Awakening to our personal symbols is a lifelong journey. They can be individual or collective, they can differ cross-culturally, and can change over time. Symbols are the bridge between the conscious and unconscious mind, offering continual information about what is going on for us at the very deepest levels. Whether it is a tree, a shoe, a religious symbol, a dragonfly, bird or even our emojis, symbols offer insight into how we see ourselves and the world. By becoming aware of the symbols that most remind you of who and what you love, these feelings and connections can be called up at any time.
Materials: pen, notebook, journal, scissors, gluestick
Here’s how to begin:
- Set an intention to notice meaningful symbols in your environment
- Take your time: Over a few days or weeks, allow yourself the space to tune into things that call your attention: a shape, smell color, object, memory or other sensory experience
- Journal: Jot these down in your journal
- Reflect: What have you noticed or written down that reminds you of someone or something you love? What symbols offer comfort?
- Create: Flip through magazines or go to google images to find images that closely reflect your symbols. Cut them out, and glue them in your journal.
- If other images “call” to you during this process, add them to your journal
- Associate: Spend time with your journal, adding spontaneous words or thoughts that come up as you reflect on the images
- Repeat often.
By beginning the journey of identifying your symbols, you are building a bridge to your deepest knowing, and deepest connections.
Here’s to the journey beyond what “meets the I.”
Elizabeth Bryan-Jacobs is a nationally known artist, creativity facilitator and bestselling author, currently pursuing a master’s degree in art therapy. Through her own recipe of art-making, mindfulness and nature, she supports individuals in awakening their inborn creativity. Her combination of practices opens a path inward to inner wisdom and insight that helps transform challenge to change. The result is a greater sense of presence, connection and empowerment, as well as the abiding joy that is the core of the creative process.
Elizabeth is also the author of bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings and Soul Models: Transformative Stories of Courage and Compassion.
Elizabeth’s passion to share the benefits of creativity, mindfulness and nature inspired her to pioneer Creative Awakenings: Where Spirit Meets Science, a series of innovative, transformational seminars. She has shared Creative Awakenings for nearly two decades, privately and at exclusive venues like Canyon Ranch in Lenox, MA, The Golden Door Spa in San Marcos, CA, the Ojai Valley Spa and Resort as well as with numerous corporations.
To support wellness during challenging times, Elizabeth now offers Awakenings Circles. These online, mindfulness-based creativity programs and practices help guests dig deeply on their journey in connecting with what matters most.
Elizabeth is a renowned sculptor and artist with works in numerous private and corporate collections, including Dell Children’s Hospital and Healthline Media.
Along with her husband, artist Bobby Jacobs, she is also the co-founder of The Spread Your Wings Project, a non-profit devoted to sharing the benefits of community art-making in response to the challenges faced by our nation today. The couple builds massive pairs of angel wings in community with vulnerable populations for fundraising purposes. For more information, visit TheSpreadYourWingsProject.org.
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