The Flow State as a Spiritual Practice

To create in a state of flow is to experience the purest alchemy of the spirit. It is the moment when thoughts step back, and the mind simply knows. Colors find their rightful placement, and the design emerges, unforced, carrying an inherent simplicity that resonates with joy.

This effortless emergence, however, is a profound paradox.

The Foundation of Surrender

In the beginning of any practice—be it painting, music, or writing—we are tethered to the analytical mind. Every line is a deliberate calculation; every color, a hesitant choice. This effort is necessary, though often tiring and confusing. It is the arduous period of accumulation, where we consciously build the intuitive toolkit.

But the true barrier to flow is not lack of skill, but fear.

I have observed countless times that we are instinctively afraid of making mistakes, afraid of revealing our perceived imperfection. This fear locks us into a space of rigorous control, preventing the gentle, playful current of creation from taking hold. The work remains heavy because the mind is too loud.

The Alchemical Equation

The breakthrough comes when years of study allow for a definitive surrender. It is the moment we realize that the stored knowledge—the understanding of line, color, and form—no longer requires active thought. It resides, crystallized, in the body’s memory.

We transition from thinking about the shape to simply being the action of the shape. The mind is momentarily paused, and the ensuing space is the vessel of creativity.

This is the freedom of Allowing and Doing. It is not a shortcut, but a graceful flight achieved only after the wings have been carefully built. This space—this silence—is where our hard-earned practice is transfigured into effortless intuition. We draw from the deep well of experience without needing to consciously analyze the depth.

For me, this artistic flow is deeply entwined with the practice of meditation, where silence is consciously met and cultivated. Meditation teaches us to create space for what is new, for what is yet unformed.

Once we understand that this suspension of the analytical mind is possible in creation, we can apply it with purpose across all facets of life:

• While writing: Allowing the thought to stream before the critic intervenes.

• While cooking: Letting the ingredients intuitively guide the flavors.

• While walking: Simply experiencing the movement without purpose or destination.

Flow is not a reward; it is an expansion. It is the evidence that the painful work of integrating the shadow—the initial struggle and the fear of error—has ultimately revealed an infinite, bright space where true wisdom resides.

To find the spot of profound fun in art, one only needs to build the tools, and then dare to let go of them. We practice to transcend practice.

"Toma una galletita de pan de muerto" 

        I am in perfect harmony with my environment and myself.
       Art journal page, markers, pencil, colored pencils and pen.

         "I am in perfect harmony with my environment and myself."

Feeling creative? 

Here are six revised daily prompts/affirmations for you, to use in your creative flow practice!

These daily phrases are designed to align your inner world (Self) with your outer world (Environment) and encourage the powerful state of creation and integration we call Flow.

Affirmations on Harmony (Internal & External)

1. I am in perfect harmony with my environment and myself.

   (The one I used for my art journal page.)

2. I am the center of my peace; aligning perfectly with the rhythm of my inner self and the world around me.

   (Focuses on active alignment and self as the source of peace.)

3. Within me, there is stillness; outside me, there is ease. I flow seamlessly between my spirit and my space.

   (Focuses on deep integration and the effortless transition between internal and external worlds.)

   4. I allow space. I create from a place of not-knowing, where intuition is the only tool and the joy of creation is its own reward.

   (Emphasizes the core mechanics of the Flow State: making space, trusting intuition, and creating without fear.)

   
   

   ✨I hope you are flowing in grace, Namaste ✨🙏🏻

The Unfolding Line: What Drawing Whispers to the Soul

The world outside is muted—a hush composed of rain on the pane and the delicate, crystalline song of wind chimes. Swaddled in comforting warmth, I return to the place of deep rest: my drawing desk. Here, in this simple sanctuary, I do not merely make art; I re-encounter the essential self.

This profound peace is the gift of the line. Drawing, such a primal and simple act, is paradoxically the most rigorous demand we can place on our attention. It requires not just years to develop the hand, but an entire lifetime to deepen the eye. And yet, who amongst the truly devoted is in any hurry? The journey is the reward.

"Blooming" Variety of pens on paper

Drawing as a Philosophical Act

The day has begged me to shed the skin of haste, to step from the frantic current of 'doing' and simply be. What better ritual than a warm mug of Atole de Arroz—a milky, ancient comfort (recipe follows)—and the luminous waiting of a blank page? This is the fertile ground for what I call Zen Drawing. It is the convergence where the art of meditation meets the act of creation, forging a sacred space for clarity, presence, and profound focus.

What is drawing? It is not merely the rendering of form; it is a devotional act of seeing.

Drawing is time slowed, It forces you out of the mind’s anxious cycle. Each deliberate line, each whisper of the pen, is an anchor, gently mooring you to the unavoidable Now. You cannot outrun the stroke, and in that necessity, the turbulent waters of the mind grow still.  Drawing is observation made holy, to draw a leaf is to know its every curve, its resilience, its brief dance with light. It is to acknowledge the sheer, intricate fact of its existence. We are not sketching an idea of a thing, but tracing the irrefutable truth of its structure. Drawing is giving form to the Inner silence, when the line flows, the chatter of yesterday and the worries of tomorrow dissolve. The reward is not the finished piece, but the rhythmic, quiet state you inhabit while creating it—a palpable clarity where the hand, eye, and heart move as one.

"Blooming" crop

"Sitting with my thoughts" Colored pencils and pen on paper.

The Tools of Tranquility

For this week of immersion, I’ve used tools not just for utility, but for the distinct texture of experience they offer. They are the instruments of my peace:

• The Whispering Start: I begin every journey with the silver-point grace of a mechanical pencil, laying down the initial, forgiving bone structure of the form.

• The Ink of Intention: To speak with certainty, I turn to ink. The Micron 005 offers the minute, crisp detail that maps a soul, while a Zig Calligraphy pen provides the bold, weighted stroke of a defined thought. The Faber-Castell Brush pen adds a liquid, expressive flow—the artist’s spontaneous poetry.

• Color as Subtlety: I prefer the dry mediums for their matte humility—Lyra and Derwent pencils used dry—giving the color a soft, textured finish that complements the soothing sepia paper. This gentle tone is instantly calming, lending the finished work an almost timeless quality.

  

The canvas of art is not a destination, but a continuing revelation. Whether you are drafting a detailed study or simply allowing a doodle to escape the mind, taking the time to draw is an act of deep self-care. It is tending to the interior garden.

Find your quiet moment. Brew your comfort. Give Zen Drawing a try, and listen to what the unfolding line has to say about the world, and about yourself.

✨Gallery✨

All original artwork by Monica Zuniga/ Hands and Heart

"Freedom" Pastel on paper

Art journal page, charcoal, collage and pen.

"Innocence" Pencil on paper

Charcoal, guesso, acrylics on paper art journal page.

Creamy Atole de Arroz (Mexican Rice Drink)

This traditional Mexican hot beverage is thick, creamy, and gently spiced with cinnamon. It's the perfect sweet treat for a chilly day.

Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 30-35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Base:

  • 1​ cup Long-Grain White Rice

  • 3 cups Water

  • 1 large (or 2 small) Cinnamon Stick (preferably Mexican canela)

• For the Creaminess & Sweetness:

  • 1 can (12 oz) Evaporated Milk

  • 1 can (14 oz) Sweetened Condensed Milk

  • 3 cups Whole Milk (or 2% milk)

  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

  • 2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (plus extra for garnish)

    

    Soul comfort
    

Instructions

1. Cook the Rice Base

1. Rinse the Rice: Rinse the 1​ cup of white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.

2. Boil: In a large saucepan or pot, combine the 3 cups of water, the rinsed rice, and the cinnamon stick(s). Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

3. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the water has been absorbed.

2. Blend to Creaminess

1. Remove Cinnamon: Take out and discard the whole cinnamon stick(s).

2. Blend: Transfer the cooked rice and any remaining liquid into a blender. Add the Evaporated Milk and the Vanilla Extract.

3. Purée: Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth. You want a very fine, creamy texture.

3. Thicken and Sweeten

1. Combine Milks: Pour the blended rice mixture back into the saucepan. Stir in the Whole Milk and the Sweetened Condensed Milk.

2. Heat and Stir: Return the saucepan to the stove over medium-low heat. Cook for another 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently (and scraping the bottom of the pot!) to prevent the milk from scorching or sticking.

3. Finish: Continue to cook until the atole has thickened to your desired consistency—it should lightly coat the back of a spoon. Finally, stir in the 21​ teaspoon of Ground Cinnamon.

Serving

Ladle the hot Atole into mugs or small cups. Garnish each serving with a light sprinkle of extra ground cinnamon. Enjoy immediately with your Zen drawing session!

"My Frida cup" Watercolor and pen on paper

Pro-Tip for Consistency

• Too Thick? If the atole becomes too thick as it cools, simply add a splash of whole milk or water when reheating it on the stovetop until you reach your preferred drinkable consistency.

• Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, you can swap out 41​ cup of the water in step 1 for a good quality coconut milk.

  
  

  ✨Thank you for your visit, please enjoy my blog, may peace come to the world and everyone's heart. Namaste 🙏🏻🥰✨

Las piedras en mi boca

The Veil of the Self

AI generated and Digital work by Moni.

The ego is the story we tell ourselves, the character we’ve created from an echo of voices: that of our parents, society, our fears, and our accomplishments. It is a map forged by inherited ideas and beliefs, a shield that has protected us but often prevents us from seeing our true essence. It is the identity we wear unknowingly, the guardian of our comfort zone, and the keeper that, in the silence, sometimes leads us away from ourselves. This is the intricate process of how that veil is woven from our earliest days.

At the dawn of childhood, innocence and the absorption of external ideas intertwine, all under the sway of a subconscious we are unaware of. It is attentive to every detail, storing it as something sacred, noting every gesture, every glance, and what it believes it means.

Soon we learn that our inner world is bigger and that we want to belong to it to feel a part of it, as we also learn how painful it is not to. Day by day, we unknowingly program ourselves from everything around us, and with all of it, we begin to form a personality. We convince ourselves that this is who we are, and in the end, we create an identity—the mask we wear and so proudly defend with our lives.

Society shapes us, whether we want it to or not, and we don't even notice. Every experience lived during that time of growing up becomes part of a self we are creating, and we convince ourselves that this is who we are. Upon reaching adulthood, all that we've accumulated creates very difficult and painful crises. Sometimes the crisis is so abrupt and harsh that it pulls the rug out from under us and throws us off balance, forcing us to look inward and seek the reasons for our woes. But it is precisely in these moments of profound discomfort that we are given a choice: to continue defending the mask, or to finally lift the veil and meet the truest version of ourselves.

Art journal in process. Collage, rose petals, stabilo pencil and markers on paper

Las piedras en mi boca, Mixed media collage on paper

Las piedras en mi boca, Mixed media collage on paper

Las piedras en mi boca, Mixed media collage on paper

The Sacred Dance of Anima and Animus

In the stillness of our being, a profound truth resides: within each of us lives the sacred dance of the masculine and the feminine. These are the archetypes of Anima and Animus, the eternal energies that dwell in the depths of our soul. They are the mirror and the shadow, the silent song of yin and yang that yearns for a single, harmonious note.

This inner duality speaks to us not only in the stories of our dreams but also in the mirrors of our waking world. It is the sudden fascination with another's strength, or the projection of our own unacknowledged qualities onto the faces we meet. This is the inner masculine or feminine rising, sometimes as a fierce storm of emotion, other times as a quiet, compelling force.

The journey toward wholeness is the conscious, courageous act of embracing this dance. It is listening for the inner voice that offers clarity and conviction, and learning to distinguish it from the echo of our fears. It is inviting the masculine's strength to serve the heart, not to rule it, allowing it to become a wellspring of inner courage, creativity, and purpose.

Ultimately, integrating these two parts of the self is not about changing who you are, but about becoming fully complete. It is the sacred work of uniting your own masculine and feminine—your strength and your grace—so they may move together in a profound and authentic harmony.

Las piedras en mi boca, son el recuento de lo sucedido,

que no sale ni entra, mi voz en silencio.

Una ventana a lo que el horizonte permite,

donde anida el olvido, lo no dicho y la nada.

Lo extraño y lo increíble,

y todo aquello en lo que me convertí.

Aunque el corazón sigue casi intacto,

palpitando luz y sonido,

sosteniendo un espacio libre donde tú habitas,

inevitablemente lo habitas.

Y mi percepción se extiende

más allá de tu mano, a un brazo desnudo

con cuerdas de música y fuerza.

Me invitaste a tu casa, sencilla y hermosa.

Hablábamos de lo simple.

Mi corazón brillaba con una luz

que solo el alma puede reconocer.

Desperté con una felicidad especial,

anhelando retener lo imposible.

En este vuelo de impermanencia,

todo se disuelve, lo horrible y lo hermoso,

y uno tiene que ceder, soltar,

o eso lo suelta a uno.

Pero algo de ello queda,

esperanza, recuerdos, siluetas,

y la añoranza de que algo de todo ese sueño es real.

"Animus"  Watercolor on paper

"Animus" Watercolor on paper

Open your heart gently to the quiet light of your own being. In the stillness, a silent song reveals the self, the witness, the truth.

Your journey is a continuous unfolding of wonders, a tapestry woven with grace. The person you are now will soon dissolve into the self yet to be, but all that you are is held in a thread of wisdom that will carry you through the next beautiful chapter.

Keep writing new, exciting soul adventures. Become the flower, the clouds, the passing shadows. There is always time, for eternity is playing, spreading, and singing, wearing different masks and flavors.

The one you are becoming is already here, held in the quiet truth of this moment. You are the journey and the destination all at once.

"Astrology" (crop) Watercolor, white & black pen

"Astrology" Watercolor, white & black pen

The Courage to Be Yourself

After discussing the veil of the self, a natural question arises: What are we, then, beneath that mask?

The world's echo offers us countless answers, but the truth does not reside in blind faith; it lives in the courage to forge your own path. No one can see with your eyes, feel with your heart, or be your light. It is your own spirit that must be the seeker, the architect of its own journey.

This path can sometimes feel solitary, for only you can guide yourself. But in that solitude lies a profound freedom. Today, we can learn from those who have walked before us, but the compass still points inward. It is there, in your silence, where the truth that is uniquely yours resides.

Meditation is the art of creating space. It is the sacred act of releasing thoughts and beliefs, emptying the baggage we have carried. With each breath, we detach from the accumulated weight, and in that lightness, we discover that what we truly are is a vast space filled with immense light. We are consciousness it self.

And for you, what does it mean to be the seeker of your own path?

✨Namaste 🙏🏻✨

What is meditation

 Meditation: A Pathway to Healing the Mind, Body, and Soul

Change

Change in yourself can only come from within.  

How do you willingly transform who you are and create a new, improved version of yourself?

-Erasing what has been.

How do you erase what has been?

-Becoming a new version of yourself.

Consciousness is the journey 

Your consciousness is what holds your frequency, your state of being, you are not to arrive somewhere, you are to reveal who you truly are.  

-This keeps evolving.

Meditation is an ancient practice, one that with discipline, shows you your true self.  You  come to a point of understanding how you are your own internal energy, and with time and practice, you develop compassion. It is a practice that holds the potential to transform you, offering a holistic approach to healing. Through meditation, the mind achieves a state of peace and clarity, reducing stress and anxiety. 

This mental tranquility positively impacts the body by lowering blood pressure, boosting the immune system, and enhancing overall physical well-being. On a deeper level, meditation nourishes the soul, fostering a sense of inner peace and connection to the universe. It encourages self-awareness, leading to personal growth and a greater understanding of one's place in the cosmos. By integrating meditation into daily life, individuals can cultivate a harmonious balance, promoting healing and enrichment for the mind, body, and soul.

I used to keep looking for a guru, a teacher or something like it, but some events took me to deepen my meditation practice and this has taught me that I am my own guru, my own teacher and my own guide, this takes a lot of discipline and self discovery but I just want to share with you that you are your own path, your own guru and teacher, your own self discovery, take what helps from teachings and others knowledge and dig deep inside your soul for your own self guidance, the only truth you will find that will never let you down. 

6 Steps to Start Meditating with Comfortable Positions

1. Find a Quiet Spot: Choose a serene environment where you won’t be disturbed. This could be a quiet room or a peaceful spot in a garden.
   
2. Sit Comfortably: Select a comfortable position that suits you. This could be the traditional cross-legged pose on a cushion or a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Ensure your spine is straight to facilitate easy breathing.

3. Relax Your Body: Gently close your eyes and relax your muscles. Start from the top of your head and work your way down to your toes, releasing tension from each part of your body. Scan the body to find points of stress and release them.

4. Focus on Your Breath: Pay attention to your breathing. Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your abdomen to expand, and exhale slowly. This focus will help anchor your mind. 

5. Let Go of Thoughts: As thoughts arise, acknowledge them without judgment and gently bring your focus back to your breath. This practice helps calm the mind and enhance concentration.

6. Gradually Increase Duration: Start with short sessions of 5-10 minutes and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable with the practice.

In silence

In the stillness of the universe's embrace,  

where stars whisper secrets in celestial grace,  

the mind finds peace in the heart's song,  

a journey within where we truly belong.

With each breath, the cosmos weaves,  

a tapestry of calm that the soul lives,

the body heals with the universe's might,  

in meditation's glow, we find our light.

So sit in silence, let the universe in,  

allow healing of mind, body, and soul.  

in the cosmic dance, we find our role,  

meditation, the key to a harmonious whole.

Spiral

While creating this painting, I recall thinking about the word spiral and that it reminded me of the word spiritual, the word spiral and spirit are not directly related etymologically, although they share common Latin root. 

Spiral

Spiral comes from the Latin word "spiralis," which means "having the form of a 

coil" or "to breathe." The root "spirare" means "to breathe," which is also the source of the word "spirit."

Spirit originates from the Latin "spiritus," meaning "breath" or "soul," and is related to the concept of life force or essence.

While both words derive from the Latin root "spirare," their meanings and usages have diverged significantly. "Spiral" refers to a geometric shape or motion, while "spirit" pertains to the non-material essence of a being. Thus, while there is a linguistic connection, the concepts they represent are distinct.

I intuit that we may use this analogy in our own evolution, many things come in spirals, why wouldn't humans contain spirals in their own beings?  Just an example: ADN.  

We see in nature what we contain in ourselves.

I observe that every cycle is a process, has a beginning and an ending but it's also connected to the next beginning, so how would you represent this idea? A spiral connected to another spiral.

I end up a cycle just to begin a new one and they are connected in between, it always upgrades our understanding so we are in an endless journey towards knowledge, I believe it can be represented as a spiral going upwards, why? Because knowledge keeps adding, therefore upgrades our being, represented as going upward or maybe expanding, just as a galaxy.

Once something is understood, it becomes part of who we are and it shapes us, we are eternally molding our selves and forever changing, evolving and growing, some spirals may take longer to turn to the next cycle but we are all doing it, can you observe were in your own evolution a cycle has ended and a new one has began? Did you understand better something, ended something and felt like you left an old dried skin behind? Maybe the new you has started to grow wings and your ascension will be easier and faster. 

Let us keep discovering more about who and what we are. Namaste 🙏🏻
Thank you for being here, you are loved and appreciated ✨

Hola 2019!

Hola new year! So many ideas for you and so happy to live through you

at this special time in human history!  It´s wonderful to be part of you and

I thank you for what you allow me to be, say and do through you!

As usual, I am trying to evolve, to grow, to reach higher. 

This time I am doing it by surrendering to my higher guidance, 

I always think I am doing it just to learn that I can stretch a bit 

more and that it never ends, there is always more to surrender, 

more to grow, to observe and learn.

New work from my new cycle, I´ve been doing this since my birthday, 

December 26th if you are interested or if you want to send me a gift! :D

Some people want me to explain my work to them, the meaning of each painting,

no, I am sorry, I don´t do that, the message is for you to receive in private, I don´t 

want to contaminate you with my ideas, be open to them and listen to what it has 

for you.

Follow my Instagram for more photos!

Happy new year and may God bless you!

Much Love form Hands and Heart!