Conscious Inklings Blog. IDEAS, INSIGHTS & INK-SPIRATION.

According to the law of thermodynamics (fancy, right?), energy cannot be destroyed, only transferred or changed from one form to another. One interpretation of how energy cannot be destroyed is why we feel so moved in the presence of art, like a beautiful painting, or exquisite architecture. The energy…this “essence" energy…from which the beautiful art was created...is still in it, no matter if 100 or 500 years have passed!

Okay, fine, crazy science boy, but what does this law of thermodynamics have to do with Conscious Ink?

Fair question, fair maiden, or sire. So here’s the answer: The energy…your essence energy…that is present when you create an intention, or make a commitment, cannot be destroyed either. It can be forgotten, but not destroyed. This is why creating an intention, or making a commitment, along with applying your Manifestation Tattoo, is so important, and why it’s such an integral part of manifesting in general.

When you make a commitment, as outlined in the “instructions” that come with every Manifestation Tattoo, you activate your energy of desire. And it’s ALIVE. ALIVE, I say! Now every time you see your ink, you not only get reminded of your commitment in a linear five-senses-sort-of-way, you actually connect to...and can feel...the energy from the time when you created the commitment...similar to the example of when an artist creates his art…this high energy is in there!

When you make an intention, or create a commitment, toward something you truly desire, you typically are in a high state of being, your “essence” state, if you will. And when you fall into an old subconscious pattern, or a self defeating thought or behavior, you become “disconnected” from your essence state. But when you connect back to your intention/commitment (via your Conscious Ink, in this case), you also automatically connect back to the presence of your highest self.

Just like that, whamo!

This is the “invisible", and perhaps the  biggest, reason why these Manifestation Tattoos are so powerful, and why many have made mind-boggling shifts.

It’s really you, your highest self at work. Good work higher selves!

So, say it with me now, “Thank you law of thermodynamics.”

Cheers to you, and to your next manifestations!

Frank Gjata

Founder, Conscious Ink

What other people think of us is none of our business. This is a matter, among many other things, that is out of our control. Investing time trying to understand and manipulate others' perceptions of us is a pastime that does more harm than good. Still, it is human nature to be concerned with what other people are thinking about us and many of us will drive ourselves crazy pondering this.

Fortunately, there is a way out. It's simple, straightforward and relatively painless. Be kind. That's it. This intention pulls the focus away from the external thing we have no control over, another person's perception of us, and directs it onto something that we can control, our own behavior.

With this comes a massive shift in the way we approach our lives. Instead of mulling endlessly over what we should say or do to make a good impression--i.e make that person approve of us--we can simply lead with kindness and let the cards fall where they may. This approach to life is incredibly liberating. It takes us out of our heads and into the present moment, where all of the good stuff is unfolding in real time. 

When we are kind, both to ourselves and others, we stop harboring grudges, our shoulders drop, and the world feels like a friendlier place. We attract the energy that we give off. When we smile, the world smiles back at us. Strangers hold doors open for us, exciting opportunities arise from unexpected places and people are eager to give us great recommendations. People want to be around kind people and furthermore, to see them succeed. Even when our kindness isn't reciprocated, we can rest well knowing that we did all that we could do.

So I will pose the question, what if we reclaimed all of the time and energy that goes into our attempts to solve the mystery of what others think of us and redirected it towards being kinder humans? There are no bounds to the shifts that can come about from a small intention. 

 Amanda,

Ever have a crazy good idea only to come to think later that it was just plain crazy sans the good part? Ever get a whim of inspiration then become convinced it was really just a moment of madness? Ever gone from Sassy Sally to Debbie Downer in lickety-split?

So, what’s going on here? What changed from one moment to the next?

In those moments, we may feel like we lost our mind. And we may have done just that…lose our mind, temporarily. And that can be a very good thing!

Whatcha talkin’ 'bout Willis?

The mind we “lost" may have been a mind that was “stuck”. Follow me here. If we feel the same way everyday, we will formulate very similar thoughts everyday. Now, if we step out of the typical way we feel, new atypical thoughts and ideas may come to us. Make sense?

A couple examples of times when we may feel different than normal. While on vacation. When doing something we love. When we finally surrender something that no longer serves us. Can you think of more?

So, in those atypical moments, more times than not, it’s our state of being that has changed. Often, we may have an unusual flash of inspiration because we were actually in a higher state of being than “normal”.

Then, when we “settle down” into our more typical way of feeling, those inspired ideas may indeed feel crazy. But of course they would, because they came from a different brain!

So, what to do? How can we be sure if it’s an inspired idea, or just a bad idea.

Test it out…in different state of beings.

Get yourself back into a higher, inspired state of being, then try the idea on once more. Does it all of sudden sound exciting again? If so, you know you’re onto something. And the problem isn’t the idea, but your state of being. So focus on that…how can you stay in this inspired state more and more each day?

A few suggestions: Do things that feel good. Do things you love to do. Delegate the things you don’t. Complete things that have been draining your energy. Hang out with people you enjoy and inspire you. What’s on your list?

Let "feeling good" guide the way. If you don’t feel good, focus perhaps first on…napping. :)

Conscious Ink Founder,

Frank Gjata

We crave the order, sense of security and predictability that our comfort zones provide us with. Everything beyond the bubble of comfort that many of us have enshrouded ourselves with is a foreign land--its untouched wonders both entice and provoke fear within us.

All of us flirt with the idea of venturing outside the bubble from time to time. Perhaps we pause before ordering our usual to ponder the other possibilities on the menu, or we consider taking a different route on our way home from work. Before we can act on these impulses, though, our minds will pop in with helpful reminders of why this is not a good idea. This is often enough for us to shut down the dream of the unknown and settle for the tried and true. 

The problem with this is that when we stop reaching for situations that stretch us beyond what is comfortable, we stop growing. And when we are not growing, we are essentially dying. Life becomes colorless. We may find solace in the sense of security that comes from knowing what to expect, but living in this place for too long only leaves us feeling numb and listless. Nothing truly enthralling takes place within a bubble. 

In the words of Dr. Serene Jones,"the constant facade of order hides the wilderness that is craving to seep out and teach us that life wasn't created to be what we think it is...we must experience the wilderness to be taught what cannot be otherwise known". 

Ultimately, growth is the prerequisite for a rich, fulfilling life and discomfort is the catalyst for growth. Growth requires us to sink our feet into new soil and scour the wilderness for experiences that can't be had within the confines of our bubbles.

 Amanda,

We all have certain events, people, things that rouse uncomfortable emotions in us. It is often our first instinct to go the other way the moment we feel triggered. To turn the other way, though, is to miss out on the value that these triggers have to offer us.

We are all alchemists. We have the ability to turn our tribulations and frailties into our super powers. The emotions that arise in lieu of some external trigger are essentially the base metals that, with intention, can be weaved into gold. The problem is that many of us run away from our triggers before they can deliver their value. 

When we are presented with a situation that triggers us, we are often responding to something that has happened in the past. This is our subconscious mind rehashing our old traumas and limiting beliefs. Triggering moments push the button that sends our bodies into red alert--our minds pipe in telling us "warning, danger, this hasn't ended well in the past" and our bodies follow suit by going into fight, flight or freeze mode to protect ourselves. 

These triggers, as pestilent as they can be, are really gifts in disguise, because they show us where we still have room to grow. By sitting with the feelings that come up and doing a little investigating-- i.e unraveling the limiting beliefs behind those uncomfortable feelings and pinpointing the moment in which these limiting beliefs formed--we can get to work forming new beliefs that better serve us and rewiring our subconscious minds so that we no longer perceive that particular situation, person, or thing as a threat.

From here, we can relax into our lives and reimagine what we feel is possible for us. As we alchemize our internal struggles into strengths, the world that we see transforms right along with us, from one that feels cold and uninviting into a universe that is friendly and hospitable.

Welcome the triggers, the dark clouds rolling into a clear sky. The rain, ultimately, is only here to help us grow. Triggers, similarly, are opportunities for expansion. By taking a moment to feel what comes up, we can begin to transcend beyond the limitations of the past. 

 Amanda,

There is power in having a vision to work towards. When we commit ourselves to a vision of a future that excites us, we are no longer shackled to limitations of the past and are free to expand into our full potential. A strong vision is an elixir for any manifestation. 

The thing is, in order to culminate a vision for the future, we must first put aside our practicality long enough to dream. This sounds easy, except many of us have been molded and scolded into putting away our dreamy tendencies in favor of a pragmatic approach that fits more seamlessly into society. 

We live in a society that favors output and efficiency over intention and curiosity, where people are taught to focus on the what without stopping to question the why. Consequently, many of us have been trained to see dreaming as a waste of time. Staring out the window to ponder an idea is viewed as a threat to a day's productivity. 

This premise forgets to acknowledge that the future is created by dreamers. Without those who dared to imagine a future different from the now they existed in, we wouldn't have the lightbulb, motorized vehicles, airplanes, or any of the things that make it easier to be a human today than it was in the past. 

The same is true for our own lives. We are the creators of our life experiences, we can sculpt our story in whatever way we fancy. If we wish to create a compelling vision for our lives, then, we must do away with what we've been taught and allow ourselves to get carried away for a time by our dreams. After all, it is in dreams that we plant the seeds of our future.

 Amanda,

Panic sets in when we zoom out into the future, pondering over what ifs. The truth is that we do not know what the future holds. Analyzing it too closely is a cruel, yet all-too-usual punishment that we subject ourselves to. Fortunately, we can put an end to this insanity by shifting our focus from out there to within; from the future to the present moment. The easiest way to do this is through the breath. 

By taking deep, concentrated breaths, in a moment's time, we can pull our bodies from a state of fight or flight into a relaxed parasympathetic state. In a parasympathetic state, our bodies have signaled to the brain that we are safe and can proceed with back-end functions like digestion and creative thinking. From here we are in a better position to make sound decisions and work on the tasks that are directly in front of us. 

Ultimately, our power exists in the present moment. The future is being created right now. It does us no good to worry incessantly over something that may or may not occur later down the line. Our time is better spent on the tasks sitting directly in front of us. Regardless of how massive and daunting something may seem, everything can be carried out one feasible step at a time.

By focusing on our breathing, we anchor ourselves into the truth of the moment and reclaim our power. Our bodies relax, we see that we are in no immediate danger, we return home. At this point, we can transform our experience from one of chaos to calm and exciting possibilities reveal themselves to us. Everyone is swept away by the raucous currents of the mind from time to time. No biggie. Just breathe and swim yourself back to shore. 

 Amanda,

Many of us go into the new year with intentions to do better than the year before. We've relieved ourselves of the weight of the previous year and are ready to make changes that better serve us. Now's the time to dust off those running shoes in the hallway closet, to embark on a new career path, or to simply move past 2020 blues.

Despite I myself being a fan of this new year, go get 'em energy, I would argue that there really is no ideal time to turn a new leaf. Every moment is new. At any point in time, we can choose to release the weight of the past and create a new reality. The power to make positive changes has resided within us all along. 

When we put so much power on a particular time of the year to make positive changes, we risk losing trust in our innate power to transform ourselves at any moment. 

The truth is the biggest obstacles are not out there. Rather, they exist inside our minds in the form of limiting beliefs that keep us from fully showing up as our authentic selves. The world, as we experience it, is only a reflection of our beliefs. If we wish to transform our external circumstances, we must begin by changing our thoughts. When we transform our thoughts, the way that we see the world and respond to it changes and our external realities follow suit. 

Our Manifestation Tattoos are tools that help you to disrupt limiting thought patterns and affirm new, more efficacious ways of thinking. When you are no longer riding the tailwind of inspiration and are on the verge of reverting to familiar patterns, a tattoo can remind you of why you started and gives you the strength to endure.

Often times all we need is a gentle reminder to break old habit loops and form new patterns that better support us. It takes about 66 days of intentional effort to reprogram the subconscious mind. This means that with consistency, we can alter our thought patterns for a more harmonious, abundant, loving inner world--an inner world that will of course be reflected back to us in our external realities. And all of this can be done, at any time, no flip of the calendar required.  

Amanda,

In Arabic, the root word for human is insaan. Translated to English, it means the one who forgets. The one who forgets. Allow that to sink in. How often do we forget the power of who we are, of what we are? Conscious Ink was created for those aching to remember.

Being human is a wild and wondrous thing. As Frank Gjata said in a recent interview, “We are sparks of the divine in a human body.” And it is the recognition of that truth that gave birth to Conscious Ink. Frank, as a transformational coach, began to see how people could reach incredible epiphanies and then let the routine of life flood in to wash it away, how they would be reminded of their truth and then forget.

[“We are sparks of the divine in a human body.”- Frank Gjata]

“We may attend an empowering workshop, read a self-improvement book, have an engaging conversation with a friend and then we step outside onto the curb and life happens and we get thrown off,” Frank said. “I’m always thinking of ways to support myself and others in catching ourselves when we may fall asleep, fall back into our old familiar patterns and so this [Conscious Ink] came up as a way to remind us when we have forgotten.”

            The original idea for the tattoos occurred to Frank when his daughter came home from a birthday party with a pack of temporary tattoos in her party favor bag. Curiously, he played with them, put them on and then it hit him how something so simple, so small could have incredible influence. A tool, a way to keep people awake to the their truth.

           These Manifestation Temporary Tattoos and the company behind them are infused with a heart-felt and expansive intention to use the potency of words as a tool for awakening, transformation, and creation. The simplicity of the concept—words on skin—can have a profound impact as it fuels positive affirmation in our daily lives. We put the tattoo on our skin--our bold declaration, mindful intention, soulful reminder—then as the day(s) roll on, no matter whether they are filled with highs or lows, peace or turbulence, pain or hope, the tattoo remains steadfast, an ever present whisper for us to remember.

[The simplicity of the concept—words on skin—can have a profound impact as it fuels positive affirmation in our daily lives.]

            Conscious Ink is about how words can change us from the inside out and how that vitality can inspire the world around us. As you wear your Manifestation Tattoo, know that years of intention, imagination, teamwork and miracles went into its creation. The idea for these tattoos sparked from a birthday favor bag, but now are on women, men, and children around the world, a global community united by words and ink. Humans aka Conscious Inkers who have decided that they will strive to remember.

            Remember who you really are. 

            Life is this moment now. 

With all the baking and cooking many of us are doing these days, (and if you are like us...EATING!) and perhaps adding a few lb's (also like us), we should probably go on and add a recipe for Tough Times to boot, don't ya think? Especially since the ingredients can be found without even leaving your own home and they're free! And, it also happens to be in accordance with the Stay at Home orders! Ha!

How so you ask? Because... It's all within us!

That's right! The recipe for Tough Times is easily accessible and has no price tag. And, like many recipes, it can use similar ingredients as substitutes, because it's truly about a state of mind. The KEY 🗝 to that state of mind is AWARENESS.  Staying AWARE of your thoughts is like your heat or your oven. No recipe can be made, no baking or cooking can be done, without heat or an oven! Being AWARE and noticing when your thoughts begin to no longer serve you, is your first step.

It can be SO easy to slip down into a spiral of negative thoughts of judgment and expectation. We've all been there... judging how much we are accomplishing during this time at home, questioning if we are doing the right thing in regards to parenting and homeschooling, criticizing ourselves for not showering every day, etc, etc, etc. It's a very slippery slope. But, again, the key 🗝will be to STAY AWARE of our thoughts during those times, and noticing how these negative thoughts only lower our vibration and perpetuate more negative thought. It's at that moment of awareness that we can choose to shift our thoughts towards those that better serve us; which in turn, will lead us to a much happier state of being.

What do those better serving thoughts look like? Or shall we say those "ingredients" or the "recipe" for Tough Times?

• Warm-up your mind (oven) to a healthy degree of AWARENESS. Staying consciously aware of your thoughts is the first ingredient!
• A couple cups of COMPASSION. Being GENTLER with yourself and your self-criticism. There is no rule book for how to act right now. So, don't beat yourself up. Just allow yourself to "be" - whatever that means.
• An ounce of COMMUNITY. Remembering that the whole world is going through this tough time TOGETHER. We are NOT ALONE.
• And lastly, a healthy dash of FAITH; trusting this messy, but magical journey we are all on.

Happy Baking/Cooking!

~Downtown Amanda Brown