August / September 2007
Rita Loyd

So many of us have found through our own experiences our own unique way of living life. It is not often easy to connect to what that truly means for ourselves and to be open to the infinite possibilities that life holds. Through these experiences that are uniquely ours we find that finally, living life, is a way of being not doing. It is our expression of this found way of being that will create the life we have come to enjoy, love and hold so dear. We were approached by artist and writer Rita Loyd to view her expression of life, and we are happy to welcome her to this issue as our cover artist.

"I first began to paint Nurturing Art when I became ill with stomach problems and chronic fatigue syndrome in 1996. As my life slowly narrowed around me from lack of physical strength and chronic panic attacks, my ego had no other choice than to step aside, and allow the voice of my spirit to emerge and comfort me through my artwork.

Through the years I have chosen to paint images that encourage me to heal, to think positive thoughts and to love myself. To find the inspiration to paint such images I go through a process of self-examination to explore where in my life I need the most encouragement. To do this I first make sure that I am in a mind space of self compassion rather than critical self judgment, for critical self judgment only causes me to feel self defensiveness rather than open and honest. Once I can be honest, I look at my life and see where things are not flowing well and then I explore the reasons and the misconceptions that have created this block. With the information I find, I review my spiritual studies and search my spirit to find a message of wisdom. When this message of wisdom comes through, I imagine the symbolism that will translate it best into art form and that is what I paint. Once a painting is finished, it becomes a powerful reminder and a healing tool for visualization."

Rita has a wonderful collection of art, greeting cards, her DVD In Search of Love and her affirmation book, Expressions of Self Love available on her website. Each affirmation book, which contains 68 images and affirmations, is printed and bound at home with care and signed by Rita. You can see more art by Rita Loyd on her website: http://www.NurturingArt.com or contact Rita at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling her at 256-880-3935.