Cease practice based
on intellectual understanding,
pursuing words and
following after speech.
Learn the backward step
that turns your light inward
to illuminate within.
Body and mind of themselves
will drop away,
and your original face
will be manifest. — Dogen
This ancient poem
holds the energy
of what I choose to see
in the world around me –
and what I seek to create.
Contact Dorothy here to commission portraits
that stand the test of time.
I have always had an affinity for quirky, unconventional heroes in cartoons, books and movies.
It has taken me years to understand why these heroes attract me so. The skill of using this type of attention and focus is the result of a system called reticular activation.
Imagine thinking of a special color, then slowly but surely starting to see that special color around you, and in many things you see throughout the day. The reticular activator filters and curates the pictures, patterns, and connections you are subconsciously thinking about.
Now I know that ‘as within, so without’, I use it now to help me notice what I am noticing – as a way to confirm if I am indeed moving towards the goals I seek.
My interest in cartoons and paladin-type heroes are that they embody a creative mindset, a never-give-up attitude, and ability to adjust with zen immediacy to whatever comes their way, all the while maintaining their autonomy and personal inner values.
My ‘mentors’ walk out on clouds without falling, stretch like rubber, find clothes and wigs wherever they are needed, and never give up, even if at first they seem to lose!
The reticular activator is also the visible language of the inner spirit. I enclose an inspirational piece from another mentor, Napoleon Hill.
We all experience rare moments when a blinding revelation comes to us, when we suddenly see things differently than ever before. Usually, however, we learn the truth about ourselves gradually, over long periods of time, from quiet introspection.
We are all spiritual, but some of us have learned to tap more effectively into the great strength that resides in the spiritual portion of ourselves.
The spirit is not boisterous and noisy. Getting in touch with your spiritual self demands tranquility and solitude.
Make sure you dedicate a portion of every day to thought and study, to think and reflect upon your life. Choose a time and place that best allow you to relax your mind and devote your thoughts to reflection.
It is my hope that these thoughts and methods will help assist you in your search for purpose in your life.
All the best,
Be seen.
Schedule a time at your home for a really good photo of your family –
and enjoy it every day afterwards.
Dorothy Perry creates purposeful portraits in beautiful daylight. Contact her here.
I photographed their parents elopement portrait
and their blending families,
and amongst the official moments
of this special day, of a new life,
they created a new portrait
especially for me to see.
I wish their big, brand new family
many moments of unity, amity, and love.
Perry Portrait Art captures real families and their good energy.
Complete the Contact Page to envision yours.
One positive thought produces millions of positive vibrations.
John Coltrane
Send out a little ‘good vibration’ wherever you go!
Thoughts of your relaxed state, enjoying a beautiful song, enjoying nature, enjoying a cafe au lait in Paris,
feeling the air, sensing smells and sound until your body connects with the vision.
The key is increasing gradually the amount of time you can sit in this uplifted memory energy. Believe me, it feels great!
Can’t think of something right away? Get them all together and ready in one spot to go from one memory to the next.
Buy a special journal just for writing your good memories down
so that you are able to access your playlist of incredible whenever you need it!
This is specifically for memories that elicit feelings of love and happiness for you.
Some of mine are: My cat on my lap
Seeing rainbows during thunderstorms
Walking on the freshest green grass
Seeing a cardinal in a tree nearby
Seeing videos of my tiny granddaughter singing, etc…
This book is for your list of good memories; do not record ones that have tearful, regretful, or sad feelings.
Practice seeing the moments in your ‘mind’s eye’ until your body responds.
Whether or not it influences your environment immediately, you will be more awake and attuned.
The effects will emerge in awareness, improved experiences and a different quality of conversation.
Cheering for your success, Dorothy.
Dorothy Perry is a Chicagoan creating personal photographic portraits at home or on location. Contact her here for commissioned work.
With good will and applause,
I introduce my signed, special edition ceramic mug,
It beams out an artistic image of energy
to hold dark roast or Darjeeling.
I make it in single, a set of two,
and a set of four in which all have different energy designs.
Coffee is life. And energy.
I love making both.
Email perryportraitart@gmail.com for price.
These are a limited edition of eleven each.
Thank you for supporting a local artist.
