welcome: to hearts & minds creative studio

books

The first book of the self-expansion trilogy, “Heart Mind Belly, Points on a Map of Self-Discovery”, was published May 2017. “Heart Mind Belly” is best described as a personal discovery of how words trap habitual thoughts, feelings and actions. With a little insight, the reader is called to awaken their own energetic, spiritual aspects of life. A little heart, mind, and belly nudge reveals their essence as a first step in the process of becoming whole, complete, and free.

The second book continues the development of heart, mind, belly by offering connections, the guidance of lighthouses through storms, and bridging distinct differences. The book is written, yet calls for more learning and experience to wake up old perceptions with new and fresh insight.

And the third book talks of coming home.

booklets

Carolyn penned and illustrated booklets aimed to tickle the childlike imagination within us all. The stories originated after her father died. Her mother filled the silence with questions and was calmed when listening to little stories such as these. While delving beyond the edge, Carolyn’s imagination flourished in creating these “how did this come to be” type stories. The artwork seemed to flow with the words. There are more stories to write and more illustrations to draw.

articles

When the opportunity arises, here are articles about deep dive thoughts, random observations, and potential ponderings.

Passionate Journey

“In this passionate journey, the author searches for her genuine self. She relates life experiences and memories through discussions of the heart, the mind, and the body. It is an enlightening read.

MA Marazzi

“The Dali Lama has said that if you want to be happy, practice compassion. But how do we feel and act from compassion when we approach our challenges solely as thinkers? Sometimes I stay in my head, particularly when circumstances are challenging. Heart Mind Belly by Carolyn Valenzuela helps me stay balanced.

She writes “Wisdom owns the consequences of thoughts, feelings and actions. The wisdom of the heart sweetly filters feelings from decisions. The wisdom of the mind filters with an intent to build personal history. The wisdom of the belly filters to choose direction and action. The three centers shape a system to serve as a moral foundation for how to relate with and in the world.”

As we get older and our heart hardens from the aches and pains of life, I’ve also realized “There comes a time to recall the birthright of innocence.”

Valenzuela’s wisdom shares how “We are responsible for creating our personal truths” and “The journey of self-discovery may not need new sights, but rather the ability to see old ways with fresh eyes.”

On my journey I have sought to open my crown chakra for extended periods and encourage others to do so for both personal growth and the spiritual growth of humanity. Valenzuela writes: “Humanity has made leaps and bounds from the time fire was discovered to the exploration of space. With all this knowledge, being human is not the same as when two sticks were rubbed together. There is nothing to stop the capability of the heart, mind, and belly from pushing beyond the space of a new frontier. It is time to push the evolution of humanity because we are better human beings.”

Heart Mind Belly helps me live in harmony with my body, my relationships and my world.

Michael S. Van Hecke