Title: NatureHermit

Gender: Female

Location: Melbourne, VIC

Through daily working with the surprising quirks and patterns of Nature over a year at Soul Food Cafe, under the position of resident hermit, Imogen Crest, I was inspired to create the world as I saw it, through Nature and colour, to get back the connection to Nature that is often lacking in the busy lives of modern people.  Using skills as a writer and photographer, a new vision of reality emerged.  Undertaking a sabbatical that would take over a year, to finish my studies in writing and alternative therapies, and adopting an artistic lifestyle that was sometimes very challenging, resulted in a total life change.  It's true, ”What you surround yourself with, becomes your reality”.  

My general aim at Zaadz is to discuss interesting information on Nature, transformation, transpersonal psychology, alternative healing, women's and men's psychology issues, regularly, for mutual benefit. 

Soul Food Cafe:

Soul Food Cafe is an excellent transformational resource, built up over the past eight years by Heather Blakey, who has been, and continues to be, a supportive catalyst for my creative transformation.  The journeys at first appear simple,deceptively simple, yet result in tangible personal transformation, by responding to creative material supported by mythology and psychology.  Participants are encouraged to take on another persona to “stretch” the self.  Using imagination, greater things are possible. 

I contribute to the Soul Food Advent Calendar under the name of Imogen Crest, hermit at the Lemurian Hermitage.  There are many other projects too.  Soul Food Cafe is a place where transformation is possible, and real.  The experience created better balance in life, greater self knowledge, and the contemporary world no longer dominates life.  Time spent in solitude is real and necessary, especially in current times.

Creative Residencies:

Soul Food Cafe also offers residencies at Riversleigh Virtual Manor where artists and writers gather in an online setting, and work through activities generated by the Soul Food AdventURE Calendar, for example, themed on “The Grand Tour” made famous in the 18th century for European travel that incorporated art and culture to enrich personal taste and insight.  A Grand Tour of Lemuria, Heather Blakey's imagineered realm, is also available to work through.

Creative residents also spend time in a place I dreamed up called Murmuring Woods, which is just beyond Riversleigh Manor in Lemuria.

Origins:

My background is in textiles, corporate management, writing, retail, and administration with various large organisations from many fields, which taught me about day to day life.  When I realised all my goals in these areas, I found there was something missing, a kind of soul wish, so eventually after a lengthy spirital quest of 15 years, reading and being on the journey, I stumbled on the doorway of Soul Food Cafe and found what I was looking for.  Most unexpected was the development of myself as a nature photographer, documenting nature each day, and contributing these images to the online journeys and to create the Lemurian Hermitage, which is loved for it's sensation of solitude and peace. 

Studied and practiced yoga and meditation under a brilliant teacher, one on one for five years, Angela McGee, have used alternative treatments such as homeopathy, massage, flower remedies, colour therapy, Vega testing, Aryuveda, acupuncture, transpersonal readings, singing and art as therapy.  Have attended many Buddhist talks and listened to the wisdom of the lamas, and attended offering ceremonies.  Have often attended writer's events, such as those held by the Writers' Centre and the Melbourne Writers' Festival, and author launches.  Regularly read newsletters I have signed up for, such as WIE, Chogyam Trungpa Ocean of Dharma edited by Carolyn Gimian, Hay House Present Moments, The Conversation edited by Suzanne Taylor, Shambhala Publications, and Integral Institute. 

Inspiration:

Black Madonna:

The subject of the Black Madonna, Sophia, and the mythology surrounding similar figures, is fascinating.  Here is a link to art and writing on the Black Madonna from the Soul Food Calendar, which includes some of my poetry and writings.

The Beloved:
Rossetti's famed image of “The Beloved” inspires thought through the medium of art. 

Temple of Solace:
A place for honouring comfort, solace and wisdom when life becomes challenging.  Find the Temple of Solace within Lemuria at Soul Food Cafe.

Crest Hermitage:
Crest Hermitage - Online Store
Offering Colour/Nature Therapy - Nature Connection, Chakra Work.
Original
Healing
Photography
by Imogen Crest - Nature Hermit.

Member Since: Thursday, September 21 2006

Last Visit: 2 days ago.

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