Hello Creative Friend,

Sometimes it is helpful to ask the question "what am I holding?" and then, "how am I holding it?" This week it felt like I (Tamara) was holding a lot, although some of "it" felt mysterious. I couldn't quite place my finger on it. Some of it was an anniversary of a loss, some was just good ole daily stuff as summer wraps up and we prepare for school to start. In Open Studio, I went back to a process I have been developing that I call sacred chaos - it is something that helps me "be with" the question of What I am holding and How I am holding it. It is a way for me to honor that there is a lot going on- a lot to process, manage, prepare, take care of, let go of, celebrate, and care about - while also acknowledging that there is some order or sacredness in it all. The Flower of Life symbol is a sacred symbol we have used at EAFI for a long time. Kathleen introduced it to me over twenty years ago. This geometric pattern juxtaposed with the chaos of a scribble soothes me, intrigues me, and helps me slow down to notice what is present and essential. The image on the right below is the image I created this week in Open Studio. I do not think it is finished, but I wanted to share it with you because it shows you what I am trying to say. 

I notice intersections, tiny compressed spaces

openings, the coolness

I am drawn into the details.

When I step back I see the sacred geometric pattern.

There is order that holds the chaos...

I care for the chaos by focusing on the sacred within - the places where it is possible

tending to each shape and space. ~Tamara

Our images are ahead of us. They also stay with us for periods of time. I have done this process before - a scribble that is held by sacred geometry - and enjoy it immensely. As I sat down to write to you today I looked for past messages I have written about sacred chaos. It is a theme that has been with me for a while. It feels true to my experience of life. 

What I found was the image on the left that I sent one year ago today! Wow. I did not consciously remember sending this image along with the news and photos of our flooded neighborhood exactly one year ago. But my body remembered the flood. My body remembered the image, the process, and the need for tender care. This is what I wrote last year.  

Today, I wonder what you are tending and what needs your care? What are you holding and how are you holding it? If you would like to explore it, I invite you to use your creative practice to do that. You might like to move your body first (always good for me) and then express the "chaos" with a line on the page. You might consider drawing a circle first and letting the scribble go all over the page - yes, even outside the lines. Then, begin filling in the spaces. Slow down your breath as you choose a color to begin. Pick a family of colors - like blues, or reds and oranges, or your three favorites and then play with how to fill in spaces with close attention. Notice what you like about it. Follow your pleasure. When it feels complete, write for a few minutes about the experience and how you are holding "it all" - does it feel different to you? Just notice. 

If you would like to share any part of your experience, we would love to witness. You can post them in our private Facebook group.  

Other creative opportunities - 

This is the last week to signup for our newest online SoulCollage® workshop featuring Diane Lampitt on August 20th! In SoulCollage® Playing with a Full Deck we'll find clarity and meaning in our lives through the creation of collage cards while also discussing how a full deck can mirror wholeness and balance. 

On Tuesday (August 19th), we have our next Online Open Studio. Bring a creative project and join us online!

Our next Expressive Arts Discovery is Wednesday, August 27th from 1-2:30 pm ET. This is a guided expressive arts workshop for self-discovery; helping you connect with your intuition through guided meditation, artmaking, writing and more.

To see a schedule of all upcoming events, courses and workshops visit our calendar of events here.

Therapy Services

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 Teeter Knapp

MA, NCC, LMHC, REACE®

Kathleen Horne

MA, LMHC(S), REACE®, REAT®

www.expressiveartsflorida.com