Before the sun rises, ever so slowly, trees, who had been at rest, awaken to begin subtly stretching their limbs to reach as much sunlight as possible.
There’s no metaphor or hidden meaning behind this, just an appreciation for life…
It’s a beautiful thing.
Try this: Before starting your day out in the world, be inspired by the trees. Stretch your arms to the sky. Say a pray of gratitude. Breathe in for a count of four seconds, hold for 7, breathe out, exhaling for 8 seconds.
Princess Diana❤️
Besides the amazing female role models I look up to in my family, I’ve always looked up to Princess Diana. She was intelligent, tenacious, sophisticated and classy. She was a stunningly beautiful woman and style icon. An elegant Princess and humanitarian, filled with humility and love. A woman of great influence who used her power to enrich the lives of so many.
There was never and will never be another spirit so ferocious yet gentle. I’m thankful I was able to witness her light during my lifetime. She is truly an inspiration✨ (“Lord, help me to empty myself of me, so that I can be filled with You.”- Unknown)
The magic in your life will reveal itself when you are vulnerable. When you are not playing by the rules, but instead confidently living in the moment, without fear of making a mistake or the judgement of others. This freedom doesn’t happen over night. It is a process which involves deconditioning yourself from everything you’ve learned and relearning on your own terms.
Here are exercises from my healing toolbox! These are simple ways for you to stimulate your vagus nerve. Learn more about the vagus nerve here: I Love The Vagus Nerve
Imagine it’s Aug 11, 1973. You have a quarter to blow and there’s a party down the block at 1520 Sedgwick Ave in the Bronx. You and your friends show up, looking cute. There’s already a ton of people standing outside and you can hear the heavy bass from the rec room. Everybody’s having a good time. Coke La Rock even shouts you out right before DJ Kool Herc plays the instrumental break of “It’s Just Begun” by the Jimmy Castor Bunch. You’re feelin’ fly, catchin’ the groove, right as DJ Kool Herc switches it up and slides into another song — all night, tracks collide into one another rhythmically.
This style would become known as the Merry Go Round.
In this style, the rhythm of multiple songs match a continuous beat while getting switched out. As one hot instrumental break plays, the dj (in this historic and groundbreaking night, it was DJ Kool Herc, now known as the Father of Hip Hop) flows into another song and this continues for much of the set.
The party ends and it takes some time to understand the magnitude of what that night meant. You walk home with your girls, filling the street with laughter and gossip from the party. Cindy, Herc’s sister, always throws the best parties. Your friends walk you home and catch a glimpse of your overprotective brother who opens the door. The girls giggle as they head for the train.
“So, what’d you do tonight” he asks, and though you don’t realize it at the time, what you did tonight was witness the birth of hip hop.
❤️🙌🏽
Who is Archangel Raphael?
Archangel Raphael, which means, “God heals”, was chosen by God to take the form of a young man named Azarias (which means “Yahweh has helped”) to guide Tobias on a journey.
Throughout the trip, Tobias was blind to the angel in his presence, but with trust in his companion, the two were able to bring healing and love to others.
Archangel Raphael is often depicted with a fish because that is what he used to help him bring healing to others.
Noèl’s Notes: In the tarot, because the Page of Cups holds a fish, this card can be associated with Archangel Raphael.
With trust in God’s plans, we don’t have to see everything to find peace. With trust, we feel Him helping us on our journeys — guiding us towards healing and peace.
In today’s world, it can almost feel as though social media is an extension of some sort to our lives. As someone who does consider myself to be private in some respects, I have my blog… a sort of open journal to the world, to share. noelclark.com has been my open journal since 2010 when my Dad was in a fatal car accident while on his way to work.
I have come here to write and share my thoughts, pain, highs, and hopes.
I first shared “Piece in progress: Peace Be” to my blog on July 8th. I filmed myself working on the piece again on July 10th. I intended to share videos of the behind the scenes of creating this art, but life abruptly halted the creation, and it remains as it did when I last saw Brooklyn and I intend to keep it that way. On that night — July 10th, Brooklyn, my niece’s dog, was killed. (blog: https://noelclark.com/i-love-you-brooklyn-our-angel/).
I go in my Sacred Room and think of our sweet girl and in the midst of that hurt, I would be drawn to this piece. I didn’t see an unfinished piece, rather I saw a message: *Peace is in progress*. I have looked at this “unfinished” piece with tears streaming down my face thinking of our beautiful baby Brooklyn, and it has brought me peace in those moments. I look at this piece now and literally see “peace” in progress. I see it’s already been written, even if I don’t see it.
The outline of the words is faint, but it is already written. Just as with with life. Though there are times in life when it is hard to see, it has already been written. God has already written my story and He has promised peace. I see God has written it even if I cannot see it.
“Peace Be To You” was said by Archangel Raphael, the Angel of healing, travel, and love, to Tobias and his father, Tobit, as they tried to credit him with curing Tobit’s blindness, the spiritual healing of Sarah, and leading Tobias safely on his journey. Archangel Raphael though returned the credit right back to where it always belongs — to God.
Archangel Raphael said, “As far as I was concerned, when I was with you, my presence was not by any decision of mine, but by the will of God; he is the one whom you must bless as long as you live, he is the one that you must praise.”
I know that for me, this piece in progress is my peace in progress.
The outlines don’t obscure the fluidity of the background, and I find calmness in its waves, and when I look at the big picture I see it is already written, even in the midst of hurt. Peace is coming.
I know God has written my story and I know peace is on its way.
I have total faith in His plan and complete trust in Him.
Though I may not always see it, it’s already been written– just like with this artwork. Through the pain, through the tears, through everything, my peace is written.
I thank Him, for I know, peace is in progress.
Thank You, God.
“Peace Be To You”: In Tobit 12:17-18, Archangel Raphael says: “Peace be to you. Do not fear for when I was with you I was there by the will of God. Bless Him and sing praises to Him.”
Peace is in progress. Peace Be To You.
Our family was blessed with the most sweet and playful girl when my niece brought Brooklyn into our lives. She was this beautiful little pup with big paws and the biggest personality. I told my niece she was going to grow to be huge, and quickly we saw our little Brooklyn become our big girl… huge, in fact. She was remarkably beautiful — striking, and loving, and so special.
We were blessed to have her be a part of our family.
I do believe God chooses energies to be vessels, and I know that in our short time together Brooklyn taught our family unforgettable lessons on love and life. (Thank you, our angel)
Brooklyn left an indelible mark on my heart.
I wish I could have loved on you longer, my sweet girl, but I thank God for the time we shared.
