June / July 2010

This issue we would like to introduce to you the work of Breah Livoist Parker. As an accomplished artist and writer, Breah brings to the world an uplifting message with all that she does. She is an author and illustrator and for more than 11 years creator of verbalremedies.com. Her website features her blog on the Home page, as well as ecards, magnets and a very special poster "The Earth Pledge of Allegiance" with part of each sale gifted to organizations who make the Earth Pledge. Check out www.peaceandloveforall.com, the site dedicated to practical ideas, projects and support of "The Earth Pledge of Allegiance"—bringing the pledge into action.

Her blogs are as inspiring as her art. As she writes on her website "The intention of the blog is to encourage a conversation of inspiration to live the hell out of life... literally. Hell in this life is not living the truth of oneself."

As most of us are on this journey of self-discovery, Breah has made this journey alive with her expressions. Her passion is to find the self that has been hiding inside, and live it from the inside out. This passion expands into sharing her experiences, in support of others in their journey of self reclamation, through her work and public speaking engagements.

Her book, Dare To Dream, some may recognize as a light for those who wish to celebrate the love of life and the universal truth that we are all one as we are reminded to take on "an attitude of gratitude." The dedication of Dare to Dream says it all. It is dedicated to her children, and the feeling of the entire world, Be who you are... it is more than enough!

Breah's next step... She is finding a place for Verbal Remedies on public air to share words of wisdom and encouragement, as well as, presenting inspiring guests and co-hosts.

As a yoga therapist in private practice, graphic designer, mother, grandmother, artist, writer, public speaker, and creator Breah shows us that when you let your light shine, beam it out into the world, you can watch all your dreams come true. Even through life's challenges.

I asked if she would like to share a written expression of the inspiration for the cover artwork, Risk To Blossom, the following is from Breah, enjoy.

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful

than the risk it took to blossom.

That day has come. Last night I found myself beginning to sink into a chair in my living room, thinking about being alone (i.e. without a relationship). Tears began to flow as I talked to the forces of creation. Asking the question – why? My very own why question to God. And what can I do about it? The answer wasn’t sitting in the chair and crying on a Friday night. I called a few friends to bring me back to the present.

That’s what friends do. Friends help friends be present.

This is evidence of my tendency to spin out on a thought and create a big picture, lapping it up as if it were truth when I did not really know that it was absolutely so. I experience it and it becomes my experience. This time I got my behind up off the chair and looked into the mirror to assess the damage of the tears. Not too bad—A little Visine, a little water, a little makeup. Brush my teeth. Drink and bring some water. I was goin’ out. And I did, even though as I did I was hoping for rescue—Someone to go with. No one came. I went anyhow.

The pain of staying home and wallowing in what I did not have was greater than stepping out on my own. I went out and walked into and out of town alone. Facing the pain of not having a relationship and stepping into a different way of viewing the situation of my life. Perhaps it is all perfectly fine and right that I am alone in the world for the moment. Perhaps it is all perfectly fine and right that I continue to move through my life for quite a while longer borrowing entry into other people’s lives.

Because I got up and went out, the first person I saw was a dear friend who I haven’t seen for months. It was like going home to see her face and that of her husband. Because I got up and went out, I saw a few other friends and had an uplifting evening. Did I come home any different? Yes. Changed because I changed my experience. Purposefully. I got up and went out. It’s not feeling monumental, simply one step closer to a full experience of myself and this world and other beings in it.

To paraphrase Michael Franti’s lovely song, One Step Closer To Me. Stepping into me. A voice inside me says wait. Stay safe snuggly in the comfort of what has been, no matter how painful the story. AND… the other voice saying to change up what I normally do. That voice was louder. It won. I won in listening to it.

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. ~ Anais Nin

Among so many other things, Breah Livolsi Parker is the author and illustrator of Verbal Remedies™ for your soul. Inspiration to be who you are… it is so much more than enough! Visit Breah’s site verbalremedies.com to read her blog, telling the stories of her life, and offering inspiration for yours. Thank you Breah!