Photo Copyright Natasha Reilly 2011

Silver and turquoise. That was all I used to wear. Silver and turquoise jewelry. The combination spoke to my heart. I had bracelets, earrings and rings with that combination. An old boyfriend took one of my all-time favorite silver and turquoise rings. Years after we parted, I spoke to him and he said he’d lost it in the desert. I remember that hurt a bit. It felt like by leaving it there he’d also left a part of me. It felt like he’d released me into the desert and I couldn’t understand it.

Last weekend, I traveled to Sedona, Arizona with some of the most amazing women I’ve ever met as part of Connie Hozvicka’s Total Alignment Retreat. Thank you from my heart for creating that Connie! We hiked in the Red Rocks, painted and did yoga  – well those are the things that we were set to do but what we did was SO much more. During one hike, we stopped in this sacred space – I swear it was just made for us – and created a Prayer Flag – Lis was responsible for this wonderful moment (thank you Lis). My prayer was about leaving something behind, something that didn’t suit my life anymore.

Photo Copyright Natasha Reilly 2011

As I sat among those rocks with those beautiful women, I cried. I knew what I needed to release, what has been holding me back. Finally, I understood why one might choose to“lose” things or leave them in the desert. As Connie said, “Look around you. There is enough history here to absorb what you need to let go of so you can get to the juice.” As tears streamed down my face, I left it behind. I walked away from a situation that – for all the joy it brings – it brings far more disappointment and tears. I needed to stop pouring my energy into such a negative space and instead use it to create something beautiful. In letting go, I discovered such Power and Fire within my Own Soul and it EXPLODED into my work – wait till I show you what has happened to my art!

Photo Copyright Natasha Reilly 2011

This is only one powerful moment in a weekend of many, many life changing ones. I feel so deeply blessed to have been able to crack open my heart AND my art with women who truly have become like sisters in paint to me….so blessed. In the coming weeks – as I process all that happened – I will be sharing much more. It was such an incredibly inspiring and transforming  journey. I can’t wait to share it with you…I’m simply filled with LIFE.

From my heart to yours.