Imagine a world where the inner work we direct time towards is met with society’s deepest bow of adoration. This benefit in introspective work allows for understanding of ourselves first. This gift then radiates out for others we touch.
We have all been primed since early adolescence to focus on our physical appearance. The world identifies who we are through this coiffed exterior presentation. We can spend a lot of time and money polishing this image others see. This outer exterior eventually evolves in time leaving many of us in search of ways to reconcile what once was. This experience has the potential to lead to a deeper sense of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and personal empowerment.
Self-care is marketed everywhere, and we become sidetracked into imagining it is a bubble bath or a necessary pedicure. Radical self-care is deeper intentional work thereby holding space to develop personal emotional sovereignty.
SoulCollage is a self-care tool created in the1990’s by Seena Frost, a therapist. It is a gift provided to oneself to explore the multi-faceted parts of our being. In Eastern philosophy there is an archetype depicting a vast net stretching the universe infinitely in all directions. Attached to this net in multitudes are single, brilliant jewels. Each jewel reflects every other jewel, and each of the reflected images of the jewels bears the image of all other jewels. Whatever affects one jewel effects them all. It is helpful to imagine this web existing within us and throughout the universe. On our personal web, we have what are called “neters”. A Neter is an ancient Egyptian term for force. We have neters in our lives that show up as allies, guides or challengers. These “neters” can show up around us and within us.
When we take time to sit quietly and curate photographic and artistic images that speak to us, we can create a collage card with a few images embodying a primary energy. The inner wisdom is brought to light when we allow this card to speak to us. We ask a question of the card; “Who are you?” We start the dialogue by looking deep into the nuance of the card and we listen. With the preface to the answer “I am one who.” The messages of the card can be listed as many times as they appear. We begin at this starting point. This is an insightful prompt for journaling or collaborating with another like-minded partner in dialogue. A common experience is one of astonishment and fascination as to where the “I am one who” messages originated. It is as if the card unlocked something stored away in the soul.
We have many parts to self. Our inner tapestry has many nuances. SoulCollage touches upon our local story of who we are and our larger story as to why we are here. SoulCollage cards are auguries pointing to the whispers of the soul. As we soul mine the deep wisdom of life’s precious resources, we are gifted with enough stardust to light the world.
