Shari's Photo Collage (Creating A Soul Oasis with Jody)

8/9/2018

Emotions, life experiences, pain, joy, vulnerability, beauty in ugliness, wonder, and hope. This is what Shari captured in this beautiful collage she created (by hand) many years ago. She has placed the collage in different areas of her house and now it hangs in an office, where she works outside of her home, where other people can appreciate her creation. Others may see the beauty and creativity but only Shari knows the stories behind each image she carefully selected. When time allows, she fits in a few minutes of meditation and she remembers each story that every image tells her.

Image: tall fence

Story: “When people build walls/barriers, it prevents them from moving forward. When I come up against a barrier, find a way to dance in joy.”

Image: nature photos that include water

Story: “Water touches so many people. Whether we throw in something good or bad into the water, it is expansive and encompassing.” “Be very intentional in whatever you do.”

Image: butterfly

Story: “Reflect on life and celebration.” “Remember your sister who has passed on.”

Image: hands

Story: “It doesn’t matter how rough things are as long as we have each other.” This life lesson was taught to Shari by her father who was always there to offer support and he loved to work with his hands.

Image: bells, kites in the sky

Story: “Find joy in the simple things like hearing the music from bells or seeing a kite flying in a blue sky.” These simple things touch everybody, whether we are rich or poor...we may find commonality through our emotions.

Image: balance beam

Story: “Remember the adventures from your childhood; walking across ravines, rivers, and gymnastics.” As an adult, it reminds me to seek balance in all things.

A quick glance at this collage quickly reminds Shari to always remain curious. Now it’s your turn. Look around you and see what stories arise in your mind from the most simplest of things in your immediate environment. Are there images you can easily and quickly add to your space that will fill you with joy?