Falling in Love with Your Radiance

In my work with people, whether it be art, intuitive readings or energy medicine, I see their essence and Light. Seeing, observing and nurturing this aspect of people is soooo touching and beautiful. So much so that my heart bursts open, and to be honest I fall in love. Not romantic love, but just the love of recognition, of connection, and presence with the depth, mystery & beauty.

Every one of you has beautiful Light energy and information woven within and around your physical body. Have you connected with this aspect of yourself lately?  Are you in love with your own radiance? 

Coming into contact with this aspect of yourself can be life transforming. I know many of you know what I'm talking about. It opens you up to another dimension of yourself, a dimension made of love, light, possibility and beauty beyond words. Perhaps you have first contacted this place within the beauty of Nature? Take some time to connect and feel your essence, your radiance, the radiance around you in Nature and within other people. When you do so, you nurture well-being, authenticity, empowerment, health, clarity, physical energy, peace and possibilities.

There are many ways to do this. What are your favorites?

Access Your Inner Power

Your true power is a place of great wisdom. When this place is nurtured and accessed you might find yourself:

*feeling clearer & stronger
*making healthier choices
*experiencing more ease in relationships
*finding smoother resolution to a challenging situation
*embodying your leadership qualities
*feeling greater respect from others

Those who really understand their power and are in good relationship with it, treat it gently with care, and as much as possible, utilize their energy/actions/words with focus, clarity and wise precision. When inner power is accessed and utilized in this manner it can be very healing for self and others. It is one of the qualities of good leader, some others are: courage, will power, humbleness, compassion, patience, decisiveness, consideration of the whole, strength, flexibility, creativity...etc.

STEPS TO ACCESS YOUR POWER:

1. Slow down ~ stop ~ pause: this may require you to be with the unknown, with a place of vulnerability and let go of trying to resolve something at the moment. This is a crucial step though. Some good ways to slow down and pause are: becoming physically still, meditating, taking a few breaths.

2. Notice where you may be feeling fear, anger or anxiety and take some time to breathe your presence and compassion to that place.

3. Let go of control and attachment to outcomes: This can be hard when you really want something to go a certain way and perhaps even fear what may happen if it goes differently. But when you let go you come into your power where you find that place within you that knows that no matter the outcome you will always be ok and find your way. In this space you will find you deal with whatever/whoever in a much clearer way.

4. Feel your Heart: send love & compassion to yourself, to the situation and all involved.

5. Do you feel more solid and empowered after steps 1-4? If not, keep repeating them. If so, now visualize how you might handle XYZ...whatever situation/relationship/part of yourself or your life that needs some healing that the space of your authentic inner power can bring.

Would love to hear how this process help you with something in your life! Comments welcome below.

Big blessings & lots of love to you,
Beth
www.PaintedJourneys.com

Feeling Your Way

The photo doesn't do it justice, but this is the view from my new apartment. Pretty cool huh? The mountains are incredible. I moved here in late May from a place that was 45 minutes from the grocery store, friends, fun and other necessities. Though there were things I loved about the country, it is good to be back near town (yep, might not look like it but this 10 minutes from the heart of Santa Fe. Ahh..New Mexico :-))

Sometimes we have to try something out to feel our way along the path. This holds true for where to live, relationships, work, career, foods to eat..etc. I think I've done quite a bit of 'feeling my way' so far in this lifetime. How about you? What compassion can you bring to yourself and recent experiences as you look at it this way?  Let's embrace ourselves with compassion, right here, right now, for the courage it's taken to feel our way through this life so far. What has personally happened that is still sitting within you, in your emotional/mental/physical body that could use some inward turned compassion/forgiveness/understanding, patience?

I commend the courage of you & your heart. Keep feeling your way. I wish you peace, many joys, big love & magic woven into each step along your path. Remember to notice them, intentionally look for them, & breathe them in. xo

Engage Life with Gusto

I've never shared this publicly before: One of my greatest pains in life has been all the times I did not engage life with gusto. There are many many things that I have been innately drawn to, interested in and rang with intense resonance in my Being, but that I did not pursue with my full energy and desire. And, the thing is, I would have liked to. It's never too late. I think when we put both feet in and really go for it, we are engaging with the full potential of life.

So what hold's me/you back? :
* self doubt
* feeling undeserving
* talking yourself out of it
* habits of staying within your comfort zone

Some of my childhood 'likes' I have pursued as an adult: yoga, nature, native american ways, dance and art. But I still struggle at times with pursuing them with gusto. It's a step, but I'd like to give myself more. And that's really a truth here....you give yourself more when you go full force ahead towards an interest, dream or experience you'd like to have. Going at it half-assed, keeps the experience/the energy & potential in a smaller container.

What it takes to engage life with gusto:
* courage
* self love
* committment
* will power

 Results of engaging life with gusto:
* empowerment
* greater confidence
* connection with self & others
* magic & beauty  (the universe responds as you step forward into who you are)

I'm just touching on this subject here, I know. But, hopefully it will inspire you to claim this life that is yours, live it as fully as you can, and thereby experience all the beauty, fun, and abundance that is available to you. Perhaps choose one thing that you'd like to experience/learn or experience/learn more of, and focus on that first. Maybe there's something you've been wanting to do, a class you've been wanting to take for like the past 5 years and haven't. Let's engage with life now. xox

I was watching an episode of Saving Hope the other night, and my heart opened widely at one monologue: A girl out of her body in spirit form, but returning to it, described how it felt, "I can feel my body. It's calling me back. ....I'm connected to everything, everyone. It's warm. It's wonderful. It's Life." It moved me to tears. To be honest, as a sensitive, open person, life has often felt unsafe, and full of heartache. So this moment in the TV show, was a surprise! Life as warm, connected...etc. yes! XO I'm all up for that. Since writing this post, Saving hope has been taken off the air, but you can get it through Amazon.com and probably Netflix as well. The scene I mention here is in Season 1, Episode 7, at minute 36:51 of the program. Another aspect of being able to fully engage with gusto, is honoring your own radiance. See this week's guided message for more on that: http://www.paintedjourneys.com/weeklyGuidance.html or HERE.

Many blessings to you!
Beth

p.s. Uncover your radiance in my online program, the Chakra Intuitive Intensive. Still 4 spots available as of July 22, 2012!

Energy: Expanding Your Intuitive Abilities & Self Knowing

For many years I didn't know that I was so intuitive, clairvoyant, clairsentient, telepathic..etc. As a child, I was not surrounded by anyone who would know of such things. The closest I had were the stories of Jesus and now I understand why I latched on & resonated with the mysticism & healing so readily & easily even as a young child. I spent many a day outside talking to trees, and trying to heal or have an effect on things with my hands & intent...like Jesus ya know. He said 'be like me' after all, so I never doubted that I could.

But it wasn't until I began delving into energy healing in my 20's that I came to know myself, that I began to understand myself, connect with others like me, and experience affirmation. Becoming present to my own energy both affirmed and expanded my intuitive abilities and it can for you too.

Tapping into and opening to the realm of energy connects you with the essence of who you are, to the 'communication space' of Spirit, and to the interconnection of all things. So if you want to open & expand your intuition, first open to the realm of energy within & around you. Some ways to do this are:

* Practicing presence - slow down - take a breath
* Meditating- practice being in the 'observer' space
* Relaxing - let go - have fun
* Nurturing your connection & awareness of energy - Chi Gong - Receiving energy medicine
* Imagine -imagination is a doorway to real experience with all that is unseen

Connection & awareness of energy is like stepping into the deeper beauty of this universe and of yourself. When you know yourself in this way, you access your divine being, and it is so beautiful, empowering and affirming. My heart just warms & swells writing this to you, because it is amazingly beautiful and I want so much for you to know it.

PRACTICE EXERCISE: Relax, slow down, breathe, become present. Now imagine that there is a beautiful crystal inside you. Spend 2-3 minutes just imagining. See this beautiful crystal, radiating with light. Allow it's beauty to expand within you. What color(s) do you see? Just observe, enjoy, receive and acknowledge that this beauty is you.

* * * * *

If you haven't listened to the weekly message, you can access it here: http://www.paintedjourneys.com/weeklyGuidance.html

The Chakra Intuitive Intensive start soon! September 2012. It will nurture your connection with energy, your divine being, bring clearing & infusion of 'light information'. So if you're interested in this and personal sessions with me, check it out: http://www.paintedjourneys.com/chakraseries.html

With joy,
Beth

One tip for each chakra

Here is one thing you can do for each chakra to strengthen, clear and support:

Root Chakra:  connect with a group of people you enjoy (or might enjoy) by taking a class, going to yoga, having a pot luck, or going to a concert/performance.

Second Chakra: create something - draw, write, bake a cake and decorate it, draw in the dirt/sand, build a sand castle, play!

Third Chakra: meditate to clear mental clutter and re-center into your Self.

Heart Chakra: give a donation or offer a random act of kindness.

Throat Chakra: sing!

Third Eye Chakra: go outside at night, look at the stars and notice how your senses are different than in daylight.

Crown Chakra: pray- pray and connect to whatever Higher Source means for you.


Curious about the state of your chakras and becoming more intuitive with them? Schedule a session or check out my Chakra Intuitive Intensive Program: http://www.paintedjourneys.com/chakraseries.html

Attributes of a Healer

Some thoughts on what takes someone beyond being a master of technique and modality, into being a 'healer':

 1. A 'healer' is very present, listening to the whole being that is before them.

2. A 'healer' observes and is keenly sensitive to how the body/being is responding to the treatment/touch/information in the moment.

3. A 'healer' understands that what works in one moment, may not work in a different moment/day or from person to person.  

4. A 'healer' is intuitive, innovative, creative and trusting themselves and the greater source they tap in to.

 

 

What are your thoughts? Feel free to add to this list by commenting below!

Art Rituals® - Art as Medicine, What this Is and Examples of Client Art

I made this video to share some thoughts on the Art Rituals®, the power of creating art, art as medicine, how art holds energy and can be a bridge back to a certain space of being-ness or experience. At the end there are also some examples of my own & some of my client's art work from the Art Rituals®. Hope you enjoy!  http://www.paintedjourneys.com/artrituals.html

Beth Interviewed by Clestopea Times

 2007 interview by Sumara Love of Celestopea Times: 

 

Featured Artist  

Beth Budesheim

By Sumara Love

Passionate Beth Budesheim is an intuitive healer and artist who creates art that uplifts, inspires, and causes one to reflect upon life's journey and beyond.  Through her art Beth endeavors to connect the viewer through color and imagery to the harmonious, positive and beneficial energies that dwell within them and around them.  She makes good use of centrally placed, open objects such as bowls and spirals that invite you to enter deeper into the art, unlock your higher self and explore the possibilities.

Beth, you offer a unique style of art you call “intuitive art,” can you please tell us a little what you do?

 

My interest is in evolving consciousness, healing, raising vibration, and facilitating peace & awareness. So, my natural inclination as I create anything is for it to become an expression and vehicle for these experiences. To do this my process involves an openness to intuition, present moment inspiration and letting go for Spirit to channel through me. I also offer personal intuitive art commissions. For a personal commission, I bring through imagery, colors, symbols and visual information uniquely for the person who has commissioned the piece. I believe art is healing for the person and the space in which it is placed.

 

Can you tell us more about the healing quality of art?

 

Everything has a vibration and effect in body, mind & spirit. I encourage people to adorn their home with things that bring a beneficial feeling. When you view a painting, it's vibration, (which is the result of the artist's intent, energy, the colors, shapes and imagery) it can positively effect yours and the space in which it's placed. My hope is for my work to radiate positive vibration raising energy. To accomplish this I not only practice painting in an open intuitive prayerful and joyful way but I nurture my Self, my energy field and tend to my own inner garden.

 

Have you had any formal training?

 

I have a BFA in Painting from the University of Kansas. However, before I transferred from pursuing a Biology degree to an Art degree, I received a book from my brother. That book was Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards. I've always recommended it. I also have various certifications and personal study in the health field, bodywork, energy healing, quantum theory, and other healing modalities)

How did your art evolve to what it is today? What was your process?

 

Early on in my art making, concepts & sixth sensory experiences became my driving force. My art journal is mostly filled with notes from inner journeys and ideas with a little sketch here & there. I am inspired by my personal experiences with energy and non-physical reality, spiritual philosophy, quantum theory, and shamanism. My early work portrayed these quite literally. I would paint a human figure with aspects of the energy field portrayed in light moving through and outward from the body. I still include this at times, especially in intuitive portrait commissions but these days I am exploring the whole piece as the light energy. So, the energy is no longer a light within the painting but is the whole painting itself. LIGHT is one of my favorite mediums. When I apply a color, I feel it as healing light.

 

How else do you use your art for healing?

 

Besides what I have mentioned above, I also create pieces specifically for certain healing intents. These are the Healing Attunement Mandalas. Each mandala is a channeled image of colors, symbols and light vibration for experience & integration of such gifts as self love, happiness, abundance, inner knowing, purification...etc

Besides painting you also do sculpture; can you tell us a little bit about what you do as a sculptist?

 

A few weeks ago I was feeling like I needed some more fun & joy in my creative process.  I wanted to try something different.  I'd been drawn to clay for many years but had never followed through. So, finally I bought some PaperClay from the art store.  I am a beginner at working with clay, working three dimensionally and I'm loving it! There is something very wonderful about being a beginner and having the freedom to express in a totally new way.  It is fresh and playful.

 

What or who have been your greatest influences in life, as far as your artistic inclinations go?

 

The journey of who I am, vibrational medicine, meditation, shamanic journey, Alex Grey, Mara Friedman, quantum physics, intuition, mother nature, Spirit, my dear friends who encourage me, life mentors and everyone who has ever bought a print or painting from me.

I see that you have a passion for helping others, not only with your art but in contributing a percentage of your proceeds to charitable organizations. Can you tell us a little about the organizations that you support and why?

 

Some of the ways people, (celebrity or not) are helping others is just so inspirational and heart opening for me. A circle of giving & receiving in one's life is very beneficial. I want my heart to stay open. When I give to causes I feel passionate about, I feel good, empowered and connected to humanity. I give to non-profits working for peace, and environmental wellness. Recently I chose 2 organizations to give more to through my Art of Peace project. You can learn more on my website.

 

What are your goals? Where do you see yourself going in life and where would you like to take your art?

 

An associate of mine is currently looking into placing my art in hospital rooms and corridors. I am very thrilled with this possibility as an extension of offering art for healing. I am also interested in bringing more awareness for others to incorporate  my art in their homes & office spaces for their well-being, joy and Feng Shui enhancement.

Any last words of advice for all those struggling artists out there?

 

First I recommend letting go of any belief that an artist must struggle. Purge that archetype from your mind. It's no more difficult for an artist to enjoy success & happiness than for any other person or entrepreneur. I once overheard an artist telling another that it is very hard to get commissions. Well, at least half of my art income over the past 10 years has been through commissions such as murals and intuitive paintings. Don't let someone else determine what is true and possible for you. Allow your interests to guide your creative work, and people & opportunities will enter your life which resonate, motivate and nourish you.

Thank you Beth; that was very well put. Thank for reminding us that we create that which we think and believe. It begins with ourselves and extends out from there. Best of luck to you in everything that you do. May you be forever blessed!

To view more of Beth's beautiful artwork, please visit her website: http://www.paintedjourneys.com. 

Spiritual Business Part 1

I'd been thinking about creating a video series about spiritual business and marketing. Then I had this experience today, and felt it is really time to begin talking about this. Today not only left me a bit angry and hurt, but honestly really concerned with some of what is going on in the world of spiritual business.

Why you should Love Your Wrinkles xo

Wrinkles are beautiful! xoxo Can you really look at this photo and think she'd be more beautiful with an eye lift & taught skin??? Join my wrinkle revolution. Love your wrinkles today!xo

"In the human face, a life looks out at the world and also looks in on itself....When bitterness, anger, or resentment are left untransfigured, the face becomes a mask. Yet one also encounters the opposite,... namely, the beautiful presence of an old face deeply lined and inscribed by time and experience that has retained a lovely innocence... In such a face a lovely luminosity shines out into the world. It casts a tender light that radiates a sense of wholeness and wholesomeness." — John O'Donohue (Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom)

We need to spend more time embracing & exploring ourselves. When we don't, we lose touch with our complexity, our depths, and our mystery. If we package ourselves, our businesses, or our relationships up in a perfect wrinkle free parcel, something is lost, something of the soul. More on this later :-)  Do the things that will support your inner life, your soul and your Heart, so that it becomes a radiance that shines from you now & as you age. When you have depth and soul and kindness, you glow with a physical and an other worldly beauty not accessible by any other means.

Creation of Peace Angel~ video

View finished piece: http://www.paintedjourneys.com/originalsNEW.html