Our Transformative Arts Workshop in Vancouver came as an inspiration I had while in the Transformative Arts program in Italy this past July 2016. I wanted to share the transformational art processes I learnt there with those who were open and in need of shifting or observing some area in their life.
We started off the workshop with an opening circle to find out where each participant was at and what area of their life were they looking to heal or shift. Some had just undergone some trauma, such as a recent car accident, a disagreement with a love one, or a major life move. It was the perfect opportunity to explore.
Carolyn, my co-teacher, started off the circle with a sound healing and we added a guided meditation led by my self. We opened the circle with exploratory free flow art exercises which encourages little to no thoughts and allowing what appears on the page. Pastels, crayons and easy to move art materials were implored onto big sheets of white paper. It was certainly an eye opening exercise for all of us and we found those in attendance going back for 2,3,4 sheets of paper. The colors, shapes and images appearing were truly eye opening. There is so much to explore in the psyche, the conscious/unconscious and super conscious parts of our mind. When we allow ourselves to shift into the right side of the brain (creativity) and out of the left side (logic and reason) we can shift into a more receptive and open space.
After this exercise we took a short snack break and then into the next segment of the program: Mandalas. Working within the sacred circle, we had large mandalas, created by Carolyn, present to inspire us. We also discussed sacred symbolic images which come to us or flow through us and how to use them for healing or further enlightenment. Being open to what comes allows this healing energy to emerge.
Though many present claimed not to be artistic, it was truly amazing to see the shapes and colors present themselves seamlessly into beautiful mandalas. We were thrilled.
Feedback from one student: when will we do a retreat?
Well Carolyn, what do you say, what's next? :)
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