Creating Joy

posted on 23 Dec 18

comments 0

by Petrea

art journaling

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art therapy

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creativity

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Doodleaday Journey

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inspiration

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Nature

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workshop

This time of year can be daunting for many. Surrounded by invitations to find joy through consumerism. Giving, getting and satisfaction outside of ourselves can often become the focus, even when we do not want it to be. The arbitrary year-end sometimes is also a factor that contributes to a year in review, followed by self-judgement. The promises of something better can leave us feeling future focused in a way that we forget to be in the joy that is before us in the present everyday. The challenge that sometimes comes with being around lots of family or the reminder of relationships lost or never found, often are highlighted this time of year. While we cannot change our past experiences, or change others for that matter, we can change our focus. It is the one thing we always have control of, where we put our focus.

This past week in my final class with Toronto Art Therapy Institute students, we looked at the field of positive psychology and positive art therapy. It reminded me of the importance of the focus that we hold, the thoughts that shape how we feel about life and how we approach life, even in the worst of circumstances. Rick Hansen talks about the negativity bias that can sometimes interfere with allowing happiness into our life.

It is not about “thinking positively” and ignoring negative circumstances, and the feelings they bring up for us, but rather it is about keeping a balance so that we do not become overwhelmed or hyper focused on difficult circumstances (when we are not in immediate danger). For me making art is one way to change my focus for the better and rewire my brain. Sometimes it is in the act of creating, and sometimes it is focusing on what I have created as a reminder of the feeling I want to experience more of.

With this in mind I have a question for you:

What Brings You Joy?

Is it music, dancing, making art, singing, stretching, being in nature, meditating, connecting with others?

Creative Art Activity: What Brings You Joy?

Make a list of what brings you joy. Focus on the everyday little things rather than the bigger events.
Use some simple art supplies to express your intentions to have more of this joy in your life.
You can use index cards: a separate one for each thing that brings you joy, make a collage or mixed media symbol of each.
Or dedicate a journal to these things that bring you joy.
Savour the beauty these simple things bring into your life. Notice the feelings they bring up for you. What colours express this best for you?
Once finished your cards, put them some place you can access them to remind you of what brings you joy whenever you need to.
Keep adding to the list and make a new card/page with each discovery of little and big things that bring you joy.
Watch your brain rewire to notice the joy all around on a daily basis.
Repeat

I decided to make a list of the things that bring me joy (in no particular order). It is the little things are actually what can make a big difference if we allow ourselves to notice them and savour their essence a little longer than normal with intention.

watching blue jays in the garden
doodling on any paper (join me for a Free Doodle Journey for the month of January)
making a freehand mandala

collaging my happy symbols

listening to chill music like:

trying to dance Bangra
hugs (at least 20 seconds long)
the shark (those of you who follow me on Instagram may know what I mean). I like to take photos of our household shark which for the past few years has been the instigator of humourous and affectionate interactions between myself and my youngest.