Have you ever asked yourself why you love what you love? Are you yearning to express yourself creatively? Need tips on developing discipline to support your passions?

JoAnneh Nagler is a multi-talented artist who expresses herself through music, writing, painting, and teaching yoga. What I love most about JoAnneh is how freely and effectively she explores various forms of art and defines her own version of success in art and life.

In our interview, we explore:

• how everyone is creative, and that creativity is simply making something that didn't exist before
• the importance of creating dedicated time for the activities that are most important to you (JoAnneh inspired me to start prioritizing and honoring my creative endeavors, instead of just "getting around to them" when I found the time)
• how to discover your unique form of art/joy/creativity; how are you wired? what are you drawn to? what sparks your joy? 

Your life is your creation, your very own masterpiece. Let it be a reflection of your heart, your happiness and your unique essence. 

Check out JoAnneh at anartistrylife.com or find her on FB + IG @anartistrygirl

Learn more about Rainbows are Circles at rainbowsarecircles.com!

This is a deeply soothing 15 min practice designed to settle your nervous system and nourish you from the inside out. 

We will explore: 

• What arises when you are fully relaxed and present in your body? 
• How can you tend to yourself and practice self-care? 
• Do you receive inner guidance when you take time to relax and connect within? 

Write down any insights that arise.

When I did this practice recently, I realized what I have been craving in my life is support. Not support from other people, but from myself. I have to give to myself the things that I've always longed to hear from others: "I am proud of you. You are more than enough. I love you so much. You have so much value to offer this world. You don't have to try so hard. You are so good at what you do. You are incredibly intelligent. You offer unique gifts that are needed in this world."

I hadn't realized how much I was still seeking approval from others, and how self-critical I can be. 

Now that I'm aware of what I need right now, I am speaking kind words to myself and supporting myself like crazy! I even treated myself to a pair of earrings I love and took myself on a dinner date (I usually only eat at restaurants when I'm with other people). It felt really nice and I ended up having an unexpectedly fun evening that included meeting new friends and singing karaoke :P It's funny the experiences we attract when we are kind and loving to ourselves.

I invite you to use this practice whenever you feel called. Notice how you feel afterwards and write down anything interesting that arises. 

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to feel rushed and stressed, even when doing mundane things.  

In this episode, we explore the importance of pausing, slowing down, and becoming aware of our surroundings. 

Even taking one deep breath is a powerful way to manage stress and anxiety because it creates space for us to notice how we're feeling. Once we're aware, we then can make a choice about how to proceed. We can continue rushing and feeling stressed, or we can pause and do something to shift our state.

As you listen to this episode, I invite you to go through the breathing and mindfulness practice with me. 

• Breathe slowly and deeply.
• Become aware of your surroundings.
• Notice what you can appreciate.
• Notice how you feel.
• Acknowledge that you just created a shift in yourself, simply by taking a minute to pause, breathe and become more present.
• Continue with your day from this grounded state, rather from a stressed-out state. Notice any effects. Do you make better decisions? Does your day flow more smoothly?

What else can you do to create a joyful pause in your day? Perhaps eating lunch outside in the fresh air, without your phone or computer; taking a walk; journaling or reading; exercising... what activities make you feel good, calm and relaxed? Make time for them, prioritize them, and do them more often.