Buddhism teaches its students to acquire work that is in keeping with their nature, and that allows them to follow the Eightfold Path, doing harm to no one. This requires self-awareness and an awareness of the impact of the workplace on society. The student of Buddhism is asked to reflect upon his or her work—the nature of the work, the work environment, and the impact of the work on society—and make constructive choices.

When I reflect on my work, I think about the people that I have inspired: the people who have written to me to tell me that my books have changed their lives. The people who have called me “The queen of uplifting inspiration.”

I think of my fellow artist and Zen Buddhist monk, Max Gimblett, who wrote the forward to my Happy at Work book, commenting on the fact that we need guides in our lives to help us live better lives… and that I am one of those guides.

I think of the people who have come to my gallery during the Covid years, lonely and sad and broken and left happy and uplifted, or is one young girl said having lost her father to suicide during those dreadful years “this painting makes me feel happy and excited for everything.”
By the same token, I read today about senior people within the police force who have broken every moral code of conduct -cheating on their wives, lying and deceiving their bosses and superiors, and even the most horrible offense of looking at pornography and bestiality on their computers while at work.
They have strayed from right livelihood and are now being punished.
But those of us who stay in the magic will find that life guides us and opportunities often masquerade as setbacks.

Image in my Passion Journal 2026. You may enjoy my book on Amazon: The Passion Journal: The Effortless Path to Manifesting Your Love, Life, and Career Goals (Journalling Prompts Series Book 2)>>

So when I think about leaving our beautiful soul sanctuary, as I sit in my bed, thinking of people like Frida Kahlo who through misfortune created some of the most iconic art, unable to walk and leave her bed. (You may enjoy my blog discussing how she released pain joyfully>>)
At least I have that opportunity. I am well and healthy. I sit in my bed by choice on a rainy Wednesday, reflecting on all the happy memories that we have had in our soul sanctuary, but I am looking for fair weather a more temperate climate somewhere where people are genuinely happy. Somewhere that sounds exactly like Panama.
It seems that there is a big cloud over the whole of New Zealand, as Elvis Presley one sang about the US,
Many people are leaving -families unable to afford living here or driven out by the crime and division, or just tired of all the depression.
As for us while we have had our own betrayals.
Family betrayals,
But it is only a loss if we do not find something beautiful from all that trauma.
Dr David Clements is right. “Life should be delightful. It should be fun and so delightful and loving and kind, and not an ounce of seriousness- source love intelligence, he calls it. (You may enjoy my blog>>)
He speaks of a lighthearted energy.
Yes that sounds wonderful to me.
Life is fleeting; we owe it to ourselves to have a great time with it.
Indeed the best is yet to come.

In The Mood For Love
I consider fluidity as a core characteristic of my aesthetic, an integral element of how I shape each of my creations
Each piece is infused with love, light, and healing energy — art that brings beauty, peace, and joy to your home.
Relocation Sale. Prices are reduced — many works up to 50% off!
pictured “In The Mood For Love”
Explore available works here https://shop.thejoyfulartist.co.nz/product-category/art/available/
find the painting that speaks to your soul

THANKS FOR READING :)
Looking for inspiration? Explore my books on creativity—a collection designed to ignite your imagination, boost your creative confidence, and help you live a more joyful, artistic life.
You may also enjoy my books on career change and well-being.
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ABOUT CASSANDRA
I am an artist, storyteller, intuitive guide, mentor and Reiki master. All my creations are infused with positive energy , inspiration, and light. I believe in magic and the power of beauty, joy, love, purpose, and creativity to transform your life. My greatest joy is helping your realize your dreams. That makes my soul sing!
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