I began my spiritual quest in 1990. Through a study of archetypes and Jungian Psychology I was led to drawing Mandalas.  It was this practice that freed my creative critic. Once I learned to have fun with painting and discovered the joy of watercolor (at the Findhorn Foundation in Scotland) there was no stopping me.

A camera has been a constant companion from the mid-1980's. My photography took off when I discovered the digital camera. Through experience I began to understand the use of the camera as a creative tool.

With whatever form my creativity takes, the pencil, the paintbrush, or the camera, I enter into a state of meditation and feel a connection to Spirit as I create.

In 2002 I completed a masters degree in Transpersonal Psychology with the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology (ITP) in Palo Alto, CA..I am currently enrolled in the global doctorate program at ITP. My thesis is entitled Sacred Earth: Connected with Elemental Earth Energies through Creative Expression. My dissertation will focus on creativity as a tool to increase our connection with and understanding of nature.  I plan to develop workshops to teach others to use creativity to understand and their transpersonal connections with nature. My hope is that we will all come to respect and care for the environment.

 In April of 2007 I completed my PhD in Psychology with ITP. I am currently writing on book about my experiences with a focus of teaching others how to develop skills to connect with nature on a transpersonal level.

I painted this watercolor while sitting beside a stream in the Pfaltz area of Germany. I can feel the soothing energy of the stream and the forest setting each time I look at this photo. I can imagine the sounds of the water as it splashed over the rocks in the stream. Great sensory memories!

My Biography: Catherine Phoenix Manos is an educator for the U.S. Army currently stationed in Darmstadt, Germany. She earned a Masters degree in Transpersonal Psychology from The Institute of Transpersonal Psychology and conducted a qualitative study entitled, Sacred Earth: Connecting with Elemental Earth Energies through Creative Expression. She eared a Ph.D. from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in 2007. Catherine is a photographer and artist. She is currently designing personal growth workshops helping individuals to remember the skills they need to connect to and see the natural environment as did their ancestors. The use of creativity and the imagination as means of fostering a relationship with nature are integral parts of her teachings.