Diana Kennedy, Living In Creative Spirit
This week we welcome Rev. Diana Kennedy to “Living in Creative Spirit.” Rev. Diana Kennedy is a Unity Minister, Wisdom Teacher, Empowerment Coach and an Artist of Life. Diana is also an inspirational speaker, workshop leader, spiritual counselor, and contributor to Daily Word. Diana offers keynotes, visioning processes, retreats, leadership training, sacred services and Radiance Energy Sessions. Her passion is to foster creativity and support others in enhancing their mindfulness and presence practices.
“My creative pump is primed by a spiritual attitude of openness, curiosity and childlike wonder.” -Rev. Diana Kennedy
What is one of your favorite quotes?
Well, I have a few favorites!
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” ~ Henry David Thoreau
“You are the Light of the World!” ~ Jesus
What is one book that has inspired you?
As a “collector” of books, it is hard to narrow down to just one. So, I’ll share three books that I have read several times over! I’ve been poked, prodded and inspired by The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson and Living with Joy by Sanaya Roman.
Do you have a favorite flavor of ice-cream?
I love Vanilla Bean icecream. And, ummmm, I also love Chocolate with Peanut Butter! Annnnnd, Cashew Nut ice cream with agave nectar syrup, OMG!
If you were a super hero what would your name and super power be?
Diamond Diana is my name and sharing my “Sparkly Spiritual Presence” is my game! J
What role does spirituality play in your creative work?
My creative pump is primed by a spiritual attitude of openness, curiosity and childlike wonder. When I allow this aspect of myself to express, my creativity flows with a sense of grace and ease. In these moments my “creative work” becomes play!
What is your favorite creative outlet?
I believe that the expression of our unique and authentic Self unfolds naturally when we approach life with openness. I often find that my favorite creative outlet involves color, whether I am dancing with scarves, painting on a canvas or playing around with new clothing in my wardrobe!
What inspires your creative work?
My creativity is inspired by spending quiet time in nature (often with animals), through viewing art, listening to music, and by noticing and honoring my emotional state.
What are you passionate about?
This is what gets me up in the morning – living life to the fullest, including being present in every moment, expressing my creative nature through empowered words, inspired art, conscious movement.
I am passionate about sharing Unity teachings through Unity Arts Ministry www.unityartsministry.org and Unity Village Chapel http://www.unityvillagechapel.org.
I am also jazzed by supporting others in living out their deepest dreams and doing part to co-create a world that works for all!
Do you have a daily spiritual practice?
I am blessed to have integrated a few spiritual practices in my life! Some spiritual practices that I use to support my growth and development are – sitting in the silence or listening to guided meditations; listening to the wisdom of my favorite teachers Eckhart Tolle and Esther Hicks; writing in my journal; and taking walks in nature. I also use my “everyday” life to call me higher!
How do you move through creative blocks?
When I feel creatively blocked, I take a break, even though I may be smack in the middle of a project. In those times I may feel frustrated or scattered. I will often go for a walk or sit and meditate, allowing myself to pause long enough that the stuckness dissipates. I let myself get back to my project when I feel inspired (but not sooner) because I know I can’t force my creative nature, only open up to it. Even though I may not know what my next creative steps are, I let what wants to come next flow naturally. Over and over again this process has been a blessing in my life.
How do you inspire the Creative Spirit in others through your work?
I love connecting with people, sharing about myself and my spiritual journey through giving talks, writing articles, painting, and conscious movement. Along the way, people have let me know that they find my work approachable, light and fun. They have also shared that they feel at ease, supporting them in accessing their own authentic, empowered, creative nature.
What are you currently working on?
My mission is to foster creative inspiration and radiant living. I love painting in acrylic and watercolor, and I also enjoy leading guided meditations, facilitating conscious movement, and offering spiritual counseling, and energy work.
I am a part of the leadership team at Unity Arts Ministry and will be helping to create the Upcoming Creative Renewal Retreat link https://unityartsministry.org/retreats/
I am honored to be a part of several empowering events including Unity Village Chapel’s Women’s Retreat http://www.revdianakennedy.com/programs.html
My art work will be shown in November and December, 2018 in the Unity Village Chapel Art Gallery. https://unityartsministry.org/unity-artists-coalition/
What tip would you give readers to help them nurture their Creative Spirit?
What I would share with others around nurturing their Creative Spirit is to remember to let yourself play! Open your calendar and start thinking about this special time you are setting aside for yourself. Be willing to try out a new medium, see what colors and tools call to you and block off ample time for a regularly scheduled “play date”! Have fun as you allow yourself to be nurtured…
Where can readers learn more about you and your work?
To learn more about me and my sparkly life, go to www.revdianakennedy.com and also join the Facebook Groups that I facilitate https://www.facebook.com/groups/CreativeSoulTribe and https://www.facebook.com/groups/RevDianaKennedy
You may also learn more about me at www.UnityArtsMinistry.org, email me at RevDianaKennedy@gmail.com, and connect with me on Facebook.
“Living In Creative Spirit,” is an online interview series featuring creative individuals who blend spirituality and creativity in their lives and work. Interviews are published weekly on Monday at 12:00 CT. The Summer 2018 session features registered members of Unity Artists Coalition. Follow this link to learn more about membership: Unity Artists Coalition.
Feeling inspired? Help support Unity Arts Ministry & our programs.
Unity Arts Ministry is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to inspiring personal growth, healing and transformation through spiritual enrichment and creative expression.
Funding for our online programming and live events comes through the generosity of individuals like you. Your contribution aids in our vision as we celebrate a world awakened to the Creative Spirit inherent in all. Please follow this link to make a tax-deductible donation today: GIVE
