What is ART? Google says: “the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination typically in a visual form such as painting, drawing or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power” Also “The various branches of creative activity, such as painting, music, literature, and dance” Healing with the Arts 12 week program’s foreword says: “We can say that it is anything that brings creativity, beauty, love and light to life”…“we rediscover light and dark parts of our being and become whole, holy and healed”. Wow, that is powerful! The Power of Beauty in intervention can be expressed in many forms and in therapy even the dark and disturbing can be beautiful as it sometimes allows release and freedom to the one creating and expressing it. Through sorrow and pain, or sheer joy and happiness that comes through art, this is when the Healing can start, and that is what makes it MAGICAL! We are going through a revolutionary healing process using the arts causing an awakening of sorts, a realization of something bigger in many of us. We learn to live and appreciate life; we see the world in colour again as opposed to the many shades of gray many of us have called LIFE. As children we know nothing but the present moment and when immersed in art or play, any form, it was as if going into another realm. Because ART is an accepted source of healing, those of us that have been touched by loss, illness, and such, are being brought back, intuitively for some, Back to the child! We experience and realize what ART can do for us, and if it can do that for us, it can help others, and of course, we want to share such great experiences. We ARE the educators now, and WE can show our communities what it means to heal through the Arts, by telling and sharing our own stories of success, showing others that it is possible! It is possible to live the life that many of us came here to have, healthy, happy and fulfilled. Therapeutic ART comes in many forms, here’s just a few of the many: painting, photography, basket/willow weaving, macrame, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, whittling, sculpting, pottery, carpentry, gardening, singing, acting…and the list is really, never ending…and why is that? … because our imagination is vast once we tap into it, you see?! When it comes to therapeutic ART, one must consider the aesthetic response, that is, the WITNESSING of the artistic and creative process and how it may evoke imagination, stir up emotions, provoke thought, and for many, touch the soul. We may respond with things like “that was "moving," 'breath-taking,” "deep" thought provoking”, and so on. It is a very distinct FELT sense and does not provide for measuring art's beauty against an objective idea. This is why Beauty in the Healing Arts is so diverse and versatile, there is no right or wrong, and that in itself is BEAUTIFUL! It goes much deeper than the old saying “it’s in the eye of the beholder” I am so grateful to have come across my own realization of what ART could do for my healing process and finding the Prairie Institute of Expressive Arts Therapy where I have been able to tap into the many resources and modalities that can be used with a diverse population, making it even easier to share with our communities. We are going to look at five of the main ones being used out in the field and the BEAUTY that they bring to therapy. Acting: Performing the role of a fictional or non-fictional character, we can get lost in the fun of the play. It allows for us to become something or someone that we may not be in our every-day life. This becomes an outlet of relief and release by being able to pretend and be FREE. Props can be used for this, as well as puppets, costumes… Acting can bring out the child inside and allows fun play with much flexibility. *** I love this quote from Minstrels of Soul “The stage allows us to be present with what is "offstage." Dancing and Movement: Integrating music or sound we can use movement using the breath and full body. This can be free-flow and music is absolutely not required. In instances where movement is limited, closing our eyes and listening to a beautiful piece, we can tap into our imagination and see ourselves dancing creating an unbelievable powerful effect within becoming increasingly beautiful as the essence emerges. We have the effect of freedom through unlimited movement and imagination Painting: Probably still one of the most commonly used as it allows much flexibility and free-flow. As a teacher/facilitator/therapist we may offer guidance and intervention by asking questions and encourage exploration, could be by the use of other materials to incorporate into the piece opening up the imagination even further. The BEAUTY of Painting is its’ flexibility as it offers so much variety. When working with someone for a period of time, painting allows for comparisons that can be made side by side and then we can witness the changes and transformations of that person. Like watching a flower bloom or a butterfly out of it’s cocoon. BEAUTIFUL! Writing: Writing is also very powerful! Words can make or break someone’s day. By the power of pictures or metaphors, we can stir up the imagination to conjure up some incredible and creative pieces of writing that are inspiring! Just by jotting a few words on a piece of paper, we can then piece it all together and make short poems or stories. Spontaneous writing or free-flow can also bring up amazing messages as well as create beautiful stories or poems. Quoted from Minstrels of Soul “Spontaneous free writing helps the writer overcome stereotyping and allows him to be touched by it; the text itself serves as a therapeutic intervention” Journaling is another mode of free-flow writing that allows much self-expression and release making it your own personal therapy! That is BEAUTIFUL and powerful! Music: It is soulful and manifests itself psychologically and physically. It connects us like nothing else! Seems as though the oldest form of ART bringing the effective reality to the depth of the soul! It can transport us through space and time when we hear an old piece, which has brought people out of their cocooned state when they hear a song that triggers a memory, gifting them with time travel. Some even sing along while others tap a finger, but one thing about music, hard for it not to touch the majority of us. The beat of a DRUM can calm and ground an otherwise nervous or agitated person; Studies have shown that for people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia, they benefit greatly from the beat of a drum. The beauty of music IS its many forms, through instruments, voice or tapping, the beat is always there…and when we can sing at the top of our lungs and not caring what we sound like, it can be very FREEING!
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My FOCUS
Want to make sure that I look after my health, first and foremost, so that I may be able to help others find healing through the ARTS as I have. This includes more reflection time, stretching and fun activities while learning to take my time like the Turtle and staying fluid. Going back to basics and getting back in touch with NATURE! Proper nutrition is Key, letting go of all meats was key for me in this path. Setting up our new home in a way that when anyone arrives, it will be a welcoming experience from the moment they step out of the car, all around the property, inside and out, creating a safe space for my husband and I, and anyone who comes to our home with LOVE in their hearts. Plan on spending more time outdoors once healthy and back to the many things that I miss so much, and that includes white water rafting, kayaking, jogging and even gardening. Finish my Children’s book, so that everyone can meet the Wibblers, born from my imagination, just like the rest of the book. Write my life story, it's a great one to tell. Can’t wait!! Have a Successful Life and Career, with Freedom to move around in and work with varied age groups, Mother-Daughter, Husband-Wife/Couples workshops, elderly, parents w/kids expressive art night, One-on-One, integrating music into it all. Just want to be HAPPY, Healthy and Fulfilled. Look forward to doing what I came here to do and live my life with purpose Now! What does your purpose driven life look like? |
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