The Flow State as a Spiritual Practice

To create in a state of flow is to experience the purest alchemy of the spirit. It is the moment when thoughts step back, and the mind simply knows. Colors find their rightful placement, and the design emerges, unforced, carrying an inherent simplicity that resonates with joy.

This effortless emergence, however, is a profound paradox.

The Foundation of Surrender

In the beginning of any practice—be it painting, music, or writing—we are tethered to the analytical mind. Every line is a deliberate calculation; every color, a hesitant choice. This effort is necessary, though often tiring and confusing. It is the arduous period of accumulation, where we consciously build the intuitive toolkit.

But the true barrier to flow is not lack of skill, but fear.

I have observed countless times that we are instinctively afraid of making mistakes, afraid of revealing our perceived imperfection. This fear locks us into a space of rigorous control, preventing the gentle, playful current of creation from taking hold. The work remains heavy because the mind is too loud.

The Alchemical Equation

The breakthrough comes when years of study allow for a definitive surrender. It is the moment we realize that the stored knowledge—the understanding of line, color, and form—no longer requires active thought. It resides, crystallized, in the body’s memory.

We transition from thinking about the shape to simply being the action of the shape. The mind is momentarily paused, and the ensuing space is the vessel of creativity.

This is the freedom of Allowing and Doing. It is not a shortcut, but a graceful flight achieved only after the wings have been carefully built. This space—this silence—is where our hard-earned practice is transfigured into effortless intuition. We draw from the deep well of experience without needing to consciously analyze the depth.

For me, this artistic flow is deeply entwined with the practice of meditation, where silence is consciously met and cultivated. Meditation teaches us to create space for what is new, for what is yet unformed.

Once we understand that this suspension of the analytical mind is possible in creation, we can apply it with purpose across all facets of life:

• While writing: Allowing the thought to stream before the critic intervenes.

• While cooking: Letting the ingredients intuitively guide the flavors.

• While walking: Simply experiencing the movement without purpose or destination.

Flow is not a reward; it is an expansion. It is the evidence that the painful work of integrating the shadow—the initial struggle and the fear of error—has ultimately revealed an infinite, bright space where true wisdom resides.

To find the spot of profound fun in art, one only needs to build the tools, and then dare to let go of them. We practice to transcend practice.

"Toma una galletita de pan de muerto" 

        I am in perfect harmony with my environment and myself.
       Art journal page, markers, pencil, colored pencils and pen.

         "I am in perfect harmony with my environment and myself."

Feeling creative? 

Here are six revised daily prompts/affirmations for you, to use in your creative flow practice!

These daily phrases are designed to align your inner world (Self) with your outer world (Environment) and encourage the powerful state of creation and integration we call Flow.

Affirmations on Harmony (Internal & External)

1. I am in perfect harmony with my environment and myself.

   (The one I used for my art journal page.)

2. I am the center of my peace; aligning perfectly with the rhythm of my inner self and the world around me.

   (Focuses on active alignment and self as the source of peace.)

3. Within me, there is stillness; outside me, there is ease. I flow seamlessly between my spirit and my space.

   (Focuses on deep integration and the effortless transition between internal and external worlds.)

   4. I allow space. I create from a place of not-knowing, where intuition is the only tool and the joy of creation is its own reward.

   (Emphasizes the core mechanics of the Flow State: making space, trusting intuition, and creating without fear.)

   
   

   ✨I hope you are flowing in grace, Namaste ✨🙏🏻

Beyond the Shadow Dance: Finding Self-Love in the Quiet Dissolution of the Ego

The Dance of Healing: A Mirror of Solitude

The quest for self-love begins in the sacred conjunction with the inner self. You are your own path, your own experience, you are life unfolding, and with it comes understanding it, a slow process of learning to see your own self in different ways, in different mirrors. 

"The hermit" Acrylics on paper

The Mirror of Solitude

One is, fundamentally, for oneself alone. Though the tapestry of existence is colored by encounters—the sharing, the laughter, the debate, or the tender touch—when night falls and at dawn, one remains their own and only constellation. Often, this inherent solitude is evaded. We flee the encounter with the self because it is a mirror that confronts us with the incessant murmur of our thoughts and the tide of our emotions.

It is there that the painful parcels we have relegated to silence to avoid their weight still pulse. This terror of revelation—of facing the deficiencies, the buried fears, the nameless wound—is why so many evade their own company, for confrontation is the unavoidable gateway to the labor of healing.

In this era of mirages and perpetual distraction, we completely deny ourselves, accumulating in the soul's cellar all that should be closely observed. Everything evaded will ascend to the surface abruptly, like a wordless cry. We will believe it is illness or an adverse fate; we will be blind to the fact that this eruption is the content of the sack of memories we never dared to open.

The simple act of being alone—in the stillness of the self—unearths all that was left unexamined. It emerges in a slow, measured ascent. It requires only the sanctuary of space, the light of attention, and the firm will to heal.

The Empty Canvas and the Fire of Evolution

Think for a moment: we arrive as an empty canvas, yet we are quickly painted by countless hands. This painted image becomes our Ego, the avatar we use to navigate this life.

"Becoming" Watercolor on paper

After a continuous period of soul-shaking pain events, we are forced onto a new path. This is an internal calling, an awakening that arrives only when we’re exhausted by the weight of being a victim and are finally ready to seek a truth that makes sense. It’s an evolution fueled by the deepest discomfort, because the pain is the fire that burns away the unnecessary baggage.

 "A dance with the shadow part of ourselves"  

The Shadow—a core concept in Jungian psychology.t suggests that true self-acceptance and wholeness don't come from suppressing the negative, undesirable, or hidden aspects of our personality, but from engaging with them.

Understanding the "Shadow"

The Shadow, as defined by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, is the unconscious aspect of the personality that the conscious ego doesn't identify with. It contains everything we deny about ourselves, including:

• Negative Traits: Aggression, jealousy, selfishness, fear, or laziness.

• Unfulfilled Potential: Talents, urges, or desires that were rejected by our family or society and pushed into the unconscious.

• Primitive Instincts: The animalistic or morally ambiguous parts of the human psyche.

The Nature of the "Dance"

The idea of a "dance" implies a dynamic, non-violent engagement rather than a battle:

• Acknowledgement: The first step is to recognize the Shadow exists. It often appears when we have intense, irrational reactions to others (which Jung called "projection"). For example, intensely disliking someone's arrogance may be a sign that we've suppressed our own desire for recognition.

• Integration (The Dance): The "dance" is the process of bringing these unconscious elements into conscious awareness. It's about saying, "Yes, that part is also me." It doesn't mean acting on every negative impulse, but understanding its source, energy, and message.

• Wholeness: By integrating the Shadow, we become a whole person (individuation). The energy previously spent on suppressing these traits is freed up, and the raw power of the Shadow's instincts and creativity can be channeled constructively. When we stop fighting the dark, we can use its power to grow.

In essence, the "dance" is a vital journey toward psychological maturity, where the goal isn't to kill the Shadow, but to treat it as a partner that holds vital, albeit dark, energy necessary for a complete life.

Papier Maché, acrylics calaverita and crochet chalina and skirt, paper flowers.

Papier maché, acrylics and crochet hat, scarf and skirt

Meditation: The Gentle Dissolution of ego

The Ego is not an evil part of us; it is our unpolished diamond. We need it to function in this world. The key is not to destroy it, but to gently guide it.

And this is where meditation becomes your most profound savior.

"Meditation" Acrylics on paper

"To be a Buddha is to be an awakened human being—one who is simply awake to the reality of the present moment." — Thich Nhat Hanh

"Meditation" Clay and acrylic paint.

Meditation is the great healer for the Ego because its process is one of  natural dissolution. It is a noble way of the spirit to create an inner space—a quiet void—that naturally clears the damaged parts of the Ego: the stored pain, the false stories, and the history it carries. This unforced process, based on free will, is not one of terrifying death, but of quiet, enjoyable spaciousness.

Through this conscious effort, I healed the primary wounds of my panic attacks, only to realize the healing journey had just begun. Traumas, childhood baggage, and struggles were all imprinted in my pain, woven into the narrative of the victimized self.

The self and its pure state contains peace, harmony and a state of bliss. One can find this path by practicing meditation for it removes the veils of ego.

The Unending Horizon of Healing

So, how do you know when something is truly healed?

In my experience, a wound has transformed when I can speak, write, or share about it with no pain felt. It becomes a tool, a compass used to guide others. If I feel even a flicker of the old hurt, I know that sacred work remains.

"Path"

"Horizon"

Healing is an ongoing process—we don't arrive at a final destination of perfection. Life continues to offer new experiences, new ways to be challenged. But now, you are stronger. You can rely on past wisdom, and the pain you encounter will be easier to process, like a fire that burns quickly and cleanly.

Finally, we must practice profound gentleness and forgiveness If you find pride in your spiritual achievements or feel superior to others, your Ego is still at the helm. Observe these feelings without judgment. Be kind to yourself. Heal, change, and upgrade without punishment, because no one ever healed through resentment.

The most freeing realization is this: everyone is on their own perfect, unique journey. You don't have to carry anyone else to enlightenment. Your task is to simply observe, heal, change, and let everyone else bloom in their own time.

The Art and Wisdom of Cats

Beyond the inner work of the soul, nothing brings us back to simple, profound acceptance quite like our feline companions. Their inherent dignity and easy comfort perfectly mirror the self-love we seek. As I reflect on my own path, I'm inspired by the wisdom of these "feline zen masters."

"My love, my heart"

"Window cat"

"In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this." — Terry Pratchett

"Petunia in zen mode"

Petunia, in the jungle

"There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats." — Albert Schweitzer

Hello

Excuse me?

"As every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat" — Ellen Perry Berkeley

"My love for cats" Acrylics on paper / Photo

"I have studied many philosophers and many cats. The wisdom of cats is infinitely superior." — Hippolyte Taine

"Love and I" Acrylics on paper

"I Home" Acrylics on paper

"The heart's flight" Acrylics on paper

Allow this journey carry us to higher places in the self, 

may we all elevate our hearts and keep diving deep in the soul, 

let the sun within the heart shine bright and guide the way,

for we are all here just trying to find the way back home.

Namaste 🙏🏻

Thank you for being here.

A Beginner's Guide to Meditation: Achieving Inner Peace.

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant noise and endless to-do lists. Meditation is a simple, yet powerful, tool that offers a quiet harbor from the storm. It can help you find a moment of peace, melt away stress, and sharpen your focus.

You don’t need to be an expert or sit in a complicated pose to begin. All it takes is a few minutes, a little patience, and a deep desire to discover the peace that already lives within you.

I believe meditation is a way to find your inner compass, a path that allows you to consciously activate a desired state of being. We're often taught that we have no say in what happens to us, but this couldn't be further from the truth.

As you turn inward and discover the true director of your inner world, a beautiful new landscape opens up. You realize you were never a victim. You have the power to decide which inner state you want to inhabit—be it peace, love, happiness, or even a simple and accommodating neutral state.

It takes time to develop this skill, but once you understand that you are the conductor of your own inner orchestra, you'll want to create the most beautiful music for yourself.

We are constantly bombarded with drama and tragedy from the news and entertainment, so it's a powerful act to choose what you allow into your subconscious. Meditation is a sacred space for healing and renewal. It helps you feel good and, in many ways, sets you free.

✨Getting Started is Easier Than You Think✨

Acrylics on paper

1. Find a quiet spot: Choose a place where you won't be interrupted. It could be a corner of your room, a quiet park, or even your car during a lunch break.

2. Get comfortable: Sit in a position you can maintain for several minutes without discomfort. You can sit on a chair with your feet flat on the floor, or cross-legged on a cushion. Keep your back straight but not stiff.

3. Set a timer: For your first time, start with just 5 minutes. As you get more comfortable, you can gradually increase the time.

The Simple Technique: Following Your Breath

Once you're settled, close your eyes gently and loosen your body, find comfort and relax.  In the beginning it can be so relaxing that you may fall asleep so consider that when choosing your meditation spot.

• Bring your attention to your breath. Don't try to change it or control it. Just notice the sensation of the air entering and leaving your body. Feel your stomach rise and fall, or the cool air entering your nostrils and the warm air leaving them.

• Your mind will wander. This is completely normal and expected. When a thought comes up—a to-do list, a memory, or a worry—simply acknowledge it without judgment. Think to yourself, "Okay, that's a thought," and then gently bring your attention back to your breath. You could ask: Who is thinking those thoughts?  And just listen to the answer.  Repeat if more thoughts come.

• Be patient with yourself. It's like exercising a muscle. The more you practice bringing your focus back, the stronger that "focus muscle" becomes.

Common Challenges and Tips

• "I can't stop thinking!" This is the biggest challenge for beginners. Remember, the goal isn't to have no thoughts. The practice is in noticing the thoughts and returning to your anchor (your breath). You may use this part to ask questions about what you need or want and then write it in a journal what comes to you.

• "I don't have enough time." Even two minutes of focused breathing is beneficial. Consistency is more important than duration. You and your inner state and heart should become what is most important in your life!

• "I'm feeling uncomfortable." If your posture is painful, adjust it. Meditation isn't about enduring discomfort, but about being present with it. Use relaxation, find it, reclaim it and enjoy it.

Meditation is a journey of self-discovery and a gift you can give yourself every day. Start small, be kind to yourself, and soon you'll begin to notice a difference in your ability to handle stress and find moments of calm in your daily life.

✨🌙 You can also bring this practice to your nights, using it as a way to unwind and surrender. As you let go, you'll sink into the peace you've been nurturing, watching that inner muscle of calm grow and grow.

Doodling meditation

A simple doodle in my journal can be its own form of meditation. When you practice art in a way you love, it becomes a peaceful refuge.

For me, I might use a mechanical pencil to sketch an idea of peace, then fill it with vibrant colors using a gel pen and watercolors. This, too, is meditation. I light some incense and give myself the time to relax and connect with my spirit through art and creativity.

You don't have to be a perfect artist to do this. Simply allow yourself to get lost in the colors and pens, whether in your favorite park, a cozy coffee shop, or your own garden.

"Blooming" Watercolor on paper.

Sand Diego Flower Market "Girasoles"

Sand Diego Flower Market  "Margaritas"

I love this Pinterest mood board on watercolor flowers, they are so beautiful and I come to it a lot lately to make studies, I share it with you for your own inspiration and study! This one below gave me so much pleasure to create.  It has a vintage feel, always a favorite!

Study, watercolor on paper.

✨Meditation Can Be Fun!

Who says meditation has to be boring? It's more than just sitting still with your eyes closed. It can be a walk in a sunny park, a moment of peace surrounded by nature, or even an inspired visit to a favorite city spot. The best part? You can find it in your daily routine.

Think of cooking, cleaning, or creating something beautiful as a moving meditation. For me, painting is a journey into a peaceful state where I can relax and just be.

Want to try a creative meditation yourself? Grab a small journal, some watercolors, and a pen. Let your mind wander as your brush glides across the page. Once you're finished, you can add a touch of sparkle with a golden pen or some shimmery acrylic to make it your own.

I love the wet-on-wet technique, so I added different spots of color using the same palette. If you want to dry the paper like I do, you can use a hairdryer or a craft heat gun for a few seconds.

Once it's dry, you can use your favorite pens to turn those colored spots into framed spaces. This is where you can write or draw the insights that came to you during your meditation—a word, a vision, a feeling.

I enjoy doodling, so if I don't have much to write, I'll start by doodling until something comes to me. It’s also peaceful to simply be with yourself and your colors. When thoughts inevitably arise, you can choose what you'd like to capture on the page.

In Closing

Meditation, whether on a cushion or with a paintbrush in hand, is a personal journey back to your own inner peace. Art journaling invites you to weave your quiet moments, thoughts, and feelings into something tangible and beautiful. It's a gentle reminder that your creativity and your calm are always there for you, waiting to be rediscovered. Allow yourself the time to doodle, to paint, and to simply be. You'll find that with every stroke and every breath, you're not just creating art—you're cultivating a lasting sense of peace within.

"The creative adult is the child who survived." — Ursula K. Le Guin

In the quiet space within me

I create and recreate myself into love

for you and for me

let the world be better because of it.

What is meditation

 Meditation: A Pathway to Healing the Mind, Body, and Soul

Change

Change in yourself can only come from within.  

How do you willingly transform who you are and create a new, improved version of yourself?

-Erasing what has been.

How do you erase what has been?

-Becoming a new version of yourself.

Consciousness is the journey 

Your consciousness is what holds your frequency, your state of being, you are not to arrive somewhere, you are to reveal who you truly are.  

-This keeps evolving.

Meditation is an ancient practice, one that with discipline, shows you your true self.  You  come to a point of understanding how you are your own internal energy, and with time and practice, you develop compassion. It is a practice that holds the potential to transform you, offering a holistic approach to healing. Through meditation, the mind achieves a state of peace and clarity, reducing stress and anxiety. 

This mental tranquility positively impacts the body by lowering blood pressure, boosting the immune system, and enhancing overall physical well-being. On a deeper level, meditation nourishes the soul, fostering a sense of inner peace and connection to the universe. It encourages self-awareness, leading to personal growth and a greater understanding of one's place in the cosmos. By integrating meditation into daily life, individuals can cultivate a harmonious balance, promoting healing and enrichment for the mind, body, and soul.

I used to keep looking for a guru, a teacher or something like it, but some events took me to deepen my meditation practice and this has taught me that I am my own guru, my own teacher and my own guide, this takes a lot of discipline and self discovery but I just want to share with you that you are your own path, your own guru and teacher, your own self discovery, take what helps from teachings and others knowledge and dig deep inside your soul for your own self guidance, the only truth you will find that will never let you down. 

6 Steps to Start Meditating with Comfortable Positions

1. Find a Quiet Spot: Choose a serene environment where you won’t be disturbed. This could be a quiet room or a peaceful spot in a garden.
   
2. Sit Comfortably: Select a comfortable position that suits you. This could be the traditional cross-legged pose on a cushion or a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Ensure your spine is straight to facilitate easy breathing.

3. Relax Your Body: Gently close your eyes and relax your muscles. Start from the top of your head and work your way down to your toes, releasing tension from each part of your body. Scan the body to find points of stress and release them.

4. Focus on Your Breath: Pay attention to your breathing. Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your abdomen to expand, and exhale slowly. This focus will help anchor your mind. 

5. Let Go of Thoughts: As thoughts arise, acknowledge them without judgment and gently bring your focus back to your breath. This practice helps calm the mind and enhance concentration.

6. Gradually Increase Duration: Start with short sessions of 5-10 minutes and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable with the practice.

In silence

In the stillness of the universe's embrace,  

where stars whisper secrets in celestial grace,  

the mind finds peace in the heart's song,  

a journey within where we truly belong.

With each breath, the cosmos weaves,  

a tapestry of calm that the soul lives,

the body heals with the universe's might,  

in meditation's glow, we find our light.

So sit in silence, let the universe in,  

allow healing of mind, body, and soul.  

in the cosmic dance, we find our role,  

meditation, the key to a harmonious whole.

Spiral

While creating this painting, I recall thinking about the word spiral and that it reminded me of the word spiritual, the word spiral and spirit are not directly related etymologically, although they share common Latin root. 

Spiral

Spiral comes from the Latin word "spiralis," which means "having the form of a 

coil" or "to breathe." The root "spirare" means "to breathe," which is also the source of the word "spirit."

Spirit originates from the Latin "spiritus," meaning "breath" or "soul," and is related to the concept of life force or essence.

While both words derive from the Latin root "spirare," their meanings and usages have diverged significantly. "Spiral" refers to a geometric shape or motion, while "spirit" pertains to the non-material essence of a being. Thus, while there is a linguistic connection, the concepts they represent are distinct.

I intuit that we may use this analogy in our own evolution, many things come in spirals, why wouldn't humans contain spirals in their own beings?  Just an example: ADN.  

We see in nature what we contain in ourselves.

I observe that every cycle is a process, has a beginning and an ending but it's also connected to the next beginning, so how would you represent this idea? A spiral connected to another spiral.

I end up a cycle just to begin a new one and they are connected in between, it always upgrades our understanding so we are in an endless journey towards knowledge, I believe it can be represented as a spiral going upwards, why? Because knowledge keeps adding, therefore upgrades our being, represented as going upward or maybe expanding, just as a galaxy.

Once something is understood, it becomes part of who we are and it shapes us, we are eternally molding our selves and forever changing, evolving and growing, some spirals may take longer to turn to the next cycle but we are all doing it, can you observe were in your own evolution a cycle has ended and a new one has began? Did you understand better something, ended something and felt like you left an old dried skin behind? Maybe the new you has started to grow wings and your ascension will be easier and faster. 

Let us keep discovering more about who and what we are. Namaste 🙏🏻
Thank you for being here, you are loved and appreciated ✨