Putting Heart into your DIY Projects

“It’s not about what it is, it’s about what it can become.” - Dr. Seuss

It’s easy these days to create and make things. But it’s different when we weave an intention into the creative process. We find that the actual thing that we have created takes on a grace filled with vibrational energy, reverence, and meaning.

Recently, I made this simple, straightforward rug. The supplies are from Lowe’s and a local fabric store. But what made it special was the chanting that took place while I was immersed in creating it. Each careful circle around the rug, contains a small piece of my heart.

If you are into creating, I invite you to explore weaving heart (greater meaning) into your own creative processes.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

DEDICATE the time you spend working on your creation to a loved one, an organization that’s dear to your heart, a family, community or country that you feel called to support. As you construct your diy project, do your best to hold the awareness upon the dedication you are offering.

CHANT or silently chant a mantra as you create.

PRAY - yes, this can be taxing especially if you are working for long periods of time on your project. But we find countless hours to spend on social media, holding our attention upon prayer is doable when our motivation is ripe with goodness.

SET AN INTENTION perhaps you want to rise earlier in the morning, if the diy project lends itself toward this then use your imagination as you create. Begin to imagine how you would actually feel if you were to rise earlier. Connect with those feeling, give focus and time to this imaginative space. Hold onto those feelings as you create.

REPEAT AN AFFIRMATION an example is I am working on more self-confidence and belief. When I notice any self defeating narratives, I quickly replace it with an affirmation such as: “I am the Light that illumines the whole universe.” (from Paramahansa Yogananda’s Scientific Affirmations). In this way, the creative project manifest into an opportunity to observe and strengthen the qualities about the self (myself) that I am desiring.

HONOR SILENCE choose an amount of time to work on your diy project, set a timer, and honor silence as you construct the project.

SING or play music that uplifts your spirit, nourishes your soul.

FOCUS ATTENTION UPON THE HEART CENTER imagine as you breathe in that love is penetrating your heart, and as you exhale, imagine offering unconditional love to all.

The idea is to connect with your heart and let that love saturate the very thing you are creating.

The art or DIY project becomes an extension of love — a universal love. A force that has the power to change no only your world, but the world at large.

You suddenly see that this diy project is more, much more. It’s an offering that you gratefully shared. We are happier, healthier and more loving when we share our hearts and efforts with others. Perhaps no one will ever know the amount of heart you poured into your unique creating, but believe me the universe knows! Deepak Chopra might refers to this as making a deposit into the unseen “spiritual vault”.