Gaia: Creative Spirit - Spirit-Based Project Ideas

INTERNSHIP: Learn Fair Trade Festival Business

http://wiselittleraccoon.gaia.com — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:15:20 GMT

I'm such a project person! I'm not gonna stop till I drop!

In my gypsy peddler wanderings with Heathcote Earthings I've met lots of folks trying to sell their good idea, like my friend Harriet Moon who makes cloth menstrual pads. She does an occasional booth on a very small scale. I saw someone selling dryer balls, tried them, and now I sell them at very little markup because I think every home with a clothes dryer should have dryer balls! My mom is after me to teach her how to make jewelry for a little extra money. Finally we at Earthings have decided to share our business wisdom in an internship!

Have an idea for a green retail venture but don’t know where to start? Heathcote Earthings sells at music festivals, county fairs, etc., saving the expense of store rent. We educate consumers on fair trade and many organic, recycled, natural and energy-saving options. We’re a cooperative based at Heathcote Community.

Live in community and learn how to make a difference while making your living! Interns will learn jewelry making, selling, display techniques, wholesale ordering, scheduling, booth design and placement, festival politics, bookkeeping, etc., from a 20 year veteran peddler! Upon completion, interns will have skills and business plan to start their own ventures or join our cooperative!. Housing is in our mill bunkroom. Vegetarian meals provided. Internship is a 3 month commitment, offered April through November. 40 hours per week, usually long days most weekends with time off mid week.

Nitty gritty: Non-smoker. Must have own car. Computer skills helpful. Details on community at www.Heathcote.org. Email for details on internship.

the Medicine Woman

http://wren-alitama.gaia.com — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 23:57:09 GMT

and the Medicine Woman said..the people will come and they will be asking to be taught..and to find their roots and the roots of their people....tell them the stories..and teach them if they ask to be taught..such is the way of the People....

What is in a mans heart ..or a woman's, is what is the most important thing that counts...all is Spirit and as we choose to use (or misuse) this Spirit.... it goes out into the World and does the intention or purpose that is the intent of this choice....Spirit is all there is..and to choose Peace instead of war is the greater truth ....and is the way of Spirit....to choose love and honor instead of dishonor..to those around you or to yourself ..is the greater truth and coinsides with what Spirit intends for us...to choose Love instead of hate..or ridicule is the sign of true holiness...and all else is false and manmade and of the world ..not the true intent of Spirit....if we could but love and let each other be...if we could but love and give honor to those around us...we will be doing what Spirit Wills us to do....and giving honor to ourselves....and Spirit will smile on us and we will be happy and guided on our path... When we do anything disharmonious ..this blocks us from seeing and doing the Will of Spirit...misuse of this Divine Gift is so very sad..and causes tears ....for those who choose to malighn each other...and causes there to be more disharmony in the world...there is so much of this now...my Brothers and Sisters...Let us instead choose to add to the harmony of this world and to the healing of our Mother Earth....and to love each other without judgement or dishonor..for when we dishonor someone..we dishonor ourselves....and even the Angels cry..... Wren ... Alitama

Re: Samme's Exciting New Project and Ongoing Projects!!!

http://CarolineTigeress.gaia.com — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 01:29:13 GMT

That is a very INTENSE idea. I use to write letters to myself a lot - if I had a more permenant address, I'd definatly join in. Right now, I'm just a meanderer.

Samme's Exciting New Project and Ongoing Projects!!!

http://princesamwise.gaia.com — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 14:13:35 GMT

Hello to all cultural creatives and friends,
I don't want you to miss out on all the fun and excitement, here are my ongoing projects and my new project,

I'd like to invite everybody to my projects that will appeal to the writers, poets, and creative visionaries in all of us.

My new project just added on October 5, 2006...,

WRITE A LETTER TO YOURSELF PROJECT

My new project is called "WRITE A LETTER TO YOURSELF PROJECT." I would like you all who would like to do this to think about this. In the following days, write a letter to yourself. As a guideline, talk about yourself and where you are at the moment in your life. Then talk about what you would like to achieve in the future. Write down nice things that you would like to tell to yourself. I want you to write everyday and not reread what you have written. When you have written several or a lot of pages during a course of several days, I want you to fold those letters and seal it in an envelope. Write down the dates when you wrote your letters.

Now here is where the fun part and the magic and mystery begins. I want you to address that envelope to yourself and put a stamp on it. Then put that self-addressed stamped envelope in another bigger envelope and send it to me on an address I will furnish later. You can even have a sealed envelope within a sealed envelope of a letter to your significant other and hand it to them when you received it again many years from now. I will hold on to your letters that I received and will store it in my "Sacred fire-proof God Box" which will be placed on a sacred space altar where it will be basked and be infused with sacred chanting, mantra, invocations, and the lovely sounds of gongs, bells, and my heart chakra 16-inch crystal sounding bowl. I will not open and I will not read your letters. I will hold on to them for several years and then mail them back to you after many years. I will not tell how long I am going to hold them. One day in the future, you will just be surprise to receive a letter written by you and you will be reading something that came from you that you have forgotten.

People from outside United States who want to do this can send me their sealed self-addressed letters and not worry about the stamp. I will take responsibility for the stamp. I asked US residents to put just one stamp just so that when you received your letter again you can see that wonderful stamp you attached to it again. Of course, many years from now postage price will be different, so I am going to take care of that too.

So if you want to do this, meditate on your loving intentions and start writing from the heart and soul. Click on the title to go to this blog's project entry. You can write on the comments that you want to do this. Abundant blessings and healing to all. Thank you!

ONGOING PROJECTS:

What if...,? Project

The Poem of Peace That Goes On For Eternity Project
The goal here is to create a long poem that goes on forever written collaboratively by a lot of people and by you. I started with a longer poem and anybody can add to that poem.

Poetry Anthology Book Project
I am accepting poetry submissions.

A Penny For Your Thoughts Project
Your thoughts can change the world and help somebody.

Samme, administering these pods
Booklovers pod

Media & Technology pod

I would love for you to join these projects.
Thank you. In oneness,
Samme

Re: Wish Doll

http://thefrogprincess.gaia.com — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 19:25:23 GMT

This is so beautiful. Thank you! Now I have a way to begin crafting my own stuffed animals.

I can just start with recycled ones.

Wish Doll

http://DG.gaia.com — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 00:49:19 GMT

This is an interesting project, that helps you manifest a particular dream or desire.

First, it's important to know that you don't need to know anything about sewing to do this project. Dolls are made out of all kinds of things -- clay, sticks, paper, paints, yarn, you name it.

To begin the project, you need a wish. It might involve a particular project you're working on, or it might be somewhere you'd like to travel. You might wish for something material, or a characteristic you want to cultivate. It's entirely up to you.

Now, take as long as you need to accumulate the materials for your doll. You can use anything at all that represents your wish to you: beads, charms, words and images cut from magazines, silk leaves and flowers, interesting yarn and ribbon, shells, buttons, fabrics, twigs, interesting stones, feathers . . . . Colors might represent your wish. So might textures. Collect your materials until you feel you're done.

Think about how you might build your doll. You can make a stuffed doll from scratch, or buy a premade form at the craft store. You can also transform a stuffed toy from your thrift store. Alternatively, you might glue, staple, or tie objects together into a doll-like form. Or, your doll might be made of paper and collage.

When you have your wish, materials, and some idea of your design, it's time to begin doll-making. Begin with a short meditation: relax completely, close your eyes, and concentrate on your wish. Take time to see it in great detail in your mind's eye. Tune into how the wish makes your body feel. Visualize yourself achieving your wish.

With your mind and body now full of your intention, begin constructing your doll. Intention is important here -- try to keep your wish uppermost in your mind as you work. Pour your intention into your doll as it takes shape, and fill your doll inside and out with all the things that represent your wish.

Your finished doll is now imbued with the power of your intention, and is a potent symbol of your desire. Keep it in a place where you'll see it every day, and allow your wish to manifest in your life.

Re: Comfort Box

http://jodi.gaia.com — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 11:04:42 GMT

hey! great idea. I have so many boxes lying around since we moved. I'll try it and let you know. :)

Comfort Box

http://DG.gaia.com — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 04:36:57 GMT

. . . Yes, it HAS been a while since I posted a project. My apoloiges -- I am swimming in projects lately. But, here's something to make that helps you cope with those lost and lonely moments.

To make a Comfort Box, you'll need:

- A box. Whatever size, shape, and materials you like. It should have a lid. - An assortment of things that represent comfort to you. These might be objects, like your childhood teddy bear, or colors, or scents, or images of favorite places, or pictures of loved ones . . . anything at all, as long as it fits into the box. (By way of illustration, I would include these things in my comfort box: a bit of Lavender oil for scent, a picture of a cup of steaming black tea, a picture of a glorious garden in full bloom, a string of bright glass beads, some striped paperclips, and a glass rabbit that came from my great grandmother.) - Some creative supplies, like glue, scissors, glitter, paints, etc.

To make a Comfort Box, spread all your supplies out in front of you. Put on some soothing music, make a cup of tea, and light some candles.

Take a moment to relax. Close your eyes, breathe deeply. Empty your mind of the day's stresses, and fill it with the sensation of comfort, in whatever guise it takes for you -- whether that be a feeling of safety, or physical ease, or nostalgia, or some combination of elements. Fill your mind with your comfort.

Now, open your eyes, and open your box. Fill, decorate, and festoon the inside of the box with your comfort stuff. There are so many possibilities:

- Maybe you'll want to glue things into the box, in a shrine-like fashion. - Maybe you'll want to pack things loosely into the box, so you can shuffle through them. - Maybe you'll want to paint and embellish the inside of the box. - Maybe you'll want to collage words and images on the insides of the box. - Maybe you'll want to fill your box with even smaller decorated boxes, and pack on special thing in each one.

Some people like to also decorate the outside of their comfort box, and some prefer to leave it blank on the outside. Again, it's up to you.

When your box is complete, you can use it several ways: - Place it somewhere you'll be every day, and use it for a small daily "dose of comfort" meditation. - Tuck it away in a closet, to use in "comfort emergencies." - Sit still with your box, breathe deeply, and slowly savor all the sensations you've assembled there. If you're stressed, it may take a while to calm your mind and body, but if you sit long enough, it will work. And you'll feel wonderful.

Re: The Creativity Swap (Come Join!)

http://shiningisle.gaia.com — Sat, 01 Jul 2006 16:01:44 GMT

I would love to play, please add me, and will pop over with my info to you!

Raven

Re: The Creativity Swap (Come Join!)

http://DG.gaia.com — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 16:36:36 GMT

Welcome, goldfinch! If you'll just message me your info, I'll add you to the swap group. Thanks for joining us!

Re: The Creativity Swap (Come Join!)

Thu, 29 Jun 2006 16:06:21 GMT

Yes, I want to join the creativity swap! Please put goldfinch on your list.

Re: The Creativity Swap (Come Join!)

http://DG.gaia.com — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 13:10:10 GMT

Wonderful! Thanks, Gyelle for joining us. Our swap group is growing fast, so this will be lots of fun. You can send your info to me by sending me a private message. To do that, you can jump to my profile page from this forum by clicking on my little picture here. Then you reach my profile page, then click the "send message" button. Alternatively, you can email me at diane@deepideas.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

Re: The Creativity Swap (Come Join!)

http://gyelle.gaia.com — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 05:21:32 GMT

Count me in for at least a month. Where should I send the rest of the info? I'm not familiar with how Zaadz works so I don't know if this is a public or private reply.

Gyelle

The Creativity Swap (Come Join!)

http://DG.gaia.com — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 02:36:03 GMT

I’m launching a monthly Creativity Swap in this pod, and you are all invited to participate! (In fact, your participation is needed, valued, and giddily anticipated.) Here’s how this works: - This is a monthly swap. You can sign up to participate in just one month, or several. - Each new month, you’ll be assigned one swap partner from within this pod. You’ll make your partner a small gift of creative inspiration, and they’ll make one for you. By the end of the month, you’ll swap them by mail. - You can make anything to swap that you like. There are limitless options: you might make a postcard, or a bookmark, or a greeting card. You might make a tiny booklet of inspiring sayings. You might write a poem. You might share a passage from your most-loved book. You could also embroider, paint, draw, bead, or anything else you do. The only specification for this swap is that whatever you make, it should be able to fit into a 6x9 envelope (or smaller) for mailing. If you’ve never participated in a swap before, it’s a wonderful way to meet new people, and a nice stretch for your creative muscles. How to join? Simply message me with the following information: - Your Name - Your mailing address (which will be shared only with your swap partner, and never in these forums). - Any special considerations you may have (such as an allergy to cats, for example). To get us all started, the deadline for signing up for the July swap will be Wednesday, July 5th. After that date, I’ll notify you of your swap partner, and you’ll have the rest of the month to make your tiny gift of creativity. I hope you’ll share your creative self with us! Looking forward to hearing from you, DG

Re: Gratitude Scroll

http://paraamita.gaia.com — Wed, 31 May 2006 01:45:54 GMT

what a cool idea! i used to keep a "gratitude journal" each day (this is a suggestion by sarah ban breathnach from her simple abundance book). it helps bring one back to a place of appreciation. this is good especially when one is overly focused on one's problems, i think.

paraamita (egyirba)

Re: Web Design

http://paraamita.gaia.com — Wed, 31 May 2006 01:42:38 GMT

gary, where do you do a program like that? i've not heard of it before!

Gratitude Scroll

http://DG.gaia.com — Mon, 17 Apr 2006 00:22:56 GMT

. . . A beautiful project from 'The Soul's Palette,' by Cathy Malchiodi: Take a long sheet of paper - any kind you like. Just make sure you have extra sheets on hand, because you'll be adding them over time. Start a list on this paper of the things you feel grateful for in your life. You may want to write them down in list form, or you may want to draw symbols to represent them. Or, you may want to cut pictures our of magazines that represent them. Maybe you want to combine several approaches. Its your scroll! :-) Some prompts to consider: What relationships with which people bring you enrichment? Which are your favorite places, for what activities? What foods bring you nourishment, comfort, delight? What are your most precious possessions? Beloved colors? Delightful scents? What experiences of synchronicity have visited you recently? What made you laugh? What inspired you? The idea is to add a little to this scroll every day. And as you run out of paper, you attach another piece to the bottom and keep on scrolling. You may want to hang this loooooong piece of art somewhere, or you may want to keep it rolled up. it serves a couple of purposes. First, it's a tangible and ever-growing reminder of all the different kinds of abundance in your life. It helps you to dwell in thankfulness, which, as we all know, is a state of being that tends to invite even more abundance into your life. Secondly, this scroll becomes a powerful tool when you're in moments of despair or pain. It helps you re-connect with your joy.

Re: Web Design

http://DG.gaia.com — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 23:41:33 GMT

Hi, Gary - I'm glad you posted this. I think there's so much amazing creativity going on with web design. And the exciting part of it, for me, is that on the web, design takes on a new richness. Because not only do you need to have colors and typefaces and such, you have to weave in all the intangible elements that make a good user experience. I was just looking at the Webby Award nominees this morning. Lots of really inspiring stuff. Good career move, too - you'll be in demand! :-)

Web Design

http://cny1947.gaia.com — Fri, 14 Apr 2006 10:36:21 GMT

I'm in the midst of getting a CIW Certification (Certified Internet Webmaster), a fancy name for designing and maintaining web sites. The thing about it, is the process is very creative. In the various software programs, I find myself creating like an artist, even to the mixing and using of custom colors, almost like holding a palette in hand, and the monitor is the canvas. I find very original ideas and inspirations coming to me. As things progress I hope to design very original one of a kind web sites to share.

Your Tarot Archetype

http://DG.gaia.com — Thu, 13 Apr 2006 14:35:15 GMT

. . . A very deep project for self-understanding. First, select a tarot card from the major arcana that best expresses the essence of you. You can go about this in a few ways: 1) Choose the card from a deck, using your intuition. 2) Go to http://www.e-tarocchi.com/ 3) Use the numerology of your full name to determine the number of the tarot card. (Try http://www.tarot.com/numerology/) Once you've selected a card, do some research. Look at this card in as many different tarot decks as you can find. (A good resource: http://www.tarot.com) Read interpretations of the card by several different authors. Then, do some journaling. Take all the images and explanations you've collected, and write about how they all relate to who you are. Be sure to explore the darker meanings of the card as well as the brighter. Consider these questions: 1) How does the card express who I am? 2) What symbols in the card resonate best with me? 3) What symbols in the card make me uncomfortable? 4) Which negative elements of the card express my shadow side? 5) What future potentials does this card express for me? 6) What elements of the card do I embrace? After this, you may also want to make a personal version of this tarot card. You can do this in any size, and any medium. Draw, paint, collage, Photoshop -- or you may want to work in three dimensions, and render it in sculpture or assemblage. Incorporate all the symbols that resonate with you. Be sure to encompass the shadow parts with the same respect you give to the bright parts. The finished piece becomes a nice beacon for moments when you're feeling a bit out of touch with yourself.