Virtual Vision Board Exercise

"Our inquiry art circle was what Renewal we are seeking this Imbolc season, what are we Devoted to? What title would we put on our 'book?'" ~ Nadya, Dia's Creation Station

5 1/2-Minute Video: Virtual Vision Board Process

What's Calling You?

(Hygge Moment: make yourself a cup of tea & sip while you ponder)

Nadya, an online friend of mine, is an artist & coach whose work resonates with me. Last week, she wrote a blog post that inspired this post you're reading now.

Her blog post described a process she leads people through, and it sounded like a perfect winter hibernation reflection activity to me. From what I understand, she uses art in her process & participants in the activity create books, which are statements of intention about who they are becoming or what is transforming in their lives.

Stay Right There, in Your Hibernation Nook

As you know, I am encouraging hygge hibernation this month, which is often one of the most difficult months for those who have winter blues. So if you are tucked in, in a comfy chair, with your delicious cup of tea, a yummy-smelling candle and a fire going, I am not going to suggest you leave that cozy nook.

But I was inspired by the reflection part of the experience she described. So, let’s take some moments to reflect on the questions she suggested, slightly re-imagined…

What new story are you being called to right now?

If you were stepping onto the path of your next hero’s journey right now, what would be the title or description of your quest? Take a moment to tell yourself that story using any images that are coming to mind.

For many of my tribe, homeschool (or other) moms who have winter blues, it might be about leaning into the curve during the hardest winter months. And transforming your winter experience into something cozy & beautiful. 

But there might be other callings, too. Take a moment to give it some thought & see, hear and feel what comes to mind. If you have a candle lit nearby, turn a soft gaze toward it as you open your mind and heart to any messages coming to you.

Once you have identified the transformation or quest, grab your journal or some scrap paper & write it down using just enough words to make sure you don’t forget before you can get back to thinking about it again.

If, for example, you are thinking of the winter blues transformation, you might write cozy winter, or winter hygge, or leaning into winter’s beauty, or something similar.

Once you’ve captured it in writing, it’s time for the next question...

What Will Be Your Biggest Challenge?

Nadya called it "the challenge of the old story."

So what is it from the story you’re living now that won’t want to let you go. What is most likely to hold you back or get in your way?

Take a few sips of your tea or hot chocolate while you mull that one over. And if you've got your journal handy or scrap paper nearby, write down whatever comes to mind.

And once you get clear on what might hold you back, write down words that will encourage you. How can you remind yourself that you've got this?

That kind of encouragement can be a powerful help in making the shift that's next on your list. But you also will need to be willing to let it go. In the video above, I suggest that you imagine throwing it into the fire.

If you have a fire going in your fireplace, you could do it right now. Write down your challenge on a slip of paper.

Hold it in your hand and imagine that you are transferring all the energy of that problem that you have carried. All the negative thoughts it has helped you create. All the feelings.

Then throw it into the fire and watch it burn away. Sometimes people feel a sense of peace come over them after doing that, so take note of what you are feeling.

Once you have released the challenged, your next step is to answer the call...

Ready to Answer the Call?

Answering the call means accepting the shift that's calling your name and making the commitment to get yourself there one way or another, as soon as you can manage it. And often the most important shift is internal, and once you have opened your heart to the shift, it becomes easier.

My own example: I am called to make a winter blues, need-to-lean-into-the-curve kind of shift. In February, my days often begin at the intersection of tired and dreary.

So I recognize that my day is not cozy, not hygge, not particularly happy, but it is tempting to give up instead of thinking of what to do about it.

And the shift I committed to when I decided to go deep with this hygge thing, is that I would make the effort whenever I recognized that something was amiss. Sometimes, it is as simple as lighting a candle or two.

Are there simple ways to make the shift you are thinking about today? If you aren't sure there are, ask "what's the simplest way for me to start?" And then, wait for an answer to come.

Thank you for letting me share this exercise with you! And thanks to Nadya for the beautiful inspiration.

Love to you!

Jeanine