The end of another Merge Season

Our final Merge Ceremony for the last season was momentous, BIG & beautiful,  full of colour, trust and magical intentions. It signified the last of 12 Merges that took place over the 6 months period - a period that helped me deepen my relationship to this process and realise again and again what it TAKES to merge, both from myself and of those who stand to become one with themselves, with the earth under their feet and with each other. A period that saw projects come to fruition, others dissolve before they had even begun and others break apart after many months of preparation. Amongst all that took place, Personal Merges continued to flow, with me continuing to be available to those who wished to mark powerful moments of life, travelling up and down and all around, to meet extraordinary people like Joni, Jackie and Meredee, to celebrate new love with Alexis and Nelson, Old love with Carol & George and Sue and John, honour the Wedding of young Eve and Vlas and be privy to the sacred stories of people’s lives such as Megan and Derek’s. ​

​A while ago It became clear to me that I was not meant to paint ‘anybody for any reason’. That the Merging process was sacred and therefore the ‘INTENTION’ was of crucial importance. The people who eventually became the 12 Merges were initially asked when they had shown interest, the same question: “What is your intention for Merging with the Earth, Being Painted into the Land?”. Their answers became the ingredients that determined whether we could continue this process together. Over time It became important to know that the Mergee was as clear as possible about their intention to Merge, so that I could meet their vibration and manifest this organic-but-organised process together by following the 3 day process. During these days together, I learnt about extraordinary histories, life stories, the triumphs and the pains of what had come before - before, during and after I painted their bare bodies into Natural environments of significance, merging aspects of their bodies and being with elements of the earth, crashing waves, grassy plains, under beating suns and cloudy skies. From the moment we connect until the final delivery of Artworks, our engagement is raw, real and unabashed. Words need to be said, tears need to be cried and songs need to be sung - the colours of the earth meet flesh and we become one with our own majesty. Again. 

The last 3 years of facilitating this process, has taught me so much about where I stand and who I have to BE to proceed with the work I am doing. I have never 'known' what this was all about, this project, painting people into the world, has had a life of its own from the get go - but the last 6 months have helped me develop a new level of appreciation for the sound process that incorporates adventure, personal discovery, ceremony and challenge and delivers a deeper sense of connection between ourselves and the world around us. I realise now, the eco-psychological basis of my work and see the value of my years of growth within the conversations of development; revering the art of self-reflection and conscious ways of being have come together to form a beautiful Immersive Art Experience that enriches lives - both of the people i work with, the people who witness the works and most definitely my own.  

And I have been affirmed, again, as I have known from the start somewhere in my heart - that this process Painting People into the World, is a part of a bigger journey. There is so soo much more to come that time will eventually and inevitably blow open the doors of this creative menagerie or possibilities. I look forward to the release of my work with Planet Ark coming soon on June 5th for World Environment Day, as I am a proud ambassador for National Tree Day, I feel that my work has been utilised in exactly the ways I have dreamed of - for the betterment of humanity and our beautiful planet Earth. 

SOON!

Season 4 will begin in September 2017 as per the last 3 seasons have, and will run until start May 2018. This is the first conscious chosen and directed season of Merges within the organic development of 'Mergings' as a Service. There are 12 places available only, which allows me enough time and energy to travel where needs be and to facilitate the Merging Process with integrity. I invite you to delve into this process with me, as we dive deeper into ourselves and our earth, contribute thoughts and ideas, visions and inspirations and share the opportunity with your communities and families. 

One of the biggest teachings i have taken with me over my short 33 years, is if your heart calls you, you’d be a fool not to follow !  for if we follow our hearts, we will be inevitably be lead closer to ourselves, closer to our essential nature, where joy resides blissfully creative and abundant, and tis no secret that ‘wellness’ lives within
JOY-FULLNESS. 

Thank you everyone who is part of this Magnificent Merging Journey.

Follow your heart! ;)

In light and Dark and all in between, 
Orly
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