Portals to the Embodied Present

Reminders, sources of inspiration, occasions to pause and reflect: this deck of 36 art-infused cards provides 36 different ways to experience a softening into the present.

Each card is 3.5" x 3.5" and features an original artwork by Andrea Kent (inspired by the practices of The Embodied Present Process) paired with a quote by Philip Shepherd. Taken together they provide a series of launch pads to facilitate your own personal foray into the life of the moment. At the same time, they provide a playful way to illuminate for yourself the principles of The Embodied Present Process.

**The cards are printed on demand and may take approximately three weeks to be delivered.

From Andrea

It all started with a book titled Radical Wholeness by Philip Shepherd. A teacher of mine had the cover of this book on her blog and recommended it (thank you Lauren Christman). It was July 2022. 

As I began reading, something unusual happened. On page 31, I came across the word ‘whirlpool’ and everything stopped. I didn’t feel the need to read on. My eyes were comfortable hovering over this one word. I was in no rush. I was feeling its shape, and I was feeling its movements. I was pleasantly surprised that I was willing to stop mid-sentence, take my time, and enjoy this unexpected moment. Something rich and wonderful was happening. 

What was most striking to me about this experience was the shape itself. The shape was so clear. I could see it. I could feel it. I began to draw what I saw on paper. As I continued exploring Philip’s books, workshops, and online practices, more shapes would appear, so I set aside special notebooks. Each drawing would have its own page. This went on week after week, month after month.

From Philip
For the work I share – The Embodied Present Process – I’ve developed hundreds of practices to help people navigate a journey that helps them come back to the body; and through it to come to rest on the earth; and through that to come to rest in the present. These practices are rich in imagery – for it is through kinship and metaphor that the body rediscovers sensitivities to which it’s been dulled. It’s been wonderful to find in Andrea’s simple, resonant artwork, image after image that illuminate not just the work I share, but possibilities for sensitivity that live in us all.

Suggested use of the cards
You can use these cards however you see fit. Maybe you'll pull one each day and contemplate the drawing and the words. Allow yourself to play and see where they take you. There’s no right way to use them, just a big invitation to feel your way forward. We'd love to hear where that takes you!

Credits
Images: Andrea Kent
Words: Philip Shepherd
Layout: Allyson Woodrooffe