Healing with the Arts

 

This post is going to be submitted as part of my final project for the Healing With Arts course I took online with Coursera.org . It is a wonderful course on how the arts : painting, music, dance and word heal on so many levels. 

In this post I will describe how I heal and connect with myself through art and journaling. I am of course typing here but writing with pen and paper has always been deeply healing and a way to let go. 

Below I will show some short writings from my journal and how I let loose with words and find peace.

Excerpts from my journal dedicated for the Healing with Arts project:

The need to put pen to paper, feel the pen smoothly glide. Breathe in and out and release, express, find words to fill the pages and enter a quiet state.

Reflecting on gratitude, beauty, moments and the season’s gifts. Life can have its challenging times but through the process of writing and the power of words I can find a special place to let go, a place to express, get into the flow and heal.

My little girl is unwell, mentally very unstable and violent at times. She is autistic and finds life very challenging. We are on a roller coaster ride with her trying our best. Art gives my life the energy and colour I need to fuel and be there for Lulu the best I can.

Thinking of the beautiful moments, accepting the hard ones and being grateful for all the small pleasures gives my day the fuel I nourish on. Moments of self care, opening my journal and filling in a blank page is deeply therapeutic. Following the lines of my pen  as I doodle takes me into a meditative state. Or writing up a beautiful moment I would like to capture in words, the turning of the seasons, sounds, sights and scents that touch me.

Each day can have its own colour and reflection, some days are vibrant purples whilst others are pale lilacs. Keeping it simple, noting what made me feel good, turning in to what makes me tick, to a deeper level of appreciating the days and seeing the poetry. Loving the changing light and songs of nature throughout the seasons. The quiet days and ones filled with chatter. As I write I turn inwards, enjoying the present moment and  the quiet. Just now I can hear sweet bird song as night slowly descends and the wood in the fire burns and crackles, bringing warmth and peace to my soul.

Loving this flow state I cherish all that brings me to this sweet place. A time to relish the beauty I feel all around me or to let go and remember to accept, smile and be kind.

Writing and painting are moments of deep connection, like a prayer. Letting the pen or paintbrush flow feels wonderful and helps shift the mind from  wandering, bringing me back to the here and now, as I smile, breathe and enjoy the magic and peace of expression. Creativity helps me grow and accept and face challenges. Pen and paper soothe my soul daily and for this I am truly grateful.

Below I will share a piece of writing to express my joy of connection with Lulu:

Your eyes connected with mine,

Sharing a rhythm together.

Joining deeply with you,

Your beautiful soul that shines through your eyes.

Connection and love as we move,

Healing with you,

Through music and joy,

Letting go in unison.

A gift from the beyond,

So full of spirit and our own sacred space of movement and light.

One Single Flower

 

 This is a piece I am submitting to Art Journal Journey where my friend Sheila from Orange Esmeralda is hosting the prompt for March.

This little flower brings hope for the sunny and warm days to come. The very first glimpses of Spring. 

Winter Dreams

Cold Winter days can be grey, yet inside all glows bright, flames flickering gently, lights twinkle, candles and tea.

Now breathe in and out, deep and slowly, aware and calm, smile and release as you rejoice in this moment.

Unwind with gratitude for all of your day. 

The night’s peace descends, the stillness and sweet silence, the time for rest.

 

Dreams so many, deep, tucked inside.

 

Each day I have faith and trust in all that is simple.

As I walk outside, brown leaves are scattered, soggy browns, branches bare. Winter’s light and smoky nights. Warmth inside is such a delight.

 

 

The Dark Half Setting In

The days are shortening.

Cold weather is on its way.

Orange pumpkins sprout.

Open winter's door. 

Changing seasons come and go.

Feel the wind and cold.

 

 

Spring Is on it Way

March is here and I am back with my latest works.

It is such a sweet place to be when you are riding in the flow, it may be while painting, or cooking or walking or even cleaning.

You can find that beautiful state of flow in so many activities, yet the state is unique, when you become one with the activity you are doing, such a beautiful place to be.

Below I have some colourful pieces, the first depict a garden beginning to bloom, as rain turns to sunshine, days lengthening and buds growing.

Spring is on its way, feel the energy and enjoy!

Colours are blooming and melting in this piece below where the storm has passed, the air is electric, day is ending and seasons are changing.

This one here below is so soft, it depicts a peaceful village walk, one early Spring morning, when the world is fresh and slowly rising.

And below it is the same picture but I added more layers of paint to have more depth. I like them both, the first one is the early morning and the second here below depicts an evening walk, shadows creeping and light slowly turning dark.

In this one I can feel the fertile Earth and the potential for growth, it has an Earth energy of possibilities and changes to come. I feel full of hope and expansion as I gaze at this.

Spring is such a delicate season, you can have a day like the painting above of sunshine and light with the first stirrings of warmth and then the next day can be like the painting below when Winter stands strong and cold again. Contrasts are very clear in this season, which holds such magic and transformation. A quiet dance between warmth and cold, between bare branches and first buds, between a deep blue sky and dark cold clouds gathering. A silent dance between the yin and yang energies, the slow waking up of nature and the first gentle whispers of light and warmth to come.

Enjoy this dance of cold and warmth, light and dark, feel the magic in your day and savour all the things you love to do. Light and peace to all!

Linking to Paint Party Friday

Winter Dreams

Shadows creeping, as sun sets. The world turns mellow, as the bewitching hour sets in.

A winter dream of snowflakes falling on a cold winter's night. Of deep crimson sunsets, of cold and darkness and the warmth inside.

Snowy dreams somewhere in the depths of the forest one deep Winter's night.

The orange pink glow of Winter evenings touch my core. such beauty, such depth, Winter's magical light glows bright.

The Earth sleeps, nature stands still, all is quiet and at rest. Winter's peace has depth.

Flowers will bloom again, they are getting ready, life is going to burst through but now tis the time to  dream and rest, slow down like all of nature in Winter.

Linking to Paint Party Friday

Happy New Year!!! Light and PEACE to all!!

                                 
     Winter has began and it is cold, time to rest, sleep, go inwards. Slow down and savour all those moments....

Below is the last sunset of 2019 I enjoyed on the 31st.

I nearly forgot to add this happy Snowman!

I hope you have all enjoyed this special season in your own ways! Sending all my heart felt wishes for the New Year, may it shine!!

Linking to Paint Party Friday