Find Your Inner Compass

Written by Sharon Marie Lawlor

Photo by Clarke Sanders on Unsplash

My journey is ever-unfolding. I am a deep feeler, and I cherish meaning. At my core, I seek deep dives to explore the mysteries of the universe, the power of the mind-body connection, and the connections between all living things.

Growing up I was quiet, very internal, reflective. Building relationships with nature really spoke to me.

I played in my sandbox connecting with maple seeds and started maple tree seedlings. I went door-to-door with my red wagon gifting these seedlings for any donation.

My uncle tucked me into bed one evening and treated me to a guided meditation in nature, opening up a whole new world for me.

My father had a pocket-watch that he had repaired three times, but it never kept working. I intuitively placed it in my hands, closed my eyes and visualized it working, sending it healing energy (which I did not have language for at the time). It kept perfect time after that.

Later, at my grandparents’ home in the country, I immersed myself in the nature there. I spent my time walking among the trees and fields, feeding horses, boating on the serene fishing lake, in awe of the beauty of the lily pads, and connecting with food plants in their vegetable garden. My love for nature expanded from my time there and had a lasting impact on me. All of these experiences assisted in my path, and I am so grateful for them.

As an empath, I am highly sensitive; I feel emotions and energy around me. I tap into my intuition in my work and all of these messages guide me. I am also invested in leaving the world a better place. For me, this is my life’s work — I’m here to awaken others.

Not so long ago, though, my road was a bumpy one, full of anguish and dissatisfaction. I always felt as though I wasn’t enough, that I had to push to get things done — late nights, little sleep, always working. I was spinning; stuck in a cycle and not going anywhere — this was my hamster wheel. “If I just do more, then surely that will get me out of my rut,” was my belief then. It brought me to my breaking point.

I was last on my list and never made it to the top. It felt as though my soul was withering away and I was disconnected from my dreams and aspirations. One day I finally chose to start feeling again. I was finally able to listen to my heart, and it was asking, “What makes you joyful?”

You know what the key was for me? CREATIVITY.

I believe creativity is the life force that flows through our beings. Everyone is creative, but we forget. Creativity may show up in many ways — through cooking, raising a family, organizing, building a business, how one goes through life, etc. When consciously and intentionally living life, that creative life force awakens and juices our system, energizing all that we create.

According to my husband, when I am in my creative process there is a softness to me and a glow to my skin. Yes! I love that!

How did I navigate this? I listen to this inner voice. Oh, how I listen. This is my inner compass — my true north star. If you have ever seen Pirates of the Caribbean, you may know about Jack Sparrow’s compass. His unusual navigational instrument points in the direction of what he most desires. I see this as his north star.

I had to say yes to myself, to give myself the space to find and follow my north star.

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. I’m a Licensed Massage Therapist Certified in Pregnancy & Postnatal Massage, Reiki Master, Certified Color of Woman Teacher and Intentional Creativity Coach. I’ve been a Massage Therapist since 2005, and have extensive training in Lymphatic Drainage Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy, Chi Nei Tsang (a five- element detox abdominal massage), and Reflexology.

I draw from my eclectic mix of bodywork and intentional creativity training. I feel exactly what the tissues under my hands need — listening ever so closely to them and the body. I love to incorporate essential oils, flower essences, healing sound with Tibetan singing bowls and tuning forks, healing gemstones, guided visualizations, breath-work, movement, and elemental card pulls for messages, or other healing tools into sessions.

I work with the energies of the seasons (fall, winter, spring, summer), the realms of nature (water, earth, air, fire, spirit), and the five elements (water, earth, fire, metal, wood) to move the energy within clients. I’ve been studying the forces of creation with my teacher, Lisa Michaels, since 2014 to become a certified Natural RhythmsTM Creation Coach and Facilitator.

Here are my own words in what I call my Artist Statement:

I am guided by the beauty in all things, mesmerized with the interconnectedness the universe holds. Deep in the unconscious, I gather my inspirations, intuitively expressing those symbols for healing. Consecrating them together energetically onto my canvas, it’s a journey of self-discovery building my connection to self and the Divine using intentional creativity and mindfulness.

I’m a bodyworker, healer, and artist. Some call me a Transformational Healing Artist. I am an intuitive guide and mentor; I help bring more calm, peace, and stillness to their life so they can hear the universe speak to them too.

I use the Color of Woman Intentional CreativityTM painting method, taught by Shiloh Sophia, with acrylics on canvas, paper, or wood. I am a Certified Color of Woman Teacher and an Intentional Creativity Coach through her Intentional Creativity Foundation. Shiloh studied with Sue Hoya Sellars throughout her life, and Sue mentored with Lenore Thomas Straus before that. Through this lineage, I now can pass on the wisdom.

I teach others this tool for their self-empowering healing and transformation to bring the feminine into being in a step-by-step process individually with women, as well as facilitating group workshops. It soon became my spiritual practice; my devotion to my Beloved, the Divine. Art had always held many facets in my life, but until I had big life questions, it didn’t have meaning. I am blessed and want others to experience this too.

I tap into the Natural RhythmsTM of the season and the energy of the earth to help bring more ease and grace into life. I help bring this awareness to others as well. Connecting nature with inquiry is one of my magical ways to receive guidance from the Universe, and I mirror this reflection back to those I work with on this level in their own Medicine Walks.

In all my work, Intentional CreativityTM leads the way for the artist and healer in me to come through, and alchemy happens. This is so magical to me and lights my soul fire! I believe that to consciously conceive something is to bring one’s intention, love, and energy to the desired situation. This act in itself opens up the creative flow of the second chakra and water element, tapping into the One’s greatness.

It is within this container that I create a safe, sacred space for others to reconnect to their true essence and awaken their most authentic self. To light one’s spark. To birth the beauty within.

Next month, we’ll dig deeper into who this work is for and what they may be experiencing. Plus, how bodywork and other modalities integrate with this approach.