The Art of Expression
An artist's mission is therapeutic for many

I had just written a small note and left it in a basket at the chapel of Yale Children's Hospital, when I spotted a unique doll sitting on the shelf in the gift gallery. Something was drawing me closer to this quite unusual black and white soft doll with angel wings. It also had a special place in the front for personal messages and expressions. The doll was actually a therapeutic tool for healing through expressions. I began to study the doll and other gift items that were created by an artist who calls them "Children of the Inner Light."

My two-month-old had just undergone a very serious liver operation. The note in the basket was my way of communicating with Spirit and God. I needed to ask for the health of my baby and the acceptance as to why this happened. A few days later when my son was given the green light and I new he was coming with us, I revisited the gallery. I probably spent more than a half hour before going to the register with lots of goodies; a doll for the head nurse so I could personally thank her for the care that she exhibits over and over, a "friends" magnet for a friend who offered to sleep over night at the hospital so I could rest, a "grandmother" pin for the anxious grandma at home, and a magnet for my own refrigerator that reads "Follow your Dreams," live each day open to guidance and your purpose will be revealed to you. I also dropped another note in the basket, "thank you."

I like little reminders on the fridge because you're bound to be there at some point during the day no matter how busy you are. So, with each open and close of the door my eyes caught a glimpse of the magnet and it's message of self-revelation. Somehow, I started finding time in my life to do the things that were really important to me. By starting to do that, I felt all my relationships were stronger and enriched from the happiness that I felt. Now, I wanted to thank the artist, Marci, for somehow opening a door for me with her wonderful gift of awareness. "The awareness that is our connections with our parents, our children, our spouse, our siblings and our friends that provides us with lasting joy."

I wasn't able to find Marci, artist of "Children of the Inner Light" right away. But, I kept trying. With the miraculous wonder of the Internet, I surfed into her web site and learned more about the artist. I thought it was incredible that much of her work was daily reminders of "gratitude", "acceptance," and the bonds we share with everyone we meet. I would like to share "Children of the Inner Light" "mission statement and words from Marci;

"Our future will see the medical community include care of the human spirit on equal level with the physical body, adding ancient wisdom, healing touch, acupuncture, and prayer to all treatment regimens, acknowledging the universal healing effect of emotional support for both the patient and the family. Physicians will take time to connect with patients-expressing in words a desire and a wish for recovery."

"We will learn about the grieving process and how it relates to our daily lives-giving thanks for our human-ness and remembering the opportunity for mutual spiritual growth and we call this process "acceptance."

"Our future will see major shifts in our education system. As we begin to acknowledge the unique contributions that each one of us has to make to our world, and give equal values to each, be it doctor, lawyer, accountant, mechanic, factory worker, trash collector, waiter, chef, artist, or designer, we will learn how to recognize early on these talents and gifts and foster their growth from within."

"We will learn how to guide children toward total fulfillment in life through the recognition that "calling" is an opportunity to make our unique contribution to the world. As children learn about our deep connection to each other as human beings with spiritual connections, we will be fostering kindness, sensitivity, generosity, co-operation, understanding and peace."

I have spoken to Marci and she is as genuine as her mission statement. If you ask her why her artwork is in black and white she will respond; "Children of the Inner Light" know no color, ethnic or cultural denomination. "Children of the Inner Light does not recognize physical or emotional disabilities, but prefers to focus instead on the abilities and uniqueness of each individual, always recognizing that the spirit provides us with endless possibilities to connect with each other and experience unconditional love.

"Follow your Dreams" is a powerful expression. It usually means long hours, perseverance and compassion for your mission. But there are no failures when it's a personal dream or mission. If you are not succeeding in the way you intended, it may just mean you need to change course or shift focus and take what you have learned from your experience as wisdom. Marci started out with a few floral design t-shirts sold from her home in Belair, Maryland. It took over ten years to change course a bit. She was asked to draw some special t-shirts for a woman's grandchildren and reluctantly took on the project. Then, it just flowed out onto paper-wonderful characters as a reflection of the inner spirit. Marci has touched lives including a woman who lost her infant and found solace in using Marci's angel design for her baby's plot. The baby lost her life to a brain tumor, which also claimed the life of Marci's husband at the early age of 30. Opening her heart to guidance, Marci has found her purpose and is grateful for her gift.

It is with pleasure that I write this article this month allowing a single person's mission to become a guide for own lives. Marci has also touched my life and has helped me with one of my dreams and important mission. The mission to support services for bereaved parents. Marci has generously donated "Children of the Inner Light" gifts to my organization RainbowMaker. And, you do not have to be a world-renowned artist to post your mission statement on the fridge, next to your to-do list, for a daily dose of "self- influence" and inspiration. My magnet remains on the fridge holding a picture of my healthy 15-month old for which I am grateful everyday.

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