The Nature of Self-Empowerment

Self-Empowerment includes: elements of self-exploration, self-awareness & truth, self-love, intuition, healing and creativity. We empower ourselves in many ways. The essence of empowerment comes from the most natural of sources written within our DNA.

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More than ever, people are awakening to the essence of self-awareness, truth, love and healing as our world changes and evolves. We are learning that we do not need to look to society's ideals of what it means to be successful or other materialistic worldly gains as a testimony to self-worth and happiness.

Self-worth and happiness is given to us all as a birth right. That alone can create whatever it is we want in life. An illusion of lack managed by a poor economy has forced everyone to awaken to new ways of creating resources through total self-sufficiency. Although having a job is a way to make a living it is not the only way to sustain oneself in this new age.

 People are discovering that they have the opportunity to create opportunities through their GOD-Given talents and gifts which creates not only a sustainable living but total happiness as they align with their truth and life purpose. We are also remembering that we have the power to heal ourselves through various holistic ways. By becoming aware of our bodies, emotions and mental state, we can transform our lives and those of others.

Knowing yourself and what you want can help to empower your life in many ways. This helps in discovering life purpose, self-healing and growth in relationships. Mind, body and spiritual balance are the keys to divine self-empowerment.

                               © 2013 Latasha Woods

Intuitive Messages: Trust in Love

Trust in divine guidance in regards to self-love and relationships. By dropping defenses with others and embrace self-love you create harmony. Be willing to learn and listen to your emotions as a detection for when to push ahead and when to retreat from a situation. You can not control others or impose on their free will therefore there is no need to act in desperation because you feel that it will restore your own balance. Internal balance is the only way to restore harmony with self and as a result with others. Pay attention to what you feel but don't act in consequence. Trust that those emotions are anchored for change in self and then proceed based on integrity of self.

                               © 2013 Latasha Woods

Emotional Freedom

Let go. Fully abandon the crippling emotions that connect to fear. Let go of trying to control outer circumstance. Do not be afraid to soar. As you let go of the emotion, it will affect the mental and physical world, which is reflected through your actions based on choice. The mind helps regulate the emotions through visualization. What many of us must know is that the battle ground begins in the emotions and not the mind or the body. Emotions are the radar for intuition because it resonates with spirit. Know and embrace the emotion. The heart will lead the mind and body. By learning to let go of certain emotions and embracing others for better choices you will always anchor the ability to fly over any circumstance where you once felt the control (the attachment) is needed. Unattach with self-love and embrace self-trust as this becomes emotional freedom that allows spirit to soar over all emotional waters.

Use your mind and body to think about what you want to experience and physically feel this in the present moment. Acknowledge and observe emotions that are challenging as well as those that are considered positive. This is called self-awareness and it is the greatest tool to getting in touch with how you relate to the world without judgment. Really listen to what these emotions are telling you. Keep the ones that put you in a positive mind state and accept when it does not by allowing it to remind you of what it is that you really want and what needs to evolve in order to obtain it. All emotions, like water, are ever-changing in form. By peering into the deepest depths you can see your true-self reflected.

          © 2013 Latasha Woods

Quiller: A New Age of Writing Inspiration

The future of writing inspiration goes digital with a new iPad application created by Amy Randolph… and its name is Quiller.  If you are a writer, love journaling or just want to open the doors to personal reflection through writing, then the Quiller application will provide you with access to the deepest depths of the self with an intelligent journal that contains quotes and thoughtful prompts that lead the way through the valleys of inspiration.

For any novice or professional writer this is a dream come true. What I personally find amazing about this application amongst all other digital diaries or notebooks is its ability to reach the core of writing through emotions, while giving additional gleams of insight as you write.

Amy Randolph says, “I developed Quiller in response to a need. Many people want to write about their lives but don’t know how to get started or keep the momentum. Quiller is about accessing complex emotions that can be difficult to describe. Quiller provides direction, encouragement, even insight, to help users capture their experiences in ways that can have a healthy, productive impact on their lives. The additional categories aren’t just there to help journalers address a variety of life’s challenges and personal growth opportunities. We want to put an end to writer’s block once and for all.”

 The major draw of this application that I have not seen anywhere else is that it allows the individual the ability to just dive into the writing, minus the pesky writer’s block. Instead of just plucking blind inspiration from the sky, it is about getting to the heart of the writer without the necessity of an outside muse. Most importantly, this journal is not only a creative experience but also a self-healing one.

Here are some of the main features that Quiller has to offer:

·        Over 1,000 thought-prompts & quotes created by experts and experienced journalers

·        Side-by-side layout with turnable pages like a paper journal

·        4 unique designs

·        Photo uploads to make experiences visual

·        Keyword tracking to find past entries

·        Facebook sharing

·        Downloads into PDF or TXT files

·        iCloud sync ability

·        Password protection

Interested yet? Quiller may be purchased and downloaded here. Currently this application is only available for iPad.

For more info about Quiller, link here: http://www.quiller-app.com/.

 

© 2013 Latasha Woods

Seeing Through the Shadow into the (Wo)Man in the Mirror

Facing our own truth is the only way to overcome all adversity from within and outside ourselves.

Who are we and what do we really want in this life experience?

The answer lies within our own shadow or hidden selves. There also dwells the characters that we refuse to examine or change. Once we see us for who really are we can begin to change for the better. Peel away the false illusions or facades driven by the ego and come face to face with the shadow self or (wo) man in the mirror, which allows us to see through the world into what is real and important.

Do this by acknowledging the way you interpret the world, and define your dreams and desires.

No one can change another unless they want to change. We are all responsible for our own individual change. The world naturally enfolds to the rhythm of every individual choice.

Break the barriers and surpass false limitations by embracing the truth of self through self-awareness. Once you acknowledge the truth about who you are, all the world's veils become lifted and you are the seer of all truth because it dwells in you.

How can you accomplish this?

Start by trusting your feelings and instincts and recognize not only who you are but where you are and where you really want to be. Also see the greatness in the present and know that you are always whole as an individual and that you always have the choice to be happy. Have faith that there is a blessing behind every situation and circumstance.

Finally, spend time alone away from everyday distractions and just be. What comes to mind, how do you feel, and what inspires you to your core? The answer to these questions can only be found in the real you, the shadow (wo)man in the mirror.

© 2012 Latasha Woods

Discovering Life Purpose

We live to make a living but we are not making a living to live at the cost of our happiness.

The search for Life Purpose begins with the discovery of Inner Truth. To find Inner Truth we must search within the essence of what brings us joy and helps others along the path.

How do we find something that is not readily visible to us? We begin by looking deeper into the every day, seemingly ordinary events. We look beyond what we would like to happen exactly.... into what makes us happy... even deeper into what makes our souls come alive and soar beyond the world's physical architects of illusion. Start to notice who you are.... I mean who you are at your core. What do you enjoy doing everyday without even getting a thought's permission to contemplate? What comes natural to you? Where are you in your life, where have you been and what are the beings (people, animals, plants) that seem to gravitate to you on a daily basis?

We may all have similar work, routines and responsibility but we are all uniquely favored in our gifts, talents and purpose. Look beyond the ordinary to derive the essence of who you are and what you came here to do.

 
© 2012 Latasha Woods

Story

Story consists of life experience. It is an outlet used to charge the minds of others. It is pain, pleasure, love, aggression and moral all rolled up into a sequence of events. The characters are players of the story, and ultimately, they are molded from these events.


Not every story has been told. Many stories that are being told through, film, television, literature and even music, has been recycled. There are so many concepts to be acknowledged and stories calling to be given a voice. When we grasp for the unordinary, we obtain more authentic, original and innovative material. Most importantly, every story, no matter how similar, has not been told the same way by two different storytellers. This is the signature voice.


© 2012 Latasha Woods

Photo By Grafixer

How to Apply True Beauty

Beauty is seen more than in a glance. It goes deeper than any foundation can conceal. It reveals more than one can judge at first sight. Beauty is the unity of a sincere smile and emotional qualities of the heart. It never ages, therefore stands the test of time.

Check out my article on How to Apply True Beauty


© 2012 Latasha Woods

Color Therapy & Meaning

There is more to colors than meets the eye. Like each of us, it inhabits multidimensional qualities, and as you observe closer, it adds meaning to what we see and create around us. Each color has the ability to evoke an emotion and facilitate a healing within by seeing outside ourselves.

Check out my article on Color Therapy & Meaning

© 2012 Latasha Woods

Strengthening Your Intuition

Intuition is a gift to us all. It is a feeling, a whisper, a dream, and the presence of all five senses in various places. It is always with you and ready to give you messages when you are ready to quiet your mind and  listen.

Check out my article on Strengthening Your Intuition

© 2012 Latasha Woods

Learning the Art of Letting Go

 “Don't hang in there Baby. You will always land on your feet."

In order to gain, we must give away what is no longer needed. "Nature abhors a vacuum". By letting go of what no longer works in our lives, we get closer to a higher state of self which is without regret, fear or doubt, but empowered through, faith, trust and unconditional love for self and others. There are various seasons for new people, places and opportunities to come along. Life is about choices and in making these choices we choose what we want to carry with us and what we want to leave behind. No matter the choice, the lesson is the greatest component that we gain and carry into the future.

Check out my article on Learning the Art of Letting Go


© 2012 Latasha Woods

The Art of Dance Styles

Dance is a language that has evolved all around the world. It is a language that every body speaks. In every form, there is culture and artistic freedom explored through movement of the human body. Some of these movements are reflections of the movements within and through nature. The styles are endless, yet still I sought to explore some of the most popular styles by compiling a piece that lists these various forms as a reference for dance enthusiasts.

Check out my article on The Art of Dance Styles

© 2012 Latasha Woods

Elements of Horror 101 & 102

Horror. The word itself brings a chill down the spine. Horror in literature and film has been an undeniable addiction that feeds the human's craving and curiosity of the unusual and the unknown. It spans many genres from classic monsters to mayhem in ordinary places. Dare to walk the path of the dark-side? Take a crash course in Horror 101 & Horror 102.

© 2012 Latasha Woods

Prince: The Artist in Film

Film and music go hand and hand. Prince, one of the most notable artists of all time has successfully brought his music to life on the big screen with stories of love, life, and of course, the power of music to restore and liven the worlds of everyday people. His music is timeless and his films are just another outlet... a time capsule even, in which to frame his original, influential sound which continues to thrive through the ears and hearts of all music lovers.

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons

Check out my article here:

The Artist Known As Prince- Classic Films & Major Soundtracks

                                © 2012 Latasha Woods

On Writing Therapy

                                                
                                              Reflection

Sometimes we all have to take a moment to reflect. We reflect on the past, the present and even the future. One of the most freeing ways to do this self-meditation is through writing. Go into the page without expectations and without judgment. Write what you feel and write what you know. Sometimes while doing this, we surprise ourselves with the inner wisdom that's whispered in our subconscious mind just before quieting our conscious awareness.

The great entertainer and original Catwoman, Eartha Kitt, shares her wisdom experience as a result of reflective writing.

Words of Wisdom from Eartha Kitt

"And, if you trust fate, she's wonderful."

Instead of controlling or trying to go against the hand you are dealt, you must learn to play with what you have by seeing both the advantages and disadvantages of circumstance. When you take the time to mirror the reflection of what we see as negative, the positive begins to surface. By looking through the opposite side, you can see how it fits into that perspective. This is a lesson that primes you for the strength that summons the true essence of who you are.

Instead of thinking that circumstances are working against you, know that circumstances of life are usually for the better, based on those lessons that you need to learn specifically to balance your life at that time. Trust that you are being led exactly where you need to be. Allow yourself to see it through faith.

"Don't fight the life you love to live".

These words are a divine confirmation about life purpose. It makes you realize that it is ok to want what you want and actually obtain it. You know what you want, so go for it regardless of the opposing wills of others and circumstance. Trust your intuition and know that what drives you will ultimately take you to where you really want to be. Love your life by honoring your passion.

 "Keep it simple."

Some say that making life complicated is easy. When you focus on what is important you will find that those complications, just like the path of difficulty, is an unnecessary illusion. Everything is about choice and you always have the choice to make your life as simple as you like by relinquishing unnecessary baggage and worry. Keep your focus on what is important and see everything else for what it is...a temporary chapter within a bigger story.

On what's important: "My sanity. My health. My work."

 Find what is important to you and make every choice for the  benefit of those aspects of your life. In all cases, your peace of mind and your general mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being is what outweighs everything. Remember that everything has a purpose and this purpose plays a significant role in your personal development. The way you see circumstances and the way you choose to feel about yourself, will determine the fluidity of your life path. Choose to enjoy it and learn from it, no matter what you are given. Know that your expectations and perspective is the driving force behind your journey. Staying     attuned to what really matters, keeps you grounded.

© 2012 Latasha Woods

Creative Therapy: Co-Create Your Life

Transformation

"Be the change you want to see," is a very wise saying that encourages us to go about living and co-creating our lives to match our desires. By doing this we must actively create the changes that we want to see. Allow yourself to not only see this but feel it, smell it, and hear it. Apply all senses to the possibility.

 Visualize
Daily visualizations or day dreams can be beneficial to co-create your desired outcome. Allow yourself to play your ideal situation in your mind as if you were watching a movie. Nothing is too outrageous!


Speak
Start by speaking into existence all that you want to progress in your life. You don't necessarily have to say this to anyone but yourself. Or if you choose, tell the world the way you see your life and watch how the reality unfolds the more you talk about it. It is not delusional to speak things into existence. the more you speak it as it is, the more you allow yourself to take those active steps to breath life into the reality.

Write
Write your goals as if they are already achieved. Mentally, this is a subconscious ritual to transform your conscious actions into the tangible reality. As you write, feel the experience in the present as if it were already so.

Imagery Art
Draw a picture. Collect a collage. Take pictures of something that you would like to have. As you journal about what you want, where you want to be and achieving your dreams in the present, bring it to life with pictures, drawing and other visuals to look at everyday.

The greatest benefits of co-creating your life through creative arts and writing therapy includes: self-discovery, healing, creativity, freedom of expression, and solutions.

Keep in mind that as we discover ourselves in every moment in the present, this is liable to change our vision for the future. Either way, change begins by showing gratitude for what is to come. We are all the co-creators of our inner and outer transformations and life evolutions.

© 2011 Latasha Woods

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons

Creative Wellness Through The Arts & Entertainment

Creative Wellness is in every way an essential exercise in activating all aspects of ourselves so that we are in harmony with our life physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. The road to wellness starts with an intention. This intention is fed to the mind by imagining a more healthier and successful accumulation of our dreams and desires. Through creative arts therapy and many forms of relaxation, we can begin to purge our inhibitions and doubts by freeing our imaginations to the possibility through visualization, writing, dance, music, drama, arts and other creative forms.

The arts & entertainment world provides us with this escape as we view the kaleidoscope of art through an outlet which speaks to our subconscious selves personified through music, film, writing, dance and other creative arts. Whether you choose to indulge in an alternate reality escape through film, video games or journaling, it all helps us to acknowledge the subconscious need for creative freedom and enjoyment. A window of creative adventure is always available, whether you are a spectator or the creator. This creativity is fed from inspiration based on what gives us joy. By creating, you give emotions, experiences and ideas a playground to roam, thus freeing us from a seemingly limited reality where all the world is a stage. As we create and explore ourselves in these ways, all is possible.

© 2011 Latasha Woods

GOD'S Poem

An Inspirational Poem Honoring GOD, The Great Spirit.

GOD

The Great Spirit

Calls Within

The Infinite Wisdom

Embodies Greatness for All

Always Forgiving

Lending Grace

As Higher Self Stands Tall

GOD

The Great Spirit

All Knowing

Summoning Us

We Hear the Call

Love & Strength

Pulling Me Closer

To Eternal Goodness 

& Enduring Faith

I Honor You Always

© 2011 Latasha Woods

Photo Courtesy: Jim Munnelly

Dance Spirit

An Ode to the Spirit of Dance

I Move with the Tune

of Inspiration

A Sound Innately

Built in My Soul

My Body

The Instrument

Movements Infinite

This Body's Vocabulary

Articulating the World

Transmitting from Experience

The Spirit Calling

Me

To Move

Move

Move

Dancing the Sounds

of Hip-Hop, Ballet, Modern, Jazz

The Ancients

with the Fusion

of Movements taken Elsewhere

Articulating from

Every Step

used to Flow through this

Life

Smooth or Rough

Soft or Hard

Fast or Slow

Flowing or Stiff

I Speak All the Languages

Hoping to Contact

And Flow with the Other Spirits

Mutually or Aggressively

Together or Apart

No matter how

This is My Art

GOD-Given Dancer Spirit

Driven from the Passionate Heart

© 2011 Latasha Woods

Photo Courtesy: Sorayui