Hello Creative Friend,

This past week, we gathered with a deeply engaged and fully present group of students in Body Mind Spirit: The Holistic Practice of Expressive Arts. Through explorations in movement, drama, writing, and visual art, our experiences and connections deepened over four days together. Each student created a mandala as their “visual arts container,” holding and reflecting their process. What a gift it was to be in this shared space. Tamara and I are grateful to each of our students, and to Heidi Heft LaPorte for joining us as assistant faculty.

Presence emerged as a central theme throughout our time together. In practices such as active witnessing and authentic movement, full presence is essential. We reflected on what an extraordinary gift it is to be with another person in this way—as witness or guide. To have our images witnessed with full presence. And, perhaps most profoundly, to witness our own images—and ourselves—with the same quality of attention. There is a deep intimacy in this kind of presence.

In art, in therapy or facilitation, and in life, presence is something we can nurture and develop. When we are truly present, we are not preoccupied with what comes next or what has just occurred. We are here, in this moment in time, with an open heart and mind—attuned, listening, and aware of the next creative impulse. I (Kathleen) recently came across an article on presence by Peter Kater, one of my favorite musicians, and I think you may enjoy it as well. In it, he speaks about “following the next impulse” while improvising at the piano. In expressive arts, we often use this same language when inviting art-making or movement, as it helps us remain present and responsive.

As an expressive arts therapist, I learned a great deal about presence from Natalie Rogers—particularly how presence requires trust, and how it opens a space for awareness, healing, and transformation to occur. This teaching profoundly shaped my practice.

If this topic resonates with you, you may wish to consider our new course, Creative Presence: Facilitating Expressive Arts with Individuals, coming up in February, live online.

Try this:
Choose either visual art-making or movement. Take a few conscious breaths and ground yourself. Listen inwardly for the first creative impulse—whether it is a movement or a line on the page. Continue, trusting whatever arrives, following each next mark or movement while staying aware of your breath. Stop when you feel complete, then take a few minutes to write in response to your experience. If you wish, you’re welcome to share in our private Facebook Group.

There are only 2 weeks left to take 40% off Art as a Healing Practice self-study course! With this purchase you also get $15 off our two brand new mini retreats: 

A Moment to Breathe and Harvesting Gratitude!

Start your year with a deep dive into creativity, reflection, and expressive arts.

See all our upcoming offerings here!

 Each course contains 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

Art as a Healing Practice