The Awakened Projects were formed in 2016. The creative vision is to support and work along side established Non-Profits bringing a voice and awareness to the different forms of suppression, oppression and abuse in the world. These human behaviors are found between individuals, groups, organizations, municipalities, schools, governments and cultures world wide.
With many courageous souls who are already impacting the world through their message, gifts and actions, the Awakened Projects aim to compliment and support these movements that encourage empowerment, compassion, respect and consciousness. The Projects seek to collaborate and support Non-Profit Organizations with an emphasis on:
The passion behind the Awakened Projects is about supporting community, creating a ripple of consciousness and empowerment to people who are in - or have been in - oppressive or abusive situations. The inspiration stems from the founder's (Laura Naomi) own personal experiences and how through breaking these debilitating cycles, deep healing, freedom and authentic connection can emerge more wholesomely. There is release and beauty beyond the suffering, yet in order to reach that nourishing space and return to the organic self, one must be given the opportunity to begin to heal, to be heard, seen and held while gathering the courage to share one's story. Sharing a story can be expressed in many ways. Through music, writing, drawing, painting, poetry, dancing, even silence can be a form of expression. The story can begin with one trusted individual, then eventually include close friends or a group or even perhaps a larger audience. Each individual's journey is unique and holds great power. |
The Projects |
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At the projects depth, it holds at its heart that all life is sacred. That respect and relating to fellow human beings with consciousness, consideration and love is nourishing to the soul and is basic sensibility. Each thought and action has a ripple affect. The way I relate to myself and the way I treat myself when no-one is looking, how I perceive myself and reality ripples out into the world. Honesty and developing self-awareness is important, and also respect of the human aspect of existence. The Projects are about supporting people in reclaiming their spirit, their true self and inner beauty beyond the story - knowing that they are not "damaged" beyond repair - that their presence is a pure gift.
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The Projects were formed for survivors to share their stories through creative means. Through the journey of transformational transparency - a crucial aspect and moments of awakening - profound healing can be experienced. Transformational transparency is about seeing into one's true nature beyond the story. The Projects encourage self-discovery and insight into one's true nature through creativity. Through self-awareness (sometimes liked with self-initiation) transformative moments can emerge. The essence of the projects are about shifting difficult life experiences into beauty, presence and empowerment.
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The Satori Projects |
Satori 悟り - is a Japanese Buddhist term for awakening. Satori also refers to the experience of kenshō - "seeing into one's true nature".
It is important to note that because of the nature of the Project, all aspects are confidential, unless otherwise notified by participants. P h a s e I: The invitation is for women who have survived experiences of oppression and/or abuse to share their stories through creativity. The following mediums are accepted: painting, drawing, writing, poetry, songwriting/music, theatre (stage performance) and photography. Art is about freedom of expression. Participants artwork will not be altered in any way to emphasize organic interpretation. These projects support the authentic process of creating artwork as a form of expression from deep emotion, vulnerability and from the soul. P h a s e I I: Exhibitions & Events Upon approval and permission from participants, Laura Naomi (and affiliated Non-Profits) will collect artworks for exhibitions and events. On some occasions artwork will be for sale for collectors, to raise funds for affiliated Non-Profits and causes. Artists maintain copyright of their artworks. *Phase II: We will not exhibit any artworks without written permission by participants. Unless otherwise notified, all participants will remain anonymous. |
P h a s e I I I:
The invitation is for men who have survived experiences of oppression and/or abuse to share their stories through creativity. The following mediums are accepted: painting, drawing, writing, poetry, songwriting/music, theatre (stage performance) and photography. Art is about freedom of expression. Participants artwork will not be altered in any way to emphasize organic interpretation. These projects support the authentic process of creating artwork as a form of expression from deep emotion, vulnerability and from the soul. P h a s e I V: We invite children (with parents or caregivers) who have survived experiences of oppression and/or abuse to share their stories through creativity. The following mediums are accepted: painting, drawing, writing, poetry, songwriting/music, theatre (stage performance) and photography. Art is about freedom of expression. Participants artwork will not be altered in any way to emphasize organic interpretation. These projects support the authentic process of creating artwork as a form of expression from deep emotion, vulnerability and from the soul. |
A Note from the Founder |
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W a k i n g u p t o A w a r e n e s s
The awakened moment surfaced for me, not because I'd made a decision to become aware, it appeared through an intervention. It was not an intervention through human means, it was a spiritual intervention. The weight I'd been carrying had become too heavy, there was nothing left to do other than to let go. Nor did this awakening come from someone saving me. I can only describe it as a deeply spiritual experience, where something inside me woke up from a numbness. As I surrendered, I found my heart immensely heavy and my soul very tired. This moment of awakening both broke my heart and was also one of the most powerful moments in this life. I realized that I had had no self worth and believed somewhere inside that abuse was normal. It was not rational, none of it made any sense. I felt like I'd been on a stage, acting out a part, watching myself from afar. This shift in reality began an incredible journey of self-discovery. Although ultimately it had come down to the shift within me, I had many beautiful souls holding me through this delicate time. It is easy to return to the abuse. If it is all one knows. What increases harm and devastation is the unspoken agreement to remain silent. The deep shame eats away at the spirit like an invisible cancer. Finding my voice came naturally after several awakened moments. I needed to voice what I'd experienced, more for myself than anything, to break out of a world of unconsciousness that was created by fear, oppression and denial. There have been many stages of 'coming out'; to me, each is important. The aspects that have resonated the deepest have been when I truly feel heard and received by others, when I give myself permission to say 'No' and not having to explain why, and when I remember who I am, knowing that I am not those human experiences. Laura Naomi |
If you feel connected with the projects please send an email to Laura Naomi
