SAYING YES by Kathleen Horne A few days ago I wrote a post to help you take action if you are feeling drawn to the expressive arts.
I likened the
expressive arts journey to a trail, with options to choose from and places for rest and reflection along the way.
Perhaps you are already on this path and ready for a little more! Maybe you have already taken some gentle, scenic hikes and you are becoming more familiar with the terrain. If so, you are likely feeling some positive effects. Maybe you have tried some expressive arts
experiences on your own, or taken part in a virtual workshop. Is it time to gear up try an in-person offering?
Each time we commit to traveling in new territory, there are uncertainties or fears to overcome. You may wonder - Am I ready? In good enough shape? What if I find that it is too hard for me, or that i need to turn back? Will my guides allow me to take my time, or will I
pushed to do something that isn't right for me? How will I know what to expect?
You are not alone. Today, I share some guidance and a map of your possible next steps.
ARE YOU FEELING THE RESULTS?
If you have started practicing the expressive arts by keeping a visual journal, doing a quick daily or weekly "in this moment" meditation and image, moving to music, or allowing yourself to doodle for the first time in years, you are likely beginning to notice some results.
A consistent personal practice is sustaining and nourishing. It
integrates creativity into your daily life, and provides a framework for reaping its benefits. You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have. ~Maya Angelou
WHAT ARE YOUR DISCOVERING ABOUT YOURSELF? Some of the benefits are: - self-awareness, relaxation, self-esteem, mindfulness, presence, balance, personal growth, joy, authenticity, healing
- time stands still, heart rate slows, breath becomes deeper.
Even
a short arts experience makes a big difference in your day.
Both embarking on your first hike in the woods and re-engaging your artist self can require the use of muscles that haven't been used in awhile.
How does that feel for
you? Exciting? Tiring? Exhilarating? Uncertain, Hopeful?
Maybe you are seeing yourself in a new light?
Creativity is the ability to take what exists and change it into something new through unique responsive acts. It puts imagination int action. - Shaun McNiff THE WORLD NEEDS YOUR CREATIVITY It is true. Your creative voice is unique to you, and it has a place in the world. No one else can give what you can.
By living your fullest expression, you are bringing very real positive impact to yourself, your family and friends, and your community.
We believe.... - our creativity is health-giving
- we are all artists
- our creativity is our birthright and we can reclaim it if we have become estranged
- our creativity, imagination, and inner wisdom is needed - in our
lives and in the world
- NOW is the time for change
Whatever you are doing - painting, journaling, dancing, singing, drumming, acting, writing, sculpting - you are expressing your own authentic inner wisdom.
Whether you are creating for yourself, or sharing it with others, you are contributing in a positive way.
The authentic artist is the one who gives birth to a new reality. He expresses what it means to be and enlarges human perception and awareness. - Rollo May ENJOY THE VIEW
So, back to the path, and to finding your way.
Your next hike will likely take more commitment and even a little more risk. Rest assured. There are supportive guides and other journeyers ready to welcome you and walk with you. And the rewards will be worth it!
Is it time to come to the studio, in person?
Another couple of great options are coming right up, and they are definitely worth traveling
for!
with Donna Papenhausen
An intuitive painting, intentional creativity summer camp experience! Find your tribe and your place within it.
with Tamara Teeter Knapp and Victoria Domenichello-Anderson August 4-5
Touch Drawing is a powerful, yet simple way, to
bring forth your authentic imagery, whether or not you have any experience with art.
Both of these workshops will provide you with an experience that broadens your view, takes you to new vistas, and increases your repertoire of skills.
Each one also will give you elective credit for our certificate training program, if you decide to go that route.
SHARING YOUR GIFTS
Next week I will send you Part 3 of this series: Sharing Your Gifts: how to consciously and intentionally bring change by guiding others.
In the meantime, why not use our "in this
moment" audio meditation to guide your personal practice - that's why we created it for you! And consider sharing your images and writing in our Facebook group.
Give yourself a pat on the back for taking whatever steps you have. Everything counts.
And, truly, consider finding
something - a workshop or class, perhaps - that you sign up for and commit to.
If you choose one of ours, we would love that and welcome you!
Creativity is the stuff of our bones. It surges through the body with each beat of the heart. - Carl
Jung
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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