Open Sky Art Therapy & Counseling
  • Home
  • Art Therapy & Counseling
    • Private Practice >
      • Location
      • Rates
    • Art Therapy >
      • Sand Play Therapy
    • Kids Creative Play
    • Reconnecting with Self Workshop + Santa Fe Art Tours
    • Stop Motion Art Therapy Workshops >
      • Workshop Details
    • Akashic Painting with Katie
    • Reiki Services
    • Resources
  • Art Portfolio
    • Canyon Road Art Therapy Group Show
    • Fine Art Abstract >
      • Fine Art Figurative
      • Everyday Saints
    • Illustration
    • Films
    • Photography
  • About me
    • CV
    • Publications
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Upcoming Events
    • Past Events

Art and Freedom

7/7/2018

5 Comments

 
I'm writing this post to let you in on a little secret: No one, not even therapists, have it all together. And guess what: that is how it's supposed to be because we are human. I think it's important to be honest about this. Society has a large expectation of us all to show how great things are and to appear that we are pretty much only happy all the time. I think this is the root of why we suffer so much. When we don't feel completely happy, we shame and blame ourselves for feeling or try not to feel whatever less pleasant emotion we are feeling. I think it's healthy to acknowledge all of our varying emotions and to remember that we are never alone in it. We are part of a whole human race that all feel these kinds of things too, often in silence. In lieu of recent suicides shared in the media, I want to make space for people to express themselves and to realize these feelings will pass and shift. Feelings aren't final, and they need to be normalized.

Here's a little blurb about my own discomforts and realizations along the way. When I am lost and struggling to find meaning in this twisting, sometimes chaotic life experience, I have to remind myself to return to art making. It's not always easy to express when doubt is creeping in and I feel like I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing. The truth is, I do not know what I'm doing and no one does. I think we can feel like we have some control of some things in life, we can create stability but in reality there is something bigger happening and we are not in charge. Any time, I try to go against the current and fight what is, I get pushed back down and then, eventually I remember that all I have to do is to be, to simply go with the flow, the movement around me. I am a part of it. I am not different than all that is around me. I am connected to it and it is connected to me.

So last night, I began to make art after a decent period of not giving myself the space and time to make and be creative. I finally sat with myself and I felt something shifting, something alive waking up. I didn't really like what I made. It didn't feel like "good art" but it was raw and it was me. I went to the bathroom and noticed a little bug, actually a scarab beetle. This symbol of the Egyptian scarab beetle has held important meaning for me as a symbol of transformation and the creative intelligence and eternal force that lives within all of us. Seeing this little guy resting on a washcloth last night, felt like a message, a reminder that I'm not alone and I can trust who I am and what is happening. I still have nothing figured out and feel a bit twisty but I am reminded to remain present and continue to follow my intuition and trust where I am at without judgement and harshness. Basically, I am allowing myself to surrender, forgive myself for getting hooked, and to just let go. In that space, there is a freedom.
Picture
Picture
5 Comments
Liz Wheelock
7/10/2018 12:58:10 pm

Loved the read. I have to agree with you. So much negative is happening right now, and it is difficult to try to remain positive. I agree we need to remain present and continue to follow our intuition and trust where we are without judgement and harshness. Trying to remain patient is one of the obstacles I am working with at present. I still am having a hard time focusing on my art, which has always been my stable and comforting arena. Although, I have done a few sketches. Art is still in my mind.

Reply
Katie link
7/10/2018 01:45:45 pm

Thanks for reading, Liz! Patience with self and with the process can be very difficult, I agree. It's definitely a noble goal to focus on. I feel like my cycles of making and creating shift and it's good to honor that and be patient with that too instead of punishing myself for not making. So I celebrate the times I use art as a tool for comfort and knowledge and just let it go when I choose not to use art. Either way, I'm learning. I'd love to see your sketches sometime!

Reply
moretha link
9/4/2022 02:16:07 pm

I recognize the benefits of art therapy for my emotional well-being. My quality of life is enhanced, and my anxiety is reduced. Fortunately, my cousin told me about this program at http://truetherapy.org/services/art-therapy/.

Reply
Arthur Hill link
10/27/2022 10:39:01 pm

Travel mother cell site school. Although travel their. Door could sell most course enough.
Sell just plan country source market. Mouth with break Mrs owner him join.

Reply
Susan Cordova link
8/28/2024 06:17:27 pm

Hi thankks for posting this

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Katie Hall

    Katie Hall, MA, ATR-BC, LPAT, LPCC, is an artist and art therapist with a master's in art therapy and counseling from Southwestern College in New Mexico. As an art therapist, Katie works with individuals struggling with addictions, PTSD, schizophrenia, depression, and developmental disabilities in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She focuses on improving quality of life, empowerment, and guiding clients to reach a deeper understanding of self through art expression.  Her current interest is on continuing to explore the uses of stop motion animation as a mindfulness-based technique. She is passionate about sharing the healing powers of art making with community. 

    Categories

    All
    Art Therapy
    Interconnectivity
    Mindfulness
    Nature
    New Mexico
    Present
    Slowing Down
    Spirituality
    Stop Motion Animation

    Archives

    September 2018
    July 2018
    April 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    March 2016
    July 2015
    June 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly