Jin Shin Jyutsu Photography Workshops Original Art Design 502-396-6784

Julia Youngblood Youngblood Harmonizing Arts

Youngblood Harmonizing Arts provides Jin Shin Jyutsu sessions harmonizing mind, body, and spirit; visual art; photography services; and workshops which foster the powerful creative life force in all. Tapping into natural energy flows and our most ancient and ancestral creative forces we are brought back into balance - harmonized.

I am passionate about individual and community healing, the power of arts to transform, and living our best lives through harmonizing mind, body, and spirit.

I grew up immersed in creativity and also personal/societal chaos and disharmony. In my late twenties I experienced a health crisis which shifted my trajectory. I realized I would need to dig deep and advocate for my own well being and recovery. As I began to get well my spirituality and creativity became deeply rooted in healing.

I study and practice Jin Shin Jyutsu and am an exhibiting artist, and arts educator with a BA from Bennington College and MFA from San Francisco Art Institute.

Clients and partners include Molo Village, Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, Speed Museum, Spalding College, Maryhurst, Dreams with Wings, and Kentuckians for the Commonwealth with recent support from Louisville Visual Art, Fund for the Arts, Indiana Arts Commission, and Kentucky Arts Council.

Jin Shin Jyutsu

I have witnessed spiritual, mental and physical blessings in myself and others through the harmonizing art of Jin Shin Jyutsu (JSJ).

As I continue the life-long study of the art, it is a blessing to share JSJ through in-person sessions and teaching techniques to be practiced between sessions.

Jin Shin Jyutsu, The Art of the Creator through the Person of Compassion and Knowing, is rooted in an ancient Japanese art which experienced a resurgence in the early 1900’s through the life and practice of Jiro Murai. In the late 1940’s, Jiro met Japanese American Mary Burmeister and asked her if she would like to learn and practice JSJ in order to bring the gift of the art to this continent, and ultimately to the world. Through Mary’s understandings and joyful expression, JSJ is now widely practiced through self help and sessions.

During in-person sessions the client lies face up, fully clothed, on a treatment table. Lasting just under an hour, sessions are deeply relaxing, rejuvenating and quickly address stress, physical discomfort, and blocked mental and emotional pain. Through gentle touch, breath and awareness the body’s energetic pathways are harmonized. In addition to 26 Safety Energy Locks, there are 12 corresponding Organ Flows which are beneficial for specific individual projects.

Remote sessions are available as well as socially distanced classes on self help techniques ideal for those in search of simple tools to help release emotions, self-soothe and grow through challenging times. Sliding scale available for individual consultation and session $50-$75.

Officiant, Life Coach, Readings

When I was young my father became ordained to provide alternative services to those who might not have access through more conventional or conservative institutions.

When I returned to the southeast I realized the need for creation of inclusive and diverse celebrations was paramount for individual well being and health of the community.

No one should feel compromised, unseen, or dishonored when seeking to marry or celebrate a family member.

For this reason, in addition to offering life coaching, readings, and cleansing rituals, I became ordained in order to facilitate personalized, co-created and inclusive family celebrations including coming-of-age, wedding, and funeral ceremonies.

Photography, Visual Art & Jewelry

With a Masters of Fine Arts in photography I exhibit my works, and create photographic pieces printed on metal and textiles. I also create one of a kind jewelry pieces and acrylic paintings. Paintings are made on ready to hang lightweight wood boards and often include mixed media elements. Images range from landscape, portraiture, abstract expressionism, healing mandalas and symbols. They are heavily textured, expressive creations which will add to your home or office decor.

I photograph events, family celebrations and create touchstone portraits. While at the Kentucky Performing Arts I photographed community workshops, celebratory events, and countless performances capturing the exquisite expression of performers leaving all on the stage.

Personal photo shoots are available for graduating seniors, model portfolios, wedding announcements, and family portraits.

Click on Portfolio and Shop (top left of page) to see my work.

Art & Writing Workshops

I teach hands-on mixed media, jewelry and writing workshops for young people, adults, families and seniors.

Workshops facilitate the healing power of the creative arts, bring joy, free expression, self-confidence and completed works that will be treasured for years to come. High quality supplies are used and each participant taps into their own creativity to express inherent truths without judgement.

I have facilitated workshops in numerous community sites focused on photography, jewelry making, painting, creative writing and mixed media decoupage plates and candles. Specific sessions have been taught for teen girls’ groups, and young people in school, community center, and residential healing facilities.

Testimonies

Joyful Creativity

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to take part in a decoupage workshop with YHA and several young people. I’ve been a participant in many artist led workshops, but Julia brought to the creative space an openness that’s often absent from workshop settings. It wasn’t just about creating our piece, though each step was well organized and presented in a way that we all could duplicate. Julia took us through a process that brought all of us joy and excitement by simply creating a plate... in about 90-minutes! My non-visual artist self, along with several others, felt as though we had created masterpieces. Years later, I still have my plate in a place where I get to see it every day.

Portia White, Genesis Arts

Jin Shin Jyutsu Sessions

Experiencing Jin Shin Jyutsu has brought me a great sense of ease and freedom. My back pain has lessened and I now have better circulation in my legs and feet. During sessions I am in a deep contemplative state and come off the table relaxed. In addition to feeling better physically, my creative energy has been revitalized. Scott Ferguson

Photography

Julia photographed our wedding and made us feel comfortable every step of the way. We had a meeting beforehand to talk about style, must have photos and schedule. The day of our wedding Julia helped direct us, went out of her way to make sure we got all the shots we wanted, and even captured moments we hadn’t thought to request. Everyone who sees our wedding album compliments it! I have never liked myself in pictures and now have photos that I will treasure forever. Quinn Driskell

Workshop Facilitator & Photography

Julia is a multi talented and gifted individual and artist. For the past 15 years I have witnessed her ability to create a warm, nurturing and healing environment through workshops. In my professional experience with Julia, I was always inspired and given the opportunity to create in a safe, warm and nurturing environment which is so important for those who do not see themselves as talented. After each encounter I always left smiling and believing in myself. I was eager and ready for the next opportunity to work with Julia.

Julia has a distinct ability to reach and connect with individuals from all ages, backgrounds and learning styles. Her capacity to capture expressions and important moments in time, through photography, is remarkable. I have witnessed her teach photography skills to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism. Her inclination to allow them the freedom to explore the camera and capture the moment through their sensibilities was so compassionate and warming.

If you have the opportunity to meet and connect with Julia, you too will feel the love, compassion and warmth of her heart and soul.

Carolyn Bunton, Dreams with Wings

Julia Youngblood has a way of bringing forth an outcome that is spiritually, emotionally and intellectually satisfying. She has supported me in multiple ways that required a deep level of trust. Through JSJ, Julia has helped me relieve physical and emotional conflict. Julia has captured stunning photographs of me that I use for business promotion. When my sister passed away, Julia coached my family through planning a funeral service. She officiated the service in a way that honored multiple religious traditions while being a beautiful reflection of my sisters life. I am grateful for Julia, her extraordinary skills and her giving heart.

Joan Brannon, Drumming Works