Muralist Alex Cook Unpacks His Emotions and Aligns With Spirit When Painting

Podcast Host Chris Miller does a deep dive into Alex Cook’s new book, “You Are Loved: Spiritual & Creative Adventures,” and discusses key concepts with the author.In his authentic memoir, Cook shares his battle with depression, his years of Prison Ministry service, and his love of God through personal stories of humor, poignancy, and faith. He emphasizes the importance of presence and listening while creating. “When you are being present, you bring with you all the tools that you have amassed,” according to Cook.Alex shares the importance of his deep connection to God in his work and process. The artist has learned to move beyond his emotions and into his connection with God as his source of creativity. He listens to Spirit, chooses which feelings are more compelling, and releases the others. Discussion includes the need to be fluid while working and consciously overcome the willful desire to control. According to Cook, “Prayer works best when I’m not willful, but I’m willing to go with the Spirit.”Since 1997 Alex Cook has created over 200 murals in 20 states and four countries. Alex’s work focuses on community and spiritual themes expressed through nature imagery and storytelling. One of Cook’s current endeavors, the YOU ARE LOVED mural project, makes murals whose image is simply the words “YOU ARE LOVED.” His YOU ARE LOVED mural project emphasizes that “People feel safe when they know that they are loved and valued.”To date, there are 80 YOU ARE LOVED murals in 13 states and two countries. They are in schools, homeless shelters, prisons, worship communities, and more.The book is available at www.stonebalancer.com/you-are-loved-memoir and on Amazon. For more information, visit www.stonebalancer.com and www.youarelovedmurals.com.Want to learn more about CJ Miller? Check out his Spiritual Artist Retreats, 1:1 Personal Coaching, and Speaking Engagements at www.spiritualartisttoday.com. His retreats are designed to help you reconnect with your Creative Intelligence and express your true artistic voice. You can also find his upcoming schedule there, and his book, The Spiritual Artist, is available on Amazon.