Expressive arts programs help us explore our emotions

Expressive Arts Programs

Expressive activities allow us to tap into emotions that cannot be put into words.
Over the years, they have been demonstrated to help people work through challenging life experiences and move forward in emotional breakthroughs.

I conduct sessions and workshops that include one or more of the following activities:

Art Projects
Using a variety of art media, specific art projects are offered that are designed to help us find new ways to express our thoughts and feelings without words. Empathic discussion often follows each project. Depending upon the needs of the individual or group, a specific intention forms the basis for each creation.
No art experience is needed.

Dance and Movement
For millennia, people have used music, dance, and movement to tell stories, share their emotions, and release tension. Exercises are tailored to individual physical abilities and often include props. Empathic discussion may be used to complement the experience.

Drumming
All around the earth, people from diverse cultural backgrounds use drums and other percussion instruments to express emotions and connect with others. Participants join in group drumming sessions using a variety of instruments that suit a range of physical abilities.

Journaling
Writing down our thoughts often leads to new insights about our challenges and feelings. Journaling allows us to create a stream of consciousness that reflects our experiences, and is often used together with the other expressive activities.

Meditation and Mindfulness
Using a variety of approaches that include guided meditation, breath work, and mindfulness exercises, relaxation techniques are learned that can be used to help us feel greater control over the stresses in our lives.

Programs are offered for individuals, groups, families and organizations.

Audrey Grider
info@audreygrider.com

Therapeutic Uses of Art

As a professional artist and student in a Therapeutic Uses of Art program, I am learning how to incorporate art into my healing practice. Art allows us to express emotions that cannot be put into words. Over the years, it has been demonstrated to help people work through challenging life experiences and move forward psychologically. In the past, I helped children gain a greater appreciation of the world's prominent artists and art forms through the Art Masters school programs. Now, I am offering adults workshops to explore art as a means of achieving greater spiritual wellness. After I become a licensed counseling therapist, I intend to include art in my counseling practice. One of my greatest goals is to help my clients and students experience the healing powers of art.

This month I am offering an introductory workshop focusing on exploring art for spiritual wellness. The great thing about using art as a healing modality is that it doesn't require any skill. You are expressing what is inside of you, so it has nothing to do with being a good artist. Whether you are a Picasso or someone who "can't draw a stick figure," you can benefit from creating art! During the workshop, we are going to complete an expressive art project, followed by group discussion. Friday, May 14, 2010 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. $20 includes art materials Pre-registration required Space is limited click here to register Temple of Light Spiritual Community 23832 Rockfield Blvd,. Suite 195 Lake Forest, CA 92630 Thanks for visiting my blog! Have a great day.

A discussion about emotions

Lately I've been giving a lot of thought to the different types of emotions that we experience as we go about our days. People talk about being happy, excited, sad, angry, frustrated, resentful, etc. In their purest form, all of our emotions can be simplified with two key feelings.

Love and fear.

Think about it. When you feel angry, at some level you are probably fearful of losing control over your life or the life of somebody else. This may have to do with loss of time, loss of respect, loss of a relationship, loss of money, and much more. When you feel joyful, this is founded on love. Love of self, others, life, or your higher power.

Recently I made a personal resolution to let go of the old angers in my life, and it was amazing how this simple intention changed my attitude. As much as possible, I focus on the blessings in my life with feelings of gratitude. I find that by being more positive and loving toward myself and others, I experience even more joy and inner peace. As you go about your business, I hope that you dicover opportunities to make life more pleasant for yourself and others.

Audrey Eve
www.audreyeve.com