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Giovannie Dixon

Ignite Sparked By BBB

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Our theme for September is REFLECTION. It was chosen by our Oklahoma City chapter in Oklahoma and illustrated by Aditi Heins.

Just like an echo is a reflection of sound… and how a camera lens focuses reflected light to form a photograph… our subconscious reflects on our experiences to form our beliefs.

Reflection turns our traumas and triumphs into lessons. It’s how we can create a vision for a brighter future.

Our theme for August is RITUAL. It was chosen by our Charlottesville chapter in Virginia and illustrated by Matt Smithson.

What rituals do you practice in your relationships, your spirituality, and your creative work? How do they heighten your sense of purpose and belonging in this world?

Our theme for July is TRUST. It was chosen by our Islamabad chapter and illustrated by Ibrahim Nasir.

When we trust each other, we feel safe to share ideas, give feedback, and take risks. It requires vulnerability and a willingness to be open to the possibility of disappointment or betrayal. So, trust is not purely belief or faith. It is an active choice. 

Trust is a gift. It must be given before it can be earned.

Our theme for June is PATTERN. It was chosen by our Chennai chapter and illustrated by Nishant Saldanha.

Our Chennai chapter’s selection of this theme was inspired by the art form kōlam; which features patterns of dots that are encircled or connected by straight and curved lines. These intricate, geometric designs are created on the thresholds and floors of houses, temples and businesses using rice flour. The practice is deeply rooted in South Indian culture to welcome guests into the home and bring good fortune and prosperity.

Which patterns in your relationships, work, and habits are worth repeating? Which ones should be changed? What new pattern do you want to create?

Our theme for May is VIBRANT. 

It was chosen by our San Antonio chapter and illustrated by 

Isabel Ann Castro.

When was the last time you experienced something that made you feel more alive? It might not happen every day. But you can live a life full of energy and enthusiasm. You can strive to bring brightness into every interaction. Because our world is full of all kinds of vibrant masterpieces. And you are one of them.

April’s Theme is SPICY.

When you’re cooking, spices add flavor, depth, and complexity to an otherwise plain culinary dish. Spicy foods interact with receptors in our mouth and can trigger sensations of heat and even pain. Can you handle it? Being open to trying new and bold tastes is a good lesson for bringing daring and originality into all of our creative endeavors. As they say, “variety is the spice of life.” 

Our Tucson chapter chose this month’s exploration of SPICY and Sophie McTear illustrated the theme.

March’s Theme is PERSPECTIVE.

Every creative act is an attempt to share a unique perspective on some slice of the world. What you see — and how you see it — shapes your beliefs. So, what’s your point of view?

Remember, looking at a problem from multiple angles generates more possible solutions. So, change your perspective and you can change your world. 
Our Fargo chapter chose this month’s exploration of PERSPECTIVE and Fred Gaye Wremo illustrated the theme.

Our theme for February is NATIVE. It was chosen by our Honolulu chapter and illustrated by Jack Soren.

Where you are from shapes who you are. Where you call home influences your worldview. Understanding the traditions of your ancestors can help answer the question, “where do I belong?” Your connections to a place and the past should rightfully be a source of great pride. 

By respecting and celebrating the traditions and achievements of native people everywhere, we can discover a deeper sense of connection and unity. What does our history have to teach us? What can we learn from each other?

Our theme for January is RISE. It was chosen by our Tampa Bay chapter and illustrated by Miss Crit.

The sun must set before it can rise. So, remember, every setback can be overcome. Each new challenge compels us to tap into our reservoirs of hope and determination. To live a fulfilling life, we must not wallow. We must rise. 

We rise from everything that came before. That’s why “rise up!” is a rally cry for the oppressed. But we should all be shouting, because our personal and collective empowerment are intricately linked. The rise of different voices creates a richer and more vibrant society. The goal is not reaching the top, it’s lifting each other up. 

Together, we rise higher.

Our global theme for December is PAIN. It was chosen by our Lviv chapter and illustrated by Marta Koshulinska.  

Ouch! That hurts. Pain is a warning. And a lesson. It teaches us what we should avoid. And just how much we can bear. 

Muscles grow stronger after exercise tears the tiny fibers of muscle cells and the body repairs those damaged fibers. We know that physical wounds can heal with time and proper care. But we often ignore the fact that emotional pain can too. 

If you need a little relief from whatever pain you’re carrying, talk to someone, make something, or help someone else in need.  

Pain can point the way to growth.

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