Visioning a Better Future: A Music & Collage Ritual Reflection
“I built my house on sand
Hoping it would stand the storms that come my way
And now I'm left to face the weight of my mistakes
And a chance to start again
Whoa-oh
Build my life again
Yo-oh
Build my life again”
—NOTHING MORE, CARNAL Album, “HOUSE ON SAND”
One of my “little magics” comes through in music. My ears will “perk” when a song is meant for me, or when an entire album is weaving a story I need to listen to to process my feelings.
The most recent album that’s really helped me process through some emotions is CARNAL by NOTHING MORE. This American rock band seems to express through belting vocals, heavy guitar, and incredible Alan Watts interludes to capture exactly what feels like it’s happening in my life right now.
In many ways, I feel like I’m building my life again right now. A life free from overworking. A life free from being plugged into compulsory capitalism. A life free to be fully, unapologetically me.
As I was listening to this CD the other night, as soon as the lyrics “build my life again” sank in, I became a whirlwind of motion pulling out all of my scrapbooking supplies.
I was ready to do some ritual art and build my new life.
Part one of my ritual involved smoke cleansing and writing with ash on the original art piece. Then, I began to layer up on top of it.
I found an old self-portrait I did God knows when. Years ago. My nesting partner didn’t even recognize me in it.
I chose this as the base for my vision board to honor the person I was in the past. I see that woman, her expression just slightly pained. As I began weaving the ritual, I lit a stick of juniper to help smoke cleanse, then used the branch nub to write in ash on the original piece of art. A prayer and affirmation of gratitude poured through.
From there, I began to layer up the new vision — quotes, words, scraps of art, washi tape, and more.
Time to build my life anew.
At this point, my old self is almost entirely “covered up” by the new background with a forest, strawberries, and two of the most important words to me: Inhale. Exhale.
“One step ahead but I'm still behind
Where I thought I'd be by this time
It's hard to please, much less believe
The screaming voice in my head (in my head)
I'm in a freefall
Racing to the ground
I'm scared I'll lose it all
Is anybody out there
Or am I alone?
Reaching out for someone
In a freefall”
—NOTHING MORE, “FREEFALL”
I went to college to become a teacher for a four years, plus my internship (most of a school year).
I went to grad school to become a therapist for three years, plus my internship (about a year).
I began pursuing advanced education, training, consulting, and mentorship around building a business about two years ago—learning how to establish a legal business entity, how to build a group practice, how to rank my website with SEO, and what the heck marketing and messaging are. On top of that, I had to design my own signature offering from the ground up to actually match my values, ethics, and mission with clients outside the paradigms of therapy.
But, it hasn’t been smooth sailing. In fact, I’ve met a lot of resistance and frustration along the way, wishing I was further along than I am. That’s not how life works, though. Perceived time moves slower than our egos would like when it comes to goals, and faster than we’d like when it comes to the idea of enjoyment.
That’s the key though. Ego. My ego judges what I’ve done and where I’ve made it to, while my Higher Self knows that I am exactly where I need to be.
Getting there! I’ve layered up most of the background and divider elements are this point, and now it’s time to move into the last layers and finesse.
“Fuck the future now
Let the past burn out
Don't fight against the river
I'm gonna take my doubts
And drown them out
To make my dreams a little bit clearer
(Please, please, please)
Carry me away
Carry me away
Rolling with the waves
(Come what may)
Carry me away
Away from yesterday”
—NOTHING MORE, “DOWN THE RIVER”
Surrendering is not the easiest process, but its one that I’ve learned is essential when we have a big dream and we need the Universe’s help to make it happen.
There are times where I wish I could rid myself of the doubts of the future, but I know that’s simply a part of the human journey. Still, if I surrender it all, turn it over to the great river of life, I know I’ll see much better results.
That’s the paradox, right?
The light and shadow dance of human existence is a magical, alchemical process by which we can uncover our deepest desires, our most profound truths, and unlock access to a present and future of our own design. It’s through awareness and willingness to grow.
My final vision board, calling in abundance, health, vitality, joy, relaxation, community, and so much more nourishment.
“Do not assume I got this attitude
From a lucky hand I drew
I pulled this out the dirt
I did the dirty work
You can bury the dead
Yeah, I got nothing to lose
Nothing to lose
It's over, it's over
It's my time, it's my time
This song is my closure
It's my time, it's my time
This is for the people who can't break through
I used to feel just like you
Stuck”
—NOTHING MORE, “STUCK”
As my ritual and vision board came to a close after about three hours at my standing desk with intermittent dance and headbanging breaks, I found myself complete.
This new vision of “Happier Dreams,” a life focused on being in communion with nature, unlimited pancakes, abundance, health, pampering and spirituality, self-love, and all my joys.
Several of my most important symbols are present here in the final product, like a paper altar of my dreams.
Strawberry — My favorite fruit since I was a child; representing Summer, vitality, sweetness, and my power color red.
888 — Abundance codes and infinity.
Butterfly — Possibly my most important personal power symbol. Representing rebirth, growth, phases, transformation, and of course my Gemini spirit!
Flowers — I have several types of flowers on this vision board because I love nature and the concept of blooming so much!
Unicorn & Mermaid — My true form!
Mushrooms — The interconnectedness of all things, all life.
The process of creating this vision board while listening to music was essential to me reconnecting with my vision for my future, releasing elements of the past while honoring where I’ve been, and being embodied through art and movement.
I love collage in general, but vision boards can hold potent energy for manifesting, especially when we create it with intention then display it. I’m still trying to decide where exactly I’ll hang this one. I have another vision board above my desk already, four in my bedroom, and the one I made for my nesting partner in one of the bathrooms!
I highly recommend vision boarding as a practice for self-alignment and expression.
As I gaze at my new vision board, I'm filled with excitement for the future I'm creating. This process of artistic ritual has been incredibly powerful, helping me to release the past, embrace the present, and envision a brighter tomorrow.
But I'm curious—what about you?
What visions for your future do you hold?
What dreams are you ready to manifest?
If you're feeling inspired to create your own vision board or dive deeper into your personal transformation journey, I'd love to cheer you on.
And if you’re looking for support, here are two ways I can work with you to cultivate your own rebirth:
Take Flight in the Butterfly Immersion: This transformative self-paced course is designed to guide you through your own rebirth process, helping you shed what no longer serves you and embrace your fullest potential. It's perfect for those ready to make a significant change in their lives. Find out more: Becoming the Butterfly
Book a ReAwakening Ritual: One of the services I offer in my custom ReAwakening Rituals is a live channeled digital vision board as we close up your ceremony. These are always so fun; clients have used these vision boards to manifest their dreams!
Remember, you have the power to shape your reality. Whether through vision boarding, ritual, or other practices, every step you take toward your dreams matters.
I'm here to cheer you on every step of the way.
With All My Love,
Safrianna Lughna
The Queer-Spirit Guide
P.S. Have you created a vision board before? I'd love to hear about your experience! Drop a comment below or reach out to me on social media to share your story.
This month, I’m participating in the Ultimate Blog Challenge and share wisdom gleaned from my sabbatical, butterfly medicine, and more. Feel free to follow along if you want to learn more about my story! #UltimateBlogChallenge https://www.ultimateblogchallenge.com/
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