"Wander into the center of the circle of wonder."
"Wander into the center of the circle of wonder. The overarching teaching is that when our minds wander, everything we encounter is a teaching." - Zen monk Hongzhi Zhengjue
Art serves as a language for our hearts and souls, enabling us to express thoughts, feelings, and experiences in ways that words alone cannot capture. Art has always held a profound capacity for self-expression and healing, often operating as a silent yet powerful companion in our lives. Whether it's the melodies of a song, the brushstrokes on a canvas, the click of a shutter, the intricate crafting of a handmade piece, or amazing taste, creativity surrounds us, offering solace and a means to communicate when words fall short. As we wander through life, it creates the wonder that we seek. Recently, I led my weekly meditation group through the powerful Zen quote by Hongzhi Zhengjue. (see above) This quote inspired me to reflect on the connections between art, healing, and the wandering journey of life. It reminded me of art's incredible potential as a source of solace, mindfulness, and joy. Art is more than just a form of self-expression; it's a form of therapy. It offers a path to inner peace, self-discovery, and creativity. It allows us to tap into our emotions, release pent-up feelings, and connect with our innermost thoughts. This is why I've embarked on a new and exciting venture known as Art Medicine.
The idea of sharing the healing benefits of art through workshops has long been on my mind. I've had the privilege of conducting in-person sessions, which I love, but the online experience became paramount when the pandemic engulfed our lives. Unfortunately, during this period, I was busy battling cancer and then regaining my footing in life. As a result, I missed the opportunity to jump onto the online teaching boat as it set sail with full steam. However, I returned to teaching in person and cherished those moments. Finally, the day came when I took the plunge into the online teaching world, which was exhilarating. The Wellness House of Annapolis provided me with the opportunity and support, and for that, I'm immensely grateful to Phebe Duff and Marshall Kaputsos. Thank You!
Preparing for my inaugural online art workshop was a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. While I felt confident in my teaching ability, the technology aspect was uncharted territory. Being the "host" and navigating two cameras was a new experience, but I was determined to make it a success, and it was! The workshop itself blended art techniques with meditation exercises guided by Phebe. The goal was to help participants tap into their innate creativity and experience a much-needed creative brain break. We gathered virtually, each with our watercolors, paper, brushes, and markers, and the experience was nothing short of magical. We created beautiful artwork, exploring what we “want” and “don't want” in our lives. The "what we do want" piece became a small, cherished reminder of our dreams and aspirations. As for the "what we don't want," we channeled our emotions into it, releasing the negativity with a strong scribble, and the final step was tearing up the piece and tossing it into the trash.
(Burning would have been ideal, but that’s hard to do online- lol)
What struck me most during the workshop was the joy and delight on the faces of those in our virtual gathering. Did profound healing occur for each participant? Healing is a journey, and it varies for everyone. However, I believe we all took a step closer to understanding the power of art as a therapeutic medium. Art became a vessel for self-expression, and the creative process itself acted as a means of emotional release.
Every time I engage in (or teach) "medicine art" / "intuitive art," it reaffirms my belief in the profound healing power of art. I'm eager to continue this journey, helping more individuals unlock their creativity and find solace through art. Art transcends boundaries and offers healing to all who embrace it. Teaching my first online art workshop marked a significant milestone in this ongoing journey of sharing. I'm excited about the opportunity to connect with even more individuals who seek healing and creativity through the transformative power of art.
With gratitude and creativity,
Liz
