In 2003 I lived in London and facilitated a class called “The Artist’s Way and More,” based on the book The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. A work of art in itself, The Artist’s Way is about unlocking your creativity with grace, ease and practical tools.
One chapter talked about intuition and synchronicity. The women taking this course were corporate wives; most didn’t have experience understanding or using their intuition. As the instructor, I wondered how do I easily teach them about intuition and synchronicity when they don’t know about it? As soon as I asked the question, the answer was delivered; the image of road signs flooded my awareness. Of course! Everyone is familiar with–and knows–road signs! Although I entertained the idea of creating road sign cards since that moment of epiphany, the actual creation of them would begin in 2010.
Creating the Cards
Original Idea
My first step in creating the Guiding Signs 101 cards was to find a gifted and inspired artist who shared my vision and could bring my idea to life. I created two cards that were merely a green circle on one (to symbolize yes) and a red circle on the other (to symbolize no). I asked the cards about working with the first person who came into my consciousness; Erin Cote. I got a Green light. Later I had the idea that I should instead work with a professional artist with a well-established reputation. Each prospective artist I asked about–no matter how many times I asked–revealed a Red Light. And every time I checked back about working with Erin, it would be a Green Light. As you can see, from the very beginning, I valued guidance from the cards, even in their most rudimentary form.
New paradigm manifesting
The new paradigm is about energy. It is about pure, clear intention. It is about listening to what wants to come through and taking inspired action based on that information.
In my experience with the cards, I realized that on another plane the cards already existed in their completed form. It was the future–where they already existed–that drew us toward them. Our job was not to create them. Our job was to maintain clarity so we could be a portal for what wanted to come through our efforts. Our job was to listen with our heart’s ears. Yes, the ears of our heart!
It is no accident that the word ear is in the word heart.
Green Light ~ Red Light
To make sure we were listening fully and accurately, we used the Green Light and Red Light cards for verifying purposes. We used this reliable and simple method to guide us through every aspect of the process.
The process of creation also involved surrendering our egos and little will, based on what we thought and wanted. There were many times Erin would create an amazing image but when I looked at it there wasn’t an alignment in my body. I couldn’t tell her what was not working, I could merely point out where. She would immediately tune in and change that part of the image and it would then resonate. There would be an alignment in my body that felt so right. Erin never had her ego attached to something she created, she was always open to my body-knowing that spoke to us and gave us the internal Green Light. We allowed ourselves to be in a state of wonder, curiosity, and service to humanity. We discovered being in a playful state is a great way to access ultimate, free-flowing creativity.
Energy of joy, love and fun
The energy that has gone into the cards has been one of joy, love and fun. I look back and remember how Erin was the first person to pop into my mind as the artist for the cards, and how she far surpassed the original inkling of how this could all unfold. Erin has the disposition of being open, curious and playful at the same time she is extremely bright, focused and committed. She loves the cards and “saw” from the beginning their value. She has stretched herself to learn new things to make this creation work. Erin has an amazing attitude, a pure heart and lives in tune to her intuition and inner listening. We have a deep respect, love and trust for each other. It has been a pure joy being in collaboration with Erin.
For example, when it was time to write the poems for the guidebook, I knew they needed to be playful and fun. Erin lead us in silly exercises that would make us laugh. Or I would have us move energy through our bodies by being fierce and getting into our warrior selves. This would also get us grounded and connected to the present moment.
I am reminded that there is a greater part inside each of us that knows far more that our mere minds! It is in working in collaboration with this greater creative wisdom part that led us in all aspects of card development.
Elements that embody the new paradigm
The following elements embody the new paradigm and they were an integral part of creating Guiding Signs 101:
- being in the flow
- doing things with ease and grace
- being in the present moment
- asking powerful questions
- actively listening to inner guidance
- being playful
- experiencing joy and fun
- expecting miracles
- being grateful for what consistently shows up
Slowing down to get into the flow
When I got out of natural flow, outside reflections immediately showed up to let me know.
When I contracted walking pneumonia and tried to push myself to finish writing the guidebook, my computer got a virus and completely stopped working. The ironic message on the monitor said, “memory full.” Not only did my computer need work, but I had to stop pushing and get back into flow with ease and grace. Erin showed up to work me. We both pulled a card for the day, we laughed and “got it” when we BOTH pulled 10mph! Clearly we were being guided to slow way down to get back into flow, where the creative magic happens effortlessly!
Creating each new phase of the project
With each new phase of the project, Erin and I met in person. We started our time by lighting a candle with an intention that we would both be a part of creating. We would say a prayer asking for guidance and opening us to deep listening. We would draw a Guiding Sign card about working together that day. We would then do one of Patt Lind-Kyle’s theta meditations making sure to state our intentions. This gave us inspiration and guidance on the next steps of the project. The theta meditations took us to that part of our brains where symbols and wisdom reside.
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