Dear ,
We believe that the creative process and art-making itself is healing and transformational. This is one of our Guiding Principles at Expressive Arts Florida Institute.
- If we are engaging in creative activities - any creative engagement - we are healthier.
- Just the creative or artistic act itself is healthy and powerful. If we add the component of loving witness (by ourselves or another) the positive effects are enhanced.
- Living a creative life that includes the arts helps us to remember who we are.
As we continue to explore our Guiding Principles with you, we turn this time to Victoria, who shares what happened for her when she began her expressive arts journey. Her writing is excerpted from the Welcome Lesson of Creative Wisdom: Introductory Online Training in Expressive
Arts.
I am remembering what it was like when I was introduced to Expressive Arts. I really had no idea about the journey it would take me on. I do recall being very excited and emotional. I felt like I was welcoming back an old friend - possibly a friend that I had left behind or dismissed a long time ago. As I sat with this, allowing my emotions to come full circle, it became clearer and clearer that that friend was me. I remembered
her. The innocent young girl with a big voice, listening to music, singing and dancing away without a care in the world. The girl who wrote poetry and painted castles on her bedroom wall. A girl getting ready to follow her dreams and become all that she could be.
It’s funny. It wasn’t until I began my expressive arts training that I knew just how wise that girl was. As I contemplate my journey and all the insights and awarenesses that the creative process has brought me, I am absolutely sure that we all hold that inner wisdom within. The expressive arts process has led me to excavate many layers of my life. I have explored, and continue to explore, many unknowns. Countless
transformations have occurred. I met that young girl face to face right where she was. Right where we were. I am so grateful that all I had to do was show up and trust that what came to me through my images, writings and more, was exactly what I needed.
And, that is all you have to do to begin. Just show up.
The road doesn’t end. It is a lifetime practice. The process is ongoing. I am so excited for each and every one of you!
Here is one of my images and accompanying writings that are part of this early journey. The image is entitled Guide Bird.
I am watching and listening....
I see and hear myself as....
I transition...
I walk through the archway towards the light leaving all that is dark behind me.
I bring with me only my inner wisdom, my outward compassion and the glow in my heart.
I am your guide bird.
-Victoria
Let us know how your practice is going! We would love to hear.
We are expanding our online training materials!
Creative Wisdom is our foundational course, and we are enjoying building additional components for you, to enhance your training and experience.
On January 1, we will release two new training segments:
- Introducing Mandalas: Universal Symbol of Transformation. A self-study course to enrich and expand both your personal and professional practice.
- Expressive Arts Check-Ins: Bringing imagination and metaphor into your session from the very beginning.
Stay tuned for the details of these two trainings!
From December 1 to 12, when you register for Creative Wisdom, you will receive advance complimentary access to these two new self-study trainings.
Take the first step on your expressive arts training journey. It might just be the perfect time.
And, because we are approaching a new year, we are going to add Expressive Arts Intention-Setting Self Study as a bonus.
Already registered for Creative Wisdom? We so appreciate you! You will receive these materials as a gratitude gift.
As a writer, artist, and educator, I enrolled in Creative Wisdom to learn about expressive arts practices and to discover ways to bring my creativity more into the center of my life. I found every week inspiring with lessons and techniques that brought me joy while nurturing and deepening my personal
practice, as well as giving me ideas for future possibilities I may bring to my community. The holistic nature of the course is wonderful! I recommend Creative Wisdom to anyone who would like to discover more about the expressive arts.
Stacy Russo, librarian and associate professor, Santa Ana College
Is Creative Wisdom for you?
Are you interested in getting started on your Expressive Arts Training?
- This is the first step, and it integrates with our Certificate Training Program.
- Start on your pathway to becoming a REACE or REAT with IEATA.(International Expressive Arts Therapy Association)
Are you a mental health counselor or psychotherapist?
- Earn 16 CEU's, and infuse your work with creativity that benefits both your clients and you.
In the meantime, we hope you are enjoying learning more about our guiding principles and how they can impact your practice and your life! Stay tuned for the next one, which will arrive in your inbox on Sunday.
Did you miss the other emails in this series? Here are the links.
With gratitude,
Kathleen, Tamara, Victoria
Kathleen Horne, MA, LMHC, REACE, REAT
Tamara Teeter Knapp, BA, REACE, Certified K-12 Art Teacher
Victoria Domenichello-Anderson, MA, REACE
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter 
|
|
|
|
