This 176-page book is for everyone who has a desire to discover and expand their creative spirit. Whether you’re an artist who wants to stretch your artistic horizons or someone who thinks you’re incapable of expressing yourself creatively, this book will delight and transform you. It will crack open inner dimensions and provide life’s lessons.
Whatever current situation or season you’re in, you’ll find an abundance of fruitful adventures that will help you heal and evolve. If you’re like me, you’ll be eager to jump into a new exercise every day. I highly recommend you consider buying this book for yourself and for your loved ones and friends. It’s a perfect way to begin anew chapter in your life.
Sandra Duran Wilson begins the book by explaining how to use it: “We mark our time by the circle. We spin around the sun’s axis daily, watching sunrise to sunset, experiencing the seasons going by. We whirl through the years as they go by faster and faster with each passing turn. The circle is our journey, and this book has been arranged to be used week by week, season by season and onward as we spiral upward. Each direction is associated with a season and time of day—east/spring/dawn; south/summer/midday; west/autumndusk; north/winter/night.”
She provides 52 chapters that coincide with each week of the year and explains, “Each contains either an art, writing or meditation exercise presented with simple step-by-step instructions. Follow along with the steps or use them as a jumping-off point for your own exploration. Either way, when you follow the circle, your creative soul will be refreshed, revived and awakened.”
This is Sandra’s sixth book. Most of the exercises provided in the book are those Sandra has created. Additionally she includes contributions from 12 artists who guide us on this path to self-discovery in different ways.
In the introduction Sandra states, “Sharing your passion is the greatest gift you can give for you will inspire someone else. Listen to the whispers of your soul and the promptings from your heart.”
Sandra reminds the reader, “Be kind to yourself and learn to listen to your inner critic. In time you will discover how your shadow is one of your greatest teachers, and that it can help you find inspiration even when you fall. Please join me for a spin around the circle.”
From The Chapter “The Western Gate”
“When we move around the circle of the seasons, we reach autumn, where the rapid growth of summer has ended and the time is ripe for the harvest. The time of day in relation to this place on the circle is twilight, that magical time between light and dark where contemplation moves inward. This is the time to give back; these are the middle years where we are ready to give back to the younger ones and share our wisdom.”
Duran advises, “This is the season to look within, learn your strengths and weaknesses. Use your power wisely. The seeds are formed, the harvest is brought in. Learn how to be self-sufficient and trust in your intuition and transformation. This is the time to share your vision. This is the wonderful place of balance between looking within and acting with courage and grace. The season of the west is manifested in the physical body. In this season, we shift from the exuberant and rapid growth of the south to discovering balance between our external energy (knowing when to act) and our internal energy (knowing when to rest).”
The artist and author provides specific exercises for each season. In the autumn chapter she explains, “In the following exercises we will learn to embrace our physical strength and energies with movement and meditation. We will learn when to wield our power shields and when to sit in quiet contemplation. Prepare yourself to manifest change, sit in peaceful stillness and embrace balance.”
In her heartfelt book Sandra communicates to us as a mentor, friend, creative coach and empathetic nurturer. She reminds us, “No matter where you are on your creative path, a complete novice or a seasoned pro, try to think like a beginner. Take risks, be spontaneous, let go of any preconceived outcome, and bring with you the sense that anything is possible.”
About Sandra Duran Wilson
Sandra Duran Wilson lives in Sante Fe, NM. Her art is influenced by scientific concepts in physics, chemistry and biology and is shown in galleries in the U.S. and Australia. It can be found in many corporate, civic and educational institutions and private collections worldwide. Duran also also teaches around the U.S., Europe and Australia. She is the author of five art technique books, several DVDs and her work has been featured in numerous books and magazines.
Visit Sandra Duran’s website SandraDuranWilson.com
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