The dream workshop

Loveland Co was the location for the latest dream workshop. The workshop dealt with “willing sacrifice, creativity and transcendense. Billie Ortiz organized this and Jeremy Taylor was as usual our esteemed leader. It was a little over a week ago that twenty or more of us sat in a circle and shared dreams and their possible meanings. So much growth takes place in that setting where all feel accepted and safe. Dreams being what they are, all topics are welcome. The idea is to listen to the shared dream and pretend it is yours. What you share is what your version of the dream means to you. The dreamer is able through this process to see many more layers to the dream. It is more a case of both /and instead of either/ or. I had the great privilege of sharing one of my dreams. I knew at the time of the dream that it was a BIGGIE and I am so grateful for the insights offered. I have continued to work with the dream since. On Sunday morning a new member to the group was saying that she felt badly for me during the discussion of my dream. Obviously some of the suggestions were pointed and could be viewed as criticism. I was stunned by her thoughts. If we only share warm, fuzzy, positive thoughts we aren’t being helpful. I can usually find those kinds of interpretations myself. It is the love of a friend who will suggest some of the harder blind spots. After all dreams come to tell us what we don’t know. ( and fear shouldn’t keep us from hearing what they have to offer) All dreams come in the service of health and wholeness always guiding us toward becoming our most Authentic Self. I will share the dream here soon.

Gelly Bowls

Two friends and I spent Monday in the studio and shopping for art supplies. We created Gelly bowls which can be found on Dick Blicks web site under the teaching videos section. We began the process on Monday and finished it today. Much time is needed for drying in between layers even here in dry Colorado. No great skill is needed for this project. It is relaxing and seems pretty fool proof. Finding the metal mesh that is layered in between the collaged papers and gell medium is what took the most time. We are pleased with the results but do see where we can improve the next bowls. We also have some ideas on other ways to use this process. Thanks Dick Blick.

Painting in Palisades

Spending three days painting in Palisade Colorado with my friend Diane. We are staying at a residence at a winery. We have painted the mountain scenery, the vines, grapes, a table scape with fresh produce. I am working in acrylics and she is using oils. The painting is so enjoyable but with the usual challenges of painting en plein air, hot blinding sun,heat, wind, insects and just settling on your subject choice. At the same time it leaves you open to enjoy the wonderful quality of light, the birds, and the complete atmosphere of this area. Since we are both cooks our meals have consisted of fresh vegetables and of course the wonderful wine that is made here. It has been a wonderful healing time away from the city and it’s pressures. I can’t wait to be invited back. Enjoying good conversation at painting breaks puts this trip over the top.

Reasons for art class

At last night’s art class (a regular Wednesday night event) two of the newest painters were sharing reasons why they attend. One is doing so to jump start her right brain to enhance her writing of fiction. The other says it is the cheapest therapy in town. Both will benefit from their time painting beyond what they objectively hope. They have both said the two hours fly by. They are aware that they have been in a different zone as they re-surface while cleaning brushes. I explained to them that the deep focus they are experiencing is akin to meditation. Their very cells will regenerate while they are at this level. Growth at many levels takes place while we are in this expansive, deep place. They are improving their skills as observers. Non judgement and the positon of the neutral witness are also learned here which enhances the spiritual life. So we address the body, mind and spirit in this two hour segment of our busy weeks. Well worth the investment.

Regal Beauty

Dream Snippets/symbols

Who needs TV or movies when we have such creative stories in our sleep. No cable to install and no tickets to buy. They are ours, free for the time we spend in bed anyway. Last nights dream was full of children who were putting colorful stickers all over each other and themselves. I spent some time (in the dream state) trying to figure out how to change a baby’s diaper and transfer her sticker to the new diaper. I wanted to be sure it would stick. Often children represent our creations. So todayI am wondering what needs to be changed and what needs to stick as I create a life for myself? Change is always present But my one certainty is that I want my dreams to continue to “stick”. They are a huge part of who I am.

Latest Paintings by Alma Sanbern

Here are thirteen of my latest paintings-part of my 100 paintings in 100 days series. This series came about because of a dream of 100 paintings in 100 days which I decided to bring into reality. It has been huge fun.

Finding my bliss through blogging…

Welcome to renewing your health through art, dreams and BodyTalk!  Join me on this new incredible adventure!