. . . One night, there’s a heartbeat at the door. Outside, a woman in the fog, with hair of twigs and a dress of weed, dripping green lake water. She says, “I am you, and I have traveled a long distance. Come with me, there is something I must show you . . .” She turns to go, her cloak falls open, suddenly, Golden Light . . . everywhere, Golden Light. – Clarissa Pinkola Estes

“Portal to the Unknown” by Karen Godfrey

This was a painting I created after reading Clarissa Pinkola Estes’ book, “Women Who Run with the Wolves.” In her book, she writes about meeting your “true self” at the door for the first time. In this painting, my authentic self invites me on a journey of honoring my desires, needs, and wishes. This was an invitation I received over 20 years ago, and have been on ever since.

After creating this painting, it really became a physical presence in my life, reminding me of that promise I made to myself. I now use it as the door that goes into my meditation room. I can see it from my art studio, when I am working. It is a constant reminder to me, to remain true to myself. And when I am honest with myself and others, I receive the gift of living a life that upholds my values and belief systems. It allows me to do the work I love and to take time for my own personal growth. -Karen Godfrey