take place on September 7, 2018 and will be celebrated in over 40 locations, including  cities across 16 of the United States, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela.

Art Break Day was created by the nonprofit art organization Art is Moving. According to Co-Founding Director Lisa Rasmussen, “Art Break Day is an event for the people that is hosted by the people. While providing everyone with an opportunity to discover the positive impact of art I hope it also ignites their inner artist and they leave encouraged, empowered, and ready to engage with art again and again.”

“Art Break Day is all about connection,” says Co-Founding Director, Lauren Odell Usher Sharpton. “People connect with their creative sides while making art. People also connect with one another by making art at the same table. And, because several locations simultaneously host an Art Break Day, people also make art with the world.”

Volunteer host, Vasvi Srivastava of New Dehli, India says of her experience hosting, “It was amazing to see strangers connecting with each other over art. New friendships were formed.”

Art Break Day is free to the public. People of all ages are encouraged to participate and no prior experience is required to do so. There is no time limit on participation. Visit any of the locations to take a break and make art with your neighbors. To learn more about this year’s event and locations, visit www.ArtBreakDay.org.  
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Believing in the positive effect of art on an individual and a community, Art is Moving aims to improve understanding and access to art by providing information about its benefits as well as opportunities to practice art through various public programs.

Press Contact:
Lisa Rasmussen MFA/ Co-Founding Director, Art is Moving
Phone: 415.377.4956

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ArtBreakDay.org

Imagine with us, that one day the whole world is light up with free art making Art Break Day sites. The world is creating together!!!

"You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope some day you'll join us
And the world will be as one."
John Lennon

In 2013 I had the amazing pleasure to interview Leigh McClosekey with the Arts and Healing organizaton Art 4 All People, that I Co-Founded, Directed, and Co-Created in 2012 with Ceylan Hulya in Malibu, CA.

Art 4 All People interviews actor, alchemist, artist, and philosopher, Leigh McCloskey about creating a new and better human story.

About Art 4 All People: A Sanctuary for Arts and Consciousness Art 4 All People believes that art is profoundly connected to personal and cultural transformation. We are an arts and consciousness space that is dedicated to building relationships among artists, collectors, healers, and agents of change. It is a new-paradigm organization that believes art viewing, collecting, and creating should be a holistic and inviting experience, accessible to all people.

"Art 4 All People is a Movement." Gianna Carotenuto Ph D, Professor of Art History

About Leigh McCloskey: In many ways Leigh J. McCloskey is a modern Renaissance Man. His interest, knowledge, study and learning ranges from art, music, history, religion, mythology, philo-Sophia and esotericism to string theory, quantum physics and the multidimensional nature of consciousness. He has deeply studied Hermeticism, Alchemy and Kabbalah and has hosted twice weekly philosophical salons at his home, Olandar, for over thirty years. He has written, illustrated and published six books. He lectures both nationally and internationally and has given numerous talks and presentations of his holographic art and visual philosophy. Leigh has contributed numerous essays on topics ranging from William Blake and the Heroic Imagination, the Archetypal Tarot & the Kabbalah, to Jacob Boehme and Theosophical Thought. Leigh's art work toured with the ROLLING STONES and most recently with FLYING LOTUS for his album, Cosmogramma. He also continues to collaborate with other artists -- film makers- musicians as well. (Excerpt from Leigh's website @ http://www.leighmccloskey.com/index.htm)

Image of Co-Founders of Art 4 All People: Ceylan Huyla MA and Lisa Rasmussen MFA

"Lisa Rasmussen and I have known each other over two periods of time. When I first met Lisa, she lead an transformative art workshop which I was attending. I found her to be an excellent workshop leader, facilitator, compassionate coach through all the experiences and activities encompassed in our workshop. Today I am working 1:1 with Lisa in a coaching format. I have started a small business and admired Lisa’s connectedness with social media. This was the intent of our coaching session but it has become clearer how transformative a coaching process can be. At an individual Ievel, I am continually amazed by Lisa’s enthusiasm, her ability to grasp a personal/professional situation, and the wealth of knowledge and resources available to her. She shares all this so generously and is there in process and support. Lisa embraces the  meta-view of situations and graciously leads one to take a larger view as well. I would highly recommend working with Lisa either 1:1 or in a workshop setting. You will come away enriched and inspired."
 ~ Karen

Image from Art 4 All People's Muse: The Art of Transformation and Healing interactive exhibition (Muse Fest) at Commonweal in Bolinas, CA. in 2014.  #Artheals #artexhibition