Understanding depression: It’s a chemical effect

And empty platitudes like be more grateful do not help.

Can Reiki heal depression? The link between brain chemicals and depression

While scrolling through my Facebook feed last night, I came across a post asking for recommendations for therapists who deal with depression and anxiety in adults. I know, from previous experience, that depression isn’t well understood, and that it is notoriously difficult to find good, qualified therapists. So I went through the comments to see if the lady’s query had been answered and if I could share any recommendations with her.

But the comments were closed. This meant that she had either found the information she was looking for, or people had left their usual unhelpful advice on her post.

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Finding inspiration for your art

It’s all about seeding your subconscious!

Finding creativity for your art and creativity practice as an intuitive painter

On this episode of the Art with Soul podcast, I talk about where I find inspiration as an intuitive painter. Showing up to the canvas without any preconceived ideas about what I want to paint or what I want my finished piece to look like can be both terrifying and exhilarating. Tune in for a peek into my process! You’ll find a written transcript of the podcast {edited lightly for readability} and additional resources below.

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March 2021: Tarot spread for the new moon in Pisces

Plus some journaling questions, an astro-tarot forecast, exploration of the the Sabian symbol, and additional resources for the Pisces new moon.

Tarot spread for the March 2021 new moon in Pisces

The March 2021 new moon falls in the sign of Pisces. The Pisces archetype is highly intuitive and very open to the flow of creative imagination. This is the sign of creative dreamers and mystics and visionaries, which makes this new moon an excellent time to flex your intuitive and creative muscles.

Spiritually, the Pisces archetype teaches the principle of unity, of recognizing the divinity within you. One way to understand this principle is by looking at creation – the creator {God, Universe, Source, however you wish to name it} created this earth, the rivers and seas, the trees, birds, insects, animals, man. Similarly, man has the ability to create – and to create consciously. It is this ability that points to the spiritual truth of Pisces, that we are spiritual beings having a human experience {with the emphasis on our humanness in all its frailty and beauty}. It is by accepting responsibility for consciously creating – which isn’t always easy – that you connect most deeply with the creator. Needless to say, empathy and compassion are the cornerstones of the Pisces archetype.

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Book review: In A Deep Dark Wood by Tina Pritchard

What she saw in the wood would change her life forever...

While walking her dog Buddy in the woods behind her house, Fran stumbles upon a scene that will change the course of her life. In a somewhat secluded den around an old yew tree, she sees local teen Tyler standing on a crate, his hands tied behind his back, his mouth duct taped, and a noose around his head. She sees the two men who have him tied up there. She sees them kick the crate and murder him.

Drawing on her years working in social services, Fran is able to keep her wits about her long enough to tell the police exactly what she saw. But the incident has left her shaken. No matter how hard she tries to get back to her normal life, Fran can’t shake off the guilt that assails her – could she have done something to save Tyler?

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Using art and creativity as touchstones to overcome depression and anxiety

It’s about intentional creativity + productivity and balancing time away from art

On this episode of The Art With Soul Podcast, I open up about my struggles with depression and anxiety, and share some of the ways in which my creative practice serves as a touchstone to help me overcome depression and anxiety. I talk about the importance – for me – of feeling a sense of agency against the darkness of depression, and how I find a balance between remaining creative and giving myself the space to just be without pushing or striving to overcome, and how that has made a big difference in my struggle with depression.

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February 2021: Tarot spread for the full moon in Virgo

Plus some journaling questions, an astro-tarot forecast, exploration of the the Sabian symbol, and additional resources for the Virgo full moon.

Tarot spread for the February 2021 full moon in Virgo

The February 2021 full moon falls in the sign of Virgo. The Virgo archetype is logical and practical, with an eye for detail and the steadfastness to go after their goals. This is a sign that thrives on meticulous planning, on honing skills to perfection and gaining mastery over their chosen vocation.

Spiritually, the Virgo archetype teaches the principle of devotion. One way to understand this principle is by looking at it through the lens of one’s devotion to their craft. While all the buzz seems to point towards profiting from your passion, there are numerous examples of famous writers and artists who held down a day job for most of their lives. Franz Kafka was an insurance clerk, Harper Lee was an airline ticketing agent, Mark Rothko was an elementary school teacher and Paul Gauguin was a stockbroker. They could all have given in to the dull drudgery of making a living, but they didn’t – and the world is much richer for their devotion to their craft.

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Time management for artists

How to be effortlessly consistent with your creative practice + my unconventional planning tip for creative rebels.

In this episode of the Art with Soul podcast, I share some time management tips to help you make time consistently for your art and creative practices even in these challenging times, while balancing your responsibilities towards children and family. I also share my unconventional planning tip to help you schedule your day as an artist. You’ll find a written transcript of the podcast {edited for readability} and additional resources below.

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February 2021: Tarot spread for the new moon in Aquarius

Plus some journaling questions, an astro-tarot forecast, exploration of the the Sabian symbol, and additional resources for the Aquarius new moon.

Tarot spread for the February 2021 new moon in Aquarius

The February 2021 new moon falls in the sign of Aquarius. The independent, free-thinking Aquarius archetype encourages us to examine our inner wild self and celebrate everything that makes us unique. It is the archetype of the reformer, the idealist who strives for tolerance, unity, and a better and brighter society. The one that strives to raise awareness, consciousness, and enlightenment. And despite these rather lofty ideals, the Aquarius archetype isn’t afraid to get in there and get its hands dirty. So you may feel an urgency, an excitement to just get in there and act on your plans already.

Spiritually, the Aquarius archetype teaches us how to be true to our own voice, to listen to and follow the calling of our own heart and soul. By learning how to tune in rather than out, by being true to the things that make us unique, we undertake the journey to individuation.

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Why it is necessary to embrace the joy of missing out

What it really means to resist the attention economy, focus on depth, find your center and embrace the joy of missing out

We live in a world that is constantly trying to sell us what we want – or better yet, what we don’t even know we want. When I was still in college and trying to figure out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life, one field that I was interested in was advertising. One of my aunts headed the creative department at a leading advertising agency, and in the course of various conversations with her, she asked me this: “how will you sell a refrigerator to an Eskimo?”

This is a question that has stuck with me through the years – and one that I reflect on from time to time. It isn’t so much about literally selling a fridge to an Eskimo, but about convincing someone who has no real need for something to buy said thing. That’s what good advertising and marketing is built on.

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Art journal tutorial: Whimsical mixed media portrait

Join me in my art studio as I show you how to create a beautiful, whimsical portrait in your art journal – perfect for beginners and more experienced artists too!

Art journal tutorial for beginners whimsical mixed media portrait

There are days when you long for some gentleness. For softness and sweetness. For innocence and a certain je ne sais quoi.

On one such day, I pulled out my one-page shopping bag art journal, and decided to paint a sweet little flower girl.

Some of the collage paper on the page inspired the idea for the flowers in her hair, but there’s no reason why you couldn’t create something like this in any art journal.

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