Plant a Kiss {a bit of magic}

In the spirit of Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s work, 16 inspiring and creative bloggers (including me!) set out to “Plant a Kiss” in the world on Sunday, April 29. We each did something we thought would spread a little extra joy, color, connection, poetry, or magic in the world. Then we watched to see what would happen!

Today each of us is posting about that experience. Visit the main Plant a Kiss page, where you can easily link to all participating bloggers. For every blog that you visit and comment on, your name will be tossed into a hat for a chance to win one of many amazing prizes such as online writing, photography, or dream-building classes; coaching sessions; artwork, or jewelry.

Starting Off with a Kiss

Sharing a bit of beauty or doing something to make the world a better place doesn’t take a lot of sacrifice. The smallest thing can have a large impact if it comes from the heart. As I considered how I might celebrate Plant a Kiss, I decided it was important for me to balance giving to others with my own self-care.

I’m a night owl which makes getting up to see the sunrise a bit of a challenge, but I know from past experience that it makes that spectacular dance of the dawn an extra special event.  It didn’t take long for me to chose the kiss I would plant.  Over a decade ago, I was introduced to labyrinths and have made several, usually for special occasions.  A labyrinth is a intricate, walkable pathway which leads to a point in the center and offers the path out.  Unlike a maze, you don’t get lost in a labyrinth. I have made the labyrinths by myself in the past and felt so exhausted by the time they were completed that I couldn’t enjoy them.  But holding onto the idea of using art as self-care, I enlisted the help of a few friends.

We met at sunrise on a small beach in our downtown area.  The air was crisp and cool; the sun, warm.  We began by raking the sand, discarding the trash and creating an even playing field, in the shape of a large circle.

Then we began drawing the labyrinth in the sand, orienting it so that the opening sat in the East, inviting in the morning sun.  We took turns so that everyone one had a part and no one was overwhelmed by the task.

When the last circuit was complete, we came together to set our intentions…

… to contemplate what it means to take the journey inward towards the center…

…to listen…

 …and gather up what wants to be shared with the world.

We walked as we felt called to….

Some sang, some drummed, and some danced…. and yes,

…some even kissed.

In the end, we all walked away drenched in the beauty of creative collaboration.

And the labyrinth?  That was our kiss.  We left it for others to play with…so that perhaps they might discover something lovely in their day.

Would you like a reminder to Plant a Kiss everyday?  I snapped a picture just for you!

Print it out. Put it in a place where it will remind you to bring some magic to the world.

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Special thanks to Irene Jaan of Travel Creatives for helping to document the day!

Part of Plant a Kiss includes a prize giveaway for comments left (ended 5/4/12).  My contribution, this “Wisdom Keeper” from my newly opened Creativity Tribe Etsy Shop.