Last weekend was my first ever Vision Mask Workshop. I think it may have been the first ever Vision mask Workshop ever held anywhere because the idea, until right this very minute that you are reading, has not been in the universal web of Visioning ideas (Vision Boards, Vision Journals and Vision Cards – a spin onSoul Cards by Sheena Frost). I’ll have to thank the twilight waking up moments for that because that happens to be where the idea came from.
Silly person that I am sometimes when in the throes of a new workshop, I did not write on my crib notes: take a picture at the end of the workshop! So you will have to wait for that – I am rejoining many of these women at a different function later in the month and asking them to bring their masks along for a group portrait. Meanwhile, Dhyana Mackenzie sent along a picture of her mask, and I’ll share mine.
Part of the process of the workshop was claiming our power.
Women tend to shy away from that word.
Just say “Step into your power” and watch the squirming start.
Sometimes you have to approach it sideways. So we had a chat about the New Year (since we’re still in January), about resolutions and about the power of words.
For instance, “I want {x}” or “I want to {x}” is language all of us use all the time (self-included – just check out my older blogs! Changing that!) . 
The problem with “I want…” is that it puts you immediately in the box of not having something. “I want that” means you don’t have it. You start from lack instead of from a place of power. You may find this nitpicky, but since we do indeed create our life by the decisions we make minute to minute, it becomes really important to be not only conscious of making those decisions but also how we are communicating to our subconscious self.
The subconscious is our filter. Subconscious hears “I want…” and says: ok – in the needy column. There really isn’t an action plan with “I want.” It’s a unfullfilled yearning. And is likely to stay that way.
Visioning has mostly been explained to me as a concrete expression of “I want” – a step stronger than just wanting. When you create a vision board, you create a picture of what you want. Still, if you’re wanting, you subconscious may indeed pay attention to the symbols of image but only to note: Yes, I want that. I don’t have it. But I do want it. So when I see it, I will want it more.
Here’s where a very subtle shift in language can help.
Say this out loud: I want to go to the beach for one week.
Now say this out loud: I intend to go to the beach for one week this summer.
Did you feel the shift? Does “intend” feel stronger to you?
This is your power! Language is potent. It is a symbol and unveils wimpy words hiding behind masks. “Intend” is way more about following your passion than the yearning of “want.”
What words can you change to help you step into your really true power?
Bonus Sharing
I’ve had a huge influx of folks signing up for my Coloring Book pages [no longer available] in the past two weeks. That has led to some very cool creations!
Fabric Art by Carol at Swallowcliffs Art
Young Wylde Woman, daughter of Anastasia Valentine
The Dignity of Coloring by Barbara Hagerty. Who also picked up Carol’s art in Some Things Are Worth Repeating and who also shared my last post on Procrastination. that post was also picked up and included in a synthesis of blogs from around the net by Roving Robin Reports of the UK.
There are masked words abroad, I say, which nobody understands, but which everybody uses, and most people will also fight for, live for, even die for, fancying they mean this or that or the other of things dear to them. John Ruskin
17 Comments
[…] are not resolutions. They are intentions and *I* am a work in progress. Go […]
Glenn – thanks! Means much coming from you!
I not only intend to tell you what great work you are doing, but I am telling you! This is terrific!
[…] Tammy Vitale has some great thoughts on how to get closer to your desires by changing your language. […]
Mitten State = Michigan, lower part 🙂
Kyoolies!
I guess I didn’t look closely enough last night or far enough down whatever the case may be – it looked like they were all offline-only.
Will have to check again now that I know! 🙂
Kyool! Let me know if you decide to do – that one sounds very nifty to me. :>
Birdy – click on “Creative Resource” tab above to see what’s currently offered on line. No Vision Mask yet. But I’m thinking about it!
Well, tell you what. Maryland IS one of the places we are considering for our move later this year.
In the meantime, do you have any plans to offer online workshops? That one sounds lovely, but since I am currently in the Mitten State, it’s a bit far to commute, alas. (At least for now. :-D)
Birdy – no it’s not too weird. =]. You’re welcome! I actually have a taliswomen workshop in the wings, working with my ceramic taliswomen pieces – the actual work will be incorporating jewelry making skills but it will also include a process. Come on over! ;]
Carla: It’s an awesome mix this internet thing – virtual doesn’t work for everything but for ideas it’s great!I am a synthesis machine! I graze everywhere!
I don’t know the medicine wheel well, but like what I know of it.
Thnx for the reminder of ‘intend’ instead of ‘want’. You’re right – it’s SO much stronger an energy.
Ooooh, mask-making as talisman-creation! How very, very kyool. Looking forward to seeing the other pics.
Is it too weird to say ‘Thank you for the shout-out re: my shout-out!’? Well, I’m going to say it anyway! 😀 Thnx!
Love your words & your works. Thnx so much for sharing both! 🙂
Birdy, the Roving Robin Reporter
Hi Tammy, mask making for power intending sounds like so much fun. And so not virtual! I have been doing a wombpower teleclass this month, using medicine wheel to describe the energy shifts of the manifesting engine. We talk about desire. Naming it. Then we create intentions. Like go to the beach for a week. That is a desire. A real clear desire. You can want it, intend it, set a goal about it, make a plan to do it, or just declare it, I am going to the beach for a week.
Cool That’s clearer than I said it the first class. Evolve and grow with your sisters. Thanks Tammy!
Interesting concept. Scary. Powerful.
Thanks, Barbara. Share away!
Tracy – I think the real “magic” happens after the workshop if participants take
the mask home and live with it. I think there are layers that only reveal themselves
over time! Guords sound fun to work with!
Those masks are awesome Tammy!
I used to hold a gourd mask class for people to get in touch with their creativity – especially the ones who don’t think they have a creative bone in their body.
It’s moving to see people get in touch with such a powerful part of themselves.
I can only imagine how powerful this workshop was for all involved!
Thank you for the reminder of “want” vs. “intend”. Intend has a whole lotta oomph energy behind it!
This is great Tammy, and I’ll probably end up sharing part of this post too, sometime in the near future, and linking back to you again!
You made me smile! really big!
I think you know how powerful your words are, and I intend to say those words aloud like you do.