Tell us a bit about yourself and your business.

Monica Armstrong, Spiritual Mentor, artist and educator, provides support and companioning for women who are undernourished by a faith tradition that does not honor their sacred feminine spirit. As women in business, it is crucial to be supported in the integration of the feminine spirit and experience in work and life.  Guided spiritual and creative encounters open access to the power of spiritual vitality that will enhance every aspect of life and work.

Spirit Matters Studio brings unique programs, workshops, retreats to groups, in the studio or in the workplace. Multiple holistic creative modalities are utilized, both for individuals and for Team Building retreats. Monica guides groups into simple soulful art projects, in a warm and relaxed atmosphere, empowering  clients to gain a new perspective on their own inner spirit and wisdom.

Inspiration arises from sacred texts by and for women of great spiritual depth, rarely visible or explored. I present new translations, by feminist scholars, of ancient texts that bring forward the Feminine Divine in all her wondrous qualities and powers. These are so urgently needed in today’s world, for the unfolding and uplifting of women’s gifts.

Guiding principles of my mission are:

• Discovery of your claim to a feminine spirituality that will support you in a patriarchal world.
• The Awakened Spirit of Creativity as a tool for decision making and business development.
• This is a non-denominational, interfaith practice, with the emphasis on the experience of connecting to God, awakening and strengthening the Wisdom of the Heart and unleashing creativity in each person. Appreciation of diversity, respect for the individual faith journey and confidentiality are fundamental.

My journey started as the big sister in a devout family of 13, alienated early by limiting images of women. I earned a degree in Art Education at a women’s college, Moore College of Art, followed by studies in painting at the Academy of Fine Arts. After some years of teaching came the establishment and maintenance of a private studio for over 40 years. My artwork has been awarded, published and nationally exhibited in more than 100 shows. I have created over 20 private and public art murals on both coasts. I am a past board member of Artist’s Equity, San Francisco, and founding member of MUSE Gallery, the first woman’s cooperative in Philadelphia, PA.

My own search for deeper meaning and inner growth led to my training as a Spiritual Mentor. That included Graduate Certifications in Holistic Spirituality from Chestnut Hill College, and in Spiritual Direction from Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. In the recently published book “Your Shift Matters, Surviving to Thriving”, as a co-author I share more about this part of my journey to my “true self”.  I am a member of Spiritual Directors International and the Shalem Society.

Do you have a business tip or tool that has helped you in your business?

A tip or practice for coping with challenges for when you feel anxious or fearful: Stop everything for a few moments. Stand or sit with spine straight, take 3-10 deep breaths all the way into the belly, exhale very slowly, concentrating only on the breath. Think of one good thing you are grateful for this day. Return to the challenge.

Do you have a quote to share and inspire other members?  

“Now is the time to know that all you do is sacred”   Hafiz, Sufi Master

What is your go to business, mindset or productivity book that has helped you in your life and business? 

“Psalms for Praying An Invitation to Wholeness” by Nan C. Merrill, Continuum Pub. A contemporary affirmation of Divine Love

Please tell us about your next upcoming business event so that we can share it with our members and followers.

Sunday, September 9, 2018    1-4 pm

Register Now: http://bit.ly/2K6L5TY

 Join “Women Who Run with the Wolves” and explore Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype

With timely wisdom to restore feminine creativity, heal wounds to your inner life, make connections with your own experience in a lively discussion. A gathering of women of spirit gaining new understanding of old stories. Begin to shape your own mythic story with a creative response through writing or collage. Take home something to think about and something wonderful you create!

Monica Armstrong has integrated dream symbolism, mythology, and archetypal images in her art and private practice for over 30 years. She blends spiritual insight, intuition and a Jungian perspective to help women to connect to their own inner wisdom, creativity, and sacred soul. She is a co-author of “Your Shift Matters; From Surviving to Thriving” an Amazon bestseller.