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It came to me, that if I am going to do a workshop on Art Therapy, I should look up the definition of therapy....
"Treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder."
and then, decided to check out "Art Therapy".
"a form of psychotherapy involving the encouragement of free self-expression through painting, drawing, or modeling..."
I love "the encouragement of free self-expression".
As I have been toying with ideas that I could speak about, I have backed up a bit and really seen what Art and I have done together.
When I was stripped of all my labels that defined me, I was terrified and horrified to be in the world and not know who I was....and completely liberated.
The only place I felt free to be no one was with Art.
Art didn't care about my past or my future...it needed me here now.
Art had no expectations of me, no judgements or critical looks. Art and I were able to play together no matter who I didn't know myself to be. Art was always there in complete and total acceptance of Me.
Art gently invited me forward.
Encouraged self-expression.
Art has no religious preference.
Art doesn't care if your male or female, young or old, rich or poor, confused or clear headed. It simply allows you to express yourself.
The process of choosing color and design engages our feelings in a safe way.
Leaning towards excitement and happiness....or striving for the depth and solemness when its needed.
Often I would just arrive, just as I am, and would be amazed at my self expression upon the completion of my work.
Freedom of self expression was critical for my self awareness. I had come from a religion that did not foster this. Nor do families where there are secrets entangled in with our upbringing.
At 46, I was learning through Art how to express my Self. How to literally get in touch with my Self.
And playing with Art allowed me to explore her alone...yet not alone.
It felt like the Universe and I were playing together with art....just art.
But, in actuality Art was leading me in a dance of self discovery, using me to find me. It was like going into a workshop to create art and to find out the Art was me.
I entered into the workshop feeling imperfect, wounded and without knowing who I was and over time emerged a perfect work of art.
The contrast and evolution of my art astounds me. How wonderful to have this gauge in fabric to see me grow.
Art doesn't need you to know you, it plays with the part of yourself that is beyond the labels of you.
I don't believe the labels are secure on me anymore, more loosely fitted and flapping in the breeze. Yet, I feel a great knowing of the self beneath.
I can't wait for my workshop; I M Perfect...the art of being Me.
(April 9th at 6pm, at Michigan Tech's MUB, Ballroom B)
