Soul Treasures   Discovering the depths of our precious inner beauty through SoulCollage®   KaleidoSoul's Members-Only Weekly Newsletter   Issue #61     May 28, 2007 Special Note: This is not a free newsletter. If someone forwarded this issue to you, please consider subscribing yourself.   Quotation of the Week One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious.                                                         ---Carl Jung Inner Journeys with Anne Marie Bennett Integrating the Practice of SoulCollage® into Your Daily Life Taming the Lizards A few months ago Ellen DeGeneres had a young girl on her popular talk show.  They called her the "lizard whisperer" because she had a certain "way" with several pet lizards.  She simply rubbed their bellies until they relaxed.  And when I say they relaxed, I mean she put them in a trance. It was the funniest thing... they went totally limp as she massaged their bellies. Then she dressed them up in tiny doll clothes, posed a few on motorcyles, and played with them like dolls. Of course, Ellen had a good time with the little girl.  First she made a good deal of fun of the ugly, scaly lizards.  They really were not pretty.  Ellen didn't even want to touch them!  But I was thinking about how similar those lizards were to some of my darker, more ugly inner "parts."  And I came, thankfully, to this conclusion: I honestly don't believe there is a lizard inside of any of us that is too creepy for us to sit down beside, and gently touch it into tameness.  Reflection activity of the week: Is there an inner part inside of you that needs a little bit of "relaxing?"  Consciously choose this week to visualize what it might look like... use your imagination!  Maybe you already have a SoulCollage card for it, so you can use that image instead. Take yourself to a safe space inside of you (you can do this by visualizing or by writing it out in your journal) and sit right down next to this scary (perhaps scaly), disturbing part of yourself.  Remember, this darker part of you isn't dangerous, nor is its true intent to hurt you in any way. It is simply looking for some love and attention.  See if you can make a few steps this week towards "taming one of the lizards" that lives inside of you. SoulCollage Expressions Idea of the Week  I use a simple three-step process to coat my SoulCollage cards in order to protect them from damage from too much handling..etc.  First, I coat the card with a very thin coat of Mod Podge (glossy), using a small sponge brush.  Then I take a wider sponge brush and stroke off any excess.  Last but not least, I layer on a very thin layer of glossy or satin varnish. Allow to dry and you're done!  Oh, I always wait a day or so after rubber-cementing the collage together before I put on the Mod Podge. It's also really important to allow the Mod Podge to dry thoroughly before adding the thin coat of varnish. Both Mod Podge and Glossy Varnish can be purchased in any craft store in the decoupage section.  I like to do this prayerfully and in somewhat of a "meditation mode," as I feel that I am expressing care and love for my cards (and my self) in this way.  --- from Rita in Ontario, Canada Editor's Note: I tried this myself the other day and was really thrilled with: a) how the cards looked when I was done and b) the short amount of time they took to dry! Question of the Week I made a card a year ago for a Committee part, but now when I look at it, it doesn't seem relevant to my life any more.  Should I throw it out? You might want to consider creating what Seena calls a "reserve deck" for cards like these.  You can set them aside in a separate box or basket, so you know they'll be there when and if you ever need them again. This holds true of cards from all of the suits.  Since it was a part of you at one point, it still holds a place in your personal history.  You might even think about creating a Personal History Suit (see your Members Only Audio Library for an excellent recording on this topic) and incorporating the essence of that Committee card in one of your Personal History cards. Soul Friends The voice of a different Kindred Spirit each week!  Kat Kirby San Diego, CA  I heard about SoulCollage in a very funny way I think....as an Art Therapist, I work with a large variety of people who are dealing with many different challenges.  I particularly love working with people struggling with and in recovery from eating disorders, as it is something I have experienced myself and can therefore relate very well to my clients.  I was invited to attend a luncheon in which the speaker presented a very compelling PowerPoint show about working with clients with eating disorders (that in itself seemed odd....a luncheon for professionals working with eating disorders!)  Anyway, as the people at my table began networking, sharing business cards and ideas, I handed out my very colorful cards, which often get comments since they are different from most people's serious business cards.  "Have you done any SoulCollage?" someone asked me, and I said I had not, and what was it?  That was it!!!  When I got home, I googled SoulCollage and found a new world to explore....I immediately decided to start making a card.  I have been doing SoulCollage "officially" for about a year, and did the Facilitator's Training last September, but have been doing other types of collage for many years, most recently with my clients.  My love of collage, altered books and combining materials is what drew me to SoulCollage.  I tend to work with 3D art materials: pottery, mosaics, papier mache.  SoulCollage cards feel like a good fit for me!  I also love cards....greeting cards, meditation cards, tarot cards, Mexican lotteria cards (similar to bingo cards in Spanish, with wonderful graphics!).....and the idea of making my own deck appealed tremendously.  I like so many things about SoulCollage....the fact that anyone can make cards; the supplies are easy and portable (unlike pottery, with the need for lots of space and heavy equipment!); it's fun to make a card; it's enjoyable alone or with a group; it's introspective without being too "heavy"; it can be really "heavy" if you want it to be; it's just wonderful!  I find that making my own cards, teaching "Introduction to SoulCollage" workshops and having a monthly group has enhanced my Art Therapy practice.  When I talk about this amazing process, people take notice and want to know more, and then they want to try it too.  As for my own personal journey, it is making a difference in how I hear all the little voices inside that shout out for attention.  Whereas before, I may have felt annoyed or even dismissive of my "inner critic" or my "guilty sweet tooth" or the "Ms. Better Way" chatter, now I notice, pay attention, even honor those thoughts, and have a much stronger sense of self and self-acceptance.  My advice to anyone practicing SoulCollage is to use the cards however you feel is best for your own journey.  Make cards, talk about them, show them to people, encourage others to join you in making cards, doing readings....keep SoulCollage at the forefront of your consciousness.  And smile when you tell others about your SoulCollage deck! Links to: Kat's website Kat's blog Kat's SoulCollage photo/slide show Here are two of Kat's current favorite SoulCollage cards: Creative Self Suit: Committee This is my "Creative Self" card, part of my Committee suit, although sometimes I think it is a Council card, and depending on how it shows up in my readings, it can be either.   I am one who loves to create art with my hands.  I work with clay and mosaics to create pieces that are pleasing to the senses.  I love to get messy while working, then I enjoy the satisfaction of making order out of chaos when I'm finished.  I am one who believes in the creative spirit, and the power of the arts to heal and to help.  I am an art therapist, and combine the best practices of both worlds to travel with my clients and workshop participants as they find their way in this sometimes difficult, frustrating, baffling and hurtful world.  I am one who feels at peace with my creativity.   Victim Suit: Council   This is my very first SoulCollage card.  You always remember your first!   It is my "Victim" card, from my Council suit.  I made it quickly and intuitively, when a person in my life seemed to be gaining control of my emotions and I didn't know what to do about it.  When I first made this card, I called it my "Feeling Trapped" card, in my Committee suit, before I fully understood its larger meaning.  I am one who feels victimized by others, when my defenses are down or I feel weak.  I allow myself to feel trapped in a situation that is uncomfortable or even dangerous, and I think I cannot change it.  I am one who feels unable to maintain boundaries and limits with some people who naturally take advantage of people with a "victim" mentality.  Caroline Myss's Archetype Cards (2003, Hay House,Carlsbad,CA) are a wonderful resource for finding the archetypes in your life, and she helped me understand both the victim and the shadow - the side of me that enjoys the positive feedback of people showing sympathy and even pity.  (And who hasn't thrown themselves a "pity party" at some time or other?) What I found helpful in working with this Victim archetype, is to ask these questions of myself:  Do I blame others for the circumstances of my life?  Do I spend time in the pit of self-pity?Do I envy others who always seem to get what they want out of life? Do I feel victimized by others when situations don't work out the way I wanted them to? Do I tend to feel more powerless than powerful?   And in this way, once again using the process of SoulCollage, I feel I am stronger and more aware of my feelings.   Kindred Spirits Member News Making the most of your KaleidoSoul Membership  Keep track of all of your member benefits on the Kindred Spirits Home Page. If you ever forget your Member's Password, just email annemarie@kaleidosoul.com.  Join Facilitators Anne Marie Bennett, Jeanne Marie Merkel, Anne Boedecker, and Karen Mann... for an unforgettable SoulCollage Retreat Weekend this autumn in the beautiful mountains of western Massachusetts.   The theme will be our many inner voices. There will be hours on end of SoulCollage card making, plus several optional sessions on card interpreting, readings, and various aspects of the Committee Suit. It's extremely affordable, plus you can pay in 4 easy smaller payments.  We're also offering you a $50 discount if you sign up with a friend. More details about the Fall Retreat. (Remember to email annemarie@kaleidosoul.com if you've forgotton your Member's Password.) Upcoming Tele-Playshops June: Round Table Discussion: SoulCollage Card Readings Discussion Moderator: Anne Marie Bennett We'll be talking about several different kinds of SoulCollage card readings, and there will be plenty of opportunity to share your own experiences if you want to.  If you haven't done a reading with your cards yet, that's okay too.... because we'll be doing a Reading live on this call!  I will do one to demonstrate, and then you can do one of your own.  You'll have the option to share your reading with the rest of us, but it's not required.  If you haven't done a Reading with your cards yet, or if you want some community support while you do one, this is the call for you. NOTE: This call will NOT be recorded, so as to protect the privacy of anything anyone shares during their readings. If you can't attend this call, Anne Marie will be creating an audio recording that will talk you through the steps of a SoulCollage reading, in case you need some guidance. Date: Wednesday, June 20, 2007 Time: 7 pm  EST Save the dates now. All of our tele-playshops are FR*EE for members, always!  And remember, don't worry if you can't attend.  You can listen to all previously recorded tele-playshops at anytime in your Member's Only Audio Library.           SOUL NOURISHMENT  Books, movies, music, & websites to support your inner work as you dive deeper into your soul.... Books: I Know I'm In There Somewhere, by Helene Brenner.  Subtitled, A Woman's Guide to Finding Her True Voice and Living a Life of Authenticity, I think you will find this book helpful and refreshing on your SoulCollage journey.  The author talks about listening to our inner voices versus letting the outer voices distract us from our true purpose.  Very well-written.  And an excellent price at All Books For Less. The Woman Who Found Her Voice: A Tale of Transforming, by Sue O'Halloran and Susan Delattre.  This medieval fable for modern adults is a story of empowerment for all women. The heroine is in despair over losing all that she once loved. Then a magical hawk enables her to assume the identity of mystical creatures. From a family of wolves she learns the value of community; from a turtle, the right to be; and from the hawk, how to trust the larger web of life. The Woman Who Lost Her Heart: A Tale of Reawakening, by Sue O'Halloran and Susan Delattre. A story for every woman who feels caught up in the rat race and wonders "is this what life is really all about?" In a fable set in the "not-too-distant" future, the heroine awakens to discover she has literally lost her heart. The woman's search for her heart leads her to discover how much she has injured herself trying to adjust to a heartless world. Along the way, she faces old wounds and learns to listen to her body and feelings. Any Small Thing Can Save You, by Christina Adam.  If you love the idea of animals as they affect us in our daily lives, then you will love this fictional collection of very short stories. There is one story for every letter of the alphabet, and all of them feature an animal or several animals. Some of the stories are only a few pages long, but all of them carry the important theme of how animals grace us with their energy. Also a great price at All Books 4 Less. Movies:    Oh, God!- featuring John Denver, George Burns, Teri Garr. Superb story for anyone on a spiritual journey. I love the subtle humor of this movie, but also the vulnerability of John Denver's character, who attempts to carry God's message to a world of skeptics.  There are some very deep one-liners from "God" (in the form of George Burns) in this movie that will have you sitting up and taking notice. When I first saw this movie many years ago, I related to the whole movie in terms of a male God (those were my "born again" days)... but now that my faith and spirituality have expanded and grown, I am happy to say that I responded to the movie on a much deeper, broader level.  In other words, this film meets you exactly where you are on your own spiritual journey. There's lots to be said here about environment, love, creation, community, and faith.  Plus, it will make you chuckle! Here's one of my favorite conversations between "Jerry" and "God" when Jerry realizes that God is asking him to take his message to the world:      Jerry: But I'm not religious.      God: Religion is easy... I'm talking about faith.      Jerry: And I don't belong to any church.      God: Neither do I. Websites: Kids for Peace- If you read Kat's blog, above, you might have noticed her entries about the mosaic wishing well that she created with the Kids of Peace group in her town.  This is a "delightful group of children working together to create a culture of peace both locally and globally." Karen's Whimsy- Public domain images for you to use in your SoulCollage cards. Just scroll down a little to see the categories and sub-categories on the left side of the screen. Affirmagy- Fleece blankets printed with powerful affirmations.  Wrap yourself up in the positive.   Soul Treasures is brought to you by KaleidoSoul Spinning the fragments of your world into wholeness and beauty through SoulCollage® Published by KaleidoSoul.com and Anne Marie Bennett. Please do not reproduce or forward this newsletter in any way. Inner Journeys, copyright 2006, Anne Marie Bennett All rights reserved. To give us feedback, we invite you to send a reply email to this newsletter.