The snake is a symbol of transformation. Imagine how painful it is to slither out of your skin. Imagine frightening it must be. Does the snake decide it’s time for a change, or does it just begin to happen and the snake just has to go along with it? Think about moments of transformation in your life. Choose a series of distinct colors and try drawing an abstract image moving through the different colors. Get acquainted with what change feels like and then write a poem, song, story or painting about it. CLICK READ MORE TO SEE THE ACCOMPANYING IMAGE.

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Often it’s hard to tell from the outside. They could be two sides of the same coin. Or maybe you just you think they look similar. What are the differences what are the similarities? Are there other things that look similar but they really aren’t? Compare, contrast and create. Try drawing your own rabbits, or another woodland animal or maybe think about animals that are fierce and also gentle. Or make up a song about sides that collide. CLICK READ MORE TO SEE THE ACCOMPANYING IMAGE.

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Think about all the comparisons we make every day. Think about the ways that define ourselves based on our preferences. Try pretending you’re on the other side. If you’re a cat person, imagine what it’s like to be a dog person. If you don’t like to cook, what would it be like to be a master chef? Are these comparisons real or imaginary? Riff on that. Try drawing opposites, use negative space or add a dog to the picture. Write about dogs vs. cats or another common comparison. CLICK READ MORE TO SEE THE ACCOMPANYING IMAGE.

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Often when we try to break through to a new level, we encounter our personal Critic. It tells us we don’t know what we’re doing. It tells us we have some nerve. It comes up with a fresh batch of excuses about why we’re not going to succeed. Sometimes it even pretends like its criticism is for your own good. You’re no fool, you’ve seen this monster before. Write about defeating this monster or draw your reaction. CLICK READ MORE TO SEE THE ACCOMPANYING IMAGE.

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The gift is the present. Take a moment to feel the present moment. What do you see or smell? What’s inside of this moment for you? What makes this moment precious and unique? How do you step into the next moment and feel it fully? What do you want most in the here and now. Try drawing or writing something that represents this present in the present. CLICK READ MORE TO SEE THE ACCOMPANYING IMAGE.

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Break out the calliope, the circus is coming to town. Use it to inspire a new song. Think about what’s happening inside the tent or outside the tent. Find inspiration from the traveling show or the wonder of temporary magic. Draw your magical circus animals, or someone else who uses this tent. Write a poem or a story about the ringmaster, the bearded lady or the lion living his life in a cage. CLICK READ MORE TO SEE THE ACCOMPANYING IMAGE.

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This is all about subterranean things. Think about things that are underneath and unseen. Think about words that aren’t spoken or feelings that are below the surface. Think about the worms, beetles and ants living underground that help to break down the soil nourishing the earth above. Think about the branches that you can’t see. Add the underground world or turn the book upside down and create a tree.CLICK READ MORE TO SEE THE ACCOMPANYING IMAGE.

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Literature is full of creatures who journey between worlds. The Mermaid is neither a woman nor a fish. She is also both a woman anda fish. Think about being fully of two worlds or a stranger to both worlds. Think about refugees, outcasts, ex-pats and exiles. Think about being unique and odd. Think about the pain and joy of being special. CLICK READ MORE TO SEE THE ACCOMPANYING IMAGE.

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What’s happening here? Is it an open door or has it come unhinged. When you hear the word unhinged what does it make you think of?Use the word as the title to your song or your poem, or tell us what’s behind the unhinged door. Is it a disaster or an invitation? Draw in the rest of the room or fill the room with butterflies or something even more unlikely. CLICK READ MORE TO SEE THE ACCOMPANYING IMAGE.

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Is it a symbol, a name or a key? It’s up to you to decide what it unlocks, symbolizes or identifies. Draw the matching lock or create your own symbolic language. Think about keys, locks, vaults and all-access passes. Why do you want to get in?  CLICK READ MORE TO SEE THE ACCOMPANYING IMAGE.

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