THE ART OF PERSONAL EMPOWERMENT

CURRENT ESSAY: Maps of Consciousness © 2005 Kendra Barron

A picture is worth a thousand words; a symbol is worth a thousand worlds.

There are times in life when you find yourself in uncharted territory.  No one you know has come this way.  As an artist I seek to expand my consciousness, looking beyond my experience.  I paint “maps of consciousness” so that I can literally see where I am going.  Such a map relies heavily on symbols and the associations that they elicit. 

I begin my exploration by wondering what the map of expanding consciousness includes.  In the past I relied completely on familiar images and the ordinary way of looking at life around me.  Even now I choose a camel to represent my pilgrimage.  I identify with the grounded figure who lacks the power to fly.  The creatures that fly have the advantage of seeing the landscape from above. 

Since I want to get to the heart of consciousness, I play with symbols from the traditions of I Ching, astrology, numerology, the runes of divination (Danish alphabet).  The tree of life (Kabbala) with its seven levels inspires me to think about exploring the energy system in our bodies with its seven layers, called chakras.  Chakras are responsible for our physical health, and also organize and support the life functions of: survival, creativity, personal power, love, communication, insight, and connection with the sacred.

Read the overview of each chakra, which can touch on an interest of yours.  View the painted map.  Draw your own conclusions concerning the experience of each chakra.

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