Constantly Seeking Inspiration

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A Mermaid's Evolution Part 1: Eight Psychological Types

One of the first books I bought when I got into Psychoanalysis was, "Introducing Jung" by Maggie Hyde and Michael McGuiness. I highly recommend this book if you never heard of Carl Gustav Jung, and want to learn about archetypes and myths. I was lucky enough to work with a Jungian Psychoanalysis back in 2003. At that time in my life I was interested in making sense of my writing styles and other areas of my life. Needless to say, it opened many chapters in my life and opened my mind to a whole other world of creative exploration and meditation. It was also when I realized that my archetype was the "Mermaid". I am sure you have taken notice of my Mermaid fondness in my blog, "Take a Dive, Make a Splash". (You have if you have been following Farida blog since 2001 ). Seven years later, I am out growing the "Mermaid" archetype in my writing.

I am not sure if I will keep the title of my blog, considering I want to whole-heartedly focus on my new calling and central theme in life. Which, I am still exploring; this time without the guidance of a Mentor, but through my own writings and meditation. I am eager and excited about the uncertainty of the new muse/theme/archetype I will channel into my work. Only time will tell. You do have to keep an open mind however, when approaching this subject. It is easier to understand and hard to explain, if you don't already get it.

I am sure I will journal more about this process in the near future. One observation I have made in my life recently is, that how in some areas I have become so much stronger, and other areas where I was titanium, have softened up a bit. I am sure these lessons are in preparation for something greater. I can feel it in my bones, in my cells, and in my mind.  I don't share as much as I used to. Do not get me wrong, I still share my blessings, good thoughts, and wishes. It's those candid thoughts, the almost private thoughts, that I used to freely share, I sometimes miss. I am definitely more guarded in more areas of my life. The experiences in the last few years of my life have proved themselves to me.

Writing is such an outlet. More than a passion sometimes, but an expression. Whether or not, I have readers or not, the idea of putting it out there is freeing. Although I cannot lie, it is always nice to know I have readers. It makes it all the better. I like to think all the "matter" I cannot share concretely, I spread through out my writings and characters like layers.

Writers, at all levels are creating something from themselves. It is  selfish, it's maternal/paternal, it's proof, and it's a living testament of their life. Good or bad, a writer's mark is made with every punctuation and paragraph.
Words don't die. They live. Maybe discreetly, under folders, in flash drives, in leather bound notebooks, scratch pads and even post its. They live on forever.

More on this matter later in part 2. In the meantime, I scanned a few pages from the book. The book is filled with entertaining illustrations of the different psychological types. Take a look and enjoy. Oh, one more thing, you can click to enlarge the image.

With Love,
Farida Ansari Rafique

 

 

I appreciate it. All of it.

Really wanted to say this today. I know I feel this way more than I say it. So if you stumble upon this post, please don't glaze over it. I mean it. Thank You.

Why? Everything that has happened up till now has been a part of my process. I wouldn't change anything ever. All the highs, all the lows, and all the in-between times are blessings. One million and one blessings. I wouldn't change one hurt, one single challenge ever, because it prompted growth.

Am I being mushy? Do I care? Does it matter? Just wanted to thank every being in my life up till now. The biggest being, the Creator, and all the Love I have ever experienced.

I am truly grateful. So Thank You. Did I close a deal? Did I create life? Did I make a profit of 15 million? Did I see miracles? Every day is a miracle. Every day is a day that speaks volumes. A day that has added to my dialogue, to my characters, to my message and to my being. Too abstract to understand? Do you read on the surface? Do you read in between the lines? Do you pick apart paragraphs? Do you deconstruct thoughts? Do you peel away layers? Think.

Gratitude. Plain and simple. I chose to express it more externally today. Why you may ask? Why not? They say a smile is contagious. I'm coining gratitude contagious. Let it spread like a field of flowers. Let it grow in our hearts. Remember, (oh, and I remind myself this too when I need it) it can always be worse. Focus on what's right, what's in control, what is working for you. Work on what's not and keep your eye on the prize, your mind on your goal and your heart open to gratitude. You will never be at loss when you share and you know you are being taken care of. Share, trust the process. Share your good thoughts, your sympathy, your help, your ears, your smile, your knowledge, your job leads, your intent, your miracles, your wealth, your spirit, share.

Abundance recycles in so many ways. Ways that work in unexpected ways. Miracles happen over night. Solutions appear in your heart. Will stronger than ever. Believe. Your life is your process. Don't concern yourself with the popular vote, the safe way, if you have that passion, the desire, it will all fall into place. Risks involve faith. Win big, risk big. If you don't get the outcome you expected, it's what is best at the given moment, that will in turn lead you to other better paths. But it won't make sense now. Trust it. Trust the process. Share. Say Thank You. Smile. Keep Charging ahead. Don't despise small beginnings. Keep the faith. Keep charging ahead. Share. Say Thank You. Smile.

It's about time I share my feelings about my own theories more publicly. How life works (well, I'm student for life, so that's a work in progress ;) )How it synchronizes meaningful coincidences in your favor; when you least expect it. Those are times that you just sit back in awe, and say, "THANK YOU".

Wanted to throw this out there. A thought that I usually don't share, but hope in time you will see what I am trying to do not only for myself; but for others who are out there living the process, keeping the faith, and charging ahead. Good Luck to each and every one of you. Wish you much success. Remember when you do get there to share, say Thank You, smile and Keep charging ahead.

With love,

Farida Ansari Rafique

Hi-Note

Photo: Hi-Desert by Farida

A Pretty "Peaceful" Picture Post for the Procrastinator

Say that 10x's.
As you know I took a Dive almost a month ago. Slowly starting to resurface and share with you all what I learned. Hopefully sometime this week, if the muses are with me.

With love,
Farida

Are You an Autodidact? Self-Taught?

I really love the concept of "self-taught". Go out and Explore! Take the initiative, use your potential, and surprise yourself.

Don't let fear or outdated notions hold you back. Find what you love and just dive in.

Your passion will be your greatest coach. Be a student again.
Being a student without a looming graduation deadline is more refreshing. Unleash your creative blocks and just go with it.

Want to dive into photography? Start snapping away and learn from your own work. Join a community. Want to cook authentic Chinese food? GO out and buy the stuff already and get cooking via Internet recipes. Just start something.

Want to belly dance? Put in your favorite slinky inspiring grooves and let yourself move.

Golf? Tennis? Pottery? Piano? Pastries? Oil Painting? Sewing? Knitting? Acting? DO it.

Sound cheesy? Let me say this again, "You don't have to be an intellectual snob to excel at what you love. Let your passion be your coach." Trust it and trust yourself."
Need some formal instruction? Have time to spare? Books and leisure learning are always there. Do it. Do it today!

xoxo
Farida

On The Ebb and Flow of the Creative Drive

Great passage on Creativity, Inspiration, and Continuing the Flow of Ideas.

On days when you are not inspired to act out your creative drive, take a break and know that taking this rest may be the most crucial thing you can do for your creative flow. Don't judge a quiet day as non-creative or uninspired.  Just take some time off-be bored even-but trust that there is more going on than is readily present to your physical senses and moods. No matter what you are creating, whether it is a solution to a problem or a project, you must allow time for incubation. Incubation means "to cause to develop under suitable situations."
Remember that truth is a pathless land, and sometimes our creativity is fostered when we are wandering aimlessly. Don't be afraid to be aimless and without direction. Don't let goal-directed belief systems keep you from discovering who you are and what you want to create. Daydream, let your mind wander, let go of strict goals-in other words, take a vacation from the pressures of being someone and you will find out who you really are.

Terry Lynn Taylor