Page 12 - Jan Feb 2015

Book Review
Making Marks
Discover the Art of Making Marks By Elaine Clayton
Simon & Schuster 2014
As I child in school I doodled all over my notebooks while
I listened to long lectures. Like many doodlers, I was accused of not
listening or paying attention. But somehow I sensed it helped me to
listen. I found it soothing and enjoyable. I was thrilled to read in Elaine Clayton’s wonderful book Making Marks, that people retain 29 percent
more information when they doodle! Elaine tells us that doodling,
drawing in sand, just making marks on a surface are streams-of-con- sciousness drawings that provide a window into our intuitive selves. In
Making Marks, Elaine Clayton provides ways to tap into our creative
selves. Through the intuitive language of drawing, we see deep inside ourselves, and experience growth through our appreciation of our inner beauty.
Elaine teaches us that every mark we make contains visual imagery with the power to heal the past, develop our sense of empathy, and reveal answers to some of our deepest questions.
Like many people, I still doodle while listening and taking notes. After reading Making Marks, I have learned to use these doodles to tap into my intuitive intelligence and, as Elaine puts it, “discover a treasure trove of ideas, solutions to problems, and answers to questions”. You can, too!
TTTTTfTTTTTfMusic Review
Breathe
by Megan McDonough
2011 Eagle Woman Music (ASCAPE)
Megan McDonough’s simple, spare, and beautiful album, Breathe,
was released in 2011, but is worth reviewing again. I return to this album of inspirational songs again and again when I need to relax, renew, and be reminded of its simple yet profound spiritual messages.
In the title song, “Breathe,” Megan’s melodious voice leads us gently
through a simple meditation, drawing our minds to rest through conscious
focus on our breathe. The music is soothing, the melodies magical. “Foot in
the Water”, with its engaging gospel rhythm, reminds us if we cannot clearly
see the way ahead, The Divine may be asking us to take the leap of faith before revealing the way through. Both the happy salsa rhythm and the encouraging words of “Talk to God” convey the joy of laying your burdens at the feet of a higher power, whatever you may call it. Every time I listen to “God Spoils Me” tears of gratitude for all I have spring to my eyes,
After taking us through gentle reminders of some of life’s most important lessons, Megan ends her inspirational album with a humorous, light-hearted song, “Take My Advice” that pokes fun at the “let me fix you” urge we all have had at one time or another.
Breathe is a great album to play in the car on your way to a challenging meeting or circumstance. If you have this album and have not listened to it in awhile, dig it out and give it a listen again. If you have not, yet, purchase Breathe, you can find it on Amazon.com.
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The Wave
www.thewaveholisticjournal.com
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