art
The Touching Tale Of The Praying Hands
In the fifteenth century, in a tiny village near Nuremberg, Germany, lived a family with 18 children. Yes, eighteen! To put food on the table for this mob, the father and head of the household, a goldsmith by trade, worked nearly 18 hours a day at his trade, as well as any other paying job he could find in the neighborhood.
Despite their seemingly hopeless situation, Albrecht and Albert, two of the older children, had a dream. They both wanted to pursue their talent for art, but they were well aware that their father would never be financially able to send either of them to an art academy.
After many long discussions at night in their crowded bed, the two boys finally worked out a pact. They would toss a coin. The loser would go down to the nearby mines and use his earnings to support his brother, who would attend the academy.
Then, after four years, when the brother who won the coin toss finished his studies, he in turn would support the mining brother to also attend the academy – either by selling his artwork or, if necessary, by working in the mines.
They tossed a coin one Sunday morning. Albrecht Dürer won the toss and went to Nuremberg to study art. Albert went down into the dangerous mines and spent the next four years financing his brother, whose creative work at the academy was almost immediately a sensation.
Albrecht’s etchings, woodcuts, and oils were far superior to those of most of his fellow students and even his professors, and by the time he graduated he was beginning to earn substantial fees for his commissioned works.
Balance Your Mind With Crystal Energy
The human brain is a dual force, with the left and right hemispheres complementing each other to create a balanced mind.
Each side of the brain brings its own gifts to the whole, working together to shape our unique perceptions and experiences.
The left brain is known for its logical, structured, and analytical approach to processing information, excelling in tasks like reasoning, mathematics, and language.
In contrast, the right brain is more intuitive, imaginative, and emotionally expressive, fueling creativity, visual thinking, and spiritual insight.
This division of cognitive function influences how we think, solve problems, and interact with the world, both internally and externally.
In the realm of energy work and healing, various crystals and stones support and enhance the natural strengths of each brain hemisphere, promoting overall mental and emotional harmony and balance.
Whether you are seeking increased focus for problem solving or a boost in artistic expression, the right combination of crystals can support a harmonious mind that fosters both intellectual and creative growth.
By setting clear intentions and using the appropriate crystals and stones regularly, you can harness their energies to align both hemispheres of the brain and promote an integrated approach to life.
In this sacred balance, the mind and soul find unity, creating a deeper sense of wholeness and fulfillment—a fusion of logic and intuition, structure and flow, thought and feeling.
How To Accomplish More With A Vision Board
In my teenage years, I found myself longing to explore and develop my psychic abilities. This inner calling was deeply connected to my desire to find my purpose in life.
Around this time, I joined an adolescent spiritual group — a vibrant community of young people from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. Together, we sought common ground through shared experiences and explorations of our spirituality.
One of the most powerful moments in this group occurred during a camping retreat. On the last night, we gathered in a cozy room around a large table strewn with magazines, glue sticks, scissors, and art supplies. Our teacher introduced an exercise that would forever change my perspective on goal-setting and self-discovery.
The task was simple: use the materials at hand to put our hopes, dreams, and aspirations on paper. Our teacher explained that creating a vision board wasn’t just a fun activity — it was a way to clarify our goals and intentions while providing a visual tool to keep us motivated and inspired.
At first, the room buzzed with laughter and excitement as we flipped through magazines and cut out colorful images and words that spoke to us. But as the activity progressed, the mood shifted. A quiet focus settled over the room as each of us poured our hearts into our creations. By the end of the evening, our vision boards were filled with vibrant images and words that represented our youthful hopes and dreams.
Invoking The Power And Beauty Of Freya
The goddess Freya has a special place in my spiritual self-care routine. I often turn to her when I need extra guidance and support.
Freya is the ancient Norse goddess of love, beauty, fertility, and war. She is one of the most important deities in Norse mythology, embodying the ultimate ancient archetype for ‘girl power’ and ‘boss lady’ energy.
She is traditionally revered for her deep wisdom, boundless compassion, and fierce protection. Invoking her divine feminine power has brought much transformative and empowering energy to many aspects of my life.
In Norse folklore, Freya rides a chariot drawn by two large, powerful cats and is often depicted wearing the Brísingamen necklace, a symbol of her power and beauty.
The Brísingamen was created by four dwarves known for their exceptional craftsmanship. The necklace symbolizes beauty, desire and the power of attraction. It also represents Freyja’s connection to the earth and its fertility.
Freya is the leader of the Valkyries, the warrior maidens who choose those who may die and those who may live in battle. Freyja is said to receive half of the slain warriors in her heavenly field, Fólkvangr, while the other half go to Odin’s hall, Valhalla.
This dual role highlights her authority and revered status among the gods, bridging the realms of life and death. The Valkyries, under her guidance, serve not only as fierce selectors of the fallen but also as protectors and guides for these chosen souls, ensuring their honored place in the afterlife.
The Meditative Art Of Sumi-e Painting
As a spiritual advisor and artist, I’ve always been drawn to the ways in which art and spirituality intersect to offer pathways to deeper self-awareness and tranquility.
One such path that has had a profound impact on my life is Sumi-e painting, also known as suibokuga or ‘ink wash painting.’ It is a traditional Japanese painting technique that uses black ink, typically in varying concentrations, to create brushstroke-based works of art.
Sumi-e is characterized by its minimalism, simplicity, and emphasis on capturing the essence or spirit of the subject rather than its literal representation.
Paintings often feature subjects such as landscapes, flowers, birds and other natural elements. Artists use various brush techniques to create different textures, tones, and depths using only black ink on absorbent paper or silk.
The art form has deep roots in Zen Buddhism, which emphasizes spontaneity, simplicity, and harmony with nature. Practitioners often meditate before painting to cultivate a clear and focused mind, which they believe enhances their ability to express the essence of the subject.
Sumi-e painting has had a significant influence on various art forms, including calligraphy and other East Asian brush painting styles. It continues to be practiced and appreciated for its timeless elegance and ability to evoke profound emotions with seemingly simple brush strokes.