Well, I am slightly behind on my blog, been very busy these days. I am still in the process of taking in the wonderful experience I had the other day, Thursday, October 28. I, Pink, was fortunate, so very fortunate to be able to be the guest on the Miss E./Teacher Talk radio show!!!! Yes, little old me! Sometimes I go through life thinking these wonderful things are not really happening to me, rather, Im thinking I am just watching a movie of a very lucky girl!!! Ive had some really awesome opportunities in life, and the radio show definitely counts as one of my best! I was so nervous, and not sure if I was prepared, but I knew, in my heart, that if I passed on this opportunity, I may regret it, and let me tell you....I AM NOT GOING THROUGH LIFE WITH ANY REGRETS!!! So, the show day arrived, and every muscle and nerve in my body was twitching and pulsating, but I faced my fears, and enjoyed the ride! Radio is awesome, what a great medium for communication. The Miss E show is all about learning new things and creating positive energy and excitement in life. I was able to speak about the Healing Arts, and how important, I feel, incorporating art into daily life is. I was able to speak from my heart, and share a little of what I have learned through my personal life experiences. The thirty minutes flew by in a blink, and I HAD A BLAST! Thank you, again, Miss E, for giving me the opportunity!!!
Today's activity: be ALIVE!
By definition: possessing life!
Today's activity is easy, or it should be! Today all I ask is for you to BE ALIVE! Be alive, awake, and excited about every aspect of life that you encounter. Be excited, be happy, possess life. Enjoy this day, with rain or with shine, and be thankful for the gift of this day as well. We only have this day, this moment, right now, so live it like it's the last one you've got!
I felt SO ALIVE when I did my radio show, and my hope is to carry that feeling for many days to come! XO
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
on creativity...
Creativity, or the act of being creative, is something that we are encouraged to do when we are very young. As toddlers, we are given a crayon, and a piece of paper, and advised to "draw a picture". When the scribble "masterpiece" is complete, our parents proudly display the work on the refrigerator for all to see, and we hear Oooh's and Aaah's of praise. As we grow, and enter elementary school, then high school and college, the being creative, or art, often falls by the wayside. We are advised to "focus on the academics", and are told "art is just for fun". Well, I am here to tell you....ART IS FOR FUN! Creating art, or being creative, awakens the spirit and soul. Art makes us feel happy and alive! Even though we may not be as creative as Picasso or Michaelangelo, we certainly feel that way when we create a masterpiece of our very own! Creativity does not have to big and grand to make us feel big and grand. It can be a small sketch, dancing around the house to a favorite song, coloring a page in a coloring book, or visiting a local garden and taking a few pictures. Creativity and art is the act of being engaged in the creative process. Feeling young, feeling silly, feeling happy, feeling lighthearted is what it is all about!
Today activity: Creativity
By definition: the ability to create; to produce through imagination, the power to create, to produce through originality
There is a quote that I say in my mind, oh, about one hundred times a day...the quote: "Do Something Creative Everyday"! This is a marketing tagline from my favorite paper/creativity store in the world! I say this to myself just so I never forget to do something creative, to always be in that creative spirit. Creativity makes me feel so alive...truly in my element. Today, I encourage you to be creative!
Remember the smell and appearance of a brand new box of crayons? I do!!! Today I encourage you to be creative with crayons. If you do not own a box of crayons, go invest in a set of 8, and just sketch and color. You will be AMAZED at how freeing and creative you will feel. If you don't have the confidence to sketch your own piece of art, invest in an inexpensive coloring book. Color a page, or two, or three. Color by yourself, or with a friend. Color with a child, or color with an elderly person, just be creative and color! Once complete, take a step back, and look at, truly see, the masterpiece that you have created! And by all means...don't forget to hang it on the refrigerator for all to see!
After all, you just have to "Do Something Creative Everyday"!
Today activity: Creativity
By definition: the ability to create; to produce through imagination, the power to create, to produce through originality
There is a quote that I say in my mind, oh, about one hundred times a day...the quote: "Do Something Creative Everyday"! This is a marketing tagline from my favorite paper/creativity store in the world! I say this to myself just so I never forget to do something creative, to always be in that creative spirit. Creativity makes me feel so alive...truly in my element. Today, I encourage you to be creative!
Remember the smell and appearance of a brand new box of crayons? I do!!! Today I encourage you to be creative with crayons. If you do not own a box of crayons, go invest in a set of 8, and just sketch and color. You will be AMAZED at how freeing and creative you will feel. If you don't have the confidence to sketch your own piece of art, invest in an inexpensive coloring book. Color a page, or two, or three. Color by yourself, or with a friend. Color with a child, or color with an elderly person, just be creative and color! Once complete, take a step back, and look at, truly see, the masterpiece that you have created! And by all means...don't forget to hang it on the refrigerator for all to see!
After all, you just have to "Do Something Creative Everyday"!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
on BE-ing.....
Often times when a person is sick or depressed, the family, friends, and caregivers of the sick feel they need to overcompensate, and work extra hard to make the sick person feel safe, comforted, and pain free. These are all very natural emotions, especially when it comes to caring for someone we love. The idea of freeing someone of their pain, and making them whole again is euphoric. Unfortunatly, this is easier said than done. The caregiver often feels the need to "jump through hoops" to try and bring one ounce of joy and comfort to the sick, when many times all the sick person wants is a little peace; he/she just wants to BE! Just BE-ing is the act of being close to someone buy not necessary saying a word. Just the comfort of knowing you are "there", present in the moment, is just enough. The quote "silence is golden" says it all. Just BE! BE alive, BE present, BE comforting, BE concerned, BE compassionate, BE empathetic, merely just BE!
Today's activity: Empathy
By definition: understanding and entering into another's emotions and feelings; show sadness or happiness for another
Empathy is a feeling, closely related to sympathy. Empathy is a FEELING, transfering one's thoughts into someone else's; putting yourself in someone else's shoes. Many times we find it easy to criticize or be harsh to others, not knowing what might be going on in someone else's life. The act of empathy heals pain, empathy helps people connect, empathy builds trust among people, empathy closes the loop and opens the doors of communication. Empathy is the "radar detector" of emotions. Empathy is all about how WE LISTEN to each other, and how INTERESTED we are in one another.
Today, lighten up...try and put yourself in someone else's shoes. We all have a story, a background, good or bad. We never know when someone may be suffering or in pain. Be empathetic....just BE!
Today's activity: Empathy
By definition: understanding and entering into another's emotions and feelings; show sadness or happiness for another
Empathy is a feeling, closely related to sympathy. Empathy is a FEELING, transfering one's thoughts into someone else's; putting yourself in someone else's shoes. Many times we find it easy to criticize or be harsh to others, not knowing what might be going on in someone else's life. The act of empathy heals pain, empathy helps people connect, empathy builds trust among people, empathy closes the loop and opens the doors of communication. Empathy is the "radar detector" of emotions. Empathy is all about how WE LISTEN to each other, and how INTERESTED we are in one another.
Today, lighten up...try and put yourself in someone else's shoes. We all have a story, a background, good or bad. We never know when someone may be suffering or in pain. Be empathetic....just BE!
Monday, October 25, 2010
on compassion for the ill and the caregivers....
Often times when a person is ill, depressed, or in the later stages of life, a great deal of focus is put on caring the for the patient, which is great. Comfort, and care is what most people need when they are suffering, or in pain. Family, friends, and caregivers often surround the person in need, but those who are often forgotten or overlooked are the patients caregivers. Caregivers are often under a tremendous amount of stress, trying to comfort the ill. The caregiver is the person who ultimately puts his/her life and needs on hold, to care for the patient. For healthcare givers who live constantly in a high level of stress and who witness illness and death daily, making art can be rejuvenating. Sharing their paintings and poems, singing in a group for patients or each other, moving expressively and rhythmically together can also bring a greater since of cohesiveness to the work environment. Whether in a healthcare institution, or private sector, the caregiver needs to relieve stress and refresh.
Today's activity: compassion
By definition: a deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering, and a wish to relieve it.
Compassion is a trait that we all possess deep inside, the problem is, not everyone taps into the compassion within. Compassion is much like a fine bottle of wine...it gets better with age!
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion; if you want to be happy, practice compassion! Compassion brings joy and happiness to others. The art of compassion is emotional and spiritually satisfying. Compassion relieves stress, and lowers the aging process.
To bring compassion into your world, try to incorporate one or more of the following into your daily life:
*practice a morning ritual: be thankful for your life, and honor your thanksgiving in prayer
*be empathic
*try and put yourself in someone else's shoes...just for a moment, and you will often realize how many gifts have been bestowed upon you
*practice kindness
A little compassion goes a long, long way.
Always be mindful of life's Golden Rule:
"Do onto others as you would have others do onto you."
Today's activity: compassion
By definition: a deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering, and a wish to relieve it.
Compassion is a trait that we all possess deep inside, the problem is, not everyone taps into the compassion within. Compassion is much like a fine bottle of wine...it gets better with age!
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion; if you want to be happy, practice compassion! Compassion brings joy and happiness to others. The art of compassion is emotional and spiritually satisfying. Compassion relieves stress, and lowers the aging process.
To bring compassion into your world, try to incorporate one or more of the following into your daily life:
*practice a morning ritual: be thankful for your life, and honor your thanksgiving in prayer
*be empathic
*try and put yourself in someone else's shoes...just for a moment, and you will often realize how many gifts have been bestowed upon you
*practice kindness
A little compassion goes a long, long way.
Always be mindful of life's Golden Rule:
"Do onto others as you would have others do onto you."
Friday, October 22, 2010
on creating a healing environment...
The visual, literary, and performing arts and crafts are enriching the healing process by bringing restoration and relief to patients, visitors, and staff of hospital, hospices, and other healthcare environments. Examples include: healing gardens, paintings in patient rooms, live music in lobbies, and on patient units; poets helping patients and their families to put their feelings into words; music, art, and dance/movement therapists guiding patients in self expression; art that helps people find their way through large confusing buildings.
Today's activity: kindness.
By definition:
*the quality of being warmhearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic; a kind act; forgiveness, tendency to be kind and forgiving.
Kindness is a simple act, that goes a long way. Whether it be saying hello to a stranger, giving to the needy, or allowing cars to merge, all bring a positive state of mind and gives great reward.
Kindness is a wonderful act, simple gestures go a long, long way.
Positive psychological effects:
*warm reaction
*ease of loneliness and helplessness
*the ability to make someone's day
*creating the feeling of exhileration and euphoria
Positive physical effects:
*kindness is the healing power of doing good
*creates calmness and relaxation
*ease of pain; headache, tension, and blood pressure
*increases energy
In conclusion, compliment someone, make eye contact, do a favor, listen, or be here, be there, be everywhere for someone special in your life.
As per Sir James Barrie..."Always be a little kinder than necessary"!
Today's activity: kindness.
By definition:
*the quality of being warmhearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic; a kind act; forgiveness, tendency to be kind and forgiving.
Kindness is a simple act, that goes a long way. Whether it be saying hello to a stranger, giving to the needy, or allowing cars to merge, all bring a positive state of mind and gives great reward.
Kindness is a wonderful act, simple gestures go a long, long way.
Positive psychological effects:
*warm reaction
*ease of loneliness and helplessness
*the ability to make someone's day
*creating the feeling of exhileration and euphoria
Positive physical effects:
*kindness is the healing power of doing good
*creates calmness and relaxation
*ease of pain; headache, tension, and blood pressure
*increases energy
In conclusion, compliment someone, make eye contact, do a favor, listen, or be here, be there, be everywhere for someone special in your life.
As per Sir James Barrie..."Always be a little kinder than necessary"!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
on the healing process...
Art has a miraculous way of contributing to the healing process. There are thousands of artists and certified expressive art therapists working in all kinds of community and healthcare settings; hospitals, rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, hospices, helping people do "soul work" through media, such as: music, dance/movement, visual works, paint and clay. The expressive therapist who is part of the medical team provides a holistic view of the patient and helps the team to understand the contribution the arts make in the healing process. Some expressive art therapists are involved in research on the impact of the arts in healing. For example, music therapists have spearheaded research in measurable effects, such as, the rapidity of recovery, amount of pain medication requested, and length of stay in a hospital when music is part of the treatment protocol.
Today's activity:
Eye contact
By definition: meeting of the eyes between two people that expresses meaningful, nonverbal communication.
Eye contact is a subtle, yet extremely POWERFUL body language. Simple eye contact while engaged in a conversation expresses character and confidence. While eye contact has different meanings in different cultures, (for example: in the United States eye contact states respect and connection, while in Japan and China, eye contact shows disrespect), it is a friendly, polite knowledge of presence to the person on the receiving end. Eye contact is a basic, fundamental trait, but often not expressed by someone who lacks self confidence or is shy. Eye contact is positive, energetic vibe, with when coupled with a smile, communicates undivided attention, care, concern and interest.
Today I challenge you to make eye contact with EVERY person you come in contact with. Add a smile to the mix, and watch your world light up! After all, many people have said that eyes are the windows to our souls!
Today's activity:
Eye contact
By definition: meeting of the eyes between two people that expresses meaningful, nonverbal communication.
Eye contact is a subtle, yet extremely POWERFUL body language. Simple eye contact while engaged in a conversation expresses character and confidence. While eye contact has different meanings in different cultures, (for example: in the United States eye contact states respect and connection, while in Japan and China, eye contact shows disrespect), it is a friendly, polite knowledge of presence to the person on the receiving end. Eye contact is a basic, fundamental trait, but often not expressed by someone who lacks self confidence or is shy. Eye contact is positive, energetic vibe, with when coupled with a smile, communicates undivided attention, care, concern and interest.
Today I challenge you to make eye contact with EVERY person you come in contact with. Add a smile to the mix, and watch your world light up! After all, many people have said that eyes are the windows to our souls!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
on history....
The healing arts are not a new concept, by any means. Actually, the concept of incorporating art into the healing process has ties throughout history. Healing art dates back to the Indian ages. The first healing art activity known to man, was the ritual of music and dance performances. This activity was known as "boiling energy". Tribes would gather and dance wildly until a meditative state, creating healing energy. Within time, costumes, storytelling, and painting were added to the ritual. Through time, research, and study, the knowledge of arts in healthcare has blossomed. People, including medical staff, are realizing the importance of art in the healing process, and linking art to the recovery and rehabilitation plan.
Today's activity: a hug.
By definition: to embrace, squeeze (tightly), in your arms, usually with fondness.
Today my wish for you is to reach out and hug someone! A simple hug creates a feeling of love, care, and compassion, while creating a powerful positive surge of energy. Hugs can be shared in good times, and in bad time. Hugs make people feel safe and secure. Hugs break down barriers, and bond. People in society are social creatures, and have the need of being loved and cared for. A hug is a such a simple gesture, yet it has such HUGE meaning behind it. Today, reach out and hug someone. Someone who is sick, lonely, or completely full of joy!
And I leave you with this quote:
"Hugs, hand-shakes, even a good intentioned touch, transfers useful energy to boost the immune mechanism in the body."
Today's activity: a hug.
By definition: to embrace, squeeze (tightly), in your arms, usually with fondness.
Today my wish for you is to reach out and hug someone! A simple hug creates a feeling of love, care, and compassion, while creating a powerful positive surge of energy. Hugs can be shared in good times, and in bad time. Hugs make people feel safe and secure. Hugs break down barriers, and bond. People in society are social creatures, and have the need of being loved and cared for. A hug is a such a simple gesture, yet it has such HUGE meaning behind it. Today, reach out and hug someone. Someone who is sick, lonely, or completely full of joy!
And I leave you with this quote:
"Hugs, hand-shakes, even a good intentioned touch, transfers useful energy to boost the immune mechanism in the body."
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Heal and Soul...
The premise of Heal the Soul is really quite simple.
Be definition:
*Heal = to mend or recover; get healthy again; bring around; provide care; restore to health.
*Soul = the immaterial part; cause of individual life; deep feeling or emotion.
Therefore, Heal the Soul is the process of renewing the mind, body, and soul to full and complete life, bursting with complete, profound joy and happiness. Adding art to this process is just a bonus! A creative avenue to mend the spirit and make it alive.
Today's activity: the human touch.
Touch is a VERY BASIC human NEED which is often taken for granted. The human touch creates reassurance, comfort, relaxation, and arousal.The human touch helps the sick, lonely, and depressed deal with stress and pain. Humans need the human touch, just as we need food and water to live. Human touch is the first feeling or sense that an infant feelings. Other senses, such as vision and hearing, are not fully developed at birth, however touch is a sense that an infant can immediately find comfort in.
Physical benefits of touch include: stress relief, aid to relaxation, relieves muscle tension, relieves discomfort, reduces blood pressure, strengthens the immune system, and is great for rehabilitation after surgery or an injury.
Mental benefits of touch include: peace of mind, alleviates mental alertness, and relieves mental stress.
Emotional benefits of touch include: feeling of well being, creates awareness, and opens awareness to the mind-body connection.
My wish for you today...reach out an touch someone! Offer a pat on the shoulder, or a touch of a hand. After all, birds do it, bee's do it, therefore....human beings should do it, too!
Be definition:
*Heal = to mend or recover; get healthy again; bring around; provide care; restore to health.
*Soul = the immaterial part; cause of individual life; deep feeling or emotion.
Therefore, Heal the Soul is the process of renewing the mind, body, and soul to full and complete life, bursting with complete, profound joy and happiness. Adding art to this process is just a bonus! A creative avenue to mend the spirit and make it alive.
Today's activity: the human touch.
Touch is a VERY BASIC human NEED which is often taken for granted. The human touch creates reassurance, comfort, relaxation, and arousal.The human touch helps the sick, lonely, and depressed deal with stress and pain. Humans need the human touch, just as we need food and water to live. Human touch is the first feeling or sense that an infant feelings. Other senses, such as vision and hearing, are not fully developed at birth, however touch is a sense that an infant can immediately find comfort in.
Physical benefits of touch include: stress relief, aid to relaxation, relieves muscle tension, relieves discomfort, reduces blood pressure, strengthens the immune system, and is great for rehabilitation after surgery or an injury.
Mental benefits of touch include: peace of mind, alleviates mental alertness, and relieves mental stress.
Emotional benefits of touch include: feeling of well being, creates awareness, and opens awareness to the mind-body connection.
My wish for you today...reach out an touch someone! Offer a pat on the shoulder, or a touch of a hand. After all, birds do it, bee's do it, therefore....human beings should do it, too!
Monday, October 18, 2010
About Healing Arts...
Today I begin my journey...my first blog! I am so excited to be embarking upon this new endeavor, and I would like to thank you for joining in on this journey with me!
Heal the Soul is the concept of incorporating art into the healing process, or into everyday life. People all of the world are recognizing and utilizing the power of the arts to help create a healing environment; to bring refreshment and hope to the ill, and to the family and friends who care for, and love the sick and lonely. Art, in general, has the power of tapping into the creative spirit of all humans. At the same time, a sense of peace and harmony is centered in the soul.
On this journey, I plan to share my knowledge of mixing art into the recipe of life. In addition, I plan to couple the knowledge with a daily activity that can be practiced with those who are ill, those who are in the healing process, or those who long for a deeper, more spirited life.
Today we will start simple...a smile! Today share a smile with a loved one, or share a smile with a stranger. Share a smile with someone who may be sick
or lonely, or with someone who you pass on the street or at the market. Share a heartfelt smile today, and watch how the world will smile back at you!
Heal the Soul is the concept of incorporating art into the healing process, or into everyday life. People all of the world are recognizing and utilizing the power of the arts to help create a healing environment; to bring refreshment and hope to the ill, and to the family and friends who care for, and love the sick and lonely. Art, in general, has the power of tapping into the creative spirit of all humans. At the same time, a sense of peace and harmony is centered in the soul.
On this journey, I plan to share my knowledge of mixing art into the recipe of life. In addition, I plan to couple the knowledge with a daily activity that can be practiced with those who are ill, those who are in the healing process, or those who long for a deeper, more spirited life.
Today we will start simple...a smile! Today share a smile with a loved one, or share a smile with a stranger. Share a smile with someone who may be sick
or lonely, or with someone who you pass on the street or at the market. Share a heartfelt smile today, and watch how the world will smile back at you!
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