Episodes

  • Empowerment Through Intuitive Art: Tonya Henderson on Tapping into Divine Intelligence
    Sep 29 2024

    In this episode of "The Spiritual Artist Podcast", Christopher J. Miller interviews Tonya Henderson, an artist, intuitive, and inspiring art business coach dedicated to empowering women through her unique approach to art and energy work. Tonya, who originally trained in psychometry, views art-making as a journey, focusing on the joy of creating rather than the end product. Tonya’s classes and workshops are designed not only to teach the technical aspects of art but to nurture everyone's personal growth, helping them tap into their inner wisdom and Creative Intelligence.

    Throughout the conversation, Tonya delves into the importance of being fully present in the creative process, emphasizing that there is no right or wrong in art. She believes that the role of a teacher is to ensure students have fun, find their own magic, and trust the flow of creativity. Tonya explains that art often has a way of "creating itself," as it channels through the artist from a higher source. She and CJ discuss how everyone can access the 'Creative Pool,' a space of infinite ideas, by opening themselves up to Divine Intelligence, which, according to Tonya, always brings forth goodness.

    Tonya also discusses her intuitive art practice, where she creates Personal Energy Portraits, offering art readings that tap into the unique energy of her clients. She shares her experiences as an intuitive reader, explaining how thoughts and energy fields can influence our physical and emotional well-being. Tonya describes how she connects with Divine Intelligence to bring forward the right message for each client, often discovering deeper meanings in her artwork. Her purpose, she says, is to serve others, recognizing that we are all reflections of one another, adding to the fabric of humanity with each act of service.

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    58 mins
  • Should You Be Open to Your Intuitive Guidance? Navigating Fear, Empathy, and Divine Power
    Sep 29 2024

    In this short clip of my upcoming podcast with Intuitive Artist Tonya Henderson, I share a personal story about my own intuitive experiences and the challenges that came with them. At one point, I felt like I was receiving negative energy or scary thoughts, so I put up a wall and decided it wasn't for me to hear. Yet, I still feel deeply empathic toward the world around me and those in need. I didn't want to turn my back on them because, as Tonya so beautifully expresses, "Anything that doesn't appear as love is a request for love."

    Together, we explore how tapping into Divine Intelligence—whether you call it God, Source, or Creative Power—always brings forth something good. It’s about recognizing that even when situations or people seem unsettling, the truth is that this power is guiding us toward love and healing. I share how, when someone enters my space, I always receive the right words, reminding us that love is always the answer, and there is nothing in that divine space that can hurt us. This episode offers a heartfelt look at how we can navigate the balance between empathy, intuition, and love.

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    5 mins
  • Art, Purpose, and Doing Good with Musician and Recording Artist Michael Gott
    Sep 21 2024

    In this episode, host CJ Miller welcomes Rev. Michael Gott, Senior Minister at Unity of Houston, to explore the deep connections between creativity, spirituality, and surrender. As they discuss Michael's latest album Be Revealed, CJ asks profound questions about God, faith, and letting go of the ego.

    Raised in a fundamentalist, Bible-based tradition, Michael shares his journey of rediscovery, from growing up in a strict faith to rewriting his relationship with God through recovery from alcoholism. He opens up about the pivotal moments in his life, including his experiences in the New Thought tradition over the past 30 years and his evolving understanding of a "Higher Power."

    Michael reflects on his creative process and how surrendering to something greater than himself has become central to his art, spiritual practice, and daily life. The conversation touches on the themes of intention, faith, and transformation, with Michael sharing insights from his personal recovery journey and his ongoing work on a memoir.

    Key moments in the discussion include Michael's thoughts on the word "God" as a blanket we throw over the mystery of life, allowing people to find their own understanding of the divine. He also delves into the role of surrender in creativity and how imperfections, or "defects of character," can be used for good when we align with the creative energy that flows through us all.

    The episode concludes with Michael offering his wisdom: "You are good enough. Do what you're here to do. Don’t let the critic stop you from expressing."

    For more on Rev. Michael Gott and his music, visit www.unityhouston.org.


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    59 mins
  • The Science of Spirituality: Quantum Physics, Mind-Body Connection, and Universal Energy with Kevin Carton
    Sep 10 2024

    In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Carton, an inspirational speaker, teacher, and transformational life coach certified by the Brave Thinking Institute. With over a decade of experience, Kevin has empowered hundreds to break through limitations, rewire their subconscious minds, and trust themselves on a deeper level. Kevin also discusses co-hosting the popular Science & Spirituality podcast with his brother Chris, which has reached listeners in over 113 countries and garnered more than 1.3 million downloads.

    In this engaging episode, Kevin Carton delves into the fascinating intersection of science and spirituality. He discusses how modern quantum physics aligns with ancient spiritual teachings, shedding light on concepts like the origins of the universe, quantum entanglement, and the interconnected nature of all things. Kevin emphasizes the role of energy in life and creation, encouraging listeners to embrace both scientific and spiritual perspectives. He highlights the importance of the mind-body connection in healing and creative practices and touches on the wisdom of the heart and its vital role in aligning thoughts with emotions for holistic well-being.

    Key Concepts:

    • Intersection of Science and Spirituality: Kevin explains how quantum physics supports spiritual teachings, particularly regarding the interconnectedness of all things, tying it to the concept of the Big Bang.
    • Quantum Entanglement and Connection: The idea that everything is energetically connected, even across vast distances, mirrors spiritual beliefs about unity.
    • Energy and Transformation: Kevin emphasizes that energy cannot be destroyed, only transformed, resonating with both physics and spiritual teachings about life and death.
    • Mind-Body Connection: Kevin discusses how the body influences the mind and how physical movement can shift energy, affecting emotions and thoughts, leading to mental clarity and creativity.
    • Wisdom of the Heart: Kevin highlights the heart's energetic role, influencing clarity of thought and emotional states through heart rate variability.
    • Subconscious Power: The subconscious mind, more powerful than the conscious mind, resides within every cell. This deep-seated intelligence governs our physical and mental patterns, contributing to the intricate design of human life.
    • Brainwaves and Early Programming: From birth to age seven, children’s brains are primarily in the alpha state, which is akin to a state of hypnosis. During this time, they absorb and internalize information from their environment, forming the foundational programming for their future behavior and thought patterns.
    • Western vs. Eastern Cultural Differences: In Western societies, there's a strong focus on the mind and external world, often pulling people away from their bodies and inner selves. Eastern cultures, in contrast, emphasize internal reflection, though both face challenges in embracing body awareness for healing.
    • Universal Intelligence: The deep intelligence within all life, from cellular replication to plant growth, shows that intelligence permeates everything. This universal intelligence, whether called God, spirit, or source, reminds us that our creative aspirations are possible.
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    52 mins
  • Finding Peace Amid Chaos: Relive Your Moments of Awe
    Aug 24 2024

    In this episode of the "Spiritual Artist" podcast, Christopher J. Miller discusses the importance of reconnecting with one's spiritual side amid the busyness of life, especially while preparing for his upcoming solo art show. He shares a lesson learned during a yin yoga session with Lisa Coyle, emphasizing the idea that spiritual growth involves understanding who we are not rather than who we are. This practice helps remove false identifications and distractions, allowing for a deeper connection to one's true essence.

    Christopher encourages listeners to practice moments of awe by recalling vivid, sensory memories that connect them with the beauty and intelligence of being. These moments of awe serve as a touchstone during stressful times, providing peace and grounding. He shares personal examples of moments of awe from his childhood and everyday life, highlighting how these experiences can help quiet the mind and open oneself to divine guidance. He concludes with a spiritual declaration exercise, inviting listeners to use these practices to cultivate a deeper presence and connection with their inner selves and the world around them.

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    18 mins
  • Asemic Writing: Try This Creative Spiritual Exercise with My Music Playlist
    Aug 10 2024

    Hello, I’m CJ Miller, host of the Spiritual Artist Podcast and YouTube channel. Today, I’m revisiting asemic writing—a profound way to tap into your unique creative voice. If you’ve ever felt constrained by traditional art forms or struggled to find your authentic expression, asemic writing offers a liberating alternative. In this episode, I’ll introduce you to an exercise that combines asemic writing with music, helping you reconnect with the pure, unfiltered creativity that lies within you.

    Asemic writing is more than just abstract marks on a page; it’s a way to access your creative DNA—those innate, original impulses that are often suppressed as we conform to societal norms. By engaging in this form of expression, you can bypass the conscious mind and connect directly with your intuitive self. Inspired by the teachings of Paul Baker in his book Integration of Abilities, we’ll explore how integrating movement, music, and mark-making can lead to deeper creative breakthroughs.

    In my own artistic journey, I’ve discovered that true creativity isn’t about imitating others but about discovering what makes your work uniquely yours. Through this exercise, we’ll go back to the playful, uninhibited joy of childhood—when we were free to scribble, color, and create without judgment. I’ll guide you through using simple tools like crayons and a spiral-bound tablet to explore your emotions and physical responses to music, allowing your true artistic self to emerge.

    Music is a powerful catalyst for creativity. In this exercise, we’ll use it to evoke emotional responses that translate into your asemic writing. Whether you’re feeling the rhythm of a fast-paced track or the calm of a soothing melody, your marks on the page will reflect your inner state. This process isn’t about creating something beautiful in the conventional sense; it’s about capturing the raw, visceral experience of being fully present in the moment.

    So, grab a box of crayons, find a quiet space, and let’s begin this journey of self-discovery. By the end of this exercise, you’ll have a series of pages that are a true reflection of your inner world. These marks are more than just art—they are a testament to your creative spirit. Join me in this exploration, and let’s uncover the unique artistic expression that’s waiting to be released. Thank you for being a part of the Spiritual Artist community.

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    18 mins
  • Embracing Your Unique Creative Path: Overcoming Insecurity and Comparison
    Aug 7 2024

    In this episode, I share a deeply personal experience where I went against my own best advice and picked up my phone first thing in the morning. Seeing an artist’s successful post on Instagram triggered feelings of inadequacy and despondency. It’s easy to compare ourselves to others and feel like we’re not enough. However, I turned to my toolbox of coping mechanisms to process these feelings. I encourage listeners to join me as I discuss the importance of identifying the spiritual truth behind our emotions. By putting down my phone, focusing on nature, and reflecting on my unique purpose, I found a way to realign myself.

    I use the metaphor of an oak tree and a blue jay to illustrate how each of us has a unique role and creative DNA. Just as the oak tree and blue jay each serve a distinct purpose, so do we as artists. It's vital to appreciate our unique gifts rather than compare ourselves to others. Drawing inspiration from nature, I realized the importance of embracing our individuality and creative expression. In this episode, I guide listeners through a brief meditation to help realign with their spiritual truth and appreciate their unique contributions to the world. Join me for a Spiritual Declaration to reinforce your unique creative path.

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    12 mins
  • Build Emotional Intelligence and Alleviate Physical Pain: Ostertag and Dunn on "Getting My Happy Back"
    Aug 1 2024

    Podcast Host CJ Miller interviews Dr. Renée Ostertag and Wilene Dunn about their new book, Getting My Happy Back: How to Think and What to Do When Body and Mind Collide.

    In this episode, Dr. Renée and Wilene delve into how their book combines personal stories with pain management techniques and insights into emotional intelligence. They discuss how the nervous system and our thoughts impact our experience of pain and tension, and how understanding this can lead to better self-improvement.

    The discussion includes practical advice on using Mark Brackett's Mood Meter, a tool that maps emotions to a color-coded grid, to help shift our emotional states. Dr. Renee explains that recognizing our physiological states—whether in the red, blue, yellow, or green quadrants—can aid in navigating and alleviating pain more effectively.

    Wilene shares a personal story about throat pain and how Dr. Renée’s World Storytelling Process helps identify and address underlying causes. They highlight that naming and understanding our emotional experiences allows us to shift our states more fluidly, enhancing our mind-body connection.

    The episode also explores how stepping out of familiar comfort zones can be challenging due to chemical dependencies in the nervous system, but underscores the personal growth achievable through emotional and physical transformation. CJ uses his TikTok experience to illustrate how storytelling can reshape perspectives.

    Dr. Renée Ostertag, an award-winning health and wellness speaker, specializes in ergonomics, pain management, resilience, and nervous system regulation. For more information, visit www.greentreemind.com.

    Wilene Dunn, CEO, author, and coach, supports aspiring authors through her site, WritingThatBook.com, offering valuable guidance and support for writing and publishing projects.

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    1 hr