Video - Sunday's ART of Truth - "Soulful REST" - May 25, 2025

Hello friends!

Welcome to Sunday’s ART of Truth — today’s theme is “Soulful REST.”

In this week’s video, I share the process behind a beautiful new mixed media piece. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt so free while creating. Every time I release my expectations and simply create from the heart, I am never disappointed. While making this video, I occasionally got lost in the process — not because I lacked direction, but because I allowed myself to let go of needing one. That freedom was a gift in itself.

As many of you know, I’ve always had a special love for roses. They hold deep meaning for me, especially when I think of my Emili Rose. For this piece, I chose some digital images that featured roses combined with paint swatches — a perfect blend for my watercolor-loving heart.

Before I began, I took a moment to quiet myself and reflect on the restful, peaceful place I’ve been in lately. I’ve been intentionally guarding my time — especially limiting social media and participation in online junk journal groups. I didn’t realize how much energy those things were consuming until I stepped back. With that time reclaimed, I’ve been able to create more, dream more, and truly rest. That’s how the name Soulful REST came to be.

Surprisingly, as I worked on this piece, unexpected emotions bubbled up — thoughts of Emili and all the healing God has done in my heart.

This reminded me of something that happened while working on my Beginner Journal Making Series. I had originally intended to make a journal for myself and for her, but early in the process, I realized it felt too private to share on camera. So, I decided instead to give that journal away in a drawing. Still, creating it stirred many emotions. I thought about Emili constantly as I worked on it, and it helped me process layers of grief I hadn’t even known were still there. It was hard, but it was good. Very good.

So when I came to this mixed media project — for her and for me — I found even more healing. I felt peace. I felt joy. I felt hope. And I realized that everything I’d experienced up to this point led me to this space of Soulful REST. For that, I am deeply grateful.

This made me pause and consider the meaning behind the words:

Soulful— expressing or appearing to express deep feeling. To me, this means being deeply connected with yourself in a way that allows peace, even in sorrow — whether that sorrow is recent or long held.
Rest— to cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh, and recover strength. It also means peace, ease, and rejuvenation. As I get older, I’m more aware of how vital rest is — and how I must choose it intentionally.

In this season, I’m discovering both the art of being soulful and rest, and my heart is warmed and humbled.

As I built the layers of this piece, I found that familiar satisfaction in the textures — even though the path to get there felt new. I loved the soft pinks paired with greens and yellows in the background. The butterfly represents freedom for me — freedom in heart and mind. I have survived hard things, and yet, here I am – alive, bright, sweet, cherished, loved, healing, and full of gratitude. God did that. God continues to do that.

I especially loved the unexpected addition of the “E” for Emili. It wasn’t planned, but it felt perfect. The word petitetucked quietly into the layers — small, but still visible — reminded me of the beauty in subtle things. The roses and paint swatches spoke to who I am becoming – soft, forgiving, gentle, and growing.

Mixed media always heals me in some way, and this time was no different.

My dear friends, can I encourage you?

Take time for yourself.
Take time to do things that restore your soul and replenish your spirit.

It’s okay to say “no.”
It’s okay to open a can of soup instead of cooking a full meal.
It’s okay to take yourself on a quiet drive to a place that soothes your soul.
Write. Sing. Paint. Cry. Be.
Whatever you need — it’s valid.

In the past two weeks, I’ve still worked, cared for the house, created in the studio — all the “normal” things — but I’ve significantly reduced screen time. And I feel so much better. I feel like I can breathe again.

My prayer for you is this:
May you find the time and space to do what feeds you.
Only you can decide what that looks like. It’s deeply personal.

Sending all my love until next time,

Beloved Reborn (Cara-Renee)

Link Tree Below – https://linktr.ee/b.rebornart

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