WHAT'S YOUR NEXT STEP? by Kathleen Horne If you are receiving this email, it is likely that you know, deep in your heart, that Expressive Arts has a place in your life. You may experience a resonance within, echoing and calling awake something vital, and perhaps dormant. That's how it was for me. I heard a call, both
from somewhere distant, and from deep within. I am ever grateful that I heeded that call, even though it seemed improbable at the time. My life has changed dramatically because of it - both personally and professionally. You can read more about my journey here.
IS THIS YOU? I know that many of you hear that call, too. It can be a challenge to know what to do, how to proceed. Things may be going along fine;
you might not be looking for something else. Yet something awakens a deep longing, and what do you do? Perhaps it seems unlikely, or even impossible, that you will heed this longing. There are so many reasons not to! Maybe you don't consider yourself an artist. Maybe your barrier is geographical or financial, or maybe you question whether or not the path is valid, practical, and useful in the world. Maybe you wonder if you can make a living at it, or if you have to go back to school
and get a Masters's degree. Maybe you question the reality of the call itself. And so you wait.
Does this describe you? A METAPHOR I love to hike, especially on wooded trails that offer periodic resting places and viewpoints. I enjoy looking at trail maps, and making the decision about which path to
follow. For me, the perfect path is one that allows me to go as far as I want, and to make my decisions along the way. The path that goes all the way to the peak, or the lake, or the pass over the mountains, or into the next valley is what I desire, and I also want it to have plenty of beautiful spots to stop along the way: meadows to rest in, overlooks where I can sit and reflect, rocky outcroppings where I can absorb the terrain I have covered so far, and decide what is next for me.
At any of these stopping points, I can decide that is far enough for me, or if I want to continue my journey.
ARE YOU READY? My partners and I believe in Expressive
Arts.
We believe that it changes lives and communities. We believe in it as a model for a new way of being. Our work in the world is to find ways to practice it ourselves and find ways to share it with others. With you.
We have been thinking a lot about the paths we are offering and the options we are giving you, so that you can decide if our territory is the one you want to explore.
We wonder if maybe now is the time for you, to take your first gentle walk down the path, or maybe even to gear up for the entire journey, all the way to the
peak.
Allow me to share a map for you; one that just might work - regardless of where you are right now.
Even if you don't know how far along you want to travel, we have some great first steps!
But first, let's consider this question: WHAT IS STOPPING YOU?
There are all kinds of reasons why you might not
take that first step. Perhaps you question your artistic ability. Or maybe the training programs are too far away. Maybe you are not sure that you have the technical skills to do a virtual workshop. Let's tackle a big one first.
DO YOU THINK YOU ARE NOT AN ARTIST? This one is huge, isn't it? Trust me, I know. (read my blog post here). It is a seemingly insurmountable block that many of us experience and have to overcome. It can stop us dead in our tracks, right at the trailhead, even if we long to embark on the path. It is usually all about old beliefs and past conditioning, and it can be overcome. You have likely heard that our greatest power can emerge from our deepest wounds, and, when it comes to creativity and the arts,
this can definitely be true. Many, if not most of us, carry some creative wounds by the time we reach adulthood. I was most fearful of visual art; you may dread the idea of moving your body, making a sound, or picking up a drum. Fortunately, there are now lots of resources to help you reclaim your creative birthright, and here are some that we offer.
STEP ON TO THE
PATH Each of these resources are designed for you to do completely on your own. There are audio meditations to help you get started. And, if/when you desire, you can join our Facebook group
to see what others are doing and become part of a creative community. Check them out; take your time. Enjoy the view and see what you notice. Pause. Reflect. Decide what is next. AND GO A LITTLE FURTHER Maybe you want some company on your journey.Or a guide to walk with you.
When you are ready to connect, in real time, with others, you can join in our monthly virtual workshops and mini-retreats. There are no travel costs, you still create in the privacy of your own home, yet you benefit from direct, live facilitation, and the opportunity to meet, witness, and share with others on the journey! It is as though you now have company on the path, and others to share the sights with. Here are your
options: We often hear from people who don't think they have the tech skills to do a virtual workshop, or they can't imagine how it could possibly work.
That is why I wrote this recently - it walks you through the process and answers your questions.
MORE COMING Maybe you have already walked these paths, and you are ready for the next one. Don't worry, there is more coming within the next day
or two! We don't want to give you so much information that you get overwhelmed and don't know where to start! Stay tuned. Make an image or do a little journaling in response to what you have read so far. Share it on our FB page if you like. And, of course, check the menu of offerings below.
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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