The Art of Aliveness: A Creative Return to What Matters Most is a new book by Flora Bowley, who taught me, via her Bloom True online course, about intuitive painting back in 2014.
Just released a few days ago, this book is about way more than painting. The stories she tells here are personal and leave me feeling as if I’ve just had a chance to sit in on one of her sought-after in-person workshops!
The timing on this book couldn’t be better as we all have this pause in the world to reflect more deeply on the underpinnings of creating a joy-filled life. Filled with prompts and exercises as well as generosity and vulnerability, this book applies the soulful “Be Bold. Let Go. Unfold” mantra into memorable lessons of discovery for forging your own empowered path of fulfillment. She shares her insights into moving effortlessly between both structure and free-flowing freedom—a fluid trust forged in strengthening intuition and self understanding.
Flora Bowley has been a pivotal part of my own creative journey and I adore her work PLUS the way her practice of creativity flows through every aspect of her life. She taught me about layers. She taught me about contrasts. She taught me there’s no wasted paint. And that’s especially important moving forward as the layers of time are brushed on.
I can already tell this will be a read-and-reread kinda book favorite. I’m still learning. We’re all still learning and discovering and can use reminders of what we already know. The wisdom, pain, inspiration, renewal, and permission-giving Flora shares here encourages connection, reconnection, and living by creative wellness, whether you paint or not.
Here’s wishing everyone green new days of Spring sunshine, a beautiful full moon this Sunday, smooth vaccinations, a wonderful Passover, a Happy Palm Sunday, and paperbacks like this one by Flora that you can take along to read on your next walk, picnic, or pause by the water.
Always happy to hear what’s on your reading table right now or any book club favorites you’re enjoying.
Thanks for being here and see you back next week at The Saturday Book Shop.
© 2104 paula boyd farrington my first brave intuitive painting as inspired by Flora Bowley
Paula's Paradise 