Are you Living Your Dharma?

My journey with dharma began at the onset of the pandemic and has continued to unfold in the most fascinating ways. As the world slowed down, I chose transformation and growth, immersing myself in personal development and business courses while recharging my spirit with daily online dance sessions. It became a path of deep enrichment and well-being.

Through my courses, the idea of dharma kept surfacing — a word I hadn’t even known before. But there it was, appearing again and again, almost as if calling out to me: “Hey, you! I’m your dharma… are you paying attention?”

 

 Well OK, now I am. Who are you and what do you want?

“I am your purpose in life. Your true calling – what you were put here to do”. OK, well, you are a little fuzzy and nebulous. Could you make yourself a little clearer?  “Yeah, but you have to do some work to help make that happen.” OK, I have time. Let’s get to it.

Are you Living Your Dharma?

At the time, I enrolled in Jim Fortin’s Transformational Coaching Program, hoping to elevate my design business. The heart of the program centers on a powerful truth: “Be more to do more and have more” — a refreshing shift from the conventional “have, do, be” mindset.

What I didn’t expect was how much personal transformation would lead the way. Like many others focused on business growth, I soon realized that inner change was the real catalyst for outward success.

Since beginning this journey, I’ve revamped my diet, lost 10 pounds, quit smoking, found a deeper sense of peace, and embraced the philosophy of doing less — but doing it better — all while cultivating a greater sense of gratitude for the life I already have.

Investing in this program during the uncertain times of the pandemic made it even more profound, reminding me that the journey into ourselves is just as important as any destination we hope to reach.

Inspired by the principles of Hal Elrod’s The Miracle Morning, I crafted a daily practice rooted in silence, visualization, exercise, reading, and writing — a ritual that nourishes both mind and spirit.

As I journeyed through the book, a powerful quote from Jim Rohn stood out to me: “Your level of success will rarely exceed your level of personal development, because success is something you attract by the person you become.”

It was a moment of clarity. I realized why so many, myself included, come seeking business growth but find personal transformation leading the way.

While my path has woven together both personal and professional evolution, it’s the inner growth — the quiet, steady unfolding — that I treasure most.

Are you Living Your Dharma?

One theme that kept surfacing in the program — and truly captivated me — was the idea that wealth doesn’t come solely from hard work, but from the universe itself. At first, I found this concept puzzling. How could that be?

The deeper message revealed itself: when you are fully engaged in your passion — the work you would do even without a paycheck — and it creates value for others, prosperity naturally follows.

One day, a business coach shared a quote from the legendary dancer Martha Graham. As a dancer myself, I thought, Now you’re speaking my love language. I’m listening.

Are you Living Your Dharma?

And now it makes more sense. We are all unique in all of time and space. We all have our individual voices. If we can just get out of our own way and out from under all the personal stuff that holds us back, by Being better, we can open the channel and let it come through. That is our dharma. When it happens, the money will come.

A fellow Interior Designer, Leslie Carothers said  on Facebook once, NO ONE is YOU. NO ONE has your heart, your soul, your exact combination of the *magic* that makes working with you such a special experience.

Are you Living Your Dharma?

In truth, we don’t need to define our dharma. We simply need to stay open — receptive to its flow — and allow it to reveal itself through us, naturally and effortlessly.

For a long time, I believed my dharma was to bring joy and growth into people’s lives by creating beauty — through vibrant Interior Design, the rhythm of dance, the shimmer of handmade jewelry or stained glass, and the energy woven into my art.

My art celebrates vivid color and rich texture, honors the environment, nurtures our connection to nature, and embraces the diverse beauty of global design.

But as I looked deeper, I realized that these were simply the vessels. My true dharma is something more: to channel messages of universal energy that guide people back to their authentic selves — helping them awaken to their full potential.

When you feel drawn to my energy art or seek my design expertise, you’re not just experiencing beauty — you’re connecting with these deeper messages. You’re helping me live my dharma. And for that, I am truly grateful.

Now, I invite you to reflect: Are you living in alignment with your dharma? If not, perhaps I can support you on your journey — through the transformative power of Aligned Design.

My Dharma In Action

Here are some examples of some of my energy art and Interior Designs that I am inspired to create.

https://youtu.be/Ha0e7-NUpE4?si=TCVwcZKJBms3Th7f

Aligned Design is an Interior Design system that aligns art, science and energy art by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.


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Inspiration- What gets you going! Why I am a Home Stager and Designer.

Reflecting on my 2016 musings about inspiration, I revisited them in 2020 and now again in 2024. This recurring introspection reveals the evolution of both myself and my business. It’s vital to periodically assess if our current direction aligns with our evolving selves.

 

What sparks your enthusiasm each day? What drives the essence of who you are? What ignited my passion for establishing a home staging and design venture, and why does it hold significance?

Many term this as one’s “brand”. What makes you the go-to choice over competitors? Likely, it’s that ineffable quality that motivates you, resonating with others, fostering connection and trust. While most discuss their exceptional products or services, the true differentiator is personal. What sets you apart? 

For me, it’s not just beauty that captivates me, but also the underlying energy of everything I observe. It’s what you feel and how it transforms you.

Nature, with its myriad of colors, patterns, light, and textures, still feeds my definition of beauty. Undoubtedly, nature is the ultimate designer, offering magic at every glance!

"The Rose" by Mary Ann Benoit of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

During my alternate career spanning nearly 25 years as a wildlife biologist, I’ve minutely observed nature, from grand landscapes to microscopic details. This keen observation translates to my designs—whether envisioning a room inspired by a vibrant bird’s colors or imagining a fabric pattern based on a microscopic plant structure. Every natural element, from a glacial lake’s hue to a rising full moon’s light, propels my creativity. And now, I delve deeper into understanding the energetic messages of the natural world and how they can enhance your space and ultimately, you.

Crow Wisdom. Energy art and Edesign by Mary Ann Benoit.
Crow Medicine Energy Art and Edesign by Mary Ann Benoit.

This awe of nature, especially from witnessing the northern lights, inspired my business’s name—Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. It embodies the wonder I aim for clients to feel upon seeing their transformed space.

Butterfly Medicine
Butterfly Medicine Energy Art and Edesign by Mary Ann Benoit.

With each project, once I perceive a home’s potential, it occupies my thoughts until the vision materializes.

Over time, my core inspirations have remained constant, yet layers of depth and meaning keep expanding my vision and guiding my business’s trajectory. Nature’s allure steered me towards Biophilia and global style based designs, fostering a connection between interiors and the natural world.

Moroccan style energy art and edesign
Global Style- Moroccan Energy Art and Edesign by Mary Ann Benoit.
Get the Look- Global Style-Mexican #2
Global Style- Mexican Energy Art and Edesign by Mary Ann Benoit.

My color fascination led to my certification as a color strategist, harmonizing both the art and science of colors. Notably, I’ve delved deeper into creating energy art which has become the foundation of my design and the unique Aligned Design philosophy which guides me. I’ve also ventured into creating home décor lines inspired by my energy art on platforms like Pixels.com,  Society 6Le Galeriste, and Contrado.

I eagerly anticipate the innovations the upcoming decade holds.

So, what fuels your life and business aspirations?

Mary Ann Benoit
Me, with some of my energy art, “The Shiny Ones” in the background.


Energy Art of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Aligned Design©– All Rights Reserved.

Terms of Service  |  Privacy Policy  |  Disclaimer |  Brochure

Prices are subject to change without notice.

Call 907-362-0065 today