In this heartfelt conversation, CJ Miller speaks with transformational creativity and grief coach Susie Stonefield, who believes that “the wound is where the Light enters”—a quote from Rumi that guides her entire practice. Susie helps clients hold their grief through the healing practice of art journaling, which she sees not just as a creative outlet but as a form of spiritual practice. Rather than striving for perfection or hanging something on a wall, her work invites people to make space for their wordless heart to speak—to witness their emotions without judgment and transform pain into beauty.

Together, CJ and Susie explore how traditional art training often distances people from their emotional truth, and how intuitive, process-based creation allows us to reclaim that connection. Susie shares her personal story of navigating her son's complex health journey and how it led her to this work. Her grief became her teacher, showing her that creativity could be a compass in the darkest moments. They also discuss the collective grief many are feeling today—about the state of the world, climate change, political division—and how creative practice offers both refuge and revelation.

Listeners are invited to download Susie’s free resource, “Creativity and Grief Invitations Workbook,” at https://www.susiestonefield.com/podcast-gift1

Whether you're navigating personal loss, existential unease, or simply seeking a way to reconnect with your inner voice, this episode offers both encouragement and practical tools to help you walk with grief—one intuitive mark at a time.

For more information on CJ and his coaching and retreats, visit www.spiritualartisttoday.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.