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Creative Wellness News
Greetings,

April showers surely have done their job here in Portland. The showers aren't over yet, but what delightful weather we are having here. How is the spring impacting you? For some the added daylight brings a big relief, while the beautiful blooms that are expressing themselves often bring allergies and hay fever to many. I love the spring and while I suffer through the allergies I have found relief in herbs from my acupuncturist and doTERRA Breathe products.

In this month's Creative Wellness News I share some resources around environmental wellness and of course a journal prompt. I am also excited to announce that we are in production of the Creative Wellness Webinar, which will be hosted on the Udemy platform where I already have a What is Art Therapy? lecture. There will also be additions to my youTube channel also connected to Creative Wellness. I hope you find what I am putting together helpful and accessible in your wellness practice.

Try to accept what each day brings with gratitude and kindness. If you ever have a wellness tip you would like to share, email it to me! I would love to hear what is working for you and share it. It's an honor to be a part of your journey. 

Until next time, be kind to yourself.
Warm wishes,
Beth Ann

Remember enjoy the process and let go of the product.  
Life is process...life is art. :)



Art Journal Prompt
In this prompt I want you to consider your strengths for a moment. Make a list. These are characteristics that serve you in your day, at work or in your personal life. The first few may come easy to you, hard-working or ambitious may have come up. Work deeper down the list and find some that make you unique. Consider the combination of these strengths, then make a journal prompt dedicated to you and these strengths. Maybe using collage and word, maybe try creating an abstract piece with colors and textures that have to work together, like your personal strengths do.

Let your process happen, leave your critical voice outside.   Journaling is an ideal place to honor your process.  Listen to your body, mind and spirit. During the process take care of your needs. Take breaks if you  need to. When you have finished free write in reflection to your piece and process.  If you'd like to share your  final piece EMAIL ME a JPEG and I will post it to inspire others!
 
  
My Book
Adding mindfulness to art journaling can provide balance to all the areas of wellness in your life!
Wellness does not come in a pill. Balancing life takes ongoing practice.  Creative Wellness: A Creative Art Journal  is an essential tool in finding and maintaining balance in your multifaceted life. In this interactive journal you will honor the creative process and be urged to let go of your inner critic. You do not need any previous art experience. This mixed media process engages anyone willing to explore with an open mind. Following gentle prompts you will explore the eight dimensions of your wellness and uncover areas needing attention. 
Click HERE to purchase! I only have a few more copies until we are in the waiting phase for the second edition. I am looking forward to adding resources and references in the second edition, along with some new directives. 
Check out this and other Adult insight oriented workshops  HERE  
 
 
Adult Insight Oriented Workshops & Groups
If you are in the Portland area I have
adult workshops on Thursday eves and some Saturday mornings.
Art therapy groups and insight oriented workshops are designed for individuals who are looking for a safe place to explore their creative process in addition to art making.
No art making experience is necessary! Creativity is a choice. While some may not think they are creative, we all use creativity in our lives daily. Creativity isn't just about making art, it's about living your best life aesthetic.
Are you looking for a place to explore your creativity? We will guide and support you as you like.
In these workshops, participants are able to focus on the process in addition to the art making.

Insight oriented workshops are not deep therapy groups, but do focus on the process and an inspiration art directive which may involve some self reflection. Expect warm-up discussions, art making and reflection on art and the process.  
These workshops provide participants with opportunity to focus on the process as well as the productunlike a primarily "product driven" class focusing primarily on the formal elements in art.
 
 
Creative Wellness Resources
Check out these links for some tips that may improve or enhance your daily outlook.



What the Health? 
By filmmaker Kip Anderson 

Aromatherapy Corner: Breathe
From doTERRA: 
doTERRA Breathe is a remarkable blend of essential oils including Laurel Leaf, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Lemon, Cardamom, Ravintsara, and Ravensara. doTERRA Breathe maintains feelings of clear airways and easy breathing while minimizing the effects of seasonal threats. doTERRA Breathe can be applied topically to the chest, back, or bottom of feet, or diffused at nighttime to calm the senses and promote a restful sleep.

Uses
  • Diffuse, inhale directly from palms, or rub on chest or feet when seasonal and environmental threats are high.
  • Use when outdoors to minimize the effects of seasonal threats.
  • Diffuse at bedtime for a restful environment. 
Primary Benefits
  • Maintains feelings of clear airways and easy breathing
  • Promotes a restful nights sleep
  • Helps minimize the effects of seasonal threats
Ingredients
Laurel Leaf, Eucalyptus Leaf, Peppermint Plant, Melaleuca Leaf, Lemon Peel, Cardamom Seed, Ravintsara Leaf, Ravensara Leaf essential oils
Aromatic DescriptionMinty, fresh, airy

 
 
My Podcast
Our podcast has been put on hold while we are producing the Creative Wellness Webinar and youTube station. Details coming soon.

You can still visit past podcast to find  meditations OR listen to interviews about creativity from a wide variety of people!
Creativity is contagious! 
**I am a NOVICE at this, but I am having such a great time talking to people about creativity in all the areas of their lives. I hope you find some inspiration in it.
 
 
My Studio
100th Monkey Studio is a socially conscious community of artists, clinicians and creative small businesses, hosted by Beth Ann Short LLC. 


If you would like more information on classes and workshops in our studio click HERE