My journey began when I faced some destructive parts of myself and reclaimed territory in my life. My brother, who I was extremely close to, passed away in May of 2003. This tragedy led me to a life riddled with apathy and an anesthetized soul. In 2005, I lost everything I owned in Hurricane Katrina. The loss catapulted me into complete bankruptcy – emotionally, spiritually and physically. I fought and wrestled with my grief and numbness until February 2008. That’s when my journey of transformation and reemergence began.

In retrospect, I realize that these experiences were my initiation to my life’s work. My struggles have been converted into assets that are the alchemy of my soul. These struggles are the gold that I use to help other people find their truth and with which I guide them to their path of personal transformation and creative expression. I own my story today so that my story doesn't own me. It’s important to understand where I’ve been, and where I am today, so I can know where I’m going. I try to orient myself to the good, embrace the good with the bad, and not waste the pain. I use it as the great motivator to expand and find liberation.

I believe we have an innate and intuitive ability for creativity, but that we sometimes need the support of others to tap into our own power. My own experience with personal tragedy, homelessness and spiritual rock bottom led me to guides, teachers and healers who helped me find my way. I later trained in the same modalities where I had found inspiration, connection, healing – and support for my artistic development. This process has led me to a passion for helping others.  

As a professional, I’ve trained in the practice of listening and receiving; it’s where our work begins. Through years of Shamanic tutelage, bodywork, breathwork and meditation, I’ve learned to hold space for the discharge of emotions and to facilitate energetic extraction through hands-on therapies. I created Soul Alchemy to help others expand their consciousness and find personal meaning from within. 

My Artwork
‍As an abstract expressionist, my paintings are a collaboration between universal energies – the place where order meets chaos. Whether for a commission or a personal work, my process is always ritualistic in nature. I begin each work with a pre-painting meditation, free-writing and a sound bath, which allow me to hollow out and make space for intention and flow. A gallery of my work and commissions information are available at MeribethPrivett.com.

My Guiding Philosophies
‍Over time, I’ve learned to trust some fundamental guiding philosophies that are both simple and powerful: Don't take yourself too seriously – but do take life seriously. Work hard and play hard. Fill your life with things you're passionate about. Stay curious. Try new things. Explore your interests. If you fail, feel good about having taken a shot at something and move on. Life is meant to be messy, fun and full of things that make you feel alive and free.