in this video, i open up about my relationship with creativity, spirituality, identity, and self-expression. growing up between strict religious environments and survival-based expectations, i disconnected from parts of myself for a long time, especially the artistic parts. i judged creativity because deep down, i was afraid of it. afraid of what it would reveal, where it would lead me, and who i would become if i fully embraced it. but over time, i realized creativity is so much more than “making art.” it’s a mirror. a portal. a conversation with the self. the more i allowed myself to create honestly, the more hidden emotions, desires, wounds, and truths began to surface. and to me, that is alchemy. turning confusion into clarity, pain into expression, and silence into song. this video is for anyone who has ever felt disconnected from themselves, stuck in comparison, afraid to be seen, or unsure if they’re “creative enough.” creativity is not reserved for a chosen few, it’s a human experience. and sometimes, it is what leads on a path we've been resisting. after you watch, i’d love to hear from you: ✨ do you believe creativity can be spiritual? why or why not? ✨ was there ever a time in your life where you felt disconnected from self-expression? what led you back to it? ✨ what forms of creativity make you feel most alive lately? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIFSl-QsQqg

yesterday we met a softer part of you. today we’re meeting the part that’s harder to see. i like to think of the psyche as a seesaw. on one end is your ego- the version of you that you’re aware of, the one you identify with, the one you show the world. on the other end is your shadow- the parts of you you don’t fully see, the parts that were pushed down, hidden, or left in the dark. the goal isn’t to get rid of one or the other, it’s to stay in balance. because when we stay too identified with our ego, who we think we are, the seesaw may tip, and when the shadow comes up it can feel intense. you might react in ways that surprise you, feel emotions that don’t match the moment, or see a side of yourself that makes you feel deeply ashamed; especially because you didn’t know it was there. your shadow isn’t something bad, it’s just unseen. and the more it stays unseen, the more power it has over you. so the point isn’t to eliminate it, it’s to slowly bring awareness to it. to recognize: this is also apart of who i am. and over time that awareness turns into acceptance, and that acceptance is what allows you to show up more honestly, fully, and more aligned with yourself. so... how do you keep your seesaw in balance? you start by catching yourself. catch the moments where something small triggers a bigger reaction. when you feel yourself getting irritated, defensive, insecure, or thrown off. instead of reacting right away… pause. take a couple deep breaths. don’t judge what you’re feeling. don’t try to fix it immediately. just notice it, let it move through you, and when you’re ready, get curious about it. you can come up with your own process for working with your shadow, there is no right way to do this. there are so many ways to explore these parts of you. it’s really about what works for you and what helps you stay honest with yourself. 🌗 so i invite you to share in the comments below: 🖤 what are ways you’ve worked with your shadow in the past, and what has actually helped you?

hi alchemists🤍 we’re starting something a little deeper beginning tomorrow… a 5-day exploration into the different parts of you. you are not just one fixed identity. you are layered, complex, and constantly shifting. made up of different versions of yourself that have all been shaped by your experiences, emotions, and your past. some parts feel easy to love. others… not so much. but all of them are you. for the next few days, we’re going to gently explore these parts through reflection and creativity, not to judge or “fix” anything, but to understand and integrate. each day, you’ll receive: - an archetype to explore - a reflection prompt - and a way to express it (writing, art, voice, anything that feels natural) this is something we’re doing together. so whatever comes up… you’re invited to share it here. this is a safe space. ✨ if you’re joining, comment & answer this question: 💭 what part of you are you most curious about right now? i’ll be doing this with you too🪄

i want to take a moment to welcome our newest soul into art & alchemy, @Bonita Staker 🪄we’re really happy you’re here. this space is all about art, curiosity, transformation, and spirituality. a place where you don’t have to have it all figured out, just a willingness to explore and express. so feel free to take your time, look around, and share whatever feels true to you🤍 to help us get to know you a little.. ✨ what kind of art do you feel most connected to right now? ✨ and what’s been on your mind or heart lately? we’d love to meet you!! (and to everyone else, go show some love + say hi💫)

hi alchemists🪄🖤 i’ve been a little quiet this past week… i took a trip to the dominican republic to be with family, to rest, and to reconnect with a part of me that always feels like home. it’s a strange, beautiful feeling… being in a place you didn’t fully grow up in, a place that isn’t entirely familiar, yet something in your body just knows. like your soul recognizes it before your mind can make sense of it. like your roots are speaking to you in a language you don’t fully understand, but deeply feel. being here reminded me that home isn’t always about where you were raised… sometimes it’s about where your spirit softens, where something ancient in you exhales. there were moments where i’d just pause and take it all in, thinking… my ancestors once danced here. and now i’m here. it also made me realize how important it is to be fully present in those spaces. to not rush through them. to really feel them. because we don’t always know when we’ll be back… or if we ever will. coming back, i feel softer… more grounded… and really grateful. i wanted to check in with you all, not just to share where i’ve been, but to open up a moment for you, too. have you ever felt a connection to a place you couldn’t fully explain? where in your life are you being asked to slow down?