 I did a reiki portrait for Barry - he commissioned me to draw his Portrait and then create a Muse Mantra. Receiving a Reiki healing is relaxing, soothing, calming and wonderful for releasing stress. Add to this your own Healing Portrait as an anchor along with your Muse Mantra and what you get .... is truly magical. (if you're new here, watch this short video that explains Healing Portraits and Muse Mantras) I love that men are stepping forward and I would love to encourage you to gift this healing to a male in your life. Barry wrote me this below and I feel it's written for you. Thank you Dear Man. Very blessed to have met you. Dear You  I also created a video of the entire drawing from start to finish. 
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Self care can mean different things to everyone - the term is mentioned a great deal, what I like to refer to, is self compassion and self love.
This is relevant to anyone in this world, however more so, for those of you in the helping professions, where the whole premise of work is about giving, serving, healing. Ain't it the truth that the self is often forgotten in this equation? So here's my 7 step manifesto {yes, bring it on universe} *** Step 1: Stop criticising yourself. There is a tremendous need to build self worth and value in ourselves because we often feel niggling doubts of 'not good enough.' We procrastinate when things would benefit us or we mistreat ourselves by not eating food that we know will make us feel good. We are not perfect and nor do we need to be. This is the first step in self caring and self compassion. Having to 'be perfect' puts immense pressure on ourself and it prevents us from looking at areas of our lives that need soothing. *** Step 2: Be gentle and patient with yourself. Patience is something we often 'think' we have but in reality, we want what we want and we want it right now! So become aware of that feeling of wanting something to happen yesterday. It takes time, lovely. Think about how your garden grows from bleakness of winter to slowly sprouting shoots in spring. Take notice that there's no rush, there's no competition between the shoots, they all seek warmth and light, all at different paces, but they don't berate themselves or stop growing. *** Step 3: Be kind to your mind. Let's not blame ourselves for negative experiences - don't carry that blame around with you as extra baggage - easier said than done, but it's a good idea to have an awareness of being kinder to your mind. How can we be kind to our mind? By relaxing it, in meditation, by clearing and developing daily practices. This allows your mind to take a small rest, with some deep breaths, close your eyes and release whatever tension you are carrying with you. Meditation can be used here, but all we are suggesting is taking some time to find white space for your mind. Setting the time aside is the first step, sitting still is the second step and repeating the mantra, So Hum Namah, or C-A-L-M, or Being Still. 
Step 4: Praise yourself. When we criticise ourselves, little by little, it takes over. Criticism breaks down our inner spark but did you know that Praise builds it up. When you reprimand yourself you belittle your own power. Begin with little things - one of the best bits of advice I received about 6 years ago when I in that transnational phase of redundancy, a business coach invited me to keep a journal JUST FOR PRAISE. Things people said to me and things that I felt I had accomplished. I began... when I read over what I wrote, it helps me remember the good stuff. Allow yourself to accept this praise (from yourself). *** Step 5: Loving yourself means "supporting yourself" Reach out to friends/family and allow them to help you if feel you need it. Asking for support is a strength. Supporting yourself is about factoring in time for yourself, doing things that you love, that light you up and nurture your heart, soul and body. Write a list of what you need from yourself, the small and the large and the in-between. That's all you need to do for Step 5, believe that you deserve the support. *** Step 6: Take care of your body. This is a vital step to consider. One that I have always had a challenge with as I have had quite a inconsistent relationship with my body. However, what I learn and, I take every day as a new day, is:- it's crucial to acknowledge your body as the vessel to get you through life Yes. Often we give our body a beating by not going to bed when it is urging us to, or ploughing on when we know we need to drink some water or even waiting to eat when we haven't eaten for ages. Maybe even, stuffing ourselves with food to numb a particular feeling. Become aware of the steps you do to take care of your body. AND Make a list, put it somewhere visible and start taking care. (can you tell I love lists!) *** Step 7: Right now, tell yourself 'I Love you.' Don't wait for changes to happen to love yourself right now for whom you are. Feeling dissatisfied with yourself eats away at your inner reserves. Don't wait until 'everything' is right. Use the energy you would normally reserve for criticism and negativity and fuel it into loving yourself right now, just as you are. Begin here.
People often ask me how I integrate and weave Reiki healing into my Muse Mantra Portraits How can a 2D piece of paper/canvas be healing? What exactly does that mean anyway? I find myself talking about this a lot, so I thought I would share my ritual, whether I’m working with paper or canvas. Anyone can do this – you don’t have to be attuned to Reiki but obviously in doing so, you’ll be introduced to the healing symbols, which can be ‘drawn’ into the piece. If you’re not familiar with Reiki, it is a wonderful energy healing system that can be used in any part of your life. It's pronounced “ray-key” which means Rei “spiritual” or “sacred ” and ki “energy.” Together they are translated in the West to mean “Universal Energy.” Ki has the same meaning as Chi in Chinese, Prana in Sanskrit, and Ti or Ki in Hawaiian, however, whatever you choose to call this energy, it’s the same vital energy force of all things. Energy in Art Healing Art Soul Portrait Have you ever looked at a piece of art and felt the energy within the painting? Or perhaps been drawn to an image on a greeting card in a shop? Are you pulled to certain colours and felt soothed by them? As a Reiki Master and having worked with energy for the last 13 years, I know that everything is energy; you can feel it, hear, see it and sense it. Ultimately I am bringing this healing energy to where it can be seen and for healing your relationship to your self, relationship to others, coping with grief, dealing with your self image, and also healing the deeper part of yourself that is unconscious and below the surface. The aim is for my finished piece to be a totem or a talisman for your healing journey. Powerful stuff.  So what do I do? There are three parts: 1) Setting up the Space: I always take time to set up the zone and space where I’m working. As I gather my things together, and lay them out, I will light incense, maybe a candle (yes even in the day time) and put on some mantra music – I always love Deva Premal's Gayatri Mantra. 2) Quiet Time: Sitting down, ready to start, I get quiet, and relax. Here I will invite in my Reiki, Spiritual and Animal Guides. I activate my hands with Reiki and ask for it to flow freely within the sketch/or the colour. I wrote my own private prayer so this is where I’ll say it. After I have done this, I then cast my eyes over the collection of photographs that I have of the person I'm drawing. The photos are for me to get a sense, a feeling of who you are. I never create the same image from a photo, I use them all as a collaboration, to meet you inner self. 3) The Creative Act (sketch/colour) I now just let this process flow – I begin to sketch. I note down any thoughts, feelings or messages I’m getting, which I can share with them when we connect later. Whether this is for an individual Soul Portrait or for a family, the process is the same. During this time, I like to listen to any sonic music, sometimes classical. After I have finished the sketch I then move on to the colour-fill. I make sure to haven lemon water by my side. I’m never without lemons : ) When I’m happy with the finished illustration I will invoke the distant healing symbol within the piece, sending a healing blessing to the person who I’m creating, even if they have passed over. I also create healing portraits of animals. The more I use Reiki in my creative process, the more messages and stories I pick up. In the beginning, I didn’t really honour it, but I realised when I passed on what I was feeling/thinking, it was really being received so well.  Now I have over 350 Images out there in the world, so when I am having a self healing Reiki relaxation session, I send healing to all of my paintings via my Reiki Blessings Book - giving a boost and recharging the healing piece in the homes where they are. They can also be recharged by putting them in sunlight or moonshine? If you have a print image you can still place it on your windowsill and let it soak up the sun or the full moon. Don’t worry when you need to do that. Your image will let you know. You’ll notice a real boost of energy from them afterwards.
Growing up, I always felt like my body was split in two halves.
The top, which I liked and the bottom, which I didn't - in fact, I would go so far as to say I HATED my lower body, my wide hips and big thighs. I was a skinny lizzy up to the age of 11 in junior school, due to incessant bouts of tonsillitis and also being a gymnastic wannabee, I would often be legs akimbo doing handstands and cartwheels in the school playground. My sister, who's nearly 4 years old than me, used to say that when she was looking for me she would always look first at all the bums in the air with dark blue compulsory school knickers, as she knew she'd find me there! Something happened around the age of 12, after having my tonsils out, I suddenly said hello to 'puppy fat'. I still LOVED gymnastics and dancing but as I was becoming healthier, my puppy fat got the upper hand. I stopped being picked for netball and it took a huge glass of whiskey to get me into a swimming costume (ok, I joke there, but it felt like it). I hated not being picked for netball because I loved it. I even felt low when the Ballet Rambert Dance Company visited our school and a group of students were chosen to attend their magical dance workshops. All afternoon dancing in school. I was not one of them. Even though I went to dance classes. I believed that it was because I was not the 'perfect 10'. Looking back 'here lay the foundations of my Split-Halved Self'. At this young age I feel I anchored all the 'failure' to the lower half of my body. Of course it wasn't failure but in my young developing mind, that's what I thought. Of course it wasn't my lower half of my body's fault - I didn't think this through. This split halved self then went on to dictate what I would do, where I would go, how I would dress and how much of myself I would reveal. Then enter stage right Wocker-Docker-Thighs. That would be the delightful (tongue in cheek) guy I was dating around the time of 19. It was he who coined the phrase about my thighs (and I might add here, mum, just so you know, he never saw them naked.) He used to mock them, they seemed a standing joke with him. Yet, when I look back at the 19 year old Julia, I don't see any wocker-dockerness, I see a shapely sensual young girl. Not skinny, admittedly, but curvy and lovely. This then added weight to the whole split-halved-self and travelled with me throughout my 20s and 30s. And now, in my 40s: I look back over these years and wish I could soothe the younger me and her intense dislike for her lower half. Last year, in a private group of women I revealed naked photographs of myself - we all did - these photos are the most self healing thing I have every done. To not acknowledge our lower body or upper body, is like dismissing and ignoring a close member of your family. It is not recognising the pure potential and beauty of being a woman. A woman in all her glory. Hands up if you categorise your body and launch into a tirade of bitchiness? (I hear you) 'my upper arms are horrendously flabby, I can't possibly show them' 'my calves are so thick and manly, I can't wear anything short' 'my knees are so bulbous and they have a kink in them, I have to cover them' 'my stomach is just one huge hangover mess, I have to wear something big over it' 'my bottom jiggles when I walk, so I'll just stop walking' 'my hips are like tree trunks, I'll have to wear bigger clothes to hide them' The list really could go on and on. These are just some of the things I have heard over the years in counselling sessions. When can we start to see the beautiful vessel we are in? All that luscious skin that houses all the cosmic atoms to make up our gorgeous self. When does that happen? The incessant name calling and devaluing of the split-halved self has to stop. It's time to fuse the two halves into one gorgeous whole. Here are 3 gentle ways to begin. 1. Give your body-half, the positive attention she deserves. Can I have a 'yeah baby to that?!' Get dressed s-l-o-w-l-y. Actually LOOK at your body-half in the mirror as you take off/put on your clothes. I know how you're feeling, usually you want to do this as quick as near damn possible, in the dark, back turned to the mirror, but when you take the time to look, notice how your body is .... and we are seriously all different shapes ... do you really want to ignore you? All those curves and maps of life on your body? THE JD PRESCRIPTION: Say: "I see you and all of you is lovely." Repeat 20 times three times a day. 2. Write positive words on your body. Write it on there. Declare your love to your hips, thighs, knees, upper arms and breasts and revel in knowing that when you're out, the word is marked there to work its magic. This is not new - people have been tattooing words onto their skins for many thousands of years. Have you read about the research of Dr Masaru Emoto - the water man - go check this out as he shows how molecules of water can change pattern and shape when hearing loving words and when hearing hateful words. Considering the human body is approximately 70% water, that means this change can impact our hearts and minds too. THE JD PRESCRIPTION Grab an eyeliner/lip liner, heck, even a Sharpie and write Words of Love, think of the word that your thighs need to hear, or a word that would soothe your upper arms. Tattooing is an option but if you're thinking of trying something temporary, visit conscious ink, there are some gorgeous temporary ones there. 3. Photograph your body We all know the power of the selfie - what began as a fun way of using our smart phones has taken on the world. What really is the selfie about? It's a reminder to look in our own eyes and say 'I like you, very much, just exactly as you" as Mark Darcy said to Bridget Jones so eloquently. Whether you publish them or keep them private, the purpose is to acknowledge who you are and begin to like yourself. We begin to view ourselves in a different way. Selfies are where it begins. You don't have to declare your photos like I did to a bunch of cool wonderful women on Facebook, but in just beginning to do this practice, you will begin to fuse your split-halved-self. THE JD PRESCRIPTION Don't rush it, find some time where you're on your own and won't be disturbed. Start with parts that you love - your finger nails, your neck, ears, hair, feet, and then move gently on to the half that you feel you're ignoring. This takes time - you will often taken 20+ before you can look and LIKE. Delight in your reflection - be naked and enjoy it. Timer Cam is a great App so you can just enjoy the process of bringing both halves together. * * * There you have it sweet loves, I hope you feel some gentleness in my 3 ways, I love helping you heal your heart and soul, so let's connect. 
What Is Stress?
Stress is your body's way of responding to any kind of demand. It can be caused by both good and bad experiences. What Causes Stress? Many different things can cause stress -- from physical (such as fear of something dangerous) to emotional (such as worry over your family or job, relationship, bereavement etc...) Identifying what may be causing you stress is often the first step in learning how to better deal with your stress. Some of the most common sources of stress are: Survival Stress - You may have heard the phrase "fight or flight" before. This is a common response to danger in all people and animals. When you are afraid that someone or something may physically hurt you, your body naturally responds with a burst of energy so that you will be better able to survive the dangerous situation (fight) or escape it all together (flight). This is survival stress. Internal Stress - If you catch yourself worrying about things you can do nothing about or worrying for no reason - then you are dealing with internal stress and it is one of the most important kinds of stress to understand and manage. This often happens when we worry about things we can't control or put ourselves in situations we know will cause us stress. Environmental Stress - This is a response to things around you that cause stress, such as noise, crowding, and pressure from work or family. Identifying these environmental stresses and learning to avoid them or deal with them will help lower your stress level. Fatigue and Overwork - This kind of stress builds up over a long time and can take a hard toll on your body. It can be caused by working too much or too hard at your job(s), study or at home. It can also be caused by not knowing how to manage your time well or how to take time out for rest and relaxation. This can be one of the hardest kinds of stress to avoid because many people feel this is out of their control. Stress can affect both your body and your mind. So ..... what are your stress levels? As you read these statements, think about the answer in terms of ....... Always, Sometimes or Never
If you have answered Always to 6 or more of these statements, then this may be a time to seek out counselling, or if you are already seeing a counsellor, it may be helpful to chat to them about your responses. Please look at my counselling page and make contact. Perhaps you have asked a member of your family to answer these statements, it's important to encourage them to seek out someone to talk to and not to continue to feeling this way. Making that contact with a therapist is the first step to dealing with stress. From Yuk to Yummy
There are 76 women featured in this image.
I drew all of them back in December 2012 as I was part of an online programme offered by Hannah Marcotti called The Joy Up, and being part of this community of Joy Sisters, I was given the honour of drawing those that stepped forward. I thought maybe 5 or 6 would want this offering but the number kept on growing. What started out as a bit of fun, turned into something incredibly healing and moving. The illustrations were released daily and the comments that poured from all the other members of the group were truly beautiful. Here, their light was being witnessed. My way of drawing is what I like to call my 'dollystration' style - with the reflection of the individual mirrored back for all to see the light that shines from within them. So today, I dedicate this blog post to all those women who meant so much to me, defining my process, weaving in the reiki symbols and supporting me along the way. I have drawn over 350 women to date, about 40 men too (hoping to increase this soon!), families, colleagues in the workplace, friends, children, dogs, cats, horses, the list continues to grow and yet it all began here, with the 76 (there are actually only 75 as I drew Hannah twice). I put together a short video back then to try to capture how it all evolved. Let's bless the women and not forgot to bless our men too as they equally need a huge share of love and healing. 
It's Mother's Day here in the UK today.
For me, mothering in this life is my two furkids, Luna Jack and Pudding Cat, so when I sat down with this illustration in my head and a blank piece of paper, my aim was to draw me, Luna and Pudding. As pencil lines began and I had the figure of me (ish) the dog and cat (ish) suddenly, I was pulled to draw Mr Blackbird on my head, and in that moment I thought, I couldn't have Mr B without Mrs B. They're recurring visitors in our garden and sing us such beautiful songs. It seemed the right thing to do. Then I knew I wanted another dog in the mix, so I began to draw a lovely black girl, Leah the Lab. Dogs done, my mind drifted to the thought of beautiful cows; I love cows and this is when Clarissa appeared - (I had just remembered that horrific picture of veal crates from a Facebook photo the other day. Laid out - rows upon rows, thousands and thousands of crates. It breaks my heart that we can be so incredibly cruel - no wonder humans treat each other the way they do.) Anyway, back to this. I then turned to Peggy Pig. I wanted to draw in some healing love for her, she is such a great mother and is such an intelligent sentient being - aren't they all? She can't be all bad, for we use her heart valves to replace human heart valves. In popped Eunice the Ewe, Hattie the Hedgehog, Delilah the Donkey and Gillian the Guinea Pig squealed that she wanted to be in on this one. There really was a gathering happening here. Not long after, Rowena the Rabbit and Cassie the Chicken appeared. This whole drawing took me on a journey in saying Thank You to them and believe me, I could have gone ON and ON!!!! Finally I realised that Sally the Salmon wanted an appearance and Olivia the Owl. I adored creating this illustration. Here is how it unfolded - just rough photos on the go! et voila
The video below from Dove went viral.
Why? They conducted a social experiment to look at women's perceptions of themselves versus how they are seen by others. They provide a figure that only 4% of women around the world consider themselves beautiful. Wow, just 4%. That's amazingly LOW isn't it? But are you one of the 4%. It resonated with me because in spending time creating Healing Soul Portraits I am looking at how women view themselves and in the experience and process that we have in our sessions, I reflect back to them what they don't see. Aside from the fact that I'm not a big fan of Dove because they test on animals and I only buy BUAV approved or Vegan products, they have got a message to share, which I feel is important. 350 women have received one of my Healing Portraits and their comments have blown me away. "I am absolutely stunned by the way you managed to capture me, more me than I could ever have captured myself.. You saw all of me. Parts of me I forgot were there." Angelina "I was so excited. I thought it was the most unique idea, healing, life changing thing that I could do for myself. Seeing my Soul Portrait facing me in my room, gives me courage and strength and makes me love myself a little bit more." Angela "I stepped out of my comfort zone and saw myself in a more positive light." Cristen "I recognised myself, my inner essence, much more than seeing a photograph." Liz 
She loves to paint and play with dollies and has her own hospital where she mends the broken and poorly toys.
She writes little stories, with characters that she makes up in her head. She is never far away from her dog, who's a permanent fixture by her side. She dances and makes up routines in her front lounge, with her friend, laughing so hard, she collapses on the floor and giggles uncontrollably. She loves her bed and goes there at least one hour before sleep so she can read, feeling warm and cozy. She changes her bedroom around at least once every three months with not many options, but she likes a different view. She rides her bike whenever she can, but not in the rain! She loves to jump on the swings whenever she sees one spare. She plays musical instruments and loses her self in the guitar. She sings with a friend in a little twosome. She loves the practice sessions more than the performances. She visualises herself dancing on top of the Faraway Tree with Moon Face, Silky and Mr Saucepan man, spending summers in the Enchanted Wood, sipping home made lemonade. She loves to colour in and has three big colouring in books with a stack full of felt tip pens. She sings and sings, whenever she can. She loves visiting art stores and would spend time looking at all the stickers, pens and drawing books. She loves Disney films and the classic songs that transport her to zippedy-doo-dah land. 
A Muse cares for her body
She bathes, she scrubs, she adorns. She wears fabrics that feel delight full on her skin She affirms positive words about her body She feels the connection. She eats foods that heal and help her digestion She avoids those that create congestion. A Muse nurtures her spirit and all other sentients She connects to the harmonious side of life She surrounds herself with daily sacredness She delights in simplicity She carries softness in her heart despite all she hears She cares for all, two legs, four, fins or wings A Muse feels sparkles of inspiration She practices daily mindfulness She seeks intellectual stimulation from those around her She believes strongly in the power of positive collective thought and consciousness She nurtures this in others and is keen to see love in all A Muse feels the moves in her body She knows to move is a way of breathing in life She feels alive and connects to the planet She chooses her boogie and dances She stretches and plays, respecting her body as her temple She owns her sacred dance A Muse lets her heartbeat connect to the planet's vibration As she joins in with her own prayer For healing, for peace, for love, for all 
I am the one who took the dying bird in her hands, laid her in a padded basket, covered with a warm tea towel and asked my Reiki guides, Angels, and Animal Wardens to join me and send healing white light to this little bird, so that she recovers or passes over with love and gentle grace.
I am the one who turns all the lights off in the library to save the bumble bee from being attracted to the wrong light and getting caught up in the flourescent fittings. I am the one who cups the bee gently within the glass and gently releases her through the window. I am the one who feels intense sadness as I pass a truck full of young cows being transported to who knows where, blessing them as I pass and sending them healing love to protect them from whatever future they're facing. I am the one who feels these feelings deeply. 
After writing this and burning it, I then did some visioning with my eyes closed. Something I had never done before but I LOVED it.
And what emerged confirmed my message that I had written just 10 minutes earlier. * * * * * The Nature Conspiracy Earth Justice Go Ahead Imagine erasing past damage to create a more even tone full of ancient secrets. I Love That. Get your style up to speed Make a conscious decision to appreciate yourself every single day A victory song a heart stopping quest Do you have an instant? 
From Yuk to Yummy in 15 minutes
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What stops you from truly believing and feeling that you're a professional healing artist?
What stops you from doing tarot card readings and having an energy exchange?
What stops you from actually going for it and selling the work that you hold on to - like really ... do it?
What stops you from attuning other beautiful souls to Reiki energy?
What stops you from healing animals, following that whisper of the course?
What stops you from not looking out and after yourself?
What stops you from fully being in the light and being seen?
What stops you from writing and drawing every day - like every day!?
What stops you from wearing clothes daily, that feel delicious?
What stops you from feeling your skin touched and massaged?
What stops you from singing in a microphone and playing your guitar?
What stops you from teaching others how to find their inner muse and creative diva?
What stops you from drinking fresh juice in the morning and whenever the hell you like?
What stops you from being creative in the kitchen?
What stops you from being a yoga dudess?
What stops you from laughing?
What stops you from doing tarot card readings and having an energy exchange?
What stops you from actually going for it and selling the work that you hold on to - like really ... do it?
What stops you from attuning other beautiful souls to Reiki energy?
What stops you from healing animals, following that whisper of the course?
What stops you from not looking out and after yourself?
What stops you from fully being in the light and being seen?
What stops you from writing and drawing every day - like every day!?
What stops you from wearing clothes daily, that feel delicious?
What stops you from feeling your skin touched and massaged?
What stops you from singing in a microphone and playing your guitar?
What stops you from teaching others how to find their inner muse and creative diva?
What stops you from drinking fresh juice in the morning and whenever the hell you like?
What stops you from being creative in the kitchen?
What stops you from being a yoga dudess?
What stops you from laughing?
I drew a picture a while ago of Grandma Dora z'l, imagining her as my Muse and us having a conversation over a cup of tea. She stood before me with her cute little hat on in one of a very few pictures I have seen of her. You see, she died at the age of 35 when my own mum was only 10 years old, so memories are not so strong.
I wondered what we'd talk about and she seems to have come forward as my spirit guide, asking me what stops you?
I can reply to every one of those statements with a clever answer or a conditioned response.
There is always something that gets in the way, or someone.
But isn't it the case that we can make some choices to make the space?
Isn't it the case that I can make choices to do things differently?
Being patient with change and not pushing it too fast.
Here's a little challenge for you today: find yourself 10 minutes, with no disruption (yeah I know, that's the tough bit) grab a piece of paper, or your journal and write the words: what stops you ......
Think about all those things you are planning, dreaming, scheming, moaning, or putting off and then write them out, but at the beginning ask yourself
'what stops you from ...................
Love JD x
I wondered what we'd talk about and she seems to have come forward as my spirit guide, asking me what stops you?
I can reply to every one of those statements with a clever answer or a conditioned response.
There is always something that gets in the way, or someone.
But isn't it the case that we can make some choices to make the space?
Isn't it the case that I can make choices to do things differently?
Being patient with change and not pushing it too fast.
Here's a little challenge for you today: find yourself 10 minutes, with no disruption (yeah I know, that's the tough bit) grab a piece of paper, or your journal and write the words: what stops you ......
Think about all those things you are planning, dreaming, scheming, moaning, or putting off and then write them out, but at the beginning ask yourself
'what stops you from ...................
Love JD x
Art © www.juliadolowicz.com
Keep in touch.
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This avid journaller died when she was 15 years old. Born in 1929, she would have been 87 this year.
I decided to spend some time with her image and turned to a new page of my sketch book with my sharpened pencil and a few photographs of her that I had found of her for my reference.
As I focused in on her reflection shining back at me, I studied her outline, the contours and the different shades within the photo.
I could feel myself began to zone into her.
I took a long long look at Anne:
her face
her eyes
her hair
her smile
I began to draw her in my dollystration style.
For 90 minutes, it was just me and Anne.
I got to know her a little bit in those 90 minutes.
In my meditative state as I drew her, I realised just what thick hair she had, really unruly and disproportionately quirky and lopsided.
It was so thick, that it seemed to have it's own story to tell.
As I filled in her hair, I knew that she must have had difficulty taming it.
And I felt sad that she never had the opportunity to really play with her hair as a young woman, or style it as she grew older.
Then I focused on her lips, it took me a while to feel that I had them right.
From this time with Anne, I really sensed such a big grin, a wide smile, a grin that grinned from ear to ear, with dimples at each side of her mouth when she smiled and laughed.
And I felt sad that she never had the opportunity to really laugh, grin and giggle as a young woman, or smile at her husband as she grew older.
I then started to draw her Journal, her diary, Kitty, whom she wrote to whilst she was in hiding and I could deeply relate to revealing her inner most thoughts, desires, hurts and angst to the page.
I have been there. All my life, I have written in my journal, sometimes more than other times, but it has been a constant presence in my life.
And I felt sad that she never have the opportunity to continue to write as a young women, to continue to share more of her stories as she grew older.
And at that moment, I was grateful that she did write when she did and that her words were found and shared.
There are so many of Anne Frank's words that stand out for me, it was difficult to choose but this quote really struck me.
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."
And that sums up what we all need to remember every single day.
We can begin to improve the world right now.
This Muse Mantra is for you Anne Frank.
Thank you for writing and inspiring us all to write.
I decided to spend some time with her image and turned to a new page of my sketch book with my sharpened pencil and a few photographs of her that I had found of her for my reference.
As I focused in on her reflection shining back at me, I studied her outline, the contours and the different shades within the photo.
I could feel myself began to zone into her.
I took a long long look at Anne:
her face
her eyes
her hair
her smile
I began to draw her in my dollystration style.
For 90 minutes, it was just me and Anne.
I got to know her a little bit in those 90 minutes.
In my meditative state as I drew her, I realised just what thick hair she had, really unruly and disproportionately quirky and lopsided.
It was so thick, that it seemed to have it's own story to tell.
As I filled in her hair, I knew that she must have had difficulty taming it.
And I felt sad that she never had the opportunity to really play with her hair as a young woman, or style it as she grew older.
Then I focused on her lips, it took me a while to feel that I had them right.
From this time with Anne, I really sensed such a big grin, a wide smile, a grin that grinned from ear to ear, with dimples at each side of her mouth when she smiled and laughed.
And I felt sad that she never had the opportunity to really laugh, grin and giggle as a young woman, or smile at her husband as she grew older.
I then started to draw her Journal, her diary, Kitty, whom she wrote to whilst she was in hiding and I could deeply relate to revealing her inner most thoughts, desires, hurts and angst to the page.
I have been there. All my life, I have written in my journal, sometimes more than other times, but it has been a constant presence in my life.
And I felt sad that she never have the opportunity to continue to write as a young women, to continue to share more of her stories as she grew older.
And at that moment, I was grateful that she did write when she did and that her words were found and shared.
There are so many of Anne Frank's words that stand out for me, it was difficult to choose but this quote really struck me.
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."
And that sums up what we all need to remember every single day.
We can begin to improve the world right now.
This Muse Mantra is for you Anne Frank.
Thank you for writing and inspiring us all to write.
If you'd like to keep in touch and hear from me once a month, sign up to my museyleletter below.
How does your business logo make your feel? Reframe it as a business muse and kapow it works.
5/12/2015
Working with Jane in New Zealand was a truly magical experience - I love the fact that my clients are from all over the world.
Her brief: to design a heart centred muse for her Equestrian Mindset Academy.
We knew that Morgen, her beloved horse, had to be included.
Drawing horses are not something I draw often so it was a super gorgeous challenge for me and after our first Skype session, Jane sent me lots of photos of Morgen and I'm delighted to reveal him and Jane :)
"Julia was a pleasure to work with from start to finish- I simply couldn't have found a better person for the job! I was wanting to create an avatar/ muse that I could use for my Equestrian Coaching Business, and Julia's attention to detail was second to none. She made sure that she had a thorough understanding of my needs and wants and kept on tweaking and adjusting until she had really captured the essence of what I was after. I am thrilled with the result! I couldn't recommend her more highly, thank you so much Jules xx"
Jane Pike
Check this gorgeous Kiwi Dudess out here.
Her brief: to design a heart centred muse for her Equestrian Mindset Academy.
We knew that Morgen, her beloved horse, had to be included.
Drawing horses are not something I draw often so it was a super gorgeous challenge for me and after our first Skype session, Jane sent me lots of photos of Morgen and I'm delighted to reveal him and Jane :)
"Julia was a pleasure to work with from start to finish- I simply couldn't have found a better person for the job! I was wanting to create an avatar/ muse that I could use for my Equestrian Coaching Business, and Julia's attention to detail was second to none. She made sure that she had a thorough understanding of my needs and wants and kept on tweaking and adjusting until she had really captured the essence of what I was after. I am thrilled with the result! I couldn't recommend her more highly, thank you so much Jules xx"
Jane Pike
Check this gorgeous Kiwi Dudess out here.
When you look at one of my portraits, you'll feel happy, you'll see your light, you'll feel calmed, soothed and you'll also feel inspired about your life.
I loved creating this portrait of Shosh and Raphael. A newly engaged couple, they have their togetherness in front of them and with a wedding next year, there's lots to stress about.
Planning weddings! Yikes, it's enough to want to go underground.
Being drawn is like soothing balm. It's an anchor to positive affirmations and I know you will feel different about yourself when you look at the finished illustration.
It brings joy.
I loved creating this portrait of Shosh and Raphael. A newly engaged couple, they have their togetherness in front of them and with a wedding next year, there's lots to stress about.
Planning weddings! Yikes, it's enough to want to go underground.
Being drawn is like soothing balm. It's an anchor to positive affirmations and I know you will feel different about yourself when you look at the finished illustration.
It brings joy.
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Afternoon Tea with Jules: Episode #2 in conversation with Ros Place, Real Life Angel Guidance
2/12/2015
Episode 2 of my Podcast Afternoon Tea with Jules is now available to stream from iTunes: Click here to listen >>>
In this episode you'll hear me talking to Ros Place from Angels with Ros.
She tells us how she felt the angels around her when she was a young child and how she pushed them away until she was 30 and had just given birth to her first son. She tells us that if we're willing, open and present, Angels want to connect with us. We also chat about prioritising our own health and wellbeing and what isn't negotiable. It's very informal, open and lots of laughter!
Listen, rate it, subscribe and please share!
JD x
In this episode you'll hear me talking to Ros Place from Angels with Ros.
She tells us how she felt the angels around her when she was a young child and how she pushed them away until she was 30 and had just given birth to her first son. She tells us that if we're willing, open and present, Angels want to connect with us. We also chat about prioritising our own health and wellbeing and what isn't negotiable. It's very informal, open and lots of laughter!
Listen, rate it, subscribe and please share!
JD x
It's very meditative to make these little animations and see my faces take on some little quirks. #animation #illustration
I had the real honour of working with Anna Low from Annamal, on developing her Business Muse back in April and just recently designing her website Annamal, holistic health and healing for animals.
Anna is such a heart centred complementary practitioner, teacher and healer. Based in Bournemouth, UK {fancy a treatment, go here Fine Tuning.}
She has been working in the field of complementary therapies for 20+ years and is now focusing all her experience and attention to work with Dogs. I recently interviewed Anna for my podcast Afternoon Tea with Jules, it's not yet published but I'll be back here to post the link when it is.
Soooooo yes, April, Anna approached me to create her Business Muse and help her illustrate and visualise her new business. I was delighted.
I was lucky enough to have Anna to myself for an hour or so in Liverpool - usually it's Skype but she was visiting family here so we got the chance to hang out over coffee and talk about the essence of her business image.
We chatted about the colours she was excited by and the feelings and symbols she wanted to be weaved into the image. I invited her to create a Pinterest Board for me to get a real feeling of the energy behind her business.
We talked DOGS, LOVE and HEALING - my kinda coffee break ; )
As a TOTEM for her business, we decided to create Annamal Anna as the central piece of the brand and when I sent her the sketches she was so excited.
It was in this initial excitement that she realised she wanted her dogs to be with her - Teacher and Wizard they were a huge part of this new business, her life.
When she saw them with her >>>
"Completely Love it!!!! I love that both T&W are with me, I couldn't do this without them."
Anna is such a heart centred complementary practitioner, teacher and healer. Based in Bournemouth, UK {fancy a treatment, go here Fine Tuning.}
She has been working in the field of complementary therapies for 20+ years and is now focusing all her experience and attention to work with Dogs. I recently interviewed Anna for my podcast Afternoon Tea with Jules, it's not yet published but I'll be back here to post the link when it is.
Soooooo yes, April, Anna approached me to create her Business Muse and help her illustrate and visualise her new business. I was delighted.
I was lucky enough to have Anna to myself for an hour or so in Liverpool - usually it's Skype but she was visiting family here so we got the chance to hang out over coffee and talk about the essence of her business image.
We chatted about the colours she was excited by and the feelings and symbols she wanted to be weaved into the image. I invited her to create a Pinterest Board for me to get a real feeling of the energy behind her business.
We talked DOGS, LOVE and HEALING - my kinda coffee break ; )
As a TOTEM for her business, we decided to create Annamal Anna as the central piece of the brand and when I sent her the sketches she was so excited.
It was in this initial excitement that she realised she wanted her dogs to be with her - Teacher and Wizard they were a huge part of this new business, her life.
When she saw them with her >>>
"Completely Love it!!!! I love that both T&W are with me, I couldn't do this without them."
Anna now has a totem for her new business, Annamal.
It was at this point that a few more additions were made - Teacher and Wizard and extra hair to her side parting!!
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The added sketch with Teacher and Wizard!
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After this original totem illustration, I then began preparing the file for uploading and printing as a business card as this is what Anna wanted in the first instance. We chose deluxe business cards with heavy card stock so the image stands for herself and the card stock backs this up with luxury.
The reverse of her BIZ CARD
The inspiration: Teacher the Blue Shar Pei and Teacher, the Westie
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The inspiration for Annamalanna
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Anna's Kindness about the Business Muse process.
When I met with Jules to discuss my image and logo for by new business, I had no idea really what I wanted.
She led me by the hand on a journey of discovery to create a Muse image of myself as I am the integral part of my service. I had a name for the project, but no image.
Jules was able to guide and hold the space for me to capture the pure essence of myself and what I bring to my work. I have been a complementary therapy practitioner for 20 years and now focusing all my skills and expertise to working with Dogs. I created Annamal, with Annamal Anna as the focus point.
After selecting several words and characteristics to describe my vision, Jules very quickly sketched out my Muse.....Wow, I loved her straight away !!
Powerful, Cool, Sassy, Sexy, Direct, Compassionate, Loving... Absolutely perfect image.
We then agreed to add in my dogs by my side, at this point I was even more deeply moved by the accuracy of Jules' drawings of my dogs, Teacher and Wizard. Absolutely spot on, I couldn't believe how amazing this was.
Jules is efficient, precise, inspired and truly listens to what is required to produce the essence and spirit of the person she is creating.. And the dogs are on another level.
So deeply grateful to you Jules. I hand my business card over with such excitement and everyone has commented on how brilliant the image is.
Update: November 2015; The Annamal Website
November 2015, it is with deep love and gratitude that I have been working on Annamalanna's new website - so delighted to share this with you. Check this fantastic healer out at Annamal
Does my heart centred healing illustration style resonate with you?
Are you a healer, practitioner, therapist, counsellor, coach, heart centred woman entrepreneur wanting to create a totem and talisman for your biz?
You know your business has a spirit, it has an identify, a feeling, an essence, what does it look like?
Together let's find your Business Totem. You can call it a logo, I'm calling it Totem. It's who you are, it has your intention and energy within it. You'll be surprised with what is birthed.
Call me your Midwife!!
Get in touch with me here and let's schedule a Skype Chat or Phone call.
Love JD xx
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New Podcast Launched: Aftertoon Tea with Jules: Episode #1 with Gail Bousi, Soul Sister Doula
10/11/2015
My new podcast Afternoon Tea with Jules is launched!
Heart to heart conversations about health and healing for humans and animals with people from all over the world making a difference.
I'm a real techy geek and love creating them and I adore having these conscious conversations.
Delighted to report that my first episode has been accepted by iTunes and is now LIVE.
In this first episode I chat with Gail Bousi, Soul Sister Doula from Melbourne. We talk about the role of a Doula (a birthing doula) and how she is such a calming presence for the mother to be and also the rest of the family. It is so interesting to hear about such wonderful work.
Listen here >>> Please subscribe, Rate it and Share :)
Heart to heart conversations about health and healing for humans and animals with people from all over the world making a difference.
I'm a real techy geek and love creating them and I adore having these conscious conversations.
Delighted to report that my first episode has been accepted by iTunes and is now LIVE.
In this first episode I chat with Gail Bousi, Soul Sister Doula from Melbourne. We talk about the role of a Doula (a birthing doula) and how she is such a calming presence for the mother to be and also the rest of the family. It is so interesting to hear about such wonderful work.
Listen here >>> Please subscribe, Rate it and Share :)
