I've been living in Paonia, Colorado for almost the past 9 months. Yeah, that sounds about right for the gestation period this has been. One day I was doing one of those repetitive, artist-brain type activities that so deliciously occupy my monkey mind and pull me into the present moment, while gently mulling over what it is about this place that tugs my heart and has me wanting to stay. It was then within my mind's eye that I saw a vision of all the mountains that surround this fertile valley - standing as if living sentient entities forming a delegation to give me this message: "We'd like to have a word with you." And then it was gone, such a fleeting image it could be dismissed as just another thought, except for the lingering depth of feeling that accompanied it. My heart replied, "I'm willing."
It's been a slow unfolding for me to learn to listen to what the world is speaking to my heart. Somewhere along the line during what I call my "Vicarious Mountaineering" obsession, I wondered if the mountains weren't nudging me toward these stories and the questions they brought up in my soul. Something inside me whispered, "Yes." So I flowed with the go, so to speak. I am gradually learning how to trust my heart's path through the world, no matter how much it doesn't look like anybody else's. In fact, that's one of the best ways to know it's mine! I've also been working with The Artist's Way course again since moving here. Layer upon layer this tool for recovery has helped me reclaim my own Life. Thank you! I can now claim my purpose as an artist, know it is important, and take steps to move forward more fully into the life created by my joyful participation. And pictured on the cover of The Artist's Way book is, naturally, a mountain. Birthed out of this process of reclamation is one of my latest projects: my 2019 Peak List. I'm looking for climbing partners! Always, always in alignment with my heart's joy. (Photos coming soon!)
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Amber DarkriverI am a collaborative experiential artist residing in Paonia, Colorado. Check out my Artist Manifesto! Archives
January 2020
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