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Dear Creative Friend, This week we brought the Spiritual Direction and Expressive Arts series to a close. I (Tamara) and Renee co-facilitated "Imagining the Sacred". Friday's session was so nourishing around the topic of Presence and Role. Presence is an important part of the work we do; it's an
essential element that must be cultivated. As we look toward the transition of our Certificate Training Program, we are bringing our full presence to the process through our artmaking and explorations. I (Tamara) found myself reflecting on the incredible work we have done as I engaged with my art process, sat with the graduates of the program who we met with this week, the students who gathered for group mentoring, our mentoring team that helps hold space for the students and
us. I remembered the symbol of the Sankofa that Kathleen brought back with her from Ghana one year. This symbol is often depicted as a bird looking back with an egg in its mouth and sometimes a stylized heart symbol. The word is from the Twi language of the Akan tribe of Ghana and loosely means going back to move forward, which is how I resonate with
it. Looking back on the beginning of EAFI, I am reminded how we set out to create a training program and community workshops to help others to integrate expressive arts into their lives and work. We created art and explored ideas together. We intended to bring the
love of this work to others in ways that enriched their lives and helped them be their best selves. I find myself exploring again, looking back to see what we can bring forward as we evolve into a newer version of EAFI. I notice winding paths in my art, tangles and twists, scribbly lines that intersect and loop around. I have developed a love for tending to the intersections, the tiny shapes, and traveling around inside a world of little spaces. As I do this lately, what I notice most is my
presence. These little worlds require my presence, invite me into the present moment, and if I allow them to, speak to me of pathways and possibilities. I do not fully know where all of this is leading, but I am present to the shift, the journey, the openings and intersections. I am looking back to move forward and honoring it all. I offer the poem by Mary Oliver we shared in the workshop Friday. When I am Among the Trees by Mary Oliver When I am among the trees, especially the willows and the honey locust, equally the beech, the oaks and the pines, they give off such hints of gladness. I would almost say that they save me, and daily. I am so distant from the hope of myself, in which I have goodness, and discernment, and never hurry through the world but walk slowly, and bow
often. Around me the trees stir in their leaves and call out, “Stay awhile.” The light flows from their branches. And they call again, “It's simple,” they say, “and you too have come into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled with light, and to shine.” May you find ways to cultivate presence, be filled with light, and shine. |
With love and gratitude, Tamara, Kathleen, and the Expressive Arts Florida team
We have a busy week this week with a few online and in person events, starting with our last Expressive Arts Discovery session of the year happening this Thursday, December 12th. These differ from Open Studios in
that they are guided workshops. We start with a short guided meditation, move into artmaking, maybe a little movement and then some writing. We close with witnessing and sharing. On Friday we have 2 in person events! Our final In Person Open Studio, followed by our last SoulCollage® workshop of the year where we'll celebrate the Winter Solstice. Join us for one session or both and give yourself a full day of creative self-care in Sarasota. Tuesday (12/17) is our last Online Open Studio! If you haven't joined us for any of our Open Studios we encourage you to do so. They are a wonderful opportunity to creatively 'be with'
whatever emotions you are carrying, and what creative impulses are awakening in you, and to witness one another. They are donation based and a great way to connect with others. If you're interested in our Certificate Training Program the next start date is in January, application fees will be waived until December 15. If you have questions, please email us at
admin@expressiveartsflorida.com. |
Would you like to share your personal practice images? Our private Facebook group is a sanctuary for witnessing one another. (If you are a new member, please be sure to answer the questions and agree to the rules. That helps us to hold a safe and welcoming space.) |
We have two special offerings coming up in February and March 2025. February 4, 11, & 18 1-3 pm we will welcome H. Fay Wilkinson for a 3 part workshop series of Bridging Into Story: Exploring Ways to Tell the
Untold on Friday, March 21 9-4:30 we have a special IN-PERSON Training collaboration with Eliana Gil, Kathleen, and Tamara that will provide CEUs for Play Therapists, LMHC, LCSW, LMFT. Sand, Soul, &
Metaphor. Mark your calendars! Registration will open very soon! 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! |
Featured Self-Study Course |
Expressive Arts Intention Setting Learn the basics of anchoring your practice with this intention setting workshop! Get access to a video recording of a live Intention-Setting workshop, complete with a guided meditation in both audio and written format, a downloadable Intention Setting Guide, and journal prompts to help activate and maintain your
intention. You'll also receive instructions filled with inspiration, blessings, and ideas for using your journal, plus the option to share your intention in the FB group. |
Tamara is accepting new expressive arts therapy clients seeking support using to heal and grow. Using her expertise in expressive arts and a compassionate approach, she helps clients access their inner strengths and create the change they need 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, LMHC, REACE® Kathleen Horne MA, LMHC(S), REACE®, REAT® www.expressiveartsflorida.com |
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