The Gift of Expression

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There is something that I am excited to talk about. It is something that has become a therapeutic tool and a hobby, something I hope to be doing more of now that I have a bigger space to do it in… Art-jouranling! I often get asked, “what is that?”. It’s hard for me to explain in only a few words. One of the best things about it is that it can be so many different things for you. Some other terms you might hear are altered book or mixed media art. You are creating something using various resources – crayons, markers, pen/pencil, paint, glue, glitter, fabric, magazine cut-outs, photographs – just to name a few! You can start off with a book that exists (a textbook or children’s book), start with a blank canvas, or use a journal or sketchbook. One of the most important aspects of this is that for the purposes of therapy and self-care, it is about the PROCESS and not the product. So don’t worry what comes out of it – focus on instead what it felt like to express yourself.

{Check out some beautiful examples of Art-Journaling!}

Starting in January, I will be running an art-journaling group once a month at my office in Turnersville. It will be the second Saturday of the month at 1pm. The cost is $30 which will cover some basic supplies, prompts, socializing, feedback on your process, guided mindfulness, and more! Please contact me for more information if you are interested!

Prompt: How can I take time for myself during this holiday season to feed my creativity? What are some healthy ways that I can express myself? Think about ways you can incorporate journaling, art, and/or crafting into your life that work for you!

Tranquil Inspiration

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In the past month, I have been fortunate enough to receive inspiration, positive energy, and education from Kimberly Wilson of Tranquility du Jour! Last month, it was a four day retreat in West Virginia. Yesterday, her first stop on the Tranquility Tour in my hometown neighbor of Philadelphia. Kimberly is a yoga instructor, artist, social worker, philanthropist, author, & much more. There are many things that have resonated with me since getting to know her – online and in person. Overall, what’s been so important is the inspiration that comes from her.

I’ve always been into the idea of creating something important – personally and professionally. Thankfully for me, in my profession and with my experiences, that gets to over-lap quite a bit! I’ve learned so much more than I could ever express about human behavior, cultures, diversity, sexuality, feelings & emotions, interpersonal effectiveness, communication, tolerance, acceptance, and self-care. This is not only in my structured learning environments of school, internships, and on-the-job training. It is so much more so in my daily interactions with people. I’ve learned so much about people, life, and of myself in working with the diversity of clients I have had. I am very grateful for this knowledge.

So what is the next step? How can I continue to evolve and reach others – not just face to face but on a larger scale? For now, it is going to be here on this blog. With inspiration from others and a sparked creativity and passion inside of me, it is falling into place what I need to do. I will continue to write on this blog & create a resource sharing center on this website. In thinking about dreams and goals – one day there will be workshops, speakings at conferences, and retreats.

Dream big! Write it down! Tell a loved one! Create some accountability in your execution of your dreams – don’t keep it a secret anymore.

Journal prompt: What kind of life do you want? How can you create that in the future? How can you create that today?

 

 

Tranquility Tour in Philly

Click on the picture above to find out more info about the Tranquility Tour with Kimberly Wilson!

Coming to Philadelphia, PA on Saturday, September 14th – register now for a 2 1/2 hour workshop, signed copy of her new book Tranquilologie, a goody bag (I’ve been the recipient of Kimberly’s goody bags before – quite a treat!), and participation in a live podcast recording.  The workshop will include a seated yoga practice (no mat or experience required), mindfulness meditation, art journaling, and probably some fun surprises!

I’ll be there, and I’d love to see you!