The Dreamer Rejuvenation Project: Move More, Sit Less to Get Your Creativity Refreshed (& Cooper Aerobics Guest Blog)
Above: A Renaissance-inspired chalk drawing my friends and I created in high school dedicated to the Vitruvian Man (don’t worry he’s holding a bowl of fruit in front of him;) – or in this case the Vitruvian Dreamer with my additions of the moon, stars, landscape and soaring bird. Leonardo Di Vinci’s work, with the attention to detail and anatomical accuracy, is one example of the merging of art and science during that period.
Along with my passion for all things creative, I’ve also felt called to encourage artists and dreamers of all types to take care of their bodies better – how can you create well if you’re not feeling well, and what’s the good of making a masterpiece if you’re minimizing your optimal years here and ignoring the beauty in the health of your body?
My conviction for health started with my own experiences and story, realizing how my daily habits were the cause of stress and avoidable ailments that often slowed down my productivity (including blogging) and made me pursue the art of creative wellness. My long-term aim is to create a unique approach to taking care of your body – moving more, eating right – that is less intimidating & drudging. Health shouldn’t be a nuisance to your schedule and pleasure, but an intentional, integral and balanced part of being a creative dreamer who respects and lives life in full color in all areas.
Believe me I know the dread of wanting to lay on the bed instead of getting up for that work out, or the lure of those crunchy munchies (I’ll just have one more:). My dream is once day to encourage others, and myself to see the beauty in their bodies and in healthy living, and move away from the standard of unbridled indulgence our society sets (another helping of “processed-ness” anyone?)
I’ve started the Dreamer Rejuvenation Project on the blog to creatively share tips for others (and myself) to make those changes (you know those ones I’m talking about) that will help you feel better and be better for the long run.
Above: A picture from a beauty, health and wellness event I hosted at my University a few years back called “Royal Rejuvenation,” one of the inspirations behind this new series.
This summer as part of my public health program I got to intern at The Cooper Institute, an amazing research and educational organization that encourages a whole lifestyle of living well, eating better and moving more. Cooper Aerobics, the overall organization, was founded by Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper, M.D. who is called the “Father of Aerobics,” an Air Force physician who became a forerunner of providing evidence for the role of exercise in preserving health.
During my time at Cooper I got to meet amazing people along with learning about and experiencing various facets of what goes on there, from visiting the fitness center to blogging for their new healthy lifestyle website TodayIWill.com. I wanted to share my first blog here, on the importance of limiting your couch and desk potato tendencies.
As a creative I spend so many hours sitting at my desk, drawing, blogging, designing, writing – the list goes on. I’ve been feeling the effects of all of those hours of inactivity, and learning all about how harmful sitting really is – it doesn’t do the body good. Here’s my blog describing the effects of prolonged sitting and ideas to get your own potato out of that chair to get rejuvenated…
Click here to read my post “Don’t Be a Desk Potato: Ways to Get Moving…” on the Cooper Institute blog
Envibrance Inspiration: Live, Love and Dream for a Greater Purpose
You are here for a purpose greater than you know, to impact the world and to make a mark. Live boldly, love others intentionally and dream a dream that is greater than you.
Click here for this shirt and the latest from my Envibrance Dream Apparel collection…
The shirt above shined inspiration at the MTV Movie Awards lounge this year. Below is one of the celebrities who stopped by, Ernie Hudson who you might recognize from over 100 film and TV credits including Heroes, Ms. Congeniality 2, and of course Ghostbusters. I admire his work and the inspiration he gives to others for following their purpose and dreams!
Also check out this write-up in The Huffington Post where Envibrance got a mention… Click here
DreamFleur Creative Expressions: “Every Woman”
In honor of Women’s History Month, here’s a tribute for women everywhere – “Every Woman.” (The poem and graphics below were part of a project I created for a Women’s History Month celebration I had the opportunity to chair at the University of Miami.)
The last two stanzas were added in 2012 and inspired by my friend Kara Norman, founder of Empower Her, Inc. She is truly making a mark by inspiring girls and women through her work: http://www.empowerherinc.com.
Every Woman
by Julene Fleurmond
Every woman should learn
To look past her imperfections
To nurture the essence of her spirit
To embrace her own reflection.
Every woman should live
Never compromising herself
To dream dreams that are impossible
To know when to ask for help.
Every woman should know
That within her are the seeds of greatness,
That she is loved by a Love even greater
And that she is too blessed to stress.
Every woman should believe
That she is divine royalty
Placed on this earth to leave a mark,
To share her heart and write history.
Every woman should walk
In purpose, grace and confidence
Because she has the power to impact the world
And change begins with a single step.
Dream Creations: Don’t Keep Your Dreams Buried Inside – Arise & Shine
We all miss out if you keep your dreams, talents and passions buried inside – arise and shine.
Check out more shirts from the Arise and Shine Collection of my apparel line Envibrance Dream Creations.
Dream Deeper & Live Without Fear – Inspiration from My Experience At Women of Faith ONE DAY in Dallas
Recently I had an amazing time at Women of Faith’s ONE DAY event and wanted to share my experience and how it encouraged my heart…
The auditorium was a sea of excited and expectant expressions waiting to see what effect a single day could have on their lives. Soon the room was filled with waves of laughter and streams of tears – sometimes all at once – as Women of Faith’s ONE DAY event in Dallas made an impact.
Hundreds of women shared a bond and a deep sense of God’s love and dreams for their lives as speakers Christine Caine, Andy Andrews and Angie Smith, poured out their stories and faith-filled wisdom into open hearts.
This was the first year for ONE DAY events, created in response to women who couldn’t attend the two day Women of Faith Events. ONE DAY had a more intimate atmosphere that allowed the speakers to go deeper and the attendees to get more up close and personal and feel like they are part of a sisterhood that shares their faith and feelings about life.
I’ve been inspired by the ministry of Women of Faith for several years now, but never had chance to attend their live events, (other than last year’s event for teen girls, the Revolve Tour “Dream On” which was a fun and moving experience).
I was excited to go to ONE DAY, and what made it more personal for me was that it was held at Southern Methodist University where I went to college, in the very same auditorium I graduated in. Three years ago I sat in those seats and walked across that stage in apprehension, wondering what calling God had placed on my life, and on Saturday the encouragement from the ONE DAY speakers had an impact on me in ways I couldn’t imagine.
The theme of the event was “In ONE DAY God can change everything,” with Psalm 118:6 as the leading verse:
“I will not be afraid, because the Lord is with me.”
Each speaker had a unique style and broke the ice with humor before delving into more serious and somber parts of their stories, to inspire us to see God’s divine plan in our own lives. I loved their transparency of sharing the not-so-pretty parts of their backgrounds that can help others going through similar situations. Here are a few highlights of what they shared…
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