Dear Creative Friends,

If you have been in a circle with us, you likely know that we advocate developing a personal expressive arts practice. A consistent practice builds a solid resource in our lives that we naturally turn to in times of challenge. I (Kathleen) have been recovering from a significant surgery, and, in addition to all of the amazing medical protocols and emotional support that I have received,  my own arts practice has been an important part of my recovery.  Prior to surgery, I set aside a little sketchbook/journal and a pouch of pens, colored pencils, and a tiny pan of watercolors, and it was there for me whenever I was ready.  Here are a few of the images.

I have not been doing any specific expressive arts  'processes'. I have simply been working spontaneously - sometimes quickly, and sometimes slowly and mindfully - making marks, patterns, and colors. This has helped me find my center during a time of so much unfamiliarity. Sometimes the act of making smooth, repetitive lines and patterns has been deeply soothing, and sometimes the surprising images that arrive on the paper are glimpses of deep wisdom emerging from a profound time of healing.

Most of the images have some accompanying words. Here are a few of those:

Important lessons arriving

from this liminal space.

A rainbow of healing,

in a meeting of worlds.

Held, with kindness

I make my way

into a new rhythm.

In addition to the art and writing, I have found myself able to listen, deeply, to my body, and move in ways that seemed to support what is needed. Much like the practice of authentic movement, where we move from the inside out, with the body informing the mind, I have invited small, healing movements,  sometimes physically and sometimes in my imagination. This has assisted me in witnessing and inhabiting my body with compassion.

A very potent gift of our immersion in this work is our heightened attunement to our inner needs. The arts, even in their simplest form, reflect back to us what we might not know consciously, supporting our wellbeing and healing, and providing a resource as we navigate life's challenges. I hope that my experience informs and supports your own. Consider:

• Do you have a personal expressive arts practice that you can draw on in challenging times? 
• Do you use it as a practical resource in your life to navigate times of illness, recovery or challenging situations? 
• What are some simple ways to invite its healing wisdom into those times? 

Your practice will likely be different from mine - it might  involves different arts modalities or different ways to engage. Trust yourself to know.

If you make your arts practice  a part of your life 

it will be there  to support you, at the times you need it most.

I have posted some of these images and writings in our private FB group. I invite you to that community if you like the idea of witnessing, sharing, and learning from one another. If you are not a member, just answer the qualifying questions and agree to the group rules, and we will welcome you.

We hope to see you in the circle soon. 

In gratitude, 

Kathleen, Tamara, and the EAFI Team

Bring something you're already working on or start something new! We begin with a guided meditation, and then the time is yours for whatever creative work you choose. We come back together for the last half hour for witnessing and sharing. 

All 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!

Cultivating Self-Compassion

Through expressive arts practice, discover a creative approach to cultivate self-compassion. Consult your own inner knowing as you move through a simple, nourishing experience that will include nature-witnessing, guided meditation, visual art, movement, sound, writing, as well as powerful forms of witnessing.

No art or expressive arts experience is necessary!

Interested in several self-study courses? Our self-study bundle includes the following 4 courses at a discounted rate! 

 Save 20% by purchasing all 4. 

Bring something you're already working on or start something new! We begin with a guided meditation, and then the time is yours for whatever creative work you choose. We come back together for the last half hour for witnessing and sharing. 

Looking to start your expressive arts training? 

 Our Certificate Training Program in Intermodal Expressive Arts is IEATA (International Expressive Arts Therapy) compliant and provides you with the 200 training hours necessary to pursue professional registration in expressive arts. It is a hybrid model and admissions are on a rolling basis.

Our next start date is April 2, 2024

*If you are interested in applying for our program, please fill out the "Intent to Apply" form below.

CREATIVE WISDOM: Introductory Online Training in Expressive Arts 

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. Each lesson includes both informational and experiential process.