#100daysofhealing

Day 100 of #100daysofhealing . . "YOU ARE STILL HERE". . This simple phrase holds multiple meanings for me. As the last post for my #100dayproject I simply want to say THANK YOU. You are still here and you've accompanied me through this project and witnessed my story. . But most importantly THANK YOU, because YOU ARE STILL HERE on this earth, navigating this life with all of us. . For those of you, who are struggling with mental health and you are still here: YOU ARE A WARRIOR. . For those of you, who have survived sexual violence and you are still here: YOU ARE MY HERO. . For those of you, who hold on to your story and are finding your way back home. YOU ARE A HEALER and you are healing those around you. . For those of you, who at some point felt like giving up and thought life had no meaning: YOU ARE A MIRACLE. Thank you for holding on to the quite voice of hope. . As a way to say thank you for your support, I'd love to send one print with your favorite quote from this project anywhere you are! Please send me a DM and the first 5 people to let me know, will get them as gift and token of my appreciation. 🙏🏽💗🙋🏻‍♀️🥂💖. . . #mentalhealthawareness #deephealing #bekindtoyourself #watercolor #arttherapy #the100dayproject2018 #storytelling #weareallinthistogether #believesurvivors #metoomovement (at Planet Earth) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsBA2OIhsI5/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1eb3loiuw4ue

Day 99 of #100daysofhealing . . •MY SECRET GARDEN• . I once heard Elizabet Gilbert -on her Magic Lessons Podcast- say that the one thing you must give 100% of yourself in life, is to what gives you joy! The rest can be less. . In our culture women are taught to take care of everyone,but we are seldom taught to take care of ourselves too. I have learned that I am most willing to take care of those I love and be of service, when my bucket is full. Here is where the Secret Garden comes in. This is a place I have created, where I do all the things I love... FOR ME and only me. . This space is where I write, so i can listen to my soul. I dance, so I can move past my grief and I paint the lessons my heart has saved for me. In this place, there is no judgment or further obligations. Here is where I can just be, sit still and talk to the Universe. In this place I get to create, regardless of the outcome...It is where I let my creativity run wild! . If I make time to spend in this magical place, I am able to replenish so I can come back and show up in the world. If you think this is "selfish"; look at it like the oxygen mask on airplanes. You have to put yours first before being able to help someone else. . . #mentalhealthawareness #bekindtoyourself #deephealing #the100dayproject2018 #storytelling #womenwhodraw #polaroidfilm #heylomography #pocketsizememories #tombowbrushpen #lomoinstant #arttherapy #weareallinthistogether (at Baños Arabes) https://www.instagram.com/p/Br-0UO8hRdA/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=15rzopu4rep2o

Day 98 of #100daysofhealing . . Padmasana - Lotus Pose: a hip opener based on the universal symbol for spirituality. . One of the greatest gifts of this journey has been to discover what spirituality means to me. Religious dogmas and traditions aside, my own experience has driven me to question what I believe in and what sounds true to my soul. . So far, I can tell you that there is so much for us humans, to learn regarding this particular subject. I honestly believe that a big reason for the crisis we live in our world today is partly because, many of us have lost touch with that which is larger than ourselves. We have become so self-centered, logic oriented that we have forgotten that there is not just one right way to do, see or believe. . Each of us are like a snowflake, unique and different in our ways, however we all need the same things to thrive: love, a sense of belonging and connection to each other. This pose is a call to reconnect with that Energy, God, Source -or however you call it- that is within us and all around us. . During this time of reflection, look for a way to reconnect with that spark, the magic of who we are that we can feel, even when we don’t have the words to explain it. . Today is say NAMASTE the Sanskrit words that means: The divinity in me sees and acknowledges the divinity within you. 🙏🏽💗🙋🏻‍♀️. . #padmasana #mentalhealthawareness #bekindtoyourself #the100dayproject2018 #storytelling #doodleyogi #womewhodraw #tombowdualbrush #rewildyourheart #backtobasics https://www.instagram.com/p/Br8P5R1BZhd/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=oftz09sav3iw

Day 97 of #100daysofhealing . . •INNER WORLD• . As the last illustration for my #100dayproject I want to share one of my personal favorites. . Having reconnected with my love for painting has created a safe haven for me to express myself without judgement,  enriching the way I experience the world. With every drawing, the characters are not only evolving but the need to experiment with  the texture and space of my emotions, has become the driving force that keeps me coming back to the blank canvas. . This year has been one of rich experiences and intense emotions, but no matter how it goes, I now know I will always find solace within my own imagination. . How do you cultivate your inner world? . Just 1 more pose, 1 more Polaroid and 1 more quote to go!!! 🤩👏🏽😱. . . #mentalhealthawareness #weareallinthistogether #innerworld #resilience #arttherapy #traumarecovery #deephealing #illo #womenwhodraw #backtobasics #rewildyourheart #the100dayproject2018 #storytelling (at Wynwood Art District) https://www.instagram.com/p/Br5dc4YhYjB/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=iex59d50dqpx

Day 96 of #100daysofhealing . . "The function of freedom is to free someone else". Toni Morrison. . A beautiful quote from an amazing Pulitzer Prize winner novelist, that I came across on Martha Beck's book "Leaving the Saints". What it stroke me the most is the altruistic meaning of it, that also turns into a call to action. . The wisdom held in these words is not passive at all. If there is something I have learned, is that being of service to someone else gives live meaning. When I am able to help someone in a meaningful, lasting way...it truly brings everything into perspective for me. Which brings me back to why share my story and my experiences, even when it is far away from my comfort zone. . Bad stuff happens and we cannot control it, but if we can lessen the suffering for others going through something similar then we can cultivate the resilience to live fuller and more present lives. . What drives you to share your story? When do you feel more fulfilled and present? . . #mentalhealthawareness #weareallinthistogether #the100dayproject2018 #storytelling #creativeliving #watercolor #backtobasics (at Coral Gables, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/Br2wvrYh-gP/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=js3qwnpx9wc

Day 95 of #100daysofhealing . . •STILLNESS•. . Holidays are emotionally charged. No matter the the head space you are in, these times are always intense. From joy, warmth, to belonging and connection or anger, grief, loneliness... or for the real kicker, all at the same time!?. . If you are feeling overwhelmed, remember that the only thing we can truly control is how we react to our emotions. If you need it, take a moment to gather yourself and sit still. Lay in the quiet and remember that any emotion, no matter how intense, will pass and the more present we are with them the more grounded we will feel. . I am here and I see you, whether to share the joy or witness your sorrow. YOU ARE WHOLE AND YOU ARE LOVED. . . #mentalhealthmatters #backtobasics #deephealing #the100dayproject2018 #storytelling #polaroid #heylomography #pocketsizememories #capturethemoment #bestill #filmisnotdead (at Coral Gables, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/Br06QevhKke/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=346tqhd4gfaw

Day 94 of #100daysofhealing . . Halasana - Plow Pose: A pose that I have been afraid of for years. Every time I would try it, I just had this feeling that my neck would break or something would go terribly wrong. However I kept practicing, and testing to stay longer each time. Early this year, I was able to reach my feet to the floor for the first time. It was just one movement, of pulling my shoulders away from my neck, to better support my neck... and BOOM it happened. . The pose finally clicked! I had that "aha moment" you get when you finally understand how the body needs to move to get to certain place. The further meaning for Halasana revolves around cultivating inner silence. That moment when your mind finally stands still, even for a fraction of a second. . Just as the plow prepares the earth for planting, This pose is a symbol of preparing the mind to receive the teachings of the body. On a physical level, it helps detox the endocrine system and promotes relaxation. As the end of the year approaches: How do you prepare yourself for the new lesson awaiting next one to come? . 👷🏻‍♀️SAFETY MOMENT: This is an advanced student pose that requires proper warming up. If you haven't tried it, please do so under the supervision of a teacher. Also remember that it doesn't matter how flexible you are, your body is exactly where it needs to be to receive the wisdom of this pose. Be patient and kind with yourself ALWAYS.👷🏻‍♀️ . . #mentalhealthawareness #bekindtoyourself #weareallinthistogether #the100dayproject2018 #storytelling #doodleyogi #illo #creativeliving #rewildyourheart #backtobasics #tombowdualbrush (at Miami, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/BrxzDFChNJq/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=s1a8b606av84

Day 93 of #100daysofhealing . . •BREATHE• . The last piece on secrets and unburdening myself of that, which does not belong to me. Even though sometimes it feels like the weight of it can sink me back again, at this point is just an illusion and I have the power to let it go. . Now I can come back to surface. Now I can breath again and open space to further heal and grow! Using art to shed all that truly doesn't serve me, has helped me regain the energy to continue to create. The blank canvas has turned into an invitation to give shape to my emotions in a much joyful way. No matter the outcome, it gives me another piece of the puzzle we call life. . What has been the best way for you to process your emotions? Have you created a ritual around it? How did it impacted your life?. . . #arttherapy #mentalhealthawareness #weareallinthistogether #deephealing #womenwhodraw #acryliconcanvas #the100dayproject2018 #storytelling (at Coral Gables, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/BrvNzxBBQEV/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=od3x209otkj8