nature calls
We are living in a world right now that is both different and at the same in so many ways. Different with the complications, limitations and heartache of COVID-19, yet same in that our true nature is still there, both within and surrounding us. I remember when the pandemic was a few months in reading […]
Finding Balance
The same creative potential exists in all of us to balance in any moment our response to circumstances. And like the balancing of rocks, we can influence our outer world through our inner connection to these creative strengths.
Art Retreat
What happens when you bring three art therapist friends together at the cottage on a warm and beautiful weekend? Contemplative outdoor art of course! A few weekends ago I was lucky enough to be at a cottage with my 2 dear friends and colleagues who are also art therapists. We had thankfully planned this getaway […]
Creating Happiness
This weekend I had a little getaway with some friends. Every year a group of us gather to adventure around different spots in Ontario on our bikes. This time we stayed at someone’s cottage near Georgian Bay. It was lovely to be out in nature though the first day there was still a chill in […]
Discovery Through Art Process
Over the years I have dabbled in this and that when it comes to implementing art-making for my own creative self-care practice. I love to be able to try new modes of expression, pushing my creative edge and make new discoveries about myself. What I notice is that there is always a lesson in the […]
Creating Joy
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 […]
Honoring Your Strengths Through Art
The other week I had the honor of being invited to facilitate a creative self-care workshop as part of a Day Away retreat for the Prevention Staff at Sick Kids Centre for Community Mental Health (CCMH). In the morning they focused on their individual strengths, similarities and differences within their smaller and larger teams. […]
Cultivate your Unique Creative Voice
I have been writing more in my journal as well as in my art journal lately. Play is such an important part of self-care. When I came across the JP Spears video below I was reminded of just how important it is to cultivate one’s own creative voice. When we step away from our […]
The Space to Create: Decluttering and Creativity
For the month of August I have been off work: no clinical work, no teaching and no workshops. Every August I take the month to rejuvenate and spend time with family. I get to spend more time in the garden, riding my bike and creating. This time, much of my creative energy has […]
Adventures in Art Journaling
Well Spring is finally here in Toronto with warm weather, sunshine and spring showers. Though I am outdoors more, I still turn to my art journaling as my main mode for inner solace. You may be wondering why I am such a big art journaling fan. It all started back even before I was training […]