Soul Crafts

Many moons ago, I studied at the Animas Institute with Dr. Bill Plotkin. His work emphasized “soul crafts.” Bill used this term to refer to daily practices and disciplines that cultivated a deeper connection to our inner life. He also encourage his students to bridge what we experienced within and notice its relevance to outer experiences. Paying attention to our dreams, for instance, might be complemented by what we noticed in synchronicity or resonance from the world around us.

I also loved the active side of soul crafts which might entail writing poetry, keeping a journal, exploring artwork, experimenting with sound, or spending solitary time in nature with an eye and ear for auspicious signs.  Decades later I continue to cultivate meaning and mystery through regular practices of soul crafts.

Sometimes we humans hold back from certain endeavours (soul crafts) because we don’t feel qualified. We don’t hold the designation of a professional artist, a trained musician, or certified expressive arts therapist. Why not chuck those beliefs! We are each free to create anything that engages our imaginal capacities. In the end, it’s never about commerce… hanging our art in a gallery, publishing our poetry, or selling our music on streaming services. The intent comes down to something more personal - to commune with our psyche. In this spirit, I am deeply grateful for the gifts of self-awareness and deepening my soul life through my explorations in impressionistic art, photographing dreamlike images, generating an ambient soundscape, or writing poetry as an immersion in the imaginal realms. The process always helps me become more conversant in dream speak.