Embracing Ambiguity: The Beauty of the Unknown

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Ambiguity is like a fog where you can see the outlines of things, but nothing is really clear. When life is vague and answers are desired more than anything, it can lead to anxiety, restlessness and at times depression. Not knowing the outcome or direction is such a common theme; everyone has felt the anxious grip of ambiguity at least once.

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to write a book. Writing has been in my life since I was a child. I would write stories, journal and read as many books as I could get my hands on, hoping one day to have one of my own.

When I quit my job in 2014, my goal was to travel the world and write. I wanted to write a book and try to figure out how to get it published in my free time. I wrote and wrote and wrote. I even had a coach put me on a writing schedule. When I felt like the book was complete, I started the process of finding a literary agent.

I created a book proposal with my writing ready to be submitted. I sent letters out to several prospective agents and waited and waited. It was painful to be so vulnerable with something that I had been dreaming about for 25 years. I knew that in order to make it happen, I had to put myself out there.

Then, the rejections started pouring in. The first one made me cry and I was used to them once the fourth one came in. One agent asked for my first 50 pages. “YES! That’s hopeful!” I thought and called my close friends to share and calm my nerves. I sent out the work and waited some more.

Eight weeks later, I received my final rejection. It hurt. I needed to take a break and revisit the book in a few months. I decided to solely focus on my business and let the book wait for its birthday.

In January, I set an intention to let go of my expectation of getting published. I was tired of receiving rejections and noticed that it started affecting my passion for writing. I thought that taking time off would bring clarity. Three weeks later, I received an email that rocked my world — an offer to write a book.

I let go and the universe delivered my dream in a way I would have never expected.

The email was from a publisher who had stumbled upon my website. It was unbelievable the way it all happened but the universe is mysterious, magical and amazing. It all made sense and the day I accepted the offer, I sobbed giant tears with gulps for breath. It was emotional, messy and very joyful.

There was a release that set in when everything came together. Grace kicked in and offered relief to the waiting and wondering. In that moment, gratitude overflowed and a feeling of astonishment enveloped me.

If I would have known this back when I started this process, the gratitude would not have been as great and the relief would not have felt as powerful. The anticipation was part of the joy. The ambiguity set the stage for amazement and wonder. In that moment, I realized the beauty of the unknown.

*stay tuned for more information on this book project later this year

Intuitive Painting: Creativity from the Soul

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First there is trepidation. “I am not creative” the mind tells you as you prepare to step into an unknown realm. There is a blank page sitting in front of you. It is both exciting and terrifying. “What if I make a mistake” your mind once again speaking with doubt.

You are about to embark on an adventure that will take you inward and then into a creative, outer expression. You are about to paint intuitively.

My first experience with intuitive painting was a year ago in a small studio in Costa Rica. I saw a flier regarding intuitive painting in a coffee shop and decided to email the instructor. I didn’t know what to expect as I  walked into the studio. I sat down at a table smudged with paint and I could feel my nerves taking over and took a few calming deep breaths.

For the next hour or so, I painted following her prompts, surprised by what was transpiring on the paper. The most fascinating part was realizing that I was intuitively creative and the meaning behind my art. We sat there and discussed the different elements and the revelations came as I articulated my interpretation.

I realized that I had been trying so hard to reach a place of love and freedom. But I kept going back to the familiar and secure which actually left me feeling insecure, lonely and sad. I  knew I needed to be brave and take the leap I had been contemplating for a couple years. This scared me but also gave me a sense of calm and resolution.

After that experience, I wanted to share what I had learned with others. I started painting more and tapping into my intuition preparing to facilitate workshops and one-on-one sessions. The first workshop was lovely, consisting of 5 participants each with different and unique souls. I gave one set of instructions and what transpired were 5 very different and beautiful paintings, each with lovely revelations.

I am so happy and excited to share this type of creative soul adventure. If you would like to schedule a session or workshop in the San Diego area, please email emily@soulsadventures.com.

“The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.” -Albert Einstein