Dear Allyson, 

My question is about an uncommon phenomena known as aphantasia; it is the lack of a visual imagination, the lack of a mind's eye. It makes creating art very difficult sometimes as I have a concept in my mind but really struggle to translate it to paper due to being unable to see the image I would like in my mind. It is a difficult entity to explain because I find it hard to sum up the words to describe the phenomena other than when I try to imagine an image - my mind's eye stays blank and it is almost as though I am describing with words what I should be seeing with imagery.

As a visionary artist yourself, how would you recommend that I go about using my empty mind's eye as it is to create or how to potentially tap into the visual side of my mind's eye. 

Thank you for your time and energy. 

Energy, light and love,
Danni

Dear Allyson,

Can you give me some advice? I have become utterly trapped in a 'no-enthusiasm zone', have been here for over a year now. Haven't written or painted anything. Have you got any ideas about how to get out of this?

 Sincerely,

 Steve

Allyson,

During a recent psychedelic experience, I did something that I have never done, which was to see the sentience of the psychedelic itself, psilocybin in this case. It communicated with me! I was in shock. Do you have any thoughts on this? I have also been reading and applying The Kybalion to my life, and achieving tremendous peace.

Dear Allyson, 

It is an honor to hear back from you and thank you for all your advice and teachings.

Hearing from you has just given me so much confidence and joy

At home, I was raised in a way that brings up conflict inside of me. This idea that we are all individuals, and we are who we are for ourselves and not for society is not taught in Indian households today. We are all expected to be 3D printed perfect people (according the opinion of family) so that we are presentable in society. I was never that kid, but the idea to impress people has been engraved in me. My father believes society makes you who you are, but then it cuts our wings.

I am in the process of letting go of the parts of myself that I don't like and don't resonate with me. I get into thought loops that lead me down a very dark path. It's like a bad trance, which in very intense moments, is hard for me to keep myself in control. It's terrifying to record myself in that state. 

Dear Allyson,

 I love your mind, and your work, and the idea of chaos and order. To be honest, I feel the chaos in me more. 

My name is Anushna and I am from India. I know we are so far away from each other but someday I am going to make it to New York and learn from you. 

 You know, I feel so much inside me, you could call it chaos. There is chaos in my mind, but I also feel it in my body when the mind takes over (anxiety). Theres so much anger for what the world is today, I don't feel a part of society for what it is. I don't want to be angry. Today I was angry at the world and I cried and tore what I was wearing right off my body and there was destruction. 

Dear Allyson,

How did you and Alex manage to keep creating and raise a baby?
 
Kathya

Dear Allyson,

I’m having trouble in life. Communicating with others seems to be a big issue. Any tips on how to not be so anxious when put in social situations? Also, I’m having trouble being motivated enough to contribute to today’s society. I love the earth and all things on it but It’s hard to contribute to our society without also contributing to all the destructive actions our society causes. How do I find and kickstart a career if they all seem to hurt the world in some way shape or form.

Zachary

Hi Allyson,

Your art and Alex’s has inspired me to practice making art myself. Anatomy has always interested me. I’d like to draw lifelike art while still maintaining a personal style that isn’t “cartoonish.” I am perfectionistic and believe that this will become a struggle to overcome in my art journey. Being young and low on financial resources, what would you recommend in pushing myself to learn, developing a personal style and finding sources that outline the principles of art and anatomy? What tips can you offer me regarding combining spirituality with art? 

- Taylor

Hi Allyson,

Dear Allyson, 

Dear Allyson, 

You were in my dream last night emphatically telling me "People aren't perfect and we can't make perfect art, and that's life! All we can do is what we can do, but we can do a lot!” I find that my habit of perfectionism and being overly critical of myself limits both the quality and quantity of my creative output. I'd love to hear your thoughts on perfectionism and art. 

Thank you and Alex for everything you do :) 

Hans

Dear Allyson, 

I am an experienced artist with a desire to create from spirit. Now involved in Landmark Education in Seattle, I am taking a leadership program that supports class participants in creating a community project. My quest is to lead others in an art venture that honors the divine. How can I bring together a team to work with me on that aim? 

Thank you, 

Mariah

Dear Allyson, 

Thank you for your time. I am a writer who hasn't written anything yet. I am a yoga teacher who has not done any formal training yet. I am a podcaster with nothing recorded yet. For 15 years, I lived an unbalanced and unhealthy life with too much booze and white powdery drugs and not enough self care, which has hindered my drive to bring ideas to fruition. Then, 3 years ago, at age 30, I was blessed with a daughter. Taking care of her and her mother and my step daughter became priority. So for the first time in my life I developed drive and consistency in the form of waking up early and working hard almost everyday doing lawn care. This has been good for my evolution but overworked and exhausted, my energy reserves are dedicated to fatherly duties, truly my favorite thing of all.

Dear Allyson, 

Dear Allyson, 

Hi Allyson,

Hi Allyson, 

Dear Allyson, 

Have you ever feel like you were artistically inadequate, and if so, how did you overcome this? Inspired by many artists and musicians, I compare myself to the work of others and beat myself up over not having done as much, or for not being detail oriented enough. That cycle of self sabotage usually leads to stagnant periods in my creative flow. To continue creating, I have to address this negative cycle, but somedays I get so discouraged. At those times, I can't even imagine picking up a guitar or writing or doing anything creative.

Dear Edgar,

Dear Allyson,