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Dear The doors to the world of the wild self are few
but precious. If you have a deep scar, that is a door. If you have an old, old story, that is a door. If you love the sky and the water so much you almost cannot bear it, that is a door. If you yearn for a deeper life, a full life, a sane life, that is a door. - Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Women Who Run with the
Wolves What are the doors that are beckoning you, or have led you to your 'wild self'? What are the defining moments, or key experiences that have opened the door into a more illuminated, authentic life? When have you - perhaps
unexpectedly - found yourself somewhere, doing something, that you suddenly knew, in your body and your heart, was exactly 'you'? I (Kathleen) recall a moment, in my own life, about 30 years ago, just before I learned about, and dove into, expressive arts. Here is an excerpt from
my journal, written just a couple of years ago, and inspired by one of Anne Hofland's exquisite expressive writing prompts. I must have known that I was about to do something that would change my life. The people had come, and they were all sitting there, expectantly, with art materials in front of them, all eyes on me. The fluttery sensations deep
inside my body made it difficult for me to walk. The smile felt frozen on my face. My throat was so constricted that I doubted that the words of my guided meditation would make it through. And yet, from a well of knowing deep within, something else arrived in that moment. Something unnameable, something unfamiliar yet profoundly remembered. Something alive that transformed my fear into excitement, and allowed me to step across a threshold, with calm presence, into my new life. That moment is a key part of my own origin story as an expressive arts facilitator and therapist. There are other precious moments, that include the doors of deep scars, old stories, and exquisite, almost unbearable longings. I will write about those another time. The body of work that I named Art as a Healing Practice, has been both a result of, and a companion on my unfolding journey in this work. It is an interweaving of my personal and professional practice, and I see now that it emerged directly from that workshop, 30 years ago, when I offered a
guided meditation, leading to art-making, for the very first time. Over the years, Art as a Healing Practice has gone through many iterations, from a couple of people joining me in my home studio (you know who you are, and thank you!) to a many powerful series at EAFI, to a variety of online versions. I am now thrilled to be working on a new version that will be birthed in the new year. You will be hearing more about this soon! This past year, I was deeply honored and profoundly humbled to receive the Shining Star award from IEATA. I am so moved to witness my own journey through the reflection of
this award, which offers me the perspective of being both an elder and a leader in this field. It is true that in that moment, 30 years ago, I was stepping in to my new life. What are the doors to the world of your wild self, your authentic self, your deeper, fuller life? What is
beckoning you, and what are the few and precious experiences that have guided you into a deeper knowing along the way? Here are some ideas to explore: - What old story in
your life is ready to shift into something new?
- What was a moment in time where your life path shifted, and how does that shift show up in your life now?
- What do you love
so much that you can hardly bear it?
- When you consider the words 'wild self' what does that evoke?
Use these questions to lead you into art-making, writing, moving, or
making music. Start with any modality, and either stay with that, or let one modality lead to another. We would love to witness any part of your exploration in our private FB group. And thank you to Robyn Gordon, who I follow on FB. Her recent post abour doors, reminded me of the beautiful words from Clarissa Pinkola Estes. Read on to see all that is coming up! We hope to see you in the circle soon. With love, Kathleen, Tamara, and the EAFI Team |
"I really
appreciate Expressive Arts Discovery, and make every effort to join as often as I can. I feel like it provides a wonderful compliment to my ongoing personal practice by giving me a chance to create with a community. Your guided meditation serves as an excellent springboard to create a visual image that I can then move to, and or write to. And the best part: witnessing and being witnessed!" - Theresa Benson - EAFI Graduate |
Come make art with us during out last
Online Open Studio of the year! A perfect way to relax, renew and create in community. |
Join us in this in person Intention
Setting workshop where you will be guided through an expressive arts practice to set an intention for the upcoming year! We've been doing this event for many years and always enjoy it. |
This Intention Setting workshop will
be the same as the in person workshop but online for our distance friends and students! |
January 12, 2024 10-1 Open Studio 2-5 Workshop In this expressive arts workshop, we will be invited to walk the grounds and witness different trees, engage with an expressive arts process, and create a tree that will elicit life lessons and encourage us to live in greater balance and reciprocal relationship. Feel free to come to Open Studio and make a day of it. Located at 1031 S. Euclid Ave, Sarasota, FL Tuesday, January 16, 2024 6:00-9:00 pm EST online SoulCollage® is a powerful tool for exploring our inner wisdom and strength as well as discovering interconnectedness within ourselves and the world around us. In this workshop we will engage in the practice of SoulCollage® through the lens of building bridges. 
Identify mind/body connections with the elements and redefine preconceived ideas about your relationship to the elemental world.Topaz’ work is guided by a desire to help the world remember that we are intrinsically connected to the earth and our survival as a species is dependent on our willingness and ability to play, grow, heal and
love. Be sure to watch this video from Topaz! Topaz is a graduate of the Expressive Arts Therapies program at Antioch University and our Expressive Arts Certificate Training Program! She is a wonderful facilitator and is the founder of Expressive Arts Burlington, where she has been offering expressive arts classes and workshops in Burlington, Vermont since 2013. In
this workshop, through an expressive arts practice, you will focus on your relationship to the elements, time and space. |
***This workshop will be recorded, so if you are interested but cannot make it at that time we will send you the recorded version. |
Are you looking to explore expressive arts on your own and at your own pace? These NEW Self Study Courses contain detailed, yet approachable instructions, videos, and meditations facilitated by Kathleen & Tamara. The imagery and guidance from this work can assist you, whether dipping your toes into
expressive arts or seeking a deeper connection. *All courses come with lifetime access so you can refer back to them at any time! *No previous art experience is
necessary!
This is an 8-week introductory training into the field of expressive arts and the pre-requisite for our Certificate Training Program. You will learn a basic overview of expressive arts, what it is, theories, approaches, applications etc and how to apply this work into your personal and professional life.
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10 expressive arts lessons that can be done at your own pace. These easy to follow lessons are instructed by Kathleen and Tamara and can be done in any order at any time.
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Looking to start your expressive arts training? We have 2 start dates coming up! Registration for EAFI 120 is open and it is filling up fast! Pre-requisites include: *Creative Wisdom Introductory Training Welcome Lesson and Lesson 1 *If you are interested in applying for our program, please fill out this "Intent to
Apply" |
In this course you will learn how expressive arts effects change in all aspects of human experience: body, mind and spirit. You will explore ways in which the different arts modalities bring growth and change, and how they work together as a holistic model. You will also engage with an exciting and potent array of individual and group processes,
focusing on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual experience.
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In this course you will immerse yourself into
Expressive Arts process, including visual art, sound, music, movement, drama, writing, and guided meditation. You will learn how to set an intention and follow the thread of your own creative process and imagery through a series of guided experiences. This course is a great introduction to the power of intermodal expressive arts!
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Tamara is accepting new clients in Florida seeking therapy services and support using expressive arts to heal and grow. Using her years of creative practice and a compassionate approach, she is able to help clients access their inner strengths and
create the change they most want in their lives. To inquire about services, you can go HERE,
call/text 941-444-9585 or email tknappcounseling@gmail.com ~Tamara and Kathleen Tamara Teeter Knapp MA, NCC, MHC Intern, REACE® Kathleen Horne MA, LMHC(S), REACE®, REAT® www.expressiveartsflorida.com |
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