Joanna Elizabeth Read
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Diving Deep

4/26/2021

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I spent nearly all of my waking hours last week with this piece, which I began nearly 6 months ago. I was growing impatient, wanting to complete this so I could free up my energy for the new work and ideas coming in.

I kept thinking I "knew" what it wanted, imagining I could "finish it and move on", and it just kept surprising me in asking for even more patience, even more presence, even more enjoyment and surrender to the mystery of the unfolding. I even developed tendonitis to the point where I literally could not work any "faster" without causing harm to my body. I was humbled by the invitation to slow down and really receive
What this painting asked of me became incredibly powerful medicine. Its unfolding allowed me to fully anchor into in a field of grace as one of my nearest and dearest soul friends crossed over into the next plane. I felt her with me in every brushstroke: effortless, at ease, and totally ensconced in joy, love, and a radiant, mysterious sense of adventure that echoed a deep sense of familiarity

Shortly after completing this piece, I learned that various cultural traditions have regarded Dolphin as a guide who accompanies souls in their transition. This is perhaps the most beautiful synchronicity I've ever had the privilege of being a part of.

Similar to Hummingbird and Eagle pieces that contain so many layers of detail barely visible upon first glance, this is another one of those pieces that can really teach and work on you if you allow yourself to sit with it and be with it long enough.

The jewel-like spheres of air ended up taking on multi-dimensional formations, suggesting both the visualization of sound waves, through which Dolphin communicates, as well as the upward-spiral of ascent toward the light, which holds many layers of meaning.

Whether consciously or not, anyone who is drawn to this painting is drawn to it on some level as a mirror of familiarity to their own inner radiance.
Picture
​Professional quality, archival prints available here.
SHOP
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The Phenomena of "Becoming Nobody"

3/15/2021

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Who else has experienced the phenomena of “becoming nobody” through a creative practice? Simultaneously dissolving from your self and feeling intimately connected with the whole of aliveness itself. It’s the way I feel in nature, too! It’s what lights me up! Let me know in the comments :)  🗺 🌌 🎨

Original hummingbird heart chakra painting available on Etsy or via email.

Full video on my YouTube channel. 
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Connecting with Hummingbird Energy through the Heart Chakra

3/14/2021

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In this video, I share how as a professional artist and creativity coach, I work with hummingbird energy and the heart chakra through my artwork as a tool for cultivating inner resilience, joy, and vitality during challenging times.

​This mixed media painting features a dreamlike topographic map background that holds the container for the vibrant floral, hummingbird energy.

Save 10% on nature-inspired artwork, yoga mats, and enchanting original paintings with code YOUTUBE.


Original mixed media hummingbird artwork available here.
​Heart chakra hummingbird floral art prints available here. 
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At-Home Retreat into Expressive Arts Therapy

1/25/2021

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In early 2021, I created my own week-long creative immersion to synthesize the inner work I'd been exploring over the last six months with my soul coach. 

During my retreat week week, I set the intention of quietude: powering down electronics, music, podcasts, and cell phones so that I could really give myself the full experience of the inner listening available through a vipassana retreat, but in a softer, more feminine spirit that also allowed my creativity and sensuality to emanate as the Bindu.

Combining my interests in art, meditation, expressive movement, the chakra system, sound healing, essential oils, and bilateral drawing, I began each day with breath work, aromatherapy, and journal prompts specific to the particular chakra I was exploring, followed by a walking meditation in nature to listen and connect with my inner guidance, along with preparing fresh, nourishing foods specific to each energy center.

In the afternoons, I'd sit it in stillness in the center of the blank canvas, explore gentle asana warmup, and connect with the energy of color as I prepared my paints. After my mandala meditation, I'd take myself on a second integrative walk, come home, and meditate again before bed.

Unplanned, this seven-day exploration culminated on my 36th birthday with the Crown chakra. While this experience wasn't without the challenge of self-discipline and stamina, it also felt incredibly creative and expansive.

My dreams began arising to the forefront of my consciousness in a way I had never experienced. I began receiving messages from my dreams that came as vital pieces of the puzzle in my waking life, and I received new insights and inspirations for my creativity. 

I cannot recommend taking the time to create a home retreat more highly, even if for half a day.

Sign up for my email list to be the first to learn about my upcoming at-home retreat offerings :)
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​Expressed in this first video, the Muladhara, or Root chakra, orients us in the sacred temple of our bodies. It is where we claim our sense of safety and security, our right to exist, and our right to have what we need to not only survive, but ultimately to thrive.
​

Learn more about the psychological benefits of bilateral drawing
Chakra Sound Healings from Sonic Yogi
Suggested reading on the psychology of the chakras: Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra System as a Path to the Self by Anodea Judith
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    Joanna Elizabeth
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    artist | adventurer | yoga teacher | life coach
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  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • BACKGROUND
    • CV
  • Art
    • E M E R G E N C E Oracle Cards
    • SHOP - ART PRINTS, YOGA MATS, & ORIGINALS
    • PERFORMANCE ART
    • SILK PAINTING
    • MURALS
  • BLOG
  • Programs & Events
    • ARCHIVE >
      • GLOBAL ART MOSAIC
      • Creative Flow Fridays
      • YOGA & HIKING: MOUNTAIN PROGRESSION TRAINING
      • EVEREST BASE CAMP 2018
      • Holiday Art Fairs
      • Summer Fitness & Yoga Retreats!
      • WHITE MOUNTAIN RETREAT OCTOBER 4-6, 2019
      • Women's beginner climb nights
  • Shop
  • E M E R G E N C E Oracle