About:

I am fascinated by us. You and me, and all the things that contribute to who we are. It’s incredible to think two of us can be in the same place, at the same time, yet have a completely different experience; or something which works exceedingly well for one of us, can get another helplessly stuck, sick, or frantic. Certainly, things like genetics, circumstance, and our innate personalities play a role. But there is also, (and here is where things get really interesting), the often-overlooked matter of what we believe. Conclusions we have formed about ourselves, others, and the world, and continue to accept without question. Where did these beliefs come from? What happens if we challenge them? What happens if we don’t? Ultimately, the way we experience life comes down to how closely we choose to dig into all of this, and what we decide to do with what we find.

I have long believed that each of us is born with something special inside. A certain quality that makes us unique, yet has the power to connect us to everyone and everything in a more meaningful way. I struggled with what to call this important source of identity and interrelatedness until I stumbled across the word Noomah (also spelled Pneuma), and thought, “Yes…there it is!” Noomah is the vital spirit, soul or creative force of a person. It is air in motion, the act of breathing in our surroundings and experiences, and breathing out our gifts. It is the purest, most beautiful part of ourselves.

My work is the product of using visual images, writing and conversation, what I like to think of as the “Quiet Arts,” to gain greater access to who I am, and who I aspire to be. In other words, to figure out my own personal Noomah, and live my life with that as my guide, instead of leading with fear, doubts or shoulds.

Most of what you see here originated in my private journals.  Safe places where my mind, unburdened by the need for logic, rules, or the opinion of others, can question, play and find what is true for me. It is based on the idea that each of us is our own best expert on the topic of ourselves, but to find the answers we seek, we must be willing to look and listen honestly.

I am sharing some of what has emerged, with the hope it inspires you too to shine a warm and gentle light on yourself, and to approach what you unearth with curiosity, acceptance, empathy and humor.  It takes a little work, and it’s not always easy, but I encourage you to have some fun with this, and keep at it, because there are many benefits to be had by gaining a true sense of self. Not only does our purpose become clearer, but we are more likely to have the mental and physical energy to act on it. We may even be able to take that same light we aimed at ourselves and reflect it back into the world, in whatever way makes sense for us, to form deeper and more meaningful connections with what matters to us most.

This has been my journey. One that has led me to greater clarity, acceptance and joy. I would be honored to help you on yours.

xo

Lea (rhymes with “see-ya”), DeCosta is a mixed media artist, writer, coach, and Human Resources professional who uses imagery, writing and the mind-body-spirit connection as tools for self-discovery and a means of building a well lived, more fulfilling life. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in Art History, and master’s degree in Industrial Relations and Human Resources Management, she worked for a variety of organizations, including Princeton University, WGBH Boston and Genzyme Corporation, in various HR roles. She became a stay-at-home mom after the birth of her second child, which enabled her to further her interests in creativity and well being, as well as earn a dual certification in holistic health coaching from Columbia University’s Teacher’s College, and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Since then, she has taught art, cooking, and wellness classes, worked as an integrative life coach, and created a podcast series for a major corporation. Her artwork has been published in the book Art Journal Kickstarter, and her writing has been published in the magazine The Rose in the World. She has recently received a certificate from Breakthrough Coaching and is working towards her Transformational Leader Certification. She and her husband have two adult children and live in Boston with their very spoiled mini-schnauzer named Coconut.