Turning Fear into Fuel: My Journey from Nobody to Sylph Magazine Cover

Mon Aug 12, 2024

"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow

will be our doubts of today."

^{- Franklin D. Roosevelt}

Where do I even start? From feeling like a nobody in school, to being gripped by fear and nervousness whenever I had to speak to a stranger, to battling constant anxiety about everything.

To This!

When it all flashed in a minute in front of my eyes!

I was literally shivering with excitement with joyful tears in my eyes when it went LIVE! I've come so far from where I started! There were a million times I wanted to give up; the situation was such, the things were so, and I felt I had no energy. I used to say to myself, 'Until when should I have hope? When will this end?' But that's where I was wrong. I was hoping, I was wishing, instead of believing and having faith.

"The only way to achieve the impossible

is to believe it is possible."

^{-Charles Kingsleigh}

It all started to change as soon as I had this massive mind-shift, once I changed the way I was seeing things and decided never to give up! My mentors and my therapist both played a huge role in this, and not to forget this book that I read! Once I made up my mind to work for it with faith instead of fear, I started seeing a change, this took years, falling back and getting up, success and failures but not giving up!

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal:

It is the courage to continue that counts."

- Winston Churchill

I came home after my Surgery and I got this call…

Being featured on a magazine cover was always something I secretly wanted, but I wasn't sure how it would ever happen! The opportunity came about unexpectedly at a very bad time! I just came home from my eye surgery and I get this call from Sylph about not just a magazine feature but a magazine cover feature! I was like in disbelief and surprised, firstly it was "wait what!, why me, what have I even achieved (imposter syndrome screaming loudly there).

I thought it might be a mistake or some kind of prank. It took me a while to even grasp that this was a real opportunity. My initial reaction was a mix of excitement and disbelief and “why now, this isn’t the time!

In that situation my only answer could have been – right now it is NOT possible but they were kind enough to wait for me!

This gave me time to re process it all, I felt incredibly thankful and honored that my work was going to be recognized in this way. There was a sense of nervousness and anticipation about what being featured would mean for me personally and professionally. I remember feeling a rush of emotions—joy, gratitude, and a little bit of fear. It was a dream come true, but it also meant stepping into a new spotlight that I hadn't fully prepared for.

Nonetheless, I embraced the opportunity with open arms, ready to share my journey and my passion with a wider audience through this magazine feature.

And then it went live at the exact time it should have been, when I was coming back or rather starting over after the surgery!

On the Cover of Sylph Magazine

To be honest if this opportunity had come some other time I would have been confused like anything about what I really do or what I really even want! I was all over the place and trying out everything. Always doubting my abilities and devaluing my worth. But somehow when this feature came along I had clarity on my goals, what I really want to do and what I want to focus on!

The Power of Artistic Expression

Amidst the chaotic pace of modern life, art emerges as a sanctuary of calm and healing. Embracing my passion as a career shift, I have personally witnessed the profound therapeutic effects of artistic expression. My journey has been unconventional, transitioning from an academic path with a PhD and professorship to rekindling my love for art. Art goes beyond making things look nice. It's a powerful way to look inside ourselves and find peace and clarity. When we create, we explore our deepest feelings and find comfort and renewal along the way.

Art allows us to delve into our thoughts and feelings in ways that words often cannot capture. It opens doors to self-discovery and personal growth, offering a unique avenue for processing emotions and navigating life's challenges. Whether through painting, sculpting, or other forms of artistic expression, individuals can express complex emotions, gain clarity, and foster a deeper connection with themselves and others.

In my own practice and workshops, I've witnessed participants experience transformative moments as they engage with art. From tentative strokes on a canvas to bold explorations of color and form, each creation becomes a reflection of inner experiences and aspirations. Artistic expression nurtures resilience and empowers individuals to navigate difficult times, fostering a sense of empowerment and renewal.

"Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves

at the same time."

- Thomas Merton's

In the creative process, we lose ourselves in the flow of expression while simultaneously discovering new facets of our identity and emotions. This dual experience of exploration and revelation is where the true power of artistic expression lies—a journey of healing, self-discovery, and profound connection with oneself and the world around us.

Embracing Mindfulness Through Art

Art has become my pathway to promoting peace and serenity in everyday life, demonstrating how it can uplift our spirits and cultivate mindfulness. Particularly in watercolor painting, there's a call to immerse ourselves fully in the present moment, embracing the creative journey as a means to release daily stresses and anxieties.

Recently, I completed my diploma in Art Therapy, delving deeper into the realm of color psychology and uncovering the healing potential of patterns, shapes and colors. This journey has solidified my belief that each of us harbors an innate artist waiting to be awakened through the discovery and embrace of our unique artistic style. My mission is to democratize the joy of learning art by emphasizing the process over the end result. I offer both online and offline watercolor classes tailored for students and homemakers, along with conducting art therapy workshops for corporate settings. Additionally, I create and sell watercolor paintings that not only inspire creativity but also ignite meaningful conversations.

I take great pleasure in organizing art jams at non-profit organizations, where we explore the enchanting world of colors and experience the therapeutic effects of artistic expression first hand.

My own journey into art therapy began during the lockdown period, a time fraught with high levels of mental stress and anxiety. Discovering the soothing power of painting, I found solace amidst chaos by tuning out the distractions around me. This experience not only provided relief but also brought immense comfort. Now, my dedication lies in sharing this sense of tranquility with others, guiding them to discover mindfulness, calm, and happiness through the transformative medium of art.

Crafting a Unique Teaching Philosophy

"I am thankful for the lessons that

the challenges have taught me."

- Megha Cassandra

In my Art Therapy workshops lies a profound belief in the transformative power of art, shaped by my personal journey of self-discovery. My philosophy centers on creating a nurturing and stress-free learning environment where each moment is a joyful exploration. I embrace the therapeutic benefits of art therapy in every session, focusing not just on creating beautiful artwork, but also on the process itself—a journey of self-expression, emotional outlet, and deep reflection. Having experienced first-hand the therapeutic benefits of art during moments of personal challenge, I bring a unique perspective to my teaching. This perspective underscores my commitment to providing a safe and supportive space where individuals can freely explore their artistic potential. Here we focus on the therapeutic art process and not the artistic outcomes.

In my Watercolor courses, I take a simple, step-by-step approach that's beginner-friendly yet rich in therapeutic potential. I encourage students to immerse themselves in the creative process, using art as a means to understand and express their emotions. Mistakes are welcomed as opportunities for growth and learning, fostering confidence and empowerment. Through empathetic guidance, I aim to cultivate a safe space where students can explore their artistic potential and discover comfort and healing through each brushstroke. I act as a guide where they are satisfied with the skills acquired and outcome they see!

"Success is not about how much money you make;

it's about the difference you make in people's lives."

- Michelle Obama

Both in my online and or in-person classes I prioritize the journey over the destination. I encourage curiosity, vulnerability and individuality, guiding students to find their unique artistic voice. By integrating art therapy principles like emotional release, self-reflection and personal growth into each workshop session, I empower students to harness the profound impact of art beyond technique—enriching their lives both inside and outside the studio.

Check out this guide if you are someone who is confused or overwhelmed but wants to start watercolors!

Thank you Sylph Creatives!

"I am thankful for the people who believed in me

when I doubted myself."

I am truly thankful for this lovely feature by Sylph consultancy! Their team is very efficient with the whole process. They were patient with the timelines I gave them because of my surgery. The feeling of holding the hard copy of the magazine in my hands was truly surreal. I am truly grateful to Sylph Consultancy for this wonderful feature! Working with their team was a breeze; they were incredibly efficient and understanding throughout the entire process. Despite the challenges posed by my recent surgery, they were patient and accommodating with the timelines I needed.

When I finally held the hard copy of the magazine in my hands, it was an indescribable moment. Seeing my face on the cover felt surreal and immensely gratifying. It was a culmination of years of hard work, dedication and a leap of faith into the world of Art and Art therapy.

As I flipped through the magazine article, seeing my journey documented in such a beautiful way, I felt a deep sense of pride and validation. This feature not only celebrated my artistic achievements but also highlighted the power of art in transforming lives. It reinforced my belief in the importance of creativity as a tool for healing, self-expression, and personal growth.

This experience has inspired me to continue sharing my passion for art and art therapy with others. I am excited to see where this journey takes me next and am eager to connect with more individuals who are seeking solace, inspiration, and joy through the world of creativity.

"The only way to do great work is

to love what you do."

– Steve Jobs

Until next time!

MJ

{{Dr Megha Cassandra}}
"Bangalore-based Watercolor artist, Art educator and Art Therapy Facilitator, passionate about creativity, healing, and holistic well-being."

Turning Fear into Fuel: My Journey from Nobody to Sylph Magazine Cover

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