The bear and other animal guides as healers
Some of you know my background, maybe other don’t, so let me tell you a little how I came to this type of “healing through art.”
I grew up as a full time relief worker in South east Asia, learning how to connect and comfort those who were devastated by disaster, sickness, poverty, and abuse. It was a difficult childhood, but very rewarding in a way. We did many rehabilitation programs, and art therapy work. It opened my eyes to many things, and later on, when I had my own trauma, helped me understand how to heal.
When I was a young teen, I went through very dark time in my life. I was angry, hurt, disoriented, and vulnerable. I won’t get into all of what happened in the years that followed, but suffice to say I would never wish it on anyone. It was a time of my life I just wanted to lock it up and throw away the key, for the memory hurt too much. I don’t know how I survived it, all I know is that I always felt a healing peace while in the nature, and an ever special presence with me, sometimes a protective mother bear, sometimes, other magical beings, healers, and guides. They came when I most needed them, and showed up in interesting ways. Mostly through meditation, but also symbols, totems, and especially in my dreams. In those meditations and dreams I would refuge into the nature, a place of calming beauty, where no one could harm me. Where I was safe. These magical beings, along with mother nature, would help me heal.
I spent time in solitude, went on many walks in the nature, sat beneath the trees, with Mother Nature as my healing energy. And I was able to heal slowly, over the years, and through my art. These animal guides show up in my paintings many times, as a comforters, healers, and journey guides.
Later, as I became a mother myself to two boys I could especially connect and relate to that protective aspect of Mother Bear and her fierce yet gentle spirit.
So if you can, take a little time to meditate and see who reveals themselves to you.
In this next voice guide I take you through one of my own meditation journeys… This is the first time I share one of my own journeys in an online class, so it’s a big vulnerable step for me.
I find that this is such a wonderful way to connect with their magic and guidance. The next step is including them in our art!
So get comfortable and make sure you have 20 minutes of “Do not disturb time”. I would suggest that if you haven’t done the first meditation guide, you take it before this one. The two are connected in a way, and in certain instances you might not get what I’m talking about otherwise.
So are you ready?
How did it go? I’m sure everyone is super excited to reveal their magical healers over in the Facebook group, and I would especially love to hear your experience with this one! It’s such and honor to have been able to guide you though this journey!
So let’s begin our painting now shall we?