Dear Creative Friend, 

Expressive arts work is holistic. Our whole selves are involved in the work - physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. It is also phenomelogical. We notice what happens when we put paint on the paper, or we move our body, or make sounds in response to our images. We also notice what happens inside in response. The practice teaches us how to be witnesses to our lives, to one another, and to what is created. What I (Tamara) realize is that my expressive arts practice has taught me to pay attention to my senses more and to tune into my inner responses with curiosity. 

This week I witnessed the sunrise differently. I noticed how I felt myself being illuminated within as I saw the yellow, pink, and pale blue sky light up behind the trees. How does the color change so much so quickly? Isn't it interesting that the blue of the early morning is so pale compared to later in the day? I listened to all of the sounds around me as I kayaked on the water and imagined them as colors in a painting. Tuning into the sense of sound, I noticed there were many. The paddle in the water, leaf blower on land, airplane flying past, birds calling, wave splashing against the boat. As I saw or heard what was happening around me, I was aware of what was happening within me. The relationship between inner and outer experience is strong. The felt sense of being in Nature is still with me. I can recall it in my mind hours later and feel it again when I look at the photographs I took.

What is amazing about expressive arts is that I have languages in the arts to express that Felt Sense. In image, movement, sound I can express my own inner experience. It sounds so simple; maybe that is because it is part of our human experience. We have the capacity to do this, naturally. We do not always maintain the capacity as we grow, but we can remember it, relearn how to have full access to our senses in a way that feels nourishing and whole.  

I want to invite you to take even ten minutes in Nature to notice with all of your senses - sight, sound, smell, touch, taste. If you can, spend more time immersed in a natural setting - even three hours if  you can! Notice what stirs within you as you pay attention to each one. Do you see any colors? Feel movements in your body? Spend some time "being with" what stays with you - your felt sense of the experience - and express it through the arts. Let it move through you and emerge in a new way, your own way. It is an intimate way of being in the world and that may not always feel available to you, but even a few moments can make a big difference. 

NEW!!! Save the Date for the following events!

Take a look at what's coming up for the rest of 2026! Registration will open soon for these training workshops. In the meantime, you can see the descriptions by clicking the button below.  

Featured Self-Study Course

Embracing the Wisdom of Nature

 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!