" If you rest your head against my heart, I will enfold you with my wings, whisper in your ear, and share my wisdom with you."
A WISE IMAGE
EMERGES
An excerpt from what "she" said to me, in writing:
I am encircled by the waters of life and those waters flow through me, and all around me.
My eyes are closed, not to shut the world out, but to attend
to the pulse of life within.
My head is encircled by spirit and nature, and beams of creative energy radiate outwards.
If you rest your head against my heart, I will enfold you with my wings, whisper in your ear, and share my wisdom with you."
I was rather in awe at what I tapped into. Although just a quick painting, she now occupies a place of honor in my studio. I feel calmer, and in touch with my own wisdom and peace, whenever I look at her. She helps me to remember to look within, to reconnect with my own source of power. Kathleen
You may wonder... HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN IN A VIRTUAL WORKSHOP? If you haven't participated in a virtual workshop it may sound odd, or unlikely, or even impossible. You may be reluctant to try a virtual Expressive Arts experience, as you can't imagine how you
will feel connected or what you will be expected to do. Here are the essential elements and a map of how it works!
Create the space We create a carefully contained sacred space in a virtual workshop by using the same ground rules and guidelines as we do in an in-person setting: confidentiality, non-judgement, trust in the imagery, and respectful witnessing. Meet in a sacred
circle Each virtual workshop is a small and and usually international group. We introduce and meet one another in the spirit of a circle. We (Tamara, Victoria, Kathleen) open the circle and set the tone. You (wherever you are) set up your own art-making space in a private corner of your home, studio, or office. Together, we consciously and intentionally set aside
the next four hours as "retreat space" or "time away".
Introduce the theme The last one was Water. The one before that was Fire. And, on August 27:
Earth We may read you some quotes and inspiration related to the theme, and together we engage with some questions for contemplation and journaling.
Listen within Through guided meditation, and/or movement we help you turn your attention inward and listen deeply, with mindful presence.
The image arrives Using whatever art materials you choose,
and in your own private space, you will have time to discover what emerges.Kathleen's image from our last session is above. Here are some others that have arrived in the circle.
We explore the
image We guide you through some gentle multi-modal explorations, and give you ideas and prompts to get you started.
We witness Returning to the virtual circle, you have the opportunity, without expectation, to have any part of your experienced witnessed.
We share Now it is time to consider
what happened for you, what you learned, how it might apply to your life, and more.
We close Honoring the circle and all that we have shared we close our retreat space. Together, we have supported one another in a simple, yet profound experience,
which we can then take into our lives in a meaningful way.
The Facebook group The private FB group is an optional element that can extend and support the process.You can post your images and continue the conversation, if you
choose.
What others are saying - Engaging in the creative process with the facilitators at Expressive Arts Institute Florida was like taking a refreshing drink. I went into the retreat curious about how it would feel to engage in such an intimate process through
a computer screen. Kathleen, Victoria and Tamara are so skilled at holding space and creating a safe and nourishing container that we transcended the screen's barrier. Julie P.
- I wondered whether I would be able to fully engage and connect to strangers sharing an online experience. What I found was a surprisingly easy connection, as the threads that wove our virtual experience, words, and
images together were shared and witnessed. I can’t wait to do this again! Sue Keston
Join us?
A virtual mini-retreat to support and enhance
your expressive arts practice
Saturday July 22, 1-5 pm ET
Your creative fire is a precious resource of energy and inspiration that lives within you. It must be tended with care and consistency. With love and attention, it illuminates and
inspires your life with a warm glow that is unique to you.
This month's theme: Air
Our creative fire needs breathing space to burn brightly. How is our creativity affected by the winds of change? Join our tribe in a circle of support as we invite our imaginations to engage with the metaphor of
Air.
AND HERE'S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING THIS SUMMER!
Embracing the power of everyone's creativity, Victoria, Tamara,
Kathleen
Kathleen Horne, MA, LMHC,
REACE Victoria Domenichello-Anderson, MA, REACE Tamara Teeter Knapp, BA, Certified K-12 Teacher
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