(SOZO) Healing through Art

Hoping to find time for myself after teaching others art I took an expressive art workshop in Santa Barbara. I was surprised how this workshop unlocked some very painful lies I had been feeding my mind, while going through a very traumatic divorce. One encounters a lot of shame, depression, and fear going through abandonment issues.

Unaware, I did not expect the workshop to be a time of deep healing, but it was. Beginning in a small group we each shared what we were processing as we went through various painting exercises to help those who have never painted before or to help those who felt intimidated with painting. It was the process and not the final outcome that was so releasing of buried emotions that each participant had stored up. Sharing in a small group, we were there to support one another, as well as to feel safe.

After taking two of these workshops in Santa Barbara, I wanted others to experience the freedom I received and am offering these healing workshop to others. Come join me and my co-leader Andrea for our first Art SOZO (healing) workshop on Sunday, April 28th 4:30-7:30pm at the Snapdragon Gallery, 778 Greenwich Dr. , Suite #3, in Thousand Oaks. Registration is $20 before 4/22 and $25 at the door. All supplies are incuded in this workshop. Feel free to bring some snacks to munch on and share with others as we know this is during dinner time. Please arrive 10 minutes before class as doors close promply at 4:30pm, please no late arrivals to disruptive the healing enviroment.

Creative Juices Still flowing in Seniors!

I am seeing how art is helping Seniors in the Assisted Living and in Memory Care Facility here at Alma Via in Camarillo.  I have also learned it is not the product that is important but the process of enjoying creations and expressing yourself.  Many of the residents have limited dexterity, but enjoy creating pieces that are broken down simply.  This helps them engage their minds and stay focused.  They also enjoy the fellowship creating within a group and the dialogue and exchange of ideas, but don't we all learn and are inspired by others in a community.  Some projects are just for the fun, and other times I like to work with my art therapy training to focus on a theme to help them process emotions.  Especially as we are approach Thanksgiving, it is nice to have something that reminds us of the positive things in life.  It is easy to slip into negativity when your mind is slipping, and the body isn't moving like it did at 40, but to focus on thankfulness brings health to our minds and bodies.  We really have a lot to be Thankful for our friends, family, community, and needs met at a great facility like Alma Via Senior Living Home.

Art Therapy and How it Works

After taking the "Art as a Healing Tool" training through A Window Between Worlds (AWBW.org) in Santa Monica, I gained the necessary training to help others process difficult emotions and trauma from domestic violence. I wish I had this training earlier, as I have encountered children who were experiencing triggers while doing a self-portrait. At that time, anger and resentment had surfaced from a student's abandonment as a child and adoption into a new home. I did not know how to allow this frustrated individual to express their deep pain through art.

Now, as participants go through the lessons created by AWBW, they tap into subconscious feelings and art allows those emotions to come to the surface in a non-threatening way. In the above workshop, we set goals for 2015, and took time to journal our thoughts bidding a farewell to 2014's destructive habits and past lies. We also let go of someone or something that holds us back in our lives, a toxic relationship, an abusive parent, etc. 

After the art project is completed, the healing comes when we choose to open up. In the circle, women will open up even if they don't know each other, because talking about your art detaches you from the issues inside. As affirmation is shared about the creative pieces we make, we grow closer and feel safe and nurtured.

Every time, I am amazed how much we need to clean our hearts from the stuff of this world that wears it down or causes pain. If you would like to know more about these classes go to: ArtesiaHealingArts.org