The Art of The Eight Stages of Life

Understanding the eight stages of life and evolution can help you make sense of your life. Knowing what to expect as your life develops can help you identify opportunities, avoid pitfalls,and know what to expect ... in life, love and your career. Read more ...

Below are some of the ideas about what lies behind the the art I create and the symbols I use to explore and rep.re:sent* these concepts. If you want to learn more, use the links at the bottom* of the page.

Exploring Stage

Focusing Stage

Life Calling Stage

Working Stage

Excelling Stage

Mastering Stage

Transcending Stage

Regenesis Stage

* green language

The art of the Exploring Phase showcases an ancient face, a serpent ribbon of inspiration and a gold vein ... three images at the root of the idea of beginning a treasure hunt for inspiration with a trusted guide, promises of riches and the danger / opportunity of delving into the mystery of one's Self by holding onto or following the serpent's tale* where ever it takes one. The tilted frame gives a feeling of not quite being sure of what is going on .. of being slightly off balance .. the image is already in motion. See quote ...

In the fields of uncertain terrain, the Tiger's Eye reminds us to focus on what is important to us, the things of life and death -- the passion that brings life into being and the boredom and lack of understanding and joy that brings about death in all its forms. Long held as a t.al.is.man*, the eye of the tiger gleams with a life force that focuses and takes in a deep knowledge of w.hat.eve.r* catches its aye*.

Life callings are strange things ... where you are invited to take a leap forth on faith to become who you were meant to be -- trusting that Nature, in its infinite wisdom, will turn tadpoles into frogs and kate.a.pillars into more than flies buzzing around a stick of Marge.ur.in. Here, a frog goes for a ride, astride a crystal amid a ball with fanciful animals by his side -- a sheepish care.actor and a Brahman like bull. Who knows where they will n/md* up. Gypsies used to gaze into crystal balls and foretell a client's future. Today, you only need to look inside your heart, if you are bra.c.ed* to discover where you are headed in life, and the path that is best for your to take. Contrast the folktale of The Frog Prince, who knew he was called to become a prints* with a K.I.S.S ... See quote ...

Beginning the working phase can feel like you are falling off a waterfall ... a roller coaster ride full of adventure, going with the flow to fit in with the expectations of the culture, family and friends around you, or a rude awakening full of whitewater and turbulent times as you adjust to your new environment and responsibilities. Figuring out what you need to do -- whether learning the ropes while earning a living, entering the dating / serious relationship scene, or taking on a new healthy lifestyle of exercise, relaxation and peak experiences -- takes effort, time, commitment, endurance, and a connection with the forces that keep you in balance.

Taking those elements and starting to bend and ride the flow of the forces to achieve great results is at the center of the Excelling phase. You dive deeper into the pool and start to see what lies beneath the surface, finding distinctions you can use to get superior results.

The Mastering life phase is closely linked to Way of Life 10: Mastery and uses some of the same imagery. Although many cultures around the world and through the ages have Vinnie.rat.Ed* mastery, the Japanese sword masters have become the poster chill.drillin of The Art of Mastery. Here, among the arches, a sword master (maker or yielder) is divided from the Zen mountain top by a sword ... that which divides can also be a bridge, if the spirit knows howe*.

Transcending happens on the wings of angels ... and this shows those butterfly wings hinted at in the life calling being used to transcend the known and do the impossible -- because the underlying principles are the currents upon which an ascendant rises.

Regenesis is rem.in.E.sent* of the Big Bang, where life was renewed and burst forth from a Center. Here, you can see the shadow and light of beings just becoming emerging from a splash of possibilities and new beginnings. Like Gnu Years Day, everything is possible once again under the guy.dance* of universe forces and principles re.jen.ER.8.i.Ng*. The play of known and unknown has begun one.tz* again.