30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 28

"Off the Beaten Track" - mixed media on paper, 6" x 15".  Unframed.  Inquiries: imajenation@gmail.com


[CINDERELLA]
He's a very nice Prince.
[BAKER'S WIFE]
And-?
[CINDERELLA]
And-
It's a very nice ball.
          From "A Very Nice Prince", Into the Woods

It's the morning of the big launch party! Love is in the air!  But first, day two of my workshop and a little communing with our inner shaman.

I was drawn to the shaman archetype for this class and hadn't a clue as to why.  Following merrily along the path, I bumped into him when contemplating a new workshop, painted him and then painted him some more.  At the time I thought "hmmmm.  I wonder why this guy?"  So I set him aside and skipped along the next path without giving him another thought, knowing the universe would give up his secrets if and when I was meant to know.  That was about two months ago, before the workshop dates were planned.  (ok, this might seem a bit humdrum, but follow along with me just another step or two...)

Fast forward to this week, when I created workshop handouts and a lesson plan.  I am researching both the earth mother and the shaman, when SHAZAM!  There it is.  The shaman is also known as the "wounded healer".  Part of this archetype is the transformative nature of suffering, tragedy, loss and pain.  The shaman endures a major trauma in his life (physical, emotional or spiritual) and comes through it forever changed. He then uses the knowledge and insight he gained from this trauma to help and heal others.  Whoa.  

Think about it: on this workshop day, the 100 Love Notes launch party takes place.  And who is at the helm of this project?  A man who endured incredible loss and turned it into a quest to spread love around the world.  I am gobsmacked by the universe yet again.   

My little painted shamans have new meaning for me now.  And I am so looking forward to seeing who peeks out from underneath the paint in today's workshop.  I know there are stories to be told.