moving through fear

Moving through fear - Jo Klima - Maps to Herself

Fear. It’s been coming up a lot for me this month. I know it’s time to step into my own truth and I didn’t quite realise I was playing it safe to the extent that I have been. Every time I read a passage or chapter in a book which speaks about fear, the control it can have over us and the false beliefs it thrives on, I am always nodding my head in deep agreement. I know this is true and yet each day I’ve been careless in giving my power over to fear.

Many of us want to make the change towards living from our heart & soul and replacing those fearful or negative thoughts and criticisms with light and love. The concept, as obvious as it may seem, is often far more difficult in reality when we are faced with the very situations that have contributed to those fearful thoughts. Like me, you may keep finding yourself replaying stories, and we all continue to do so until we face them, acknowledge what our real truth is, and finally decide you are ready to let go and move on.

This year so far has been a mix of being in a space of clarity followed by confusion and stagnation. I have been scared to let go of some things that have been a big part of me for years. Because of that, the new opportunities and experiences I am desiring have not had a balanced space to emerge, or love and attention to grow. This has been a source of frustration. Just over the last week it’s reached breaking point, where I see that if I don’t plan and act on moving through the fear and making decisions that I know are necessary, the road ahead will be tougher than it needs to be. In fear I am doing my spirit a disservice. In fear I am not giving my best to others. In fear the passion and flow I crave in my creative pursuits will be stifled.

So, I’ve started making the changes which allow me to step into my truth. The biggest realisation I have had is how much I’ve placed this pressure and responsibility on myself. The fear of how others will react is not real in the way my ego had imagined. I’ve also sensed a huge need for trust and surrender. As I begin to let go and create space for my heart to speak, not knowing exactly what it will say or want, the path forward is unknown but sure to be exactly what it needs to be. And honestly, giving up control of part of my future, particularly when it comes to money, is scary as hell. But I have faith as I’ve witnessed others do the same and I’ve seen them light up from deep within as was the universe’s intention when they entered this world.

So, as I navigate my way through pursuing a life that is not build upon fearful concepts and limiting beliefs, I do so with a renewed energy and confidence that what will become is more beautiful than I could ever imagine.

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Just as I finished writing this post, I opened up Susannah Conway’s love letter from the weekend, seeing the card of the month and it’s meaning felt very synchronistic for me:

This month’s card is BIG BOLD VISION: “You were not born to play a small role in life… There is something — a vision or an idea – that is coming for you. You may worry that it is too much, but don’t worry. It is meant to be yours… You are being asked to remember that when something is right for you, endless synchronicities and support will flow your way, at the right time and in the right way. Stay open, receptive, playful and surrendered. Even if everything seems to be in a bit of a shambles now, it’s really just the essential mess before a truly spectacular success.” – from the Sacred Rebels Oracle by Alana Fairchild.

This artwork is available as a print on Society6.

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guiding words

I love seeing what others have chosen for their word(s) to guide them as we step into a bright and shiny new year. As humans we are always seeking to improve on the years that have passed and dreaming of what’s possible with all we’ve learned and experienced so far. Some people are selecting masculine words to gain or maintain momentum and drive, bringing more yang energy to their life. Others are looking to step back, slow down or go within with feminine words that express their ying energy. Perhaps you’re still figuring out your word, in which case Susannah Conway’s Find Your Word mini e-course may be your cup of tea (it’s free!).

I’ve chosen three words for my year and I really feel that one feeds into the next in what I hope will be a divine and powerful combination, the complete triangle of my intentions. These have been lingering in my mind for a couple of months and I’ve used a few guided prompts to discover why these are the words I feel will bring me closer to, or reaching, my dreams and goals.

Word of the Year - Opportunity - Jo Klima - Maps to Herself

Being insightful in seeking out opportunities that align with my own vision. Creating connections and relationships with all different creative people, and being open to different collaborative ideas. Adjusting my daily routine in a way that inspires me to work smarter, not harder. Keeping the bigger picture in mind.

To help remind me of this word I have ordered an ‘opportunity’ mandala ring from The Fifth Element Life.

Word of the Year - Implement - Jo Klima - Maps to Herself

Making use of all the resources I have gathered over the last few years and implementing what I am learning. Taking a break from buying or signing up for more new programs, courses, or books. Measuring results or effectiveness, taking what works for me and leaving the rest. Connecting with specific groups and learning from others. Setting aside time each week for these actions.

I will schedule a monthly check-in to help remind me of my intention to continue learning and implementing.

Word of the Year - Energy - Jo Klima - Maps to Herself

Creating healthy and energising daily habits that allow my mind and body to function at it’s best. Finding activities I enjoy. Meditating and keeping my chakras balanced. Spending time with people who themselves cultivate positive energy, and protecting my energy from negative situations. Having excitement and enthusiasm for life.

I have my favourite crystals placed around my home, studio and on my body to remind me to seek ways to raise my energy and vibration.

Interested in a free printable graphic of your word of the year? Simply comment before the 10th January with your word or words and which colour you’d like from the examples above and I’ll send you a high res graphic next week to print and stick up on your wall, vision board or in your journal as a reminder. The email you include in the comment will be where I send your graphic.

May all your words come to life in 2015!

*comments are now closed, thank you so much everyone!

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peacock goddess

Peacock - Jo Klima - Maps to Herself

I really love when animals appear in my artwork, it always feels like there’s wisdom to be learned, a deepening connection with nature and messages of love and living more in tune with the earth and the little miracles it presents us with each and every day. This peacock pictured with the goddess fills me with joy and confidence. It’s believed that they can appear as a sign that new life, vitality and vibrancy will be infused into your spiritual journey, which I resonate strongly with.

My year will be starting with a couple of amazing workshops with Gabby Bernstein and Rebecca Campbell filled with yoga, meditation, healing, reflecting and manifesting. I have joined a year-long online art course Life Book 2015 to explore, experiment and learn from a plethora of incredible artists and committing to making my art a priority throughout the year. And I will also be revisiting many resources and inspiration that I have gathered over the last couple of years but with the intention to take action and implement what I am learning, instead of putting it aside for later.

Around social media I’ve seen posts with the words “2013 was practice. 2014 was the warm up. 2015 is game time”. I feel that 2015 will be a very transformational year for many of us as well as the collective. It all begins with ourselves and following our soul desires.

For Maps to Herself, I feel like a larger purpose will be revealed in the new year and I’m excited to see where it may go. I’d love to hear from you and what you might like to see in blog posts or new offerings/collaborations, as I’m sure they may spark some ideas for how I can be of service to you.

This artwork is available as a print on Society6.

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the essence within

The essence within - Jo Klima - Maps to Herself

In November, Maps to Herself turned one! While I may not have written many posts over that time, each one came along when it was ready to and holds a special meaning for me. I adore how organically the blog has grown, the people it’s reached and inspired, and it will continue to be a peaceful and encouraging place for me. A beautiful space that I know will always be there when I need it.

As I look back on the past year, often I feel like a lot has changed, but on the inside I feel like it hasn’t so much as I’ve just gone a little deeper. I’ve seen changes to my environment, how I spend my time, friendships, adventures, and all really positive events, but I do also feel like I am the same. That I am just how I am supposed to be and who I always was. To others I may be showing different parts of myself, but my inner world, where most of all our attention lies, is a familiar place. I haven’t felt the desire to change or transform to something better, or different. I think I am more accepting of who I am without so much of the self-criticism, and I hope to continue to feel the underlying sense that I am on the right path.

‘The path isn’t a straight line; it’s a spiral. You continually come back to the things you thought you understood and see deeper truths.’ - Jaylene Moreau

We are now in our final few weeks of 2014, and as the last couple of months have been so focused on current projects, I haven’t really started thinking and planning the new year yet. I do love leaving some things open to what the universe has in stall for me, but I also know there are important things I’d like to do in 2015. There’s lots of amazing resources around to help plan your best year yet, I’d love to share one of my favourites, the Create Your Shining Year in Life + Biz workbook, I’m eagerly awaiting for my print copy to arrive! Another great tool is Susannah Conway’s Unravelling the Year Ahead workbook, available as a free download, I think you’ll love this year’s design!

Cosmic Sky - Jo Klima - Maps to Herself

Thank you for sharing this space with me over the past year, I’d love to hear what’s happening in your own spiritual or artistic journey, and what you’d love to achieve in the new year.

P.S. If you love these two artworks, I am giving away the original artworks as part of the prize draw when pre-ordering your pair of Darling Legs, along with some other awesome goodies! The standout favourite ‘A Place Yet to Explore’ has reached 41% funding! I’d love to put our efforts towards this amazing design and turn this artwork into a limited-edition piece of wearable art for your street, yoga or travel wardrobe!

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the cosmic collective

The Cosmic Collective 2015 Moon Energy Calendar

It was towards the end of 2013 when a little spark in the universe connected two kindred spirits. The signs around them and their own intuition guided them to align their passions and creative energy, manifesting something that could only be what it was meant to be with the combination of their individual powers. As first it was simply an open-ended desire to collaborate, but what would be the result would reveal itself over time.

The Cosmic Collective 2015 Moon Energy Calendar

They first met in person in April where lots of ideas were circling around them, and while their first project was not ready to be revealed just yet, the name ‘the cosmic collective’ was clear, as was the intention to create beautiful products that would help other soul sisters connect with the earth, the universe, and with themselves. They dreamed to reach those who are new to connecting with their spirituality, and others who are searching for tools to dive a little deeper.

The Cosmic Collective 2015 Moon Energy Calendar

A few months passed, and with more clarity the idea behind the project began to take shape. All was happening as it was meant to, and after one sister returned from her travels and the other fulfilled a dream to move to an amazing new location, they were ready to begin their first creative endeavour.

Early in the creative process, a third sister was guided into the collective, and with her wisdom and intuitive guidance, each artwork began to take shape. And now, it’s ready to share with our spirited sisters around the world.

The Cosmic Collective 2015 Moon Energy Calendar

The 2015 Moon Energy Calendar is a conscious collaborative project between myself, Sarah Wilder from The Fifth Element Life and KV from Aquarius Nation. By combining our collective strength in art, design, spirituality and astrology – this calendar was manifested through our individual desires to create art infused and inspired by moon energy, and help others gain a better understanding of the moons energy fields and it’s effect on us as spiritual beings.

If you are feeling drawn to this offering that is a true labour of love for us, it is now available for pre-sale via The Fifth Element Life’s online store. We have a special version for the Southern Hemisphere, and one for the Northern Hemisphere.

For me, it’s been an amazing experience to be part of such a special collaborative project. When I started this blog, I had no idea where it would lead me and to witness this calendar come together in such a beautifully intuitive and insightful way, I can’t wait to see where else my spirit may align with others.

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balancing energies

fullmoon

There’s a whole rainbow of astrological energies affecting us this month and particularly today, as the full moon and lunar eclipse is coupled with mercury retrograde. I love reading up on all the different insights into what is happening around us and within us during these phases. I loved Ezzie Spencer’s post on today’s astral movements:

“Eclipses are accelerators. Just like at any Full Moon, be prepared to take action to bring your intention into form, and release attachment to the outcomes of your intention. So at this Lunar Eclipse / Full Moon, be ready to move faster. This full moon is in Aries, which is a hot and initiatory energy. Be courageous and take action at this eclipse to bring your New Moon intention into form. What was your New Moon intention? Hark back to your Libran New Moon intention, set two weeks ago. The themes were to do with stepping into your radiance, allowing yourself to shine, and allowing the flow of beauty and prosperity into your life. Take steps at the Lunar Eclipse to bring more of this into your life.”

I also enjoyed the insight posted on Mystic Mamma about the Lunar Eclipse and Mercury Retrograde, and how you can navigate through this powerful phase as explained by Helen on The Little Sage. These two resources speak a lot about taking a patient and reflective approach to this month. Continuing to take steps towards your dreams and being your true self, but don’t feel the need to rush towards it right now, get things organised as the momentum builds, and release with force when things align again in November.

In my little creative hub, things are definitely building up and moving towards something bigger and I’ll be using the creative and fiery energy of the eclipse to make headway in the way of new projects and planning how I want to spend my time creatively. In line with the insights of springing forward in November, this happens to be a period when I’ll be launching some new exciting things which I am bursting to share with my little community here. I will also be celebrating the 1st birthday of Maps to Herself! More on that soon but I wanted to share a little about what is happening astrologically today and over the month as I’m sure you are feeling it to!

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