Where my Art is

Everywhere I look I see elements of artistic expression at play in my home. It's important that I be surrounded by creativity whether it is my balcony garden, the art I hang in my apartment, photographs, window treatments, masks or other visual adornments. As I started to bloom in my 40's, so did my apartment. It was flat and without color while I was working as an administrative assistant. As I tapped into my creative self and more important, as I allowed it to be released, my home came alive. I painted my wood dining room chairs, I added colorful borders around mirrors and I hung fuchsia drapes that created a South West flare. I see it as a part of me and who I am being expressed throughout my home. Some might see it as clutter, I see it as self-expression. I keep my clutter in check and when I feel I'm m0vying more towards stuff versus art; I go into clearing out mode.

So, how do you express yourself artfully? Creatively? Is it important to you? Do you hang photos or keep them tucked away in an album? If you are seeking ways to express yourself in your home, begin with your favorite photos in a frame you create or buy. If you have a chair that is crying out for color, begin there. Maybe it's time you reached for a pastel or a camera and allow your creative journey to begin.

Worry...what is it good for...absulutely nothing!

I was listening to Sharon Stone last night on CNN when she said something to the effect that "worry" was part of a mother's job. I've been thinking about the idea of worrying lately, because it comes up in sessions many times with clients. So, when I heard Sharon mention worry, it gave me another chance to explore the idea of worry on my blog. Here are some of thoughts on worry and you can give me yours if you wish. So, what is worry good for? Does it actually help the situation come to a happy ending? Does worry keep us, our loved ones safe? Does worry get the term paper finished on time and receiving a good grade? I would have to say no. I believe it is a lot easier to say "I'm worried," then, "I'm scared something bad might happen." Lets say a loved one is late getting home; we say we are worried. But, we are actually scared something terrible has happened. I guess what I'm trying to say is how does the worry help us in that situaion? I find it energy-draining. It doesn't bring the person home sooner. It doesn't improve our writing or test taking ability. Why not put the worry energy some place constructive? We could even pull out our journal when we are in a place of worry and write or draw or paint about what we are experiencing. Let the worry have a place to be heard instead of in our cells, our brain our immune system and our body. I recommend keeping a "worry journal." Or anxiety journal, or depressed journal. Maybe you already have a journal. Include pages in your journal to put these feelings when they come up instead of in your body. Get to know your worry. Ask it how it is helping you at this moment. Next time you feel worry take over your psyche, ask yourself if this is the only choice you have right now and see where this takes you. May you be peaceful in body, mind & spirit.

What's this thing called creativity?

So, you don't think you're creative, do you? Did you ever think that how you put yourself together, or for that matter, don't put yourself together in the morning is a creative act? How about how you live your life? Doesn't that take an ounce of creativity? How you approach your relationships? How you prepare or don't prepare your food? I believe we all have some aspect of creativity that resides inside of us. You may not be a painter, or photographer, or gardener, but you might have a flare for putting together a great party, or making a mean chili! Take a moment each day to discover an aspect of yourself that sings out creativity. Be aware of this part of you that maybe goes unrecognized as you go about your day. Begin to nurture it and respect it. If you don't want to see it as creativity, find another way to acknowledge it. Maybe you prefer imagination. Find it and continue to develop it. Don't let it go by unnoticed. Feed it and it will expand and you will begin to see yourself with new eyes.

What is Art2Heal?

Art2Heal is a blog to promote, inspire and educate individuals about the healing methods of art therapy and expressive arts. And, about the work that I do as an art therapist and marriage and family intern. Don't let the word intern fool you; I have not only the academic credentials, but the experience of life's trials and tribulations that I bring to my work with clients. Seeking therapy does not mean you are nuts by any means. I believe therapy is a journey to greater understanding of self. Art brings another dimension into the work I do with clients when words can be difficult to find. Images evoke feels that might not always be accessible with words. I encourage you to write me with questions and thoughts.
Thank you, Vicky