I avoided my life purpose for many years. It was not a conscious decision, more one of economics. Upon reflection, I think I have always been an artist, a painter. Even as a child I used to look forward to Christmas morning when there was usually a brand new box of paints and some painting books. Throughout my school years, it was my favourite subject, and I wanted to go on to study art after high school. But I was discouraged from doing so, and was sent off to business school to learn to type and be a secretary.

Escapism being what it is, I got away from the drudgery of the office and joined the Royal Air Force at 18, and had a fine time in Air Traffic Control. They sent me all over the place, including a two year tour of Singapore. Later, after marriage and a child, economics struck again, and I returned to "the office".

Over the years, my career grew, and in the business world I gravitated to the most creative of fields available, marketing and corporate communications. I worked in advertising, PR, produced video programmes and edited magazines. It was lucrative, and I enjoyed it very much.

The turning point came after my son left home and I was left wondering what my life was all about. I had a rather serious illness which gave me time to ponder. About this same time I was working as director of corporate communications with a Franciscan Healthcare corporation in the Midwest. I had become a lay associate of the order, and was invited to make retreats at the convent. One such retreat was based in Creation Spirituality, developed by Matthew Fox, and it was based in art, meditation, sacred dance and respect for other cultures and belief systems. I knew then that changes needed to be made.

I continued this work while completing a foundation course in art in Springfield, Illinois, and was later asked to teach a class to pregnant teens at a residential institution. The results were amazing. Using meditation practices and art, the girls found a voice, and could express their concerns as never before. The resident therapist conducted one-to-one’s based on the pictures they had produced, and over a short space of time we noticed that the level of aggression and violence had decreased considerably, the run-away rate decreased, and they took more interest in their schoolwork. A purpose for their life had emerged, which was something beyond mere survival. We later exhibited their work at the local university as part of a big "Art as Therapy" show, and they attended the opening night. I will never forget the joy of accomplishment they felt.

And so it was in my life. While continuing to paint my feelings, I developed a course called "Whose Life is it Anyway?" to uncover our personal value system, clarify our intentions, and take action steps to bring them into reality. I still teach this course today, and have done so with many diverse groups: in the prison system, to people with disabilities, business groups as a team building exercise, the list goes on. I have developed several other courses along these lines too. Each is designed to help us on the way to our own personal truth, where freedom emerges.

My own personal freedom is to continue with my first love, painting, and have had several exhibitions in the area over the last couple of years. I still use visualisation and meditation practices when I paint, which I hope with be both useful and aesthetically pleasing to others.

For instance, Sweet Honesty (Lunaria annua, known as Honesty, Satin Flower or Money Flower) according to Feng Shui experts, can be hung in your southwestern corner of your home or office to increase authentic communication, or your southeastern corner to stimulate prosperity. Two’s company (Amyrillis) can be hung in your southwestern corner to attract a partner, or bring new passion into an existing relationship. The colour red is all about passion.

I have written keywords along with each of my paintings as a basis for meditation and visualisation. And while I am sure that the Feng Shui principles hold true, I happen to think that there is a bit more to it that that.

Sometimes we hold attitudes deep within which prevent us from getting what we want. These are often unconscious ones, and it takes work to find them and to change them. This is where the courses are of value. I firmly believe that facing our "inner demons" is the only way to stop them having a hold over us. It’s not always a pleasant experience, a bit like going to the dentist when you have toothache. Hurts for a bit at the time, but then afterwards, when the pain is gone, it is not even remembered. The accomplishment of our goals and dreams takes priority.

But for the most part, the classes are fun, relaxed and easy going. And the fastest way to manifest what we want is to paint a picture of it. Painting a picture accesses something deep within, and if done in conjunction with meditation, it becomes even more powerful. Hanging this "intention" where you can see it often adds to the impact. It is as if it is continually sending a message from our unconscious mind out to the universe.

Most people are amazed at the work they produce, and some have gone on to study art and have exhibitions of their own. Others have found other creative outlets to pursue such as music, dance or drama. One phrase I hear often is "I always wanted to do this, but never had the courage to try". And having the courage to try is what it is all about.

I lead my courses here in Gainford, or in any location as required. Costs are reasonable, and if you would like further information please feel free to contact me.

I love this work and the results it produces.