The Ask Sharon column as it appeared in The Area News on Friday 3 July, 2015.
Following is a copy of the full version of the column featured in The Area News complete with the “Artistic Expression” card from Doreen Virtue’s Ascended Masters Oracle Cards.
THIS week Anne asked:
“I have been feeling really anxious lately but have absolutely no reason to feel this way. What’s happening to me?”
In the same way that last week’s column revealed that our physical symptoms are a way of sending messages to us, so too do our emotions. Your anxiety may be communicating to you an inner restlessness.
While I was preparing my answer, I came across Robin Sharma’s book, Discover Your Destiny with the Monk Who Sold His Ferrari: The 7 Stages of Self-Awakening. He writes, “This book is dedicated to fellow seekers, those brave souls who exercise the courage to leave the crowd and find their way home to a place called authenticity. May your resolve to awaken and live in true power be indomitable…And may you shine so brightly that, at the end of your days, all will pause and say, ‘Ah, there was one who lived life fully and completely.’”
Although I would prefer not to answer a question with a question, my response requires me to ask, “Can you say you are living your life fully and completely?”
If the answer is, “Yes” then this comes as confirmation – as a “Bravo!” – to your efforts. If, however, you paused or answered, “No” then now is the time to take stock and consider making changes. Your aim is to align with your true power.
I wasn’t surprised to turn over the “Artistic Expression” card from Doreen Virtue’s Ascended Masters Oracle deck. Even if you answered, “Yes” to my previous question, this card comes to emphasise the role of creativity in living a full and complete life.
The “Artistic Expression” card is copyright to Doreen Virtue, 2007.
You don’t have to aspire to become the next Picasso (unless of course that speaks to you). It doesn’t matter what form the creativity takes. You can be creative cooking, gardening, renovating or as you go about your work. I’m being creative now as the words take shape for this column! And while I think about it, the enjoyment I get from writing illustrates perfectly why we all need something to make us feel alive.
Tips on how to ignite that creative spark:
- Is there a passion or creative pursuit that has been dormant within you? In what ways can you free your creativity?
- Create more opportunities to create. Grant yourself the time and space to explore your inner artist.
- Any time you are feeling creative or inspired to take action, do so. Don’t stifle it with restrictions or limits. Rationality and creativity are like oil and water, they do not mix well!
Recently, I rediscovered a friend’s artwork. I was so taken by her talent that I could almost feel the exhilaration she must have felt as her masterpiece came to life. I’m sure she’d agree that her art breathes life into her. Now you’ve just got to ensure you’re doing something that breathes life into you.
Send your questions for Sharon to editor@areanews.com.au
Don’t want to ask a question by email? Simply complete the contact form on this blog. Use the message box for your question and it will come directly to me. Only first names will be used unless you complete the form as Anonymous. Ask away…you may be pleasantly surprised by what the cards reveal.
Today’s card has been drawn from the Ascended Masters Oracle Cards. Image and card as well as the guidebook material quoted below is copyright to Doreen Virtue, 2007.
A little extra information…
I decided to include the following material from the guidebook about the “Artistic Expression” card, as it may offer some additional insight.
This card signals that your artistic talents are in need of creative expression. You have hidden talents that lie dormant. This trapped energy can make you feel tired, restless, and anxious and can lead to addictions if the energy isn’t expressed.
Even if your artistic abilities feel unpolished, they need an outlet. Make the time today to draw, paint, sing, play music, write, take photographs, make jewellery, sew, dance, or do something artistic and creative.
You may find the key to your life’s purpose and ideal career through this process.
Additional meanings for this card:
- Take a class to learn a new artistic skill
- One of your loved ones is an artist
- Express your true feelings
- Your life’s purpose involves an artistic endeavour such as writing or playing music
Paul the Venetian was an Italian Renaissance artist who created religious murals and paintings during the 1500’s. Call upon him for help with freeing your artistic expression and creativity.
And finally…
In preparing this week’s column, I discovered a great article titled: The Power of Art – Great Artists Who Used Their Work As Therapy. It’s worth a read.
