I Am: The Observer Behind Thought

By Dana McClellan

Who am "I?" Undeniably the most persistent question we ask ourselves throughout the course of our lives. We all have glimpses at certain times where we realize we are far more than our thoughts. Moments where life becomes crystal clear with the revelation that the essence of us is something much bigger than our physical bodies. It's something that continuously lingers in the back of the mind of humanity. Individually, we go through phases where we are more tapped into that feeling of "knowing" than at other times. Although, some may try to resist or deny it.

The Observer

For most of my life, I've been a very vivid dreamer. I went through a phase at around age thirty, where I kept a journal beside my bed so when I awoke from a dream, I could immediately jot everything down before the details disintegrated from my memory. I wouldn't always remember everything of course, but at one point I was so into dream-journaling, I had the ability to be consciously present while in the dream. I had trained myself to where I could be inside the dream and made it a point to remember little details of the environment I was in; like what time it was, what it felt like, who was present, what they looked like--all the way down to what jewelry they were wearing. I would purposefully remember these details, just so I could write them down when I came out of the dream. I was inside the dream, knowing I was dreaming. It was pretty crazy.

One thing I remember about all of my dreams, there was always another consciousness present. One I could never identify. I didn't actually see another person, but it was definitely another consciousness that felt VERY familiar. That's the only way I can describe it. Now I know who that consciousness was. It was me! The REAL me. The awareness observing all of my thoughts. It use to bug me I couldn't figure out who this other entity was, because it felt much more than just familiar. It never said or did anything, nor did it give me a good or bad feeling; it was always just there "observing." I didn't put two and two together until I went to write this post, then for some reason, I remembered.

We all have that--ALL of the time. We may not be consciously aware of it, but the observer is always with us. It is the "I" in us which has the ability to view our individual thought-life from a objective point of view. It is the true essence of us that is at one with what I call the Holy Spirit. Others may call it consciousness, the universe, enlightenment, etc...

What is Thought?

One very important thing we all need to realize, is that our thoughts do not determine who we are. Initially, our thoughts are an unconscious physiological activity similar to breathing or digestion. We have no control over this unconscious thought-process. I don't know about you, but when I realized that it was quite a relief! We aren't completely off the hook though, we do have control over what we do with those thoughts and that's what determines the quality of our lives. If we are able to view these thoughts from the observer's perspective, we will be much more effective at taking our thoughts captive and bringing them to the obedience of God in us. The God in us is not selfish and fearful, and there is no ego. It wants the best for everyone and loves unconditionally. It is the spiritual root for our purpose on this earth and will not lead us astray.

Again, we all have this in us and it can be tapped into at any given moment. There is nothing in the world of form that will make us feel as content as tapping into the force and "content" is such a lowly word for what I am trying to describe here. We all have the power of the universe at our fingertips. We all were created in the image of God. I for one, have only begun to understand what that means.
I do know this, I've never felt the peace I do now as an adult, and I know it's only going to get better. Knowing I have the ability to look at those negative, self-sabotaging thoughts from an objective perspective makes all the difference in the world. I know it's all conditioned thinking. I have the power to capture these thoughts and re-wire my own brain. That changes everything.

Changing the Physical Realm

#1 most effective way is by practicing mindfulness, which is to say, the act of being fully present in the moment and truly appreciating it. Not looking to the future for happiness or contentment, but grateful for everything you are now. When we are fully present in the moment, we become the conduit for which the Holy Spirit flows through and we see negative thoughts for what they really are--petty and meaningless in the grand scheme of things.

#2 Visualize positive action. Practice it in your mind over and over again to re-wire the brain. It may take some time to develop this muscle, but if you come at it from a conscious perspective, it will help immensely.

If you want to know more about re-wiring the brain, read my post on "Neuroplasticity": 

You May Be Addicted to Your Emotions! Learn About Neuroplasticity

The Internal Observer

Things to Meditate on When Life Gets a Little Crazy:

• There is a stillness which permeates everything and was there before anything.
• I am at one with this stillness, therefore I am at one with everything.
• I am eternal life. My body may pass away, but "I" will remain.
• God is always in the present moment, where time does not exist.
• I am at one with God, I have the Holy Spirit residing in me.
• "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

"Stillness is the Move" by the Dirty Projectors

"Stillness Is The Move"

When the child was just a child

It did not know what it was

Like a child it had no habits

No opinion about anything

Maybe I will get a job

Get a job as a waitress

Maybe waiting tables in a diner

In some remote city down the highway

After all that we've been through

I know we'll make it after the wait

The question is a truth

There is nothing we can't do

I'll see you along the way baby

The stillness is the move

On top of every mountain 

There was a great longing

For another even higher mountain

In each city longing for a bigger city

After all that we've been through

I know that I will always love you

From now until forever baby

I can't imagine anything better

Isn't life under the sun just a crazy, crazy, crazy dream?

Isn't life just a mirage of the world before the world, before the world?

Why am I here and not over, over, over there?

Where did time begin

Where does space end

Where do you and I, where do you and I begin?

“There is something in every one of you that waits and listens for the sound of the genuine in yourself. It is the only true guide you will ever have. And if you cannot hear it, you will all of your life spend your days on the ends of strings that somebody else pulls.”
~ Howard Thurman 

See more inspirational quotes at: 

http://www.living2inspire.com/p/quotes.html

1 LOVE!!!!!!!!

Dana

Featured Artist: Ray Ferrer (Spray Paint & Stencil Artist)

"Closure" by Ray Ferrer

By Dana McClellan

My Two Cents

As a novice appreciator of art, without knowledge of art-world lingo, I have only the ability to write what I experience in my own words as best I can. I first sit with the art images without labeling them to see what descriptives I come up with on my own, and then go to see what other people "in the know" have to say about the work.

When I initially viewed the creations of Ray Ferrer, the first thoughts that came to mind were: natural, soulful, emotional, pure, and timeless. His work is always done in black and white, and where I would normally view a black and white photo as dramatic and a little edgy, Ferrer's pieces have a soft, spiritual quality to them. His use of white creates an illumination that feels other-worldly to me. It is evident that while engaged in the process of creating, Ferrer has a conscious awareness which gives him the ability to draw out the soul of his subjects or perhaps the potential consciousness of humanity.

Ray Ferrer

http://urbanwallart.wordpress.com/

http://www.facebook.com/urbanwallart

https://twitter.com/urbanwallart_g

In his own words,

 I am an East Coast based artist who, through my work, seeks to utilize various harmonies and ideas to visually engage the audience. I also use my art as an opportunity to experiment with the range of possibilities allowed through my choice of materials, spray paint and hand cut stencils.

My work captures spaces of partial or full illumination between the perfect shadows on all sides of a person or an object. The artwork conveys the real beauty of the subject. The viewer is able to appreciate the simplicity, splendor and exquisiteness of my work and the subject. The work is raw, it’s stripped back, it’s honest.

I am vehemently opposed to using art as a means to rely on overly-complex theories or ideas to prop up mediocre images. I believe that the quality of the actual work is what is paramount.

His Inspiration

My inspiration comes from my environment, childhood memories and/or manifestations of everyday life. Each piece of mine is connected to me through some instance or emotion or place in time from my life.  I am constantly inspired to create new pieces when I have a thought or hear a song that brings back a memory or something significant in my life.

Additional information gathered from: http://www.blackcommentator.com/488/488_art_fire_hydrant_ferer_share.html

Artist Statement: I'm from NY born and raised. I was in the Army for 6 years. I have my MBA from Auburn University and was a management consultant and business strategist for many years. I've traded it all in for a paint can and love what I do.  I make very unique and custom artwork for people and businesses all around the world by hand cutting stencils and painting them onto canvas and onto large walls. I travel to client sites for larger murals and mail out smaller pieces. I will go anywhere to do a mural! My artwork is inspired by wanting to see things I absolutely love in a different light.

To Set the Mood

I created an Old School Jazz playlist for the art you are about to view. 

I believe the music enhances the nostalgic urban vibe of the art.

Please hit the forward button in the YouTube video before proceeding to the art.

Click on Images to Enlarge

"Vice" 

"Intuition" 

"Baltimore"

 

"Chess"

"Fashion"

"Sax"

"Smokin' Lady"

"Statue of Liberty"

"Solo"

"Turmoil"

"Optimism"

"Youth"

"Bride"

"Anticipation"

"Play"

For more info about this artist visit:

http://artworldchicago.com/2013/02/06/urban-penumbra/

http://www.chicagoartistsresource.org/events/%E2%80%9Curban-penumbra%E2%80%9D-ray-ferrer-exhibition-closing-event

SHEL: The Amazingly Talented Band of Sisters

SHEL

I'm blown away by these girls. I've seen sister acts playing music together, but these women take it to a whole new level. They are extremely talented and play a wide range of instruments. Their music is whimsical and airy, which makes me feel good when I listen to them. It's obvious they have a tremendous bond with one another and I imagine it must have been very entertaining growing up in their household--to say the least. 

As luck would have it, they reside in Fort Collins, Colorado, which is the same town I live in. I can't wait to go see them live :-)

They've got a beautiful website at: shelmusic.com

Biography

Source: http://shelmusic.com/about/

SHEL has delivered one of the most impressive debuts of the year…Chris Douridas –KCRW/Los Angeles

SHEL performs with the precision of a heat seeking missile.Paul Kennerley, Award-winning Songwriter

My emerging artist pick for 2011. SHEL’s synergy is infectious…
the future of music is in good hands.Jim Gillespie, Blissfest Music Organization

SHEL is Sarah, Hannah, Eva and Liza, four classically trained musicians who happen to be sisters. From the artist colony of Fort Collins, Colorado, SHEL is sophisticated and youthful, emotional and lighthearted, classic and eccentric. SHEL’s engaging live show is marked with a prodigy’s creativity and a veteran’s instinct for entertaining. Audiences delight with their unique songwriting style and fresh, new sound.

The Holbrook sisters grew up in a musical household and first appeared on the stage backing their singer-songwriter father, Andrew Holbrook. In 2005, the girls collaborated to form SHEL and now play and write all of their own music. Their new EP, “ When the Dragon Came Down,” was co-produced by SHEL and six-time Grammy award-winner, Brent Maher. The band has attracted the attention of such major media outlets as NPR’s “eTown Live,” and ABC.com; toured nationwide playing fairs and festivals including South by Southwest, International Folk Alliance, Lilith Fair, Four Corners Folk Festival and Cornerstone; and had one of their songs featured in Glade’s Scented Oil Candles national TV ad campaign.

Sarah, 19 (Violin, Bass) - Immensely gifted as a violinist and vocalist, Sarah also shines with her bass chops. Highly creative, Sarah’s diverse artistic talents have lead her to be the primary designer of SHEL’s original graphics and videography. She is also the undisputed ambassador of fun at every show.

Hannah, 22 (Piano, Keyboards) An award-winning young composer and pianist, Hannah also sings and helps arrange SHEL’s unique vocal harmonies. Hannah has been studying at Colorado State University for the past three years where she’s concentrated on piano performance and composition.

Eva, 20 (Mandolin, Electric Mandolin, Cello) Lead vocalist and one of the band’s primary writers, Eva’s passion and talent for playing both acoustic and electric mandolin has received widespread recognition. Involved in every phase of arranging and production, Eva records much of the band’s tracks in their home studio.

Liza, 16 (Drums, Percussion) - Liza’s natural polyrhythmic ability was spotted at an early age. Not only is she the drummer for the band, Liza is equally proficient on the Djembe and Roland Hand Sonic drum. Her creative approach to percussion enables her to create the unique rhythm patterns that help define SHEL’s music.

Biography section taken in it's entirety from: 
SHEL's Website

More Cool Videos of the Girls

You will find touring info on their website here: http://shelmusic.com/shows/

Living2Inspire’s First Featured Artist: Pierre-Paul Marchini

By Dana McClellan

First, an Introduction to “Featured Artists”

I never realized how art could evoke such a range of emotions out of me. I am not by any stretch of the imagination—an "art connoisseur" (is that even the appropriate term?). In fact, I only recently began learning about it through my Art Appreciation class in college. That class opened up a whole new world and revealed to me what I had been missing. My instructor showed me how to sit quietly with a piece and actually experience it instead of merely looking at it. I learned that it wasn’t important whether or not I fully understood the artist’s expression. Art isn’t about rules. It’s about expression and individual interpretation. That being said, I do tend to get more out of a piece when I take time to learn a little about the artist and his or her perspective. It helps me to see things (nature, beauty, people, the world) in ways I would have never thought of, thereby opening up whole new realms of thought.

Through this one class, I realized that I am partial to impressionist and expressionist work. I was assigned an artist to explore and write about for my final project, and that artist was Wassily Kandinsky. I came to love his use of color. The fact that he painted what he saw in his minds-eye, as related to sound and emotion was what really resonated with me.

My focus here in this blog is on what inspires the human mind. Personally, I tend to categorize inspiration as originating from two places; either from the source of all things (God, Holy Spirit, the universe, consciousness) or from the physical realm of form. Not that one is better than the other; I believe both are necessary. We have a need to seek experience and express both spiritual and physical realms. I’m interested—and I hope you are too—in what inspires other human beings to create. For that reason, I will ask the same question of every artist that I feature: “Where do you feel your inspiration comes from?” and I’m going to ask that they really give it some thought.

Pierre-Paul Marchini 

www.marchiniart.com

When I first came up with this idea, it was after befriending hundreds of artists from various industries in the Google+ social media platform. My home page had instantly become much more beautiful and interesting because of all of these new acquaintances. I had been thinking of ways to make my blog a more interesting read, while at the same time adding value to other people, so I decided to post a request though both Facebook and Google+ for artists who would be interested in more exposure. I was extremely excited when I received a response from Pierre-Paul Marchini.

While we do have a little bit of a language barrier (he speaks French; I speak English) we have been able to communicate with the help of the Google translator app. It’s not perfect, but we’ve managed pretty well. When I first saw Marchini’s work, I knew it was exactly what I wanted to start with. As with Kandinsky, I was impressed with Marchini’s use of color, as well as the captivating scenes he portrays. I am mesmerized by his paintings.

When I asked Pierre-Paul Marchini where he felt his inspiration came from he said,

“Je trouve mon inspiration dans les éléments qui m'entoure , paysages,mer, montagne , l'interprétation est personnel bien sur . J'utilise le couteau qui procure des effets de masse et de de légèreté tout à la fois.”

English translation, “I find my inspiration in what surrounds me, landscapes, sea, mountain, the interpretation is personal. I use the knife which provides mass effects and lightness at the same time.”

Biography

This is translated from French and although it is not a perfect translation, I cannot presume to provide a better one. I think for the most part it is easily understood,

[T]he art of the light flow darkness to silence the encounter with the work of the artist is at once surprising, because it occurs while surfing the web. Three words suffice then to show the virtual gallery of the painter: "Peter Paul Marchini." Thus, the pictorial journey into the world can start or turn into a ballad where a real sense know upheaval. "The work of the artist expresses forcefully the color and light (...) as the last bastion of a sinking black seems imminent, or as an expression of love and poetry," Pierre Squarcini analysis, poet and friend the creator's paintings of Pierre-Paul Marchini therefore they are a message of hope. Invoking the light, they conjure up the darkness and leave in effect a frenzy of colors. More precisely landscapes of Corsica South made ​​with oil. "Oil is my favorite material. It is a substance that can better express what we feel. Especially since you can try various tests before obtaining the desired result, an impossible exercise with acrylic dries too quickly especially, "says the artist's eyes Pierre-Paul Marchini, acquisition that freedom of expression has always been a necessity."This is a difficult one to overcome. For years, I have experienced the feeling of being limited in my art. My paintings do not satisfy me fully. This is why I decided to take a break 3 years ago. I had doubts about my abilities as an artist. This judgment was beneficial and crucial for my career," he says. Indeed, the painter, self-taught, was in the habit of exercising his passion by borrowing classic traditional techniques: brush and small sizes. But constantly questioning and fascinated by the Impressionist period, inspired by Monet or Pissaro, he could not bring himself to part reducer. place is now done and the very large sizes, with eg 100x70 cm canvas but also the use of the knife. A change which ensures a significant change, both in form and in substance. "Now my paintings reflect my desires. I finally feel able to express my painting as I see fit. This work remains close to impressionism, forms are less accurate, yet they are highlighted with color, mixing 100% handmade," says Pierre-Paul Marchini. A man paints what he sees, without stage as the expression of an experience. However, he sometimes returning to a place immortalized without realizing. "These are landscapes that do not necessarily exist, snippets of memories that have been recorded and recreated. However, it is never a work from photographs or specific models. I paint mainly felt, "he says works of Pierre-Paul Marchini are moving, vibrating. Member Drouot Quotation of Artists and registered with the Maison des Artistes Professionals, soon he exhibited in a gallery in Montmartre, then rotate throughout the year at galleries Corsica, Paris, Swiss, Italian and German. A small tour of Europe which confirms already known to the painter, who holds the secret to the light flow on the canvas. "Given the artistic research, the philosophical view, view of the strength and quality of his work The Jury awarded Pierre Paul MARCHINI, Grade of Chevalier Academic and awarded him the Medal of Arts section BRONZE" LM

Here is a presentation by a French writer, which will lead us into some images of Marchini’s art:

Translated…

Enter the world aflame Marchini Pierre-Paul is walking on fire, being dazzled by his paintings subdued mystery and beauty burned. This is follow him on bridges of gold and blood, the blue and the shadows of his wanderings sublime. Which artist! Everything about him is that blazing light creeks, waterfalls fire, scratched shadows of twilight ... In this conflagration emerge according to our imagination shapes and silhouettes that the painter has created or maybe not ... [His] paintings [are] the projection of our own imagination. Each painting is an appointment with our dreams. ~ Jean Paul Sermonte Writer Poet.

Music to enjoy while you view the art

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After viewing these digital representations, I hope you will visit Marchini's site at: www.marchiniart.com

Mindful Music #4 Stillness is the Move

Dirty Projectors: Stillness is the Move

I've been diggin' this song lately because the music is so unusual and catchy, but now that I've found the lyrics I like it even better!

"Stillness Is The Move"

When the child was just a child

It did not know what it was

Like a child it had no habits

No opinion about anything

Maybe I will get a job

Get a job as a waitress

Maybe waiting tables in a diner

In some remote city down the highway

After all that we've been through

I know we'll make it after the wait

The question is a truth

There is nothing we can't do

I'll see you along the way baby

The stillness is the move

On top of every mountain 

There was a great longing

For another even higher mountain

In each city longing for a bigger city

After all that we've been through

I know that I will always love you

From now until forever baby

I can't imagine anything better

Isn't life under the sun just a crazy, crazy, crazy dream?

Isn't life just a mirage of the world before the world, before the world?

Why am I here and not over, over, over there?

Where did time begin

Where does space end

Where do you and I, where do you and I begin?

God is an Artist #3

If you look hard enough, you'll be able to see waves of God-thought permeating, penetrating and filling the inter-spaces of the universe. It is "The Thinking Stuff" that Wallace D. Wattles describes in his book "The Science of Getting Rich."
The waves in these pictures represent God's thoughts. I see it as the The Holy Spirit in action.

God truly is an artist and these are some His sculptures:

The Wave, Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Utah
Photographer unknown

Formations Slot Canyon, Arizona
Photographer unknown

 Sandstone Interior, Antelope Canyon, Arizona
Photographer unknown

Don't judge a book by it's title :-)

Mindful Music #3 Vivaldi Winter

This piece is so much more soul-stirring when you can actually watch it being played. 

This sends chills through me and brings tears to my eyes :).....

Featuring Mari Samuelsen - 1st Violin.

Art Appreciation #1 Tall Painting

Tall Painting

How cool is this?

Cityscapes and Architecture #2

What a beautiful Capture!

Hong Kong, China by Xavibarca

Mindful Music #2 Debussy

I love how Debussy captured the impressionist era--so ethereal and mesmerizing.
I'm inserting a Monet to meditate on while you listen to the music (below the video).

Claude Monet , Saint - Georges majeur au crépuscule . jpg

Click image to enlarge

God is an Artist #2

Somewhere in Iceland?

Photographer unknown

You May Be Addicted to Your Emotions: Learn About Neuroplasticity

By Dana McClellan

What is Emotional Addiction?

After experiencing some major setbacks in life, I had managed to get myself into an extremely dark place. In fact, I look back on that time and it's all kind of a blur. I became increasingly unsettled in my thought processes and decided it was time to do something about it, so I did a little research on "reprogramming the brain." This post will cover some of the important points I discovered through the study of "Mind-Science."

The first thing I became aware of is that I've been addicted to my negative emotions (as many people are). Scientifically, our emotional addictions have their roots in our past and the only way to dissolve those addictions is by recognizing them and establishing new patterns. Sounds logical right? Many of us already know this and may truly believe we have taken corrective action and moved on, so why is it that nothing is changing for the better in our lives? Recently, scientists are telling us it's because our brains have become physically wired into these negative patterns, so on a subconscious level, the only way to satisfy the addiction is by repeating the pattern. Many of us don't recognize the pattern or the addiction, so the cycle continues.

Back in the day, when I was living my old story, the love I had for my husband felt hopeful and exciting. We had so much we wanted to do and share with each other. It wasn't until years later, when life didn't go the way we both felt it should, that love began to feel painful. We spent years in that pain. Our brains had developed those connections and used the same pathways associated with that pain--constantly, over and over again. We weren't able to sustain our relationship and finally separated after many years together. 

If love is considered such a positive emotion, how can so many bad feelings come from it?
It's because we associate our love with the negative experiences that have occurred over a period of time, reinforcing those negative pathways. Our emotions, completely influenced by our ego, is what drives most of us to take action, fly off the handle, be hurtful, or have a need to be right. This action is triggered by the association of past events in our lives. Our own individual world is one long story created by the self (ego). This story isn't the truth of who we are at our core. It is the self that is separated from God and acting through conditional thinking; it functions at a superficial, unconscious level. However the ego may still capture glimpses of consciousness or awareness.

Have you ever experienced that? A moment where you are fully present and can see yourself objectively? A moment where you fully realize you are more than your thoughts or your physical body? It is a feeling of warmth and knowing and one-ness with our Creator. It is a moment that we realize our worry, resentment, anger, anxiety--mean nothing.

After doing some reading and watching a few videos on the subject (some of which are inserted below) I know that when it comes to the brain, "nerve cells that fire together--wire together" (Donald Hebb "Hebb's axiom"). If we are repeatedly practicing the same anger, frustration, or sadness--over the same type of situation, we are reinforcing the behavior that causes those connections to develop a long term relationship. It's called Neuroplasticty and it's not just theory anymore.

Some short videos that describe neuroplasticity in VERY simple terms.

Creating New Pathways

How do we reverse this negative way of thinking and acting? I'm just going to scratch the surface here by saying that one way to do it is by being fully present in the moment and practicing gratitude. When one is present, it is much easier to capture negative thoughts and see them for what they are. Another way is by visualizing what we want in the future and actually experiencing it. We must meditate on it as if it were real. What does it look like, feel like, smell like? How does it make you feel? What are the sounds and other sensations you are experiencing? Studies show that our subconscious mind can't tell the difference whether it's real or not.

Building New Pathways

“As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives.” ~ Henry David Thoreau

- See more inspirational quotes at: http://www.living2inspire.com/p/quotes.html

I've written in previous posts about being "present in the moment" (mindfulness) and I plan to go much more into detail about this topic. Mindfulness gives us far better perspective. It helps us to be grateful for what we have and are--thereby, interrupting negative cycles. I believe it is the key to living a content and happy life. It is within us all, so we can always access it. No more "I'll be happy when..."

Gratitude Video (again because I love it)

One LOVE!

Dana