Pull yourself together – it's paper!

I asked my Mom and Dad “Are people born creative?” Both immediately responded yes! So I began to toss out examples of where their “yes” was replaced with a maybe. The maybe phase is where I left creativity as well. I agreed with the idea that creative production is limited without a favorable nurturing environment. Dedication is key - dedication as much as talent underlies the creative performance (Hughes 80). Renoir encapsulates dedication. I was shocked to read that the strapped paintbrushes to his crippled hands in order to keep painting. . . I must be a blessing and a curse to love something some much.

Believe me; I am not super artistic or even highly creative, in my estimation. But I like to dabble with creative projects and sometimes my efforts are for therapy and other times to focus on an activity that brings satisfaction.

I experienced a not so therapeutic experience while at a scrapbook class; I thought it would be fun...
We were asked to select paper for the project, sounds simple enough… As I stood at the wall of paper, I felt my pulse quicken, my brow was damp, and a hive surfaced on my hand. Staring at the wall I began to berate myself. “Jody, my God pull your self together – it's paper!!” I thought I was going mad!! As I reflect back on that experience, I was forcing myself to be creative and was not devoted to the subject.

Trick or Treat

For time and eternity all faiths have gone through trials and tribulations… If you stop for a moment I’m sure you can generate a list of labels for individuals who participate in a particular religion (Jesus Freaks, Holy Rollers, Weirdo’s, etc.) and the Shaman is no different. Does being labeled something make it so?

I find the insight that the text offered into the mind, spirit, and health of the Shaman to be very helpful. The Mother of a dear friend of mine has been diagnosed with Psychosis and Schizophrenia. After reflecting on the reading you have to wonder if a person with varying forms of mental illness is functioning in an altered state. Maybe through no effort of their own they are continually tapped into another state of consciousness…

Trickery or not there is something to a Shaman and their ability; even if that is the ability to use the power of persuasion. I cannot discount another persons experience – their will ALWAYS be someone who is looking to deceive.

Matthew 10:26 "So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body. . .