Ep. 48: Embracing Self-Healing Through Art

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In this powerful episode, Maria Mayes sits down with artist Michelle Feldman to explore her transformative journey of self-discovery and healing through art, yoga, and the breath. Michelle opens up about the challenges she faced in her personal life, from an exhausting marriage and difficult divorce to raising twins and battling feelings of unworthiness. She candidly shares how, in the midst of these struggles, she found solace in painting—first as a way to feel good, then as a deeper tool for self-awareness.

Michelle reflects on how her creative process evolved, helping her navigate emotional pain and access her authentic self. Through art, yoga, and breathwork, she learned to shift from victimhood to empowerment, allowing herself to feel and release suppressed emotions. This slow, evolving journey, filled with small moments of clarity, led her to profound self-awareness and a more peaceful, mindful life.

Throughout the conversation, Maria and Michelle discuss the power of breathwork, the importance of setting boundaries, and the need to create practices that sustain inner peace. Michelle emphasizes the significance of following what feels good and letting those feelings guide healing practices, from yoga to creative expression. Together, they get candid about using alcohol to numb and pivoting to enjoyment through self-awareness. They inspire listeners to try different tools that foster emotional resilience and authentic living. 

Tune in for an insightful and inspiring conversation on the healing potential of art, the wisdom of breath, and the empowerment that comes from embracing your true self.

Featured in this Episode of Chakras & Chardonnay

To get in touch with Michelle: 

www.thegivingink.com

https://www.instagram.com/thegivingink_mjuliet

Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/

Learn more about Maria and her work at Take5.Health and subscribe to receive tips and free Guided Meditations each Wednesday. Connect with Maria on social:
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Transcript

Maria Mayes: [00:00:00] Thank you so much for joining us. Here today, Michelle. 

Michelle Feldman: Oh, it's an honor. Maria, I'm so happy to be here. 

Maria Mayes: Hmm. Well, I'd love to dive into a little bit of your journey first, to kind of set the stage for our audience in terms of these practices, these healing practices that you've found through exploring your passion for art.

Um, what led you to that? And just give us a little bit of the backstory, if you don't mind. 

Michelle Feldman: Yeah, I'd love to. Um, my story is, I think of it as really something, um, kind of ordinary, actually. Um, I was raised in a, um, a great environment, which someone would look at superficially, but I kind of lived numbly. I kind of went through life, someone telling me what to do, mostly my parents, and went with it, um, took jobs they told me I should take, and a lot of the shoulds, [00:01:00] and got married, and my marriage was a struggle.

It was pretty much a struggle from the beginning, and I had a rough, um, birth, twins that came early, and It left me in a state of exhaustion, but still kind of just plugging through like this is life. This is how it's supposed to be. Life is hard. Marriages are hard. Then, um, during that struggle though, actually is when I first tapped into art.

Um, Years into it and we would be fighting and it would be, um, just some rough times. I would go down in secret and start painting just simply to feel good. Like it just became something that felt good. And at the time, I never thought I was worthy of showing my art. I never even thought it was any good. I took like [00:02:00] tracings of old botanicals and I, um, and I would fill them in.

And I thought I was copying stuff. And I thought, um, all these feelings of unworthiness. came in. Oddly enough, I had a store that carried some art, but I never thought my art was good enough, even though I went to school and studied, but I always thought I wasn't as good as everybody else. So here I am feeling all these same things I'm feeling when I'm having a really, really rough time.

So we, My, um, divorce was very challenging. The rug was sort of pulled out from underneath me. There was betrayal and, um, it's just some rough, rough times. And I realized , first I was in survival mode. I just, again, thought this is how [00:03:00] it's supposed to be.

Uh, I did everything I could to feel good. I immediately started going to a yoga class because I knew that would feel good, of which I cried pretty much the whole entire class. I purposely went to hot yoga so no one would see the tears.

down my eyes. Um, I would have cocktails at night to get myself through my head spinning. So my head was spinning through my divorce. I didn't understand it. I didn't, um, know what would happen to me. I didn't know what happened to me in my relationship with my kids who were only five years old at the time.

Um, I was truly spinning. Um, into completely an outer body experience. Um, I felt like the victim, I was angry. All these things to get through. Basically through [00:04:00] my divorce, meaning until the divorce was final. Then at that point after that, um, I was realizing these things aren't serving me. Um, the victimhood, the anger, you know, kind of still, there was a part of me that's still.

Believed it, believed that, um, I was the victim or I should be angry. But then I, all my other tools, my yoga tools, my breathing tools, the more I started doing things that I, that I did just to feel better because I wasn't feeling good, that brought me inside myself. And I realized, oh my goodness, I chose this person.

This path that I was on was exactly the path that. was set out for me. All these things that I was feeling, the unworthiness, the not good enough, I, I, [00:05:00] I was that person that got in this marriage. And it took me into a deep dive into self awareness where I switched my focus from being sort of the victim and anger into really trying to look within myself and going, why did this, why, like, why find the wise and the spiritual work, the work that I go back to the breathing and the yoga, um, first, even before the art, but these things really started to.

Help me look at more of my get out of my head and get into my feelings and think about The whys and I always was able to figure out the whys when I got out of my head And the art also helped me get out of my head. So I started painting cause it felt good. Basically I started doing things that felt good.

And [00:06:00] then I started thinking, well, why does this feel good? Well, it felt great because I got out of my head and I got into my feeling that my feelings were being put onto the canvas. And. that calmed my body and allowed me to look inward. So I started seeing this correlation between things that just simply felt good to, why does this feel good?

And then how do we use that as a tool to, to discover what people's call our authentic self or discover, maybe your, your inner child that's hurting or discover your shadow or discover all these. Things that are out there, discover which chakras are blocked, discover, um, and you could tap into so many different kinds of spirituality.

And that's sort of, uh, what [00:07:00] you talked about in the beginning that I believe we're all sort of God like really that some of us have better access to all these truths, these, um, texts and wisdoms that have been there for thousands of years. And I'm just learning, you can just happen to all these different things.

That are there. And it's been, yeah, it's been pretty cool. 

Maria Mayes: That's a beautiful, um, beautiful articulation of a journey that I think is one that might resonate with a lot of listeners out there. Um, I'm wondering if you are up for it. I'd like to delve in a little bit more because it is, we're recording this on October 11th.

No, October 9th, I'm advancing us here, but October is a domestic violence awareness month. And [00:08:00] you know, there's such a big distinction from having been victimized to remaining a victim, right? There, there are two different things, right? And so I just want to acknowledge and appreciate that, um, for you and the listeners out there that, um, This is very real and actually is a very, a lot more common than we realize, and also on the rise, especially with adolescent population, um, within relationship violence.

So, 

Michelle Juliet: yeah, 

Maria Mayes: I just want to acknowledge that I want to, um, for anyone out there who's in a situation right now where they're experiencing, um, harm of any kind. There's so many different forms, right? Um, That's in the thick of it. Um,

this is [00:09:00] a difficult conversation to have, in terms of sharing and really opening up this part of your journey. And I just want to honor your bravery for that. Um, because I truly think we can empower each other by being brave. Um, I'm curious how, if you take , yourself back to a moment where maybe you accessed either the breath work or the yoga or the painting, wherever you found yourself in that spot of stepping into what I heard you say, it, you know, Feeling.

Michelle Juliet: Mm hmm. 

Maria Mayes: Tapping into the feelings. How was that? Was it a slow evolution or was it a process where it was a quick, I can dive in and get in quickly? Or was it more like chipping away? If you could just share a little bit more [00:10:00] on that, I think it would benefit the listeners. 

Michelle Juliet: Yeah, it was a slow evolution for sure with some aha moments.

Also, um, I have to say it probably I didn't even know it was happening when I was even a child because I could feel that there was more out there. So I think just the knowledge that there was something else out there maybe guiding us or within us or spirit was something that I had an understanding of at some level, at some really fundamental level.

Um, and I think people find that and even spiritual leaders that they believe are what, however you find it. Um, but I think the trick was to tap into it and hold onto it and not just tap into it and like a morning meditation and then you get out and you're. having all these feelings again, maybe when I saw my ex [00:11:00] or, um, I would read an email and then it would put me right back in there.

So it was how to sustain that feeling. So, um, practice really, it was practice, a lot of practice, the breath work. Um, literally only a couple weeks ago, did somebody notice that I was still in my head and they put their hands on my body and they like forced me to breathe down to my, to my same chakra and breathe out of my stomach.

And it was like that moment changed. And it was. But this was only, you know, I've been divorced for 10 years, you know, and it's like, I'm always, um, always learning and always changing. Um, so it's a slow process for me that, um, that I've tapped into enough that it makes me excited to keep doing it [00:12:00] because when I can sustain that place.

through my day and through ride the waves with it. It's really been coming down to breath when it comes down to it. Um, and, but everything helps with the breath. My posture helps with how I breathe. My diet helps with how I breathe. What the music I play helps me. So every, pretty much every single thing.

relates to how I breathe, and then my breathing helps me get out of my mind and into my belly. That's kind of the ultimate goal, and I'm always working on it. Like I'll, you know, I'll have like a rough day, and then I'll be like, wait, make sure you put on that music, and you, right, your feet in the lawn, and you maybe talk to a friend, you need to connect, you need to, like, all, I bring in all the tools.

But to get to that ultimate goal, and it's always a work in progress, but, um, 

Maria Mayes: Thank you for sharing that. I love that. And I love [00:13:00] for that for our audience in terms of there's so many different options for us to tune in where we're in a world that wants us to tune out of their internal, right? To pull us out, to draw us out consistently through fear, but to be able to tune in and tap into that sense of, of love, um, to be able to do that in a situation where you are in a challenge, whether it's domestic abuse or whether it's some sort of challenge in your life, is, is is a tool that we have inside of us, but we're not really taught.

Right. So I think, um, I would love for you to just continue to share a little bit more because I think I really feel, um, even my heart opening a little [00:14:00] bit more right now as we're talking, because we have these hidden tools that we each discover at different points in our life. And really my goal with this podcast is to You know, listeners to them and inspire them to keep trying if that doesn't work, try this to keep searching.

Yes, 

Michelle Juliet: yes. Yeah, I love that. Yeah, 

Maria Mayes: yeah, I just, you know, with the breath as you spoke, I went back through some moments in my life, um, where the breath. Actually, I hadn't learned how to leverage its power and didn't know all of the theory and the science behind that power, but I think I instinctively went to it out of A deep knowing to shift from survival in fight or [00:15:00] flight in a situation that's similar to, I'm sure, um, some that you've probably experienced and with violence within a relationship, um, but that the breath was always there.

Um, and so if our listeners just take a moment to think about how, even if it's unconsciously who leveraged the breath in moments where you really needed it.

That's so powerful. 

Michelle Juliet: It is, and I love what you say about having people just try different things because I think also this whole idea that you can sit here and do breathing exercises and feel great that that's beneficial. But again, you can't spend your whole day always in the breathing exercises. So it's again, I always think of like what's going to be sustainable.

Um, it is beneficial to get tap into that place because then you [00:16:00] even know how it feels right until you know how it feels. Even in a moment per second to feel I think of it as also it's like self love but it's also a lightness like I feel light and not my not again guided by my thoughts. So, um, yeah, I think.

When you're doing something again, that feels good. And it could be like listening to good music or you're cooking, or you're talking with your friends or what it could be doing math that could be gardening, it could be whatever it is for you. Think of that feeling that you're usually, you're not thinking of anything in the moment, which is why it feels so good, right?

It's like you're kind of lost. Um, but hold on to that feeling and breathe at that moment. And. Try to do that as often as you can and go back to it, whatever that it is, whatever that, that song is that, um, [00:17:00] if you're walking on grass, if you're, whatever it is. You know, just try to remember that you are actually creating a tool for yourself.

I don't think that people are taught that when you're actually doing something that you love, or that love means like something that just makes you feel good, that you're actually unique, that is a unique thing to you, even though there's other people that can relate. And that is a tool right in itself.

The fact that you love to do something, um, harness that, you know, keep going with it and, and take it this, you know, do it as much as you possibly can. 

Maria Mayes: So I think there's so many things you just hit on there, um, but creating our own tools based on what brings us joy. That concept I think is when you look at a lot of [00:18:00] what's portrayed as self love or ways to self regulate in mainstream media and, you know, social media where there's There's so much out there, right?

Very rarely is it, it's try this, try that, try this, try that, which I'm all for, but looking outward for those things versus turning inward is what you're describing to tap into what feels good for you. Does it hit? Does it not? Does it resonate? Does it not? And finding joy when you find it. As you said, take a breath and um, I'll say savor it.

I wrote down savor twice in my notebook here. I love that. Sit with it. 

Michelle Juliet: Right. Just acknowledge it. 

Maria Mayes: Yeah. It doesn't have to be look like anybody else's tool set. Right. Or journey. So, um, so inspiring. I'd love, um, [00:19:00] I'd love for us to look at. Um, I think you had a thought though. So I'm going to pause and just let you continue.

Michelle Juliet: Well, I wouldn't mind talking about the divorce and I, you know, the word abuse can be so varied and, um, but I'd love to speak to that for a minute in one way with regards to self healing that I'd also don't think is talked enough and whether or not I 

Maria Mayes: would love that. I think, um, 

Michelle Juliet: and I just want to say.

And this is sort of directed to people. Like when I was in my marriage, I was not, I did not use these tools. Well, I just did what made me feel good. Not even thinking they were tools. Like I would just show up to yoga. I would, I don't even, I mean, it was a little bit of a out of control feeling. Uh, that's also, I was turning a little bit more into alcohol and this, but now.

as a divorced person. Um, one thing I wish [00:20:00] I knew before was I was, um, is this idea of creating clear boundaries with the person that you're conflicted with. And it's not always about working it out. You can work it through, through breath or through this or that. Sometimes you can't. And there's no shame in that.

And I felt so much shame, um, from a lot of voices I would hear of, you need to try to co parent, you need to try to get to get, you need to be better for the kids, you need to try to get along, you need to, but sometimes it's not possible and it's definitely not possible for your own wellbeing being. So when you, it is, if someone is triggering you so much that you can't even get to your happy place.

It causes your mind to spin, which is what was happening to me. It's okay to set up clear boundaries. And it is so [00:21:00] rough when they are connected to you through your children or through fam, I'm think this probably happens in families. Um, you have to find your own happiness and there's. There's just no shame in, in creating that.

And I just, um, that wasn't told to me. I was more directed in the way of how to work with it instead of how to work kind of without that relationship, which is another approach. And you're working with minimal contact, minimal, um, and it's coming from a better place. Because you're happier. So when you do have to Connect.

Um, and I deal with this with family members, too. You're coming from such a better place that it just feel it's not as triggering because you're just feeling better. 

Maria Mayes: Right. [00:22:00] Thank you for that. I think the conversation on boundaries, um, is a big one, right? It's one where I've. In another episode that I recently recorded, I was talking about the, um, throat, the Vastuti Chakra, which is associated with our ability to speak our truth and set boundaries, right?

And that has been, um, something I've been working through personally the last few years. And what you hit on there, the shame from the external perspective, because everybody's going to have an opinion. Everyone has an opinion. But is anybody else living in your vessel, in your body, in this moment, experiencing what you're experiencing?

No. We are all the experts on ourselves. And I think, um, that's really a huge part of what I'm receiving as your message, is just tapping into that. But I want to just repeat something you said, is that if you [00:23:00] can't get to your happy place while you're in that situation with that other human, There's no shame in creating boundaries so that you can get there.

I think that's really important. So thank you for sharing 

Michelle Juliet: that. Yeah, thank you for letting me in. Yeah. 

Maria Mayes: And we know it's not easy, so. Anyone who's listening to this who's in the thick of a situation that's not going to change overnight, please know both of us know that it is not easy. 

Michelle Juliet: I know it's, it's simple, it's simplicity and theory, but your body, it's so, 

Maria Mayes: there's so many layers.

And 

Michelle Juliet: some people Every, yeah, it's, it's can be extremely challenging if, um, the other party is pushing those boundaries a lot. 

Maria Mayes: Right. So I'd [00:24:00] love to pivot a little bit into exploring, um, the part of the conversation that we were kind of touching on in terms of. These practices of yours were so profound because they helped you feel, really feel what you're feeling, right?

And that's why they felt good versus practices that we've both experienced before from our prior conversation of means to numb feeling. So, um, I was sharing a little bit before, um, we started record that I used to use wine as a numbing agent for my anxiety, for my pain, for my stress, for my overwhelm, for a situation I felt I couldn't get out of, for my victimhood, all the things, right?

So, um, and. Whether it be alcohol, or work, or social media, or gambling, or sex, or whatever [00:25:00] the agent is, to take us out of feeling what the body wants to feel and wants to process and metabolize, um, whatever it is, I think it's, I'm really inspired by you, because Prior to this, uh, hitting record. We noticed that we both kind of had a similar journey and that we were able to come back to that, which we love in a, in a more mindful, um, really full present fashion.

So I'd love for you to share a little bit about that. If you can 

Michelle Juliet: love to, it's actually, I don't know why it's so cool, but it feels really, really kind of a neat thing to talk about because, um, it really has to do with your mindset and how you, how you approach it and really Coming back to that feeling and how was it making you feel?

And in the beginning I did use alcohol for me. It was probably a dirty martini on the rocks or two, [00:26:00] but never more than two for me. Um, that. Made me feel better at that moment. It made me feel better. It, it allowed me to get through, help me get through the divorce, which I'm not proud of, but, um, it was socially acceptable.

I also wanted to socialize and, um, really needed to. So it. It was fun, but on the flip side, I never seemed to go really deep into the definitely couldn't go deep when times were rough, because when times were rough, that's when I turned to the alcohol and then it was. Would eventually spiral me back down to times being rough.

And then I just was in survival mode and my head would just be spinning again. I'd kind of start all over every single day. So when I started realizing that the alcohol was preventing me to go through the [00:27:00] hard times, um, that's when I. Really took like days or weeks or time to stop because then I could be much more present with those feelings and try to get out of my head a little bit more.

I think the spinning feeling, the negative spinning feeling was actually very, I don't know if there's science behind this, I'm just thinking of this now, to the spinning feeling when I was a little tipsy. Um, but with, but ignited and more, but my body felt different. My body, when I was spinning with something bad happened, um, my body would be like closed up and tight where I think when I was spinning and I was a little tipsy, I couldn't even feel that.

I wouldn't even allow myself to feel that, um, but that wasn't helping me heal. So I was [00:28:00] realizing that this is not helping me heal. This is not helping me get through, um, things to get to the other side. And then I think what worked for me and, you know, you just try all these things. Like you said, try all these things.

When I stopped, I was able to tap in to a bigger, deeper part of my body. Um, of course I did, there was the physical part that I felt clearer, clearer in the morning. I felt lighter. Um, I was. Um, more aware that the alcohol wasn't always making me feel great the next day. Um, so all these things, again, I was like, just, oh, yeah.

Yeah, that doesn't feel so good. That didn't feel really good when I, did I really need to do that? And now I can't even, uh, be clear on how I'm thinking today. That wasn't very helpful. So when I pared back, I was [00:29:00] able to do those things. better. And then I was able to heal better. And since then, I've kind of made a point to only use, only have a drink, um, when I'm happy ish.

Every once in a while, I'm having a really rough time, but I'm very aware of what it's doing to my brain and it's not always, you know, there's, it's not the healthiest thing, but, um, um, but to try to do it when I'm, you know, in a really happy place. And I, and I, and I actually enjoy every sip and especially with wine that has all these nuances in it.

And that when you pair it with certain things, or you meet the person that made it and they talk about the earth that it was grown in and the, and the climate and all this stuff you can like, it's almost like having a little world in your mouth that you can [00:30:00] heart that I've been able to just enjoy. So I've become very picky too about what I drink because if I'm only going to have one glass I want it to be enjoyed.

Maria Mayes: Right, it makes you much more discerning, right? 

Michelle Juliet: Yeah, it's fun for me. It's turned into something, um, yeah, fun. 

Maria Mayes: It's such a beautiful journey in self awareness. Everything you were describing, this awareness of Okay, this is how I'm feeling. This is how I'm going to feel the next day. I'm not able to go deep.

That's, I mean, I feel like that is, that's the work, right? To really become so self aware that we can make conscious choices. Um, and that acknowledgement that I'm going to step into it only when I'm in a positive mind space too, I think is huge. And so, um, you know, one of the A few of the steps in the Take 5 Mindful Tasting process that it reminds me of is one, just getting present, and we [00:31:00] usually use the breath to that, because the breath is, for me, is the fastest way to get into the body, right?

It's what you've been talking about in terms of getting out of the head and into the physical. In order to have the self awareness, to ask the question, then, what is the intention behind my sip? Am I trying to numb something? Am I trying to not feel? Do I want to explore the flavors and go on a journey?

Um, so I really love that. And I think I see behind you some paintings, it looks like, um, and I see as you were describing the nuances and um, as you were describing wine, for example, I was seeing also behind you the beautiful nuances in your paintings and then the nuances in your story of involving the breath as you're, you know, stepping into your artistry, etc.

So I'd love for you to share a little bit more about the artist side of you and the work that you do now, um, [00:32:00] and how you share that with others. 

Michelle Juliet: Yeah. Um, yeah, I'd love to talk about that. So the art, um, when I first started exploring this idea of just painting for myself, um, I thought I'd like start with some big canvas and explode on it with like some Jackson Pollock splatter and angst.

And actually what came out was calming pieces, uh, That actually helped calm my nervous system, calm my brain from spinning. And, um, those pieces that I started with. I love when I can share those places, those pieces in places that, um, people come to, to quiet their mind. So I've stopped hanging in the yoga studio, and I'm really honored to be able to, to do that.

Um, I think people resonated, resonate with those that, [00:33:00] The look for art to be tranquil and calming. And it was an authentic part of me that needed to just calm myself. So that was one of my first series. Um, it just sort of came out and I'm really happy they're in, they're inspired by the ocean and sunsets and sunrises, which I love most people like them, but, um, that's, that's the truth.

Um, but one thing that's been really fascinating is I take a classic realism, still life class. Also, so I have these like kind of ethereal, abstract y paintings and then I take these, what some may think of as a very technical, it's like perspective and you have to get your color mixing right and it's very, um, structured.

However, what it's really come down to when you paint something, like if you're gonna, um, you really need to [00:34:00] focus your mind and never think about what it should look like and what it Put a name to it. You're literally looking at different. Shapes and values and color, um, that you then interpret on a two dimensional plane.

And it's actually become sort of a spiritual, I, I can't do this actually, if I've been drinking too much, to be honest, I have to be very focused to look at something and say, kind of not put any thoughts in my head. clear my head and just say make your paintbrush look like that one shape and that color and just trust that if you keep doing that across your plane and it can be and very specific um inevitably those come out looking exactly like what the object is that I'm painting.

I don't know. Makes sense, but it [00:35:00] totally 

Maria Mayes: does. Um, you know, you're letting it all go. Let go of expectation. Every thought. Yeah. 

Michelle Juliet: Yeah. 

Maria Mayes: You know, as you were describing it to me, it really resonated with, um, my meditation practice and how I teach others to meditate in that we can't go in looking for a specific experience, right?

We have to go in just open to what the outcome is going to be and not attach to it, but yet follow these tools, whether it be the breathas or a mantra or what have you, and I love, I love that correlation that just focusing on the lines and the values and not the outcome. It certainly sounds like a spiritual experience to me.

Michelle Juliet: It is, and you're exactly right. And. To trust to trust that the outcome is exactly what it's supposed to be. There's so much of that in my painting. Um, and I have a wonderful [00:36:00] teacher who is also very spiritual. Um, herself, we've done meditations before class and every single time. When you look at my two dimensional work and you look at the still life that's set up and maybe something like, you know, like it's missing, like it's clear, something is off.

It always comes down to that. You're painting something that you think it should be like, you're trying to make it look like a lemon and it's, it's actually maybe a shade of purple or a shade. Like if you really look at what it is instead of what you're trying to make it make, it's almost Always, like you're pushing it on your painting to something you want to think that it's supposed to be.

You're not actually looking at it, because it's all there. You're just, you know. It's there. 

Maria Mayes: Right. And we can try to control the outcome. Then we limit ourselves so much. 

Michelle Juliet: Yeah. Yeah. So that's been really, and, and I know when I come into my class, so I do take this one class and when I come into class with my head [00:37:00] full, I, I never have a great painting day.

I have to clear my head. I have to just be open to letting it flow in and trust. 

Maria Mayes: Well, that trust, I just want to pause there for that because. Just thinking of my own love of creativity and design and art and the pieces behind you right now are really calling to me and are similar to a lot of the colors and the elements that I pull into my life.

But that trust, to know that you're purchasing a piece of art that was made in a space of trust, And I think trust is a theme here for you from what you were describing from early on, hearing the call to step into the painting because it felt joy and that then gave you more trust for stepping into caring for yourself and setting boundaries, the trust it takes to set boundaries with yourself, right?

[00:38:00] Uh, or with others for yourself. So powerful. 

Michelle Juliet: I love that. And I love that you picked up on that because it comes back to sort of what you were saying about everybody just should try different things and you trust it and either it works or it doesn't work. Right. Like just trust that something's If you have an idea that pops into your head, like, oh, I should go walk outside or I should go buy that banana, whatever it is, trust that, try it, and either you feel better 

Maria Mayes: or 

Michelle Juliet: you don't.

Maria Mayes: Right, right. I love it. 

Michelle Juliet: Sometimes it's that simple, although you have to be able to listen to your like kind of the inner voice, I guess that people 

Maria Mayes: right and that going back to the conversation on on wine or alcohol. If we can't hear our inner voice very well when we're. Putting in a disruption to it through a substance, right?

And so that's, that's, I think, [00:39:00] to be able to step into it from a conscious, liberated choice making perspective is so huge. So I'd love to know, um, before I'd like you to share where we can find your artwork and how we can work with you, but. Prior to that, I'm curious now, since we're talking about wine, when you have the opportunity to have a glass and come in at it from this mindful perspective, what's your favorite type of wine to mindfully sip?

Michelle Juliet: Uh, I have no answer for that. I, Honestly, honestly, since I've been on this journey, I get so excited to try new wines and so excited to ask. So I live in wine country. There's so much good wine here. I tried And you're in 

Maria Mayes: San, 

Michelle Juliet: or I'm in Santez. There's so much good wine. I mean, I can, I can name wine that I've liked, but the truth is.

My best [00:40:00] experiences is when I get a recommendation, but maybe I'm sitting with a winemaker or a bartender or a person sitting next to me. If I'm at a table or whatever, what are you drinking? What do you this? What goes well with what I'm eating? Uh, maybe if I'm sitting with a winemaker and they tell me about the wine, my best experiences have been those experiences.

Um, and it has been really cool, you know, to 

Maria Mayes: love it. You're speaking my language. 

Michelle Juliet: And I'm, you know, eventually I'll probably have favorites, um, at moments or not. I have no idea. Plus, I love to travel. So, you know, you're trusting 

Maria Mayes: and you're enjoying the journey, right? That's the thing that I think. There's a moment correlation, right?

For sure. Um, I love it. So, um, well, I definitely want to come see some of that art in person. And I want to, I think, come explore some wine with you. So [00:41:00] tell us for myself and our listeners, where do we find you? How do we work with you? 

Michelle Juliet: Um, so right now I have a website with my art. Um, and it's called the giving ink.

com, which was the name. I had a stationary store here in town called the giving ink, giving back with ink, and I kept the name because I personally loved it and I actually loved my store. So, um, so it's on the giving ink. com. My seascapes and landscapes are hanging at the Los Olivos general store and Los Olivos and.

Actually, for the first time ever, the little group that I paint my classic realism in is having our first group show at the same place. She's a huge supporter of the arts at the Los Olivos General Store. Starting in December through the spring, um, there's a group of us. Um, so that's it. And I'm always looking [00:42:00] for places to hang.

It's sort of a newer, I've done art, like I said, in private probably since I was a child. Ever supported was you think you mentioned so for me to make a career from this is. It's like you're, you're, you're part of the journey right here. You're watching it. 

Maria Mayes: Yeah. No, it's so, I'm loving 

Michelle Juliet: it. So, you know, 

Maria Mayes: and it, and it shows through your energy, your smile.

I mean, when you're living your Dharma, right, when you're pursuing your passions and serving the world and serving yourself at the same time, they're doing what you enjoy. Yeah. You've made it right. That's the definition of success if you ask me. So, um, Love it. And we'll put all the links to get ahold of you, Michelle, in the show notes.

Um, super grateful for you to come on today and thank you to our listeners. 

Michelle Juliet: Thank you, Maria.