Self-care in challenging times

Published: Sat, 09/16/17

Dear

Along with many of you, we are recovering from Hurricane Irma. Many thanks to each of you who reached out to us with wishes and prayers for safety. We are deeply grateful that we had little damage in our studio or homes. Our hearts go out to all of you who are experiencing more serious effects from the storm, as well as to those dealing with the extreme weather events around the planet. No matter where you live, you are undoubtedly deeply affected.

It is challenging to stay centered and grounded during times of so much upheaval and uncertainty!  Taking creative time may seem like a luxury, or an impossibility, in times of stress. And yet, this is when we can benefit from it the most. A few minutes of turning inward with some simple materials can be immensely helpful. It is like following a thread back to a more solid and sure place inside. We hope that you can create some of that time for yourself soon, in whatever way is do-able for you. 

Even if you don't have any materials available, simply a minute or two of tuning in to breath, and noticing your internal experience, can re-center you. Do whatever you can for your own self-care. It all counts and it all makes a difference. 

If you would like support, we have some resources for you below.​​​​​​​

Sending love,
Kathleen, Victoria, Tamara

TRY THIS SIMPLE PRACTICE 
1.Sit comfortably and let your eyes close or soften. Simply notice your breath for a minute or two. Allow your attention to move inward and be aware of your inner experience in this moment. Notice the qualities of the moment – emotions and sensations. Just breathe. Simply notice. Stay with that for a minute or two.

2.Open your eyes and let them come to rest on your paper and materials. Without pausing or thinking, let your hand choose the first color that attracts you. Make a mark of any kind on your page. Let one mark, one color, lead to another. Continue mark-making for 3-5 minutes. Keep going until you feel complete.

​​​​​​3.Look at your image. Notice what you see and feel. Write down the first word or phrase that comes into your mind.

4.Allow your image to reflect the truth of the moment, whatever that is. Simply recognize what is happening within. That is enough, and it makes a difference.


WOULD YOU LIKE MORE?

Get our free e-book by signing up to our email list, It includes audio meditations to assist you.

Join our private Facebook community group

Get our Kindle Book  or
self-guided or e-course 

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We hope these resources will support you in creatively navigating the terrain of your life, in all its forms.
 
COMING UP THIS WEEK
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Consider stopping in to Open Studio on Wednesday if you are in the area, or joining us virtually for Expressive Arts Discovery or Tending the Creative Fire. It can be incredibly supportive to create with others.

​​​​​​​​​​​​MORE FALL OFFERINGS
Here is the schedule so far. ​​​​​​​
Holding the creative light, 
Victoria, Tamara, Kathleen

Kathleen Horne, MA, LMHC, REACE
Victoria Domenichello-Anderson, MA, REACE
Tamara Teeter Knapp, BA, Certified K-12 Teacher​​​​​​​