Wise Words of Henry David Thoreau on Heartful Art by Raphaella Vaisseau

This lesser-known quote from the beloved transcendentalist, Henry David Thoreau, speaks to me: "Every leaf and twig was this morning covered with a sparkling ice armor; even the grasses in exposed fields were hung with innumerable diamond pendants, which jingled merrily when brushed by the foot of the traveler. It was literally the wreck of jewels and the crash of gems ..." Every day as I marvel at the extraordinary beauty of this world we live in, I hear Thoreau's words in my heart and head.

I love nature with a passion. I am a seeker, devoted to aligning myself with my best and highest expression of the gift of life and the world we live in. One day, years ago, during a spiritual retreat in Minnesota, we were given an exercise to go outside and find something in nature that reflects who we are. We were given an hour to do this. When the facilitator said to start, I rushed out the door and ran full speed down a country road in the woods, thinking that by getting first to the farthest place, I would be the one to find the treasured thing. I searched frantically for something meaningful. Not finding anything, I was fearful that the time would be up and I wouldn't have discovered the perfect thing I wanted.

It was then a glimpse of a beautiful flower flashed momentarily through my mind. I had rushed past it being first out the door. I turned around and walked back to the beginning, to the building, and there it was, just to the right of the door: a magnificent flower unfurling it's beautiful self. I knew this was the thing I was looking for. I found it and it had been right there all along. I wouldn't have had to go farther than one foot from where I'd started my quest. Again, I heard Thoreau's words in my heart and mind, and understood: "Such is beauty ever, neither here nor there, neither in Rome nor in Athens, but wherever there is a soul to admire. If I seek her elsewhere because I do not find her at home, my search will prove a fruitless one."

The power of the universe is within each one of us. The beauty and wisdom of the ages is inside of me and you, and it is available to us, should we choose to turn the key to and open the door of our hearts, and use the power of our minds. As wonderful, beneficial, and helpful it might be to travel to faraway places, take another seminar, read another book, find another teacher, if we are doing that in order to find the piece that's missing in our own selves, we will not find it. We must first know we are a magnificent creation and the power, beauty, and majesty lie within. Know the truth and the answers are inside.

Look within. Discover the ever-unfolding miracle of being. Step out into the world with the knowing that you, me, and all of us are equal parts of the magnificent creation of our glorious world. What you find, and me as well, will amaze us even more.
-Raphaella Vaisseau

Magical Moments in Everyday Life in the World of Heartful Art and Raphaella Vaisseau

Yesterday was an extraordinary day at the Venice Farmer's Market here in Florida. It wasn't just the record sales of my Heartful Art (best day ever at the market), but many sweet moments of conversation with women and men who browsed the inspirational art I create for them continue to touch my spirit and uplift me this morning.

One woman shared her experience from twenty years ago when she woke up and knew, "I am enough," believing this inner knowing was a gift from God given to her in her dream. She'd been sober for two years at that point and went on to be a recovery counselor. She has since helped countless others realize this important truth as well. At home on my refrigerator I have a page from Louise Hay's daily affirmation calendar from June 18th of last year. It reads, "I am neither 'too little' nor 'too much,' and I do not have to prove myself to anyone. I am okay just as I am."

Another magical moment was recalling and sharing an experience I'd had at my Heartful Art Gallery in Sausalito eight years ago about a hornet:

"As I prepared to leave the gallery tonight I noticed a rather large hornet crashing against the sunlit windows of the gallery looking for a way out. I was tired and ready to leave. However, the thought of the hornet's long night ahead if it remained trapped inside was not a pleasant one. I put down my bags and fetched my rescue tools (a stepstool, backboard and vase), and set about my task. After I carefully captured the insect in the vase and covered the open end with my backboard to prevent escape, I made my way for the great outdoors. As I did, I talked to the little creature, saying that it would only be a moment longer and all would be well. The hornet continued to struggle, thinking itself caught. As I reached a safe distance from my gallery door, I removed the backboard and released the hornet into the air. It was free. A thought occurred to me as I watched it fly away that it might be a similar feeling of loving compassion our Mother/Father/God, our Higher Self or our guardian angels have as they guide us through our trials and tribulations here on Earth. The hornet didn't know that in it's capture, I was bringing it to freedom. It only felt the confinement of the glass. Sometimes we may think we are blocked and feel there is no way out, but who's to say there are not unseen forces capturing us from unpleasant fates and circumstances and gently carrying us to freedom. As we breathe a sigh of relief at our eventual escape, know that we are not alone. Give thanks where thanks are due." - Raphaella Vaisseau, Journal, 03.11.05

When hearts are open, and vibrations are in sync, human interaction can be so perfect and beautiful. Whatever the catalyst, heart-to-heart sharing is important. It allows growth, understanding, and beauty to be present, be felt, and to flourish. I appreciate the opportunities I have every day to interact with my beautiful fans and collectors of my Heartful Art. I sincerely thank you for blessing me with your support, and honoring me with your sharing. - Raphaella Vaisseau