AprilDeMarco.com

Beauty & Meaning in a Creative Life.

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It’s a dream room. A school focused on the arts. Art is not a prep for other teachers but the focus here. Huge space. Big windows. Natural light. Sink. Cabinets galore Smartboard and wipe board behind head table. (Not shown.) Chalk board to the side. I love old fashioned chalkboards!!! And this is one of my 2 art rooms. The other is a full on ceramic studio down the hall. No more art on a cart. Getting to be in control of my teaching environment is an important component I didn’t always have. I’m happy and so grateful that this opportunity is mine to service the students and school.
Moving truck #2 IN THE RAIN. This is a job for my Shera T-shirt!
When I separated from my husband and moved out a few years ago there were many friends who absolutely disappeared. I know now that it’s a personal limitation for some to deal with this kind of emotional reality. I was stepping out of the role and excuses I lived in and it unintentionally proved for most it’s a choice, which is terrifying. In Buddhism there are no victims of their own reality.
It’s been quite a year! I listened to my body tell me I’m not in alignment with my heart, my talents, integrity or purpose. It was terrifying to be vulnerable for change but the rewards of opening my life are now here. I feel so victorious!
Thank you @sigruncom for this quote. It gave me inspiration which has manifested into a new job that is more aligned with my goals and passion!
#whole30 I love you. Day 13 Unlike day 3 which was “kill all things” day.
Moving Day! Making a house a home. New beginnings for a family. So much better the second time around.
Of all the fires, love is the most inextinguishable. No greater fortune than to love and be loved.
My niece Kami and I. If I ever had a mini me!! This is she;) We’re both very good artists you know.
When your 7 and your artsy Aunt comes to visit you become the envy of all your unicorn loving friends! Nuevo Henna.
And we wonder why confusion paralyzes action. My fav is the second picture. Total opposite approaches. Who is right? What is for me? It’s enough to stop trying to understand nutrition.
Sea Salt on Grapefruit
@ellen.w.forman @pranamoonyoga used to sing this beautiful Sanskrit chant with us in her yoga classes where I used to live. The melody has stayed with me and I warmly think of her guidance with gratitude. I miss her and this loving space. Last week @hastingsyoga my new studio, instructor sang this to my delight. I felt lit up. What amazing love I feel when thinking of the time I spend to be centered and open to the journey of my life.
This summer I’ve been inspired to dig deeper into Buddhism. Unexpectedly this has lead to separating the distinctions made by the lay organization I’ve followed from the origins and evolutions of this philosophy. These are two prayer books. One I was given 15 years ago and the recent updated version. The cover concludes what I’ve been researching. There are three founding fathers of the SGI. My experience has been that my teachings are about applying their wisdom and writings which are stemmed from Sidhartha and Nichiren but evolve to a practice more specific to the organization. I admire the goal of world peace through each individuals happiness by the Soka Gakki International and it’s inspiration has served me well. This summer I’m learning the power is truly inside not outside me without the validation of others or an organization to know I am a bohdisattva, a Buddha, good person and I am already enough. It’s such a massive lift from my shoulders. I feel limitless and free to focus on living the philosophy more than ever.
Years ago I made these juzu beads for my mother out of faceted aquamarine and jade. Different formation from Tibetan malas we see in trend today. I love the interconnectedness of cultures and religions. These, malas and rosary beads are essentially similar for holding and keeping your attention focused in prayer. A great history that is inclusive to other respects is available at Buddhistmalas.com
My favorite quiet meditation app. Yes it’s a couple of bucks. I bought it years ago. Worth every cent. My brain is always on. This particularly poses a problem with sleep. Quiet mediation creates the endurance to have focus and patience when I need it. Clarity and stillness are beautiful things. My life has become one full of peace and authenticity because I have done this for myself. Not an easy or quick journey but peace and love amongst whatever weather is a magical force.
the art of words: meditative calligraphy by thich nhat hanh
My recent conference has brought me deeper into the vast studies of Buddhism.
If war is not how to solve problems we must become fluent listeners to understand the other person. Instead we focus on “talking things out” which perpetuates still our appeal to our single view. Let’s “listen things out”. Less judgement, less ego, less fear and anger. Be vulnerable enough to listen to others in conflict.
Brilliant Achievement. Prayer without action is just wishful thinking.