new posts in all blogs
Viewing: Blog Posts Tagged with: spirit, Most Recent at Top [Help]
Results 1 - 15 of 15
How to use this Page
You are viewing the most recent posts tagged with the words: spirit in the JacketFlap blog reader. What is a tag? Think of a tag as a keyword or category label. Tags can both help you find posts on JacketFlap.com as well as provide an easy way for you to "remember" and classify posts for later recall. Try adding a tag yourself by clicking "Add a tag" below a post's header. Scroll down through the list of Recent Posts in the left column and click on a post title that sounds interesting. You can view all posts from a specific blog by clicking the Blog name in the right column, or you can click a 'More Posts from this Blog' link in any individual post.
If you follow Native news, you know that suicide rates in our communities are high. Here's a table from a 2015 report by the Center for Disease Control:
That is data for the U.S. If you do an internet search, you'll find news stories about youth suicides in Canada.
Richard Van Camp's
Spirit is--as he said in a tweet in September of 2016--a suicide prevention comic book.
It opens with a mom, shucking corn. Nearby, a baby is sleeping. That baby's spirit rises from its body, and flies out the window, and over several pages, we see the baby fly over a Native community of kids and elders. She flies to a house where, inside, a young man in tears is reaching for pills. He looks up, surprised to see her, and drops the pills, and holds her to him. On the next page, we see people gathered round a table, praying. The door opens, and in walks the young man. They call out "Surprise!" together. They're having a feast for him, because they know he's having a rough time. His grandfather gives him some snowshoes and talks about going to their cabin. His grandmother tells him a story about his birth.
His Native family and community, in short, have gathered to help him. With its Native content, it is a powerful message about Native community. While it is crucial that teachers and librarians have books like
Spirit in their collections, it is also important to remember that--unless you've got training to work with someone who is contemplating suicide--you may not be the right person to help.
Spirit is published by the
South Slave Divisional Education Council, which serves several First Nations communities. It is available in several different First Nations languages. I've written to Richard to ask where people can buy it. As soon as I hear back, I'll add that information, here.
.png.jpg?picon=3640)
By:
Sara Burrier,
on 10/24/2014
Blog:
warrior princess dream
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
life,
journal,
peace,
joy,
inspiration,
art,
drawing,
light,
spirit,
soul searching,
sara b illustration,
Add a tag
Lindsey Stirling strings, autumn leaves, pattern, floral, clean lines, crisp mornings, Mucha, sunlight, comfy sweaters, and the list can go on and on. Many things inspire me, constantly. It wasn't until this week I stopped to actually LOOK at what inspires me, and WHAT it does to me.
I am changed by it, and I alter myself to fit whatever "it" is. If an artist inspires me, my work takes on some of their style and technique. The same goes for clothes and fashion. Or quite possibly the way I arrange my house. How about changing myself because of how someone lives, and being inspired by their beautiful life? All based on what I see, of course, not knowing the day to day. Which leads to how my life is seen on social media and in crowds of other artists.
I'm impressed by how impressionable I am, and this week it made me wonder - "Am I missing who I am?"
 |
| "Believe in Yourself" Original Art Journal |
I believe it is healthy to be inspired by others. Jesus asked us to follow Him, do as He did. It isn't mentioned to be inspired, but He inspires me to be loving, caring, and full of grace. Yet on the other hand, there's a line that can be crossed into changing just to be accepted, to feel worthy, or to gain superficially.
I asked a fundamental question in church one Sunday about six months ago...Who Am I? I prayed to be shown who God says I am. It's a very large struggle of mine - for many of us - and it's been present for as long as I can remember.
My Quest? To feel free to be who I was designed to be. The other night I stumbled upon
Kelly Rae Robert's website. An artist I have always been drawn to and admire, yet just now actually following her. She openly shares her self discovery, and while reading her website it clicked. Her story, along with her business, creative soul, being a first time mom, and insecurities that are faced made me realize I'm OK.
I felt this release to BE ME. You could actually see the JOY in her. The PEACE within herself. I have been seeking peace my whole life, especially since my daughter was born. It could be the new mommy stress and sleeplessness, but I believe it's old stuff heightened.
I have this tribal, gentle, feisty, fiery self inside waiting to take off and
FLY.
Who am I? Who do you say I am?
I am free to be who you created me to be. I am free to express my light with no fear of what this world will say.
I was given an imagination to share. To lift peoples hearts, to bring them peace and love. To take them into their dreams and fantastical places.
I am a person and soul very much loved. I am loved by SO MANY people! I am so filled with love I even have some left over to give. I am more full, more accepted, then I ever realized.
I am a child of light, of His light. A light of love. I am His child filled with the grace, mercy, power, love, strength, courage, and forgiving spirit that He has. I am a child of light called to share my light. I am NOT darkness, I am NOT pain, I am NOT disgusting, dirty, unforgivable, or hopeless.
Another thought Kelly brought to my heart through her writing, was her understanding of who she is. A seeker of Joy. She lives for joy through and through. I am meditating on this. If there was one word to describe me - humm...I'm not sure yet. I'm still figuring this out, but it gives me one thing..focus for my spirit, soul, art, and not just for me, but for my daughter Norah (light), and my husband Brian (strength).
My name, Sara, means princess. I want to be a princess of dreams and light.
By:
Elizabeth Varadan,
on 7/31/2011
Blog:
Elizabeth Varadan's Fourth Wish
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
flowers,
Arizona,
Roosevelt,
spirit,
citizenship,
American Dream,
Sato,
Pearl Harbor,
interment,
fruit farm,
barracks,
Poston Concentration Camp,
Japanese-American,
Add a tag
While reading my way through the recuperation from my foot surgery, I read a wonderful memoir, Kiyo's Story, by Kiyo Sato. The subtitle is A Japanese-American Family's Quest for the American Dream. Originally the title was Dandelion Through the Crack, suggesting how the spirit can bloom, despite unbelievable adversity. This book won the 2008 William Saroyan Prize for Non Fiction and should be required reading in high school history classes to give young people an understanding of how political hysteria can sweep a nation into unthinkable behavior.
Kiyo was nineteen when she and her family, as well all of the Japanese -American communities on the West Coast, were sent to an interment camp; in the Satos' case, in Arizona. Prior to the bombing of Pearl Harbor, there was already a mindset in place: Japanese immigrants were not allowed to become citizens or to own land. Their children, however, were citizens by reason of birth. But following Pearl Harbor, and Roosevelt’s Executive Order 9066, anyone with 1/16 or more Japanese ancestry was suddenly declared a "non-alien". Curfews were established. They were not allowed to travel more than a five mile radius from their homes. Finally they were rounded up, and forced to abandon their homes, taking only whatever they could carry on the train to an interment camp. The Sato family, like neighboring families, were fruit farmers; their fields would be untended. Some farms were simply taken over by squatters.
Kiyo Sato first acquaints the reader with her parents' lives before this tragedy. Her father, Shinji, left Japan as a boy because of extreme poverty in his village. He labored for farmers in California, returned to Japan to wed a pretty nurse, and saved enough money that, through the help of others who were citizens, he could obtain a parcel of land. (At the time, Japanese immigrants were not allowed to own land.)
Kiyo's mother, Tomomi, worked side by side with Shinji in the fields, as did Kiyo and, later, her eight brothers and sisters. Slowly they brought the barren acreage to life until their produce was in demand and they had markets as far away as Canada. The
I've been a bit quiet on the blogs lately because I'm trying to instill some self-discipline towards working. Today I painted this journal for Etsy.
I scooped up a couple of these at Michael's Craft Store knowing right away what I would add. I think any one of you could have guessed!
Yes indeed, my raven friend! I painted him with an acrylic paint base and then detailed him with colored pencils.
And then I added this to the back. So true, don't you think?
xo♥
Waving,
Acknowledging.
Feeling your visit.
~Namaste~
I've been in the mood to create powerful collages lately. This one seems fitting for Memorial Day weekend as we remember those we have loved and lost.
For those of you who have experienced 'visits' as I have, lucky us. ♥
For more six words, click here <
Some of you know I spent the weekend with my dear friend KJ and her partner JB.
It was a magical time of good food, nature walks, taking pictures and making art. The three of us sat silently making collages, occasionally peeking to see what the others were doing and exclaiming with an ooh or aah as we watched the progress.
This is mine. I know what it says to me but I'd love to hear what it says to you.
Look at each element. What do they symbolize? How does this image make you feel?
I'd love to know your thoughts ;)
And if you haven't already see it, here is KJ's amazing collage. Her very first one! I'll see if we can get her to show JB's as well.
Happy Monday!
xo
By: Rebecca,
on 4/12/2010
Blog:
OUPblog
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
A-Featured,
therapy,
spirit,
body,
Eastern Religion,
mind,
Social Work,
Eastern,
integrative,
Health,
Religion,
emotions,
Science,
Western,
Philosophy,
Add a tag
Integrative Body-Mind-Spirit Social Work: An Empirically Based Approach to Assessment and Treatment, is the first book to strongly connect Western therapy with Eastern philosophy and practices, while also providing a comprehensive practice agenda for social work and mental health professionals. The authors argue that integrative body-mind-spirit social work is indeed a practical therapeutic approach in bringing about tangible changes in clients. In the excerpt below we look at just one technique and one patient, Rebecca.The authors are highly regarded researchers from both Asia and America. Mo Yee Lee is a Professor in the College of Social Work at The Ohio State University. Siu-man Ng is an Assistant 
Professor in the Department of Social Work and Social Administration and the Associate Director of the Centre on Behavioral Health at the University of Hong Kong. Pamela Pui Yu Leung is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work and Social Administration at the University of Hong Kong. Cecilia Lai Wan Chan is a Professor in the Department of Social Work and Social Administration, the Director of the Centre on Behavioral Health, the Associate Director of the HKJC Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention at the University of Hong Kong.
Rebecca was a lady in her thirties. When she first came to the therapist’s office, she talked with a soft and weak voice and seemed afraid of looking directly at the therapist. She did not clearly express what she wanted. She gave the therapist the impression that she was a timid, little girl instead of a woman in her late thirties. After building rapport, she shared with the therapist that she was thinking about changing careers but was not certain about what she could do. She hoped the therapist could help her develop self-confidence so that she could take charge of her life.
In the first few sessions, the therapist helped Rebecca to explore and clarify what she wanted. She wanted to make some changes in her life, but she was afraid of the uncertainty that would go with the change. She realized that she was stuck because she was used to staying with the familiar and not taking risks. Rebecca also discovered that she had made herself psychologically dependent on others, her father in particular. This dependence had developed into a pattern so that she always relied on others to make decisions for her. Though there was an inner voice calling her to meet a new challenge and attempt a new job, she dared not, as her father did not support the idea.
During the fifth session, the therapist revisited the treatment goal with Rebecca and tried to help her to make a choice for herself regarding her pattern of being dependent on others. The therapist said, “You told me that your goal is to take charge of your life. Now you realize that you have developed a pattern of being dependent on others. What are you going to do with this pattern? Do you want to keep it, or change it?” Rebeca promptly responded that she did not want to keep the old pattern, but having been used to relying on others for so many years, she felt uncertain of what sh
Ok,
So I’ve been living in Los Angeles for six years now! Wow! Time just flies when your having fun, or surviving is how I feel personally. How do I feel about Los Angeles? Hmmm… very love/hate relationship. There are aspects about Hollywood you can’t get anywhere else. There are also things about the city most people will never encounter. It’s a tough place period. People are struggling to make ends meet, pay the bills, and keep up in this never-ending rat race. As a young person growing up in Los Angeles, I know personally, it’s an easy place to loose yourself. People desperately want the answer and solution to all their problems, and are often willing to pay an arm and leg to do so. If you don’t know yourself, you can easily cash in to adopt someone’s belief system, praying it will work out for you as it did for them. It’s also a money-making city. “Well, besides you sending me out, how can I get myself out there?” I ask my agent. “Casting Director workshops.” She answers. “But those cost money!” I naively protest. ” Honey, welcome to Los Angeles.” She answers kindly. Narcissism is emphasized, competition is fierce, and people constantly thrive on one-upping one another.
Now, to some, I may sound pessimistic, negative, and judgmental. I get it. I understand. But as a person, if you meant me, I’m known to others as friendly, kind, positive, talented, honest, with a big, warm heart. My heart has helped me in many ways, and led me to several lucky breaks. However, as a kid growing up here, it made me vulnerable, naive, and led me into some pretty crappy situations that I genuinely feel would not have happened had I lived somewhere else. It’s a cold city. I’ve had many moments when everything in my life went dark, I only had one or two people who stuck by me. When Everything in life was great, you bet your bottom I had everybody in my life and then some! When your exposed to that, being so young, yes it can make you very cynical and wary of people afterwards.
Not that I wasn’t fair-warned. My best friend at the time took a special trip with me down to Los Angles, really showing me how it is, to warn me about moving to this city. I almost didn’t come. But something in me had to discover this big bad place. And I did it. Oh boy! Was I thrown around or what! But, at the same token, by encountering so many rough obstacles and seemingly impossible situations, I was challenged to hold onto myself. Only my spirit and goodness could have enabled me to survive. Los Angeles, in all of its badness and falsities gave me the greatest gift in the world. It forced me to discover who I truly am in the face of adversity. A friend of mine once referred to Los Angles as the wild wild west. And he was right. It truly is.
Ok,
So I’ve been living in Los Angeles for six years now! Wow! Time just flies when your having fun, or surviving is how I feel personally. How do I feel about Los Angeles? Hmmm… very love/hate relationship. There are aspects about Hollywood you can’t get anywhere else. There are also things about the city most people will never encounter. It’s a tough place period. People are struggling to make ends meet, pay the bills, and keep up in this never-ending rat race. As a young person growing up in Los Angeles, I know personally, it’s an easy place to loose yourself. People desperately want the answer and solution to all their problems, and are often willing to pay an arm and leg to do so. If you don’t know yourself, you can easily cash in to adopt someone’s belief system, praying it will work out for you as it did for them. It’s also a money-making city. “Well, besides you sending me out, how can I get myself out there?” I ask my agent. “Casting Director workshops.” She answers. “But those cost money!” I naively protest. ” Honey, welcome to Los Angeles.” She answers kindly. Narcissism is emphasized, competition is fierce, and people constantly thrive on one-upping one another.
Now, to some, I may sound pessimistic, negative, and judgmental. I get it. I understand. But as a person, if you meant me, I’m known to others as friendly, kind, positive, talented, honest, with a big, warm heart. My heart has helped me in many ways, and led me to several lucky breaks. However, as a kid growing up here, it made me vulnerable, naive, and led me into some pretty crappy situations that I genuinely feel would not have happened had I lived somewhere else. It’s a cold city. I’ve had many moments when everything in my life went dark, I only had one or two people who stuck by me. When Everything in life was great, you bet your bottom I had everybody in my life and then some! When your exposed to that, being so young, yes it can make you very cynical and wary of people afterwards.
Not that I wasn’t fair-warned. My best friend at the time took a special trip with me down to Los Angles, really showing me how it is, to warn me about moving to this city. I almost didn’t come. But something in me had to discover this big bad place. And I did it. Oh boy! Was I thrown around or what! But, at the same token, by encountering so many rough obstacles and seemingly impossible situations, I was challenged to hold onto myself. Only my spirit and goodness could have enabled me to survive. Los Angeles, in all of its badness and falsities gave me the greatest gift in the world. It forced me to discover who I truly am in the face of adversity. A friend of mine once referred to Los Angles as the wild wild west. And he was right. It truly is.
I was just closing the door when I spotted this cloud formation out of the corner of my eye over my neighbor's roof. To me, it looks like a spirit rising , possibly Phoenix or someone's beloved pet. It could be.
For other wonderful glimpses of clouds, go here. Happy Skywatch Friday!
Every once in a while I like to bring this image out. It reminds me of how we wait for Spring after a long winter. Sometimes it arrives with wicked rain and wind, other times it just sneaks up on us and one day we look around and there it is!
This is a very old image from a CD cover I did when I got my first iMac.
I was tagged by Laurel Neustadter to list five things I do every day to keep my spirit happy and healthy. Funny thing is I haven't been doing enough! I've fallen off the wagon of self-care and my resolution is to get back on. Here's what I try to do every day.
1) I wake up with gratitude and carry it through the day even if I have challenges ahead. I believe each day is a gift and each obstacle is a learning tool.
2) I like being the only one awake when I have my coffee. I sit and check email and get caught up on my blogs. Even the dog is still under the covers! I love the quiet and solitude of that hour or so.
3) One of the best ways for me to connect with my spirit is to be outdoors. Usually I try to go for a long walk sometime in the morning. It's best if I go without the dog so I get some momentum and make it exercise. Emma likes to stop and sniff every 2 feet, so either I take her out first or my husband walks her.
Another thing that restores me is just being at the ocean. It's right down the street from me and I can hear the waves from my house. When I sit there I can often feel my troubles slip away.
4) I try to help others every day. It's the nature of my job anyway, but even if it wasn't I'd be doing things for people and animals. I'm working on finding a balance so I don't always feel so depleted.
5) Finally, the last thing I'll list is that I'm trying to be kinder to myself. I used to play "old tapes" that told me I'm not good enough, but now when I disappoint myself I just say "do better tomorrow." So now that it's tomorrow, I'm ready to do better in every way! I'm hoping 2009 is the year I meet my health goals. If I can do it then I know everything else will fall into place.
I'm tagging a few friends for this one...hmmmm, let's see. Okay, here they are!
And ladies, only if you want to!! XX
Howdy, Coffee Cuppers, I'm here with the beloved spiriti of a great maven of children's stories, Phyllis A. Whitney. On February 8, 2008, the wonderful Phyllis passed to "the other side". Today her spirit is giving us that trusty typewriter-retro high-five.
Here is the high-five mystery cover of one of her books. This was one of the first books I ever read. I had the flu and afever of 103. With my trusty dictionary in hand, I wrastled my way through this whole book. I was 13 years old.
I can't say how much I appreciated formulaic books as a struggling reader. When I couldn't understand all the words I was able to piece together the plot because mysteries follow patterns. I wore tartan skirts for years after reading this book and that is saying something because I lived in hotter-than-heck Texas.
Jacket illustration by Ezra Jack Keats, Copyright 1955, The Westminster Press Philadelphia, PA
So, your little inspirational moment today, folks, is to close your eyes and envision your readers. Think about how your words will be with them as they make their space-time journey. Think about how your words and/or pictures are for the their future. Let the emotions flood you. You might let us all know what you felt.
You must want to enough. Enough to take all the rejections, enough to pay the price of disappointment and discouragement while you are learning. Like any other artist you must learn your craft -- then you can add all the genius you like.-- Phyllis A. Whitney
Such an appropriate word for me this week because this entry makes my 100th post!
This blog has served me well in multiple ways this past year. I've found an art community I'm comfortable in and I've made multiple friends. I've shared multiple images and stories. I've used some subjects many times ( Ravens, for example) and I've been given multiple awards by some pretty special blogging friends. The joy in my life has multiplied by being a part of this experience.
Today I've chosen to post "The Spirit Of Raven" because of the multiple times his image appears in the sketch. Also, for those of you who recall my dream series, this represents after the pears were harvested, yet Raven's presence is still known.
Thanks for being with me for the first one hundred posts! I'm looking forward to many, many more.
acrylic and Prismacolor pencils on bristol paper
for Illustration Friday's prompt: multiple
With thanks to ErinAnnie for the link.
Nice review about a book by a lovely woman. It's on my list. I'll move it up now.
I've just made a note to share this book with my mom, who I know will love it. I had read other books about this topic while writing my Civil War novel to get a feel for how the unscientific hatred of a group of people has manifested itself through the ages. I wish I had read this book at that time but will certainly do so now. Thanks, Mitty!
Thanks for sharing the review.
Wow, this sounds wonderful, tears and all.
:)
I was moved halfway through your review of this. What an excellent read. Thanks for bringing it up.
A while back I read a beautifully written book on this subject, a true-life story. This one also sounds wonderful. Thanks for reviewing it so I could learn about it--and for stopping by my blog today, which got me here!
Ann Best, Author of In the Mirror, A Memoir of Shattered Secrets
Thanks all of you. I'm glad the book and it's subject matter appeal to you. It's such a worthwhile read; just brings one back to what is most valuable and enduring in the human spirit, despite so much heartache that goes on in the world.
This sounds a deeply moving book, and I especially like how you say it's not just about the sadness but the deeper recognition of how they triumph over hardships. I'll look out for this one, thank you.
I alwawys enjoy your book reviews, Elizabeth. Sounds like a great book.
Hi Mrs seraphina, another Elizabeth I see, though I spell my name with an 's'.
I'm here via your comment to Jim. This is a terrific review. I know something of the treatment of so-called enemy aliens.
We did a similar thing in Australia to German people during WW2, regardless of how long they had lived here.
It's a crazy madness takes over during times of war. And it's happening today to some extent between so-called christians and muslims.
It's scary, this wish to polarise into good and bad when life is never as simple as that.
I'm pleased to meet you.
Hi, Rachna, i was so moved my it. Normally I'm not a big memoir reader, but this chained my mind.K
Hi, Elizabeth, nice to meet you. I have another friend in Australia who is an expert on kangaroos and helped me with a children's story about kangaroos. As for the treatment of German-descent Australians, the same thing happened to quite a few Italian-Americansq on the East Coast here in the States. Something comes over people. It's terrible.
Oh, dear, I meant to spell that with an s. Years of habit! :-)
I gave you a shout-out on my blog today.
Just so you know. :)
Wandered over from David's blog. *waves*
Hope your foot's doing well.
Thanks, Donna. And thanks for following me. I took a peek at your blog, too, after seeing his post. Foot is doing fine. The pin comes out tomorrow, and then soon I'll be up and running around again. I am so ready!
Great review. Sounds amazing.
www.rebeccabany.com
Hi, Rebecca, thanks for stopping by, and thanks for following me. I visited your blog, and I see you're published through Create Space. That's who I went through for my book.
Hi Elizabeth!
Wonderful review. I'm moving the book over to my TBR list as we speak :)
Love the blog too. I can't wait to keep following you!
Nice to meet you, Kelley. You have a nice blog yourself. I'll be reading more of your posts.