Awakening Creativity with Carrie Schmitt

carrieschmittdesign.com My new book, Awakening Creativity: A Sacred Journey to Reclaim Your Inner Artist, is out now—your companion for a creative pilgrimage through devotion, joy, and everyday magic. Order via the link in the show notes.Sound healer/coach/artist Priscilla Jaeger joins Carrie to share how a fainting spell at an acupuncture circle became a doorway to synchronicity—leading to Egypt, instrument-making, and a life rooted in playful ritual and sacred spaces.MY NEW BOOK ABOUT CREATIVITY IS AVAILABLE NOWAMAZONBOOKSHOP.ORGBARNES AND NOBLECONNECT WITH PRISCILLA JAEGERWebsite: cillywellness.comInstagram: @cillywellnessCONNECT WITH CARRIE SCHMITTWebsite: carrieschmittdesign.comInstagram: @carrieschmittFacebook: Carrie Schmitt Art and DesignDONATE to help cover production costs HERE.If this episode resonated with you, please consider leaving a review or sharing with a friend. Your support helps this community of soulful creatives grow.

ORDER AWAKENING CREATIVITY, THE BOOK, HERE! Carrie welcomes her husband Teddy back to the show for an intimate conversation about her new book, Awakening Creativity: A Sacred Journey to Reclaim Your Inner Artist. Together they reflect on the tender, chaotic, and miraculous process of writing a book while building a life devoted to creativity, love, and beauty.From midnight writing sessions and shared tea rituals to painting peace poles and transforming their home into a “temple to Creativity,” Carrie and Teddy explore what it means to live in partnership with both each other and the Creative Spirit itself.LINKS:Two Free Chapters of the Book: CLICK HEREOrder the Book: CLICK HEREFree Online Book Club on Nov. 13th: SIGN UP HERE

GET TWO FREE CHAPTERS OF MY BOOK HERE! Carrie goes off-grid to meet her editor, mentor, and friend Hilary T. Smith, whose guidance helped shape Awakening Creativity (out Oct 14). Hilary shares writing tips, including writing memoir, an upcoming class she is teaching online, as well as what living close to the land has taught her about effortless Creativity, the value of guidance, and focusing on the story that’s ready to be told. Together they explore the Temple of Renewal, “morning menus,” belonging, and how community nourishes the Creative Spirit.Key Points:Nature’s exuberance as a teacher of CreativityYou don’t have to go it alone—mentors matterNarrow your focus: one story at a timeRituals like a “morning menu” renew and sustain your practiceCommunity is a creative forceLinks:Get 2 free chapters & pre-order Awakening Creativity  HERE.Join Carrie in Hilary’s “Memoir on a Mission” class HERE.

GET TWO FREE CHAPTERS OF AWAKENING CREATIVITY NOW!Listen as Carrie and her new husband, Teddy, share the story of their deeply personal, joy-soaked wedding.They unpack what it looked like to trade performance and perfection for presence and play, and how inviting guests to participate (not just observe) transformed the day into a living work of art.Along the way, Carrie also shares exciting news about her forthcoming book, Awakening Creativity: A Sacred Journey to Reclaim Your Inner Artist—including how to download two free chapters and join her live Vade Mecum (Go-With-Me) journal class on Thursday, September 25.TOPICS COVERED:Why we led (and officiated) our own circle-style ceremonyMaking guests co-creators: bells, blessings, six-word love poems, and a vaudeville showHonoring ancestors and inviting the unseen beloveds into the spaceHandfasting with color-coded ribbons and family blessingsRoses, tassels, bells, and other personal symbols woven through the dayChoosing a dress code as an energetic invitation—“reckless joy” in full colorDesigning for reverence and play (and why we skipped alcohol)Planning with intention using The Art of Gathering (Priya Parker)Lessons learned, “wish-we’d-done” moments, and advice for crafting your own ritualsLINKSGet your two free chapters of Awakening Creativity HERE.Preorder the book and register for the Sept 25 Vade Mecum class HERESee our wedding photos HERE.Get our Top 5 Tips for a Meaningful Ceremony HERE.RESOURCES MENTIONEDBook: The Art of Gathering by Priya ParkerCLOSING REFLECTION“If you could reimagine a ritual—free from performance and expectation, full of creativity, love, and play—what would it look like?

GET TWO FREE CHAPTERS OF MY BOOK RIGHT NOW!I return after an unexpected season of stillness—a time I’ve come to call my cocoon and my nest. I share the story of how burnout, illness, and years of pushing finally brought me to a full-body pause—and what I’ve learned about the sacredness of rest, the quiet power of tending to ourselves, and the beauty that can emerge when we finally stop.Special Gifts for You2 Free Chapters of My New Book: Awakening Creativity: A Sacred Journey to Reclaim Your Inner Artist – Begin your own journey to reconnect with your creative spirit. GET THEM HERE: https://hierophantpublishing.com/awakening-creativityA Tour of My Magical Nest HERE. See the whimsical sanctuary I built on my deck to nurture my inner child.Resources & Links Mentioned in This EpisodeMy Octopus Teacher (documentary recommendation)Rob and Melissa’s album The Story of Sita and Ram – an offering of devotion and beautyLeave me a voice message HERE to share your thoughts and experiences with rest—I might share yours in a future episode!Closing BlessingMay this episode be a permission slip—a reminder that your creative spirit is not an engine to be pushed, but a beloved being to be tended. May you find rest, may you be held, and may your creativity rise again, softer and wilder than before.

What if your Creativity isn’t something you do—but something you hear?carrieschmittdesign.com In this soulful, laughter-filled episode, Carrie sits down with musician and Bhakti yoga practitioner Rob Lunsgaard to explore Creativity as a devotional path. They talk about chanting, making the ordinary sacred through intention and attention, mystical moments in India, and how to “go full monkey”—a playful approach to Creativity, life, and spirituality.✨ You’ll hear about:Shruti: hearing your art, not owning itMantra and music as tools for healingHanuman’s forgotten superpowers (and yours!)Everyday rituals that make space for graceWhether you're an artist, seeker, or soul in search of connection, this episode is a reminder that you are already whole—and your creative temple is waiting.FOR REFLECTIONS, PROMPTS, TAKEAWAYS, AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, VISIT CARRIE'S WEBSITE HERE.CONNECT WITH ROB AND MELISSAWebsite: robandmelisssa.comInstagram: @robnmelissaCONNECT WITH CARRIE SCHMITTWebsite: carrieschmittdesign.comInstagram: @carrieschmittFacebook: Carrie Schmitt Art and DesignDONATE to help cover production costs HERE.If this episode resonated with you, please consider leaving a review or sharing with a friend. Your support helps this community of soulful creatives grow.

GET TWO FREE CHAPTERS OF MY BOOK HEREIn this bonus episode, step into a sanctuary where the divine feminine lives and breathes through every scent, sound, and shimmer of light. This guided visualization is inspired by Carrie's conversation with singer Melissa Lundsgaard from the kirtan band Rob and Melissa.Inspired by the goddess Lakshmi and the presence of saints and wise women, this space offers rest for your soul and nourishment for your spirit.This is more than a visualization—it’s a remembrance. A return to the sacred temple within you. A place of devotion, beauty, belonging, and truth.If you’ve been longing to reconnect with the divine, to feel held and seen, or to awaken the sacred rhythm within your own heart—this is your invitation.Welcome home.MAKE SURE TO LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE THAT INSPIRED THIS GUIDED JOURNEY HERE: Episode 11 Surrender and Be Held On Your Creative Path. GET TWO FREE CHAPTERS OF MY NEW BOOK HERE!Connect with Carrie Schmitt:Instagram: @carrieschmittJoin Carrie’s online art class + community HERE.Subscribe to the podcast to never miss an episode.Connect with Melissa Lundsgaard:Website: robandmelissa.comInstagram: @robnmelissa

carrieschmittdesign.com Step into Melissa Lundsgaard's sacred temple room for a soulful conversation on devotion, voice, and the power of Bhakti yoga. From corporate life to kirtan singer, Melissa shares her journey of finding creative freedom through surrender, daily practice, and divine feminine energy.This conversation is a love letter to the divine feminine, creative courage, and the wild unfolding of a soul-aligned life.In this episode, we explore:Melissa’s daily devotional practiceWho Lakshmi is and why she’s central to Melissa’s lifeThe healing vibration and purpose of KirtanMelissa’s unexpected journey into becoming a Kirtan singerStories of miracles, saints, and divine feminine figuresThe importance of discipline as devotionWhat a guru really is, and the misconception of spiritual hierarchyFinding your voice and creative freedom through surrenderFaith in the unfolding path—even when it's uncomfortableThe power of singing and praying to the Divine Feminine in communityFOR REFLECTION QUESTIONS AND TAKEAWAYS CLICK HERE.MY NEW BOOK ABOUT CREATIVITY IS AVAILABLE NOW FOR PRE-ORDER!AMAZONBOOKSHOP.ORGBARNES AND NOBLECONNECT WITH ROB AND MELISSAWebsite: robandmelisssa.comInstagram: @robnmelissaCONNECT WITH CARRIE SCHMITTWebsite: carrieschmittdesign.comInstagram: @carrieschmittFacebook: Carrie Schmitt Art and DesignDONATE to help cover production costs HERE.If this episode resonated with you, please consider leaving a review or sharing with a friend. Your support helps this community of soulful creatives grow.

GET TWO FREE CHAPTERS OF MY NEW BOOK HERE.carrieschmittdesign.com What if Creativity wasn’t just a way to express yourself—but a way to belong and to serve your community as one family?Carrie sits down with Orlando Morales—musician, educator, and Artistic Director of the Tacoma Refugee Choir—for a conversation that redefines creativity as a path to community, belonging, and collective healing.If you’ve ever longed to feel less alone in your creative life—or to create in a way that brings people together—this episode is for you.This is a reminder that Creativity isn’t just about what we make—it’s about how we show up with others, and the kind of world we’re creating together.Featured Music:All music in this episode is from a recent live concert by the Tacoma Refugee Choir, with Orlando Morales on piano and conducting. Don’t miss the closing anthem, Everyone Can Love Someone.Links & Resources:Tacoma Refugee ChoirCONNECT WITH ORLANDO MORALESorlandogmorales.comInstagram: @pogisilandoCONNECT WITH CARRIE SCHMITTInstagram: @carrieschmittFacebook: Carrie Schmitt Art and DesignWebsite: carrieschmittdesign.comDONATE to help cover production costs HERE.If this episode resonated with you, please consider leaving a review or sharing with a friend. Your support helps this community of soulful creatives grow.

GET TWO FREE CHAPTERS OF MY NEW BOOK HERE.carrieschmittdesign.com In this solo reflection, host Carrie Schmitt pauses after the first four episodes to share what’s been stirring in her heart. She explores Creativity not as something we do, but as a sacred presence we are in relationship with—a living force that connects us to the divine.Carrie weaves in stories from her own creative journey, including a transformative art retreat and a moving encounter with two owls during a silent walk. She invites us into Kairos time—soul time—and offers small, sacred practices to reconnect with our inner rhythm and Creativity.This episode is a devotional offering. A moment of stillness in a noisy world. An invitation to slow down, listen deeply, and remember the sacredness of Creativity.Sacred Invitations from this episode:Morning silenceListening walksCreative practices without outcomeRituals instead of routinesMini shavasana moments throughout the dayGiving yourself permission to rest, wait, and trust your own rhythmCONNECT WITH CARRIEAttend a live discussion circle in April with Carrie. SIGN UP HERE.Instagram: @carrieschmittFacebook: Carrie Schmitt Art and DesignWebsite: carrieschmittdesign.comDONATE to help cover production costs HERE.If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and share it with a fellow creative spirit!✨ If this episode resonated with you, please consider leaving a review or sharing with a friend. Your support helps this community of soulful creatives grow.

carrieschmittdesign.com A sacred pause. A return to your creative rhythm.In this guided journey, you'll walk through a magical forest, call in guidance, and arrive at your inner sanctuary—a cocoon of creativity, rest, and renewal.This space is for your spirit to breathe, your intuition to awaken, and your art to gently unfold.Whether you're seeking inspiration, navigating grief, or simply longing for quiet, this visualization is here to hold you.Let this be your sacred reset.Let this be the moment you say yes to your own becoming.Press play. Close your eyes. Your cocoon awaits.GET TWO FREE CHAPTERS OF MY BOOK HEREPREORDER AWAKENING CREATIVITY HERE!Be sure to listen to Episode 8, Creativity Speaks and Heals Us, to hear the stories that inspired this guided journey. Listen to Jessica Swift's incredible journey guided by intuition and hope despite heartbreak.LISTEN TO EPISODE 8 HERE.CONNECT WITH CARRIEAttend a live discussion circle in April with Carrie. SIGN UP HERE.Instagram: @carrieschmittFacebook: Carrie Schmitt Art and DesignWebsite: carrieschmittdesign.comKeywords: Guided Visualization, Creativity, Spirituality, Sacred Space, Artistic Inspiration, Meditation, Creative Ritual, Mindfulness, Soulful Living,DONATE to help cover production costs HERE.If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and share it with a fellow creative spirit!

carrieschmittdesign.com Join Carrie Schmitt and Jessica Swift to explore how Creativity and intuition can be sacred tools for transformation. Jessica shares how painting rainbows after the sudden loss of her husband led to a 100-day project, a book of blessings, and an oracle deck—all inspired by listening to her inner voice.TOPICS COVERED:How to use Creativity as a path to healing and inner guidanceThe power of creating a sacred space for your imaginationHow to listen for the voice of intuition and let it lead your creative processWhat happens when you give yourself permission to create without judgmentHow childhood criticism can block creative expression—and how to reclaim itThe beauty of turning grief into art that inspires and uplifts othersWhy creative practices like painting, journaling, or making can become spiritual ritualsThe tension between creative freedom and business—and how to stay aligned with your purposeMENTIONED:For a New Beginning by John O’DonohueThe Mother Artist by Catherine RickettsUnleashed, Inner Magic Art Club, and Pattern Camp by Jessica SwiftJess and Carrie's upcoming art retreat in April 2025REFLECTION QUESTIONSHave you ever received an intuitive message that shaped your decisions?What small practices could help you tune into your intuition more consistently?Fore more questions, visit carrieschmittdesign.comSend me your answers HERE or leave me a voice message HERE.JOIN THE CONVERSATIONJoin Carrie on April 6th for a live ZOOM discussion to dive deeper into the themes from this month's episodes. SIGN UP HERE.CONNECT WITH CARRIE SCHMITTInstagram: @carrieschmittFacebook: Carrie Schmitt Art and DesignWebsite: carrieschmittdesign.comOnline class: carrieschmittdesign.com/flower-painting-club/CONNECT WITH JESSICA SWIFTWebsite: jessicaswift.comInstagram: @jessicaswiftDONATE to help cover production costs HERE.If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and share it with a fellow creative spirit!

carrieschmittdesign.com Have you ever felt the pull to slow down and reconnect with your Creativity—but struggled with the guilt of stepping away from productivity? Carrie Schmitt and Sue Keels explore how knowing your “why” can transform your creative path, helping you trust the process, embrace the unknown, and create with purpose.You'll discover how to shift from constantly giving your Creativity to others to finally creating for yourself—and why that shift is essential for joy, clarity, and expansion. Through powerful stories, they explore the contrast between Kronos (clock-driven) and Kairos (intuitive, creative) time, the magic of surrendering to the moment, and how small words of encouragement from others can shape your destiny.If you're longing to break free from the pressure of busyness and step into a more intentional, inspired, and fulfilling creative life, this conversation will guide you toward honoring your gifts—not just for the world, but for yourself.Episode Highlights:Sue’s vision for a creative sanctuary: The "Heart of Hospitality House"The significance of a "why" and how it serves as a guiding forceThe magic of surrendering to creativity and trusting the unknownThe shift from creating for others to creating for yourselfOvercoming self-doubt and the power of encouragement from othersCreativity as a soulmate: How it evolves throughout life (Living in Kairos time vs. Kronos timeThe power of co-creation and the importance of participation in communityReframing productivity and embracing slowness as a creative necessityResources & Mentions:Start With Why by Simon Sinek (Sue’s inspiration for defining her "why")Flower Painting Club – An online art class + community led by Carrie SchmittSue’s company: Keel’s Collab – A collaborative business dedicated to reviving the heart of hospitalityREFLECTION QUESTIONSHave you identified your "why"? How has it guided your path?What moments of encouragement have deeply impacted you? Have you ever spoken encouragement into someone else’s life?Fore more questions, visit carrieschmittdesign.comSend me your answers HERE or leave me a voice message HERE.JOIN THE CONVERSATIONJoin Carrie on April 6th for a live ZOOM discussion to dive deeper into the themes from this month's episodes. SIGN UP HERE.CONNECT WITH CARRIE SCHMITTInstagram: @carrieschmittFacebook: Carrie Schmitt Art and DesignWebsite: carrieschmittdesign.comOnline class: carrieschmittdesign.com/flower-painting-club/CONNECT WITH SUE KEELSWebsite: keelscollab.comInstagram: @suekeelsDONATE to help cover production costs HERE.If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and share it with a fellow creative spirit!

https://carrieschmittdesign.com This soothing and immersive guided visualization is designed to awaken and delight your Creative Spirit.Step into a sacred space where creativity and the divine intertwine—a luminous ballroom filled with golden light, music, and the scent of blooming flowers. Be sure to listen to Episode 4, Bringing Heaven to Earth: The Artist's Role in Creation, to learn the stories that inspired this guided journey. Listen to Esther Franchuk's inspiring path of courage and bravery, including a decision to return to her homeland, Ukraine, during the war.LISTEN TO EPISODE 4 HERE.CONNECT WITH CARRIEAttend a live discussion circle in April with Carrie: https://www.carrieschmittdesign.com/podcast-party/Instagram: @carrieschmittFacebook: Carrie Schmitt Art and DesignWebsite: carrieschmittdesign.comKeywords: Guided Visualization, Creativity, Spirituality, Sacred Space, Artistic Inspiration, Meditation, Creative Ritual, Mindfulness, Soulful Living, Inner Temple

https://www.carrieschmittdesign.com In this deeply moving episode, we journey with Esther Franchuk as she shares how art has been both a sanctuary and a prophecy in times of personal and national upheaval. From navigating the unknown through abstract painting to finding purpose in returning to her homeland, Ukraine, during wartime, Esther’s story is one of faith, resilience, and the undeniable power of creative vision.We discuss:Art as a mirror of life—how shifting from structure to abstraction reflected Esther’s own uncertainties.Trusting the process—allowing creativity to unfold without control.The prophetic nature of art—how paintings often reveal what the artist doesn’t yet understand.Returning to Ukraine—why Esther chose to move back during the war and how it shaped her artistic purpose.Artists as cultural guardians—how creativity preserves identity and why it is often the first thing attacked in times of conflict.The biblical story of Queen Esther—why the question “If not for this time you became a queen, then for what?”fuels her sense of calling.Supporting Ukrainian orphans—how Esther’s new collection will help fund foster-style homes for children in need.REFLECTION QUESTIONSHave you ever experienced a moment where a stranger or unexpected experience gave you exactly the message you needed? Your Esther Moment: Where in your life are you being called to step forward in courage? What would it look like to trust that you are here for such a time as this?Fore more questions, visit carrieschmittdesign.comSend me your answers HERE or leave me a voice message HERE.JOIN THE CONVERSATIONJoin Carrie on April 6th for a live ZOOM discussion to dive deeper into the themes from this month's episodes. SIGN UP HERE.CONNECT WITH ESTHER:https://www.estherfranchuk.comSupport Blossom Cottage Orphanage HERE.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esther_franchukCONNECT WITH CARRIEInstagram: @carrieschmittFacebook: Carrie Schmitt Art and DesignWebsite: carrieschmittdesign.comOnline class: carrieschmittdesign.com/flower-painting-club/DONATE to help cover production costs HERE.If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and share it with a fellow creative spirit!

https://carrieschmittdesign.com This soothing and immersive guided visualization is designed to awaken and delight your Creative Spirit.Step into this sacred place and allow the ocean, golden light, and gentle music to guide you into a state of renewal and bliss. Whether you listen before creating or as a ritual before sleep, may this fill you with wonder, connection, and possibility.Be sure to listen to Episode 2, What If We Loved Our Creativity?, where Carrie shares the personal reflections that inspired this imaginative journey.LISTEN TO EPISODE 2 HERE.CONNECT WITH CARRIETake a tour of Carrie's home that inspired this episode: https://www.carrieschmittdesign.com/home-tour/Attend a live discussion circle in April with Carrie: https://www.carrieschmittdesign.com/podcast-party/Instagram: @carrieschmittFacebook: Carrie Schmitt Art and DesignWebsite: carrieschmittdesign.comKeywords: Guided Visualization, Creativity, Spirituality, Sacred Space, Artistic Inspiration, Meditation, Creative Ritual, Mindfulness, Soulful Living, Inner Temple

https://carrieschmittdesign.com - Listen to artist Carrie Schmitt's journey from illness and despair to discovering Creativity as a sacred force that saved her life.Step into Carrie's whimsical home— her House of Miracles—where she nurtures her Creative Spirit daily. She explores the power of surrender, trust, and play in the artistic process, and how miracles unfold when we embrace Creativity fully.Join Carrie as she sets the foundation for future episodes, where guests will share their own creative sanctuaries and wisdom.WE EXPLORE:How illness and surrender awakened Carrie’s creative spiritThe story of House of Miracles—a home designed as a temple to artWhy Creativity is not about being “good” or “bad”—but about relationshipThe miracle of collective creative energy during her Goddess RetreatOvercoming the fear of the unknown and learning to trust creative whispersRebelling against self-doubt and embracing artistic freedom The role of ritual, music, and movement in creative expressionHow community and co-creation amplify creative energyA guided visualization to awaken your creative spiritA RELAXING GIFT FOR YOU:At the end of each episode, Carrie offers a soothing guided journey inspired by the conversation. In this episode, she transports you to your own Temple of Creativity—a glowing sanctuary by the sea, where music, sacred rituals, and the rhythmic embrace of the ocean awaken your artistic spirit.JOIN THE CONVERSATION:*What is one way your home nurtures your Creative Spirit?*If you built a home for your soul, what would you name it?*What did this episode awaken in you?For more questions CLICK HERE.Share your reflections on social media and tag @carrieschmittTOUR HOUSE OF MIRACLESPeek inside Carrie's home: https://www.carrieschmittdesign.com/home-tour/JOIN THE CIRCLEJoin Carrie on April 6th for a live ZOOM discussion to dive deeper into the themes from this month's episodes. SIGN UP HERE.CONNECT WITH CARRIEInstagram: @carrieschmittFacebook: Carrie Schmitt Art and DesignWebsite: carrieschmittdesign.comOnline class: carrieschmittdesign.com/flower-painting-club/DONATE to help cover production costs HERE.🎶 Music by: Priscilla Jaeger💖 If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and share it with a fellow creative spirit!

Welcome to Awakening Creativity, a podcast that takes you into the sacred sanctuaries of artists, visionaries, and makers. This is a space where art, spirit, and Creativity intertwine, and where we explore the deeper layers of the creative process.WHAT TO EXPECT:Intimate conversations with creatives who have devoted their lives to artistic expressionA glimpse into their rituals, inspirations, and transformative momentsStories of divine inspiration, obstacles turned into wisdom, and the blessings of artA guided visualization to delight your Creative Spirit based on the conversationSubscribe now to Awakening Creativity on your favorite podcast platform. Let’s create something sacred together.CONNECT WITH CARRIEWebsite: https://www.carrieschmittdesign.comInstagram: @carrieschmittJOIN THE CONVERSATIONSign up for the LIVE monthly gathering on April 6th at 4pm PST /7pm EST here: https://www.carrieschmittdesign.com/podcast/#Creativity #ArtisticInspiration #SacredCreativity #CreativeSpirit #AwakeningCreativity #PodcastLaunch