Feeling adrift, disconnected, and dissatisfied may be a common experience but it doesn’t have to be your permanent state. If you’re ready to navigate toward a more fulfilling life but find yourself at a loss for where to begin or lacking the motivation to take that first step, then this is for you.
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to feel isolated, like a lonely figure in a crowded room.
There is power in embracing our dislikes as much as our strengths, and celebrating our unique identities. Often, we find ourselves slipping into coping mechanisms that temporarily shield us from the chaos of the world. However, when these coping skills become our default mode of operation, we risk losing touch with ourselves and our surroundings. Neglecting our own needs and failing to engage in activities that nourish our souls can leave us feeling disconnected and disoriented.
Have you ever felt as though you were merely observing life from the sidelines, disconnected from your own body and thoughts? The incessant chatter of your inner critic is so loud that it’s like your thoughts are intruding on your ability to find space to be with the one-of-a-kind, lovable individual that you are. Traumatic experiences from our past may further compound this sense of disconnection, leading us down paths fraught with fear and uncertainty.
But amidst the chaos, there lies a beacon of hope – the transformative power of art. Recall those times when you felt more satisfied making or experiencing art in some form. Whether it’s listening to music, singing along to a song, doodling, coloring, writing, or dancing, art has the ability to speak to our souls in ways that words alone cannot.
For example, I’m not a musician, but I enjoy playing the piano to find solace in the creative process. The act of focusing on the songs I know or even learning new ones is a way to self-soothe.
Imagination, when coupled with logical thinking, offers us a roadmap to redefine the narrative of our lives. Are you tired of living in a trauma-drama or stuck in a cycle of fear? By embracing post-traumatic growth and exploring new avenues of self-expression, we can rewrite the script of our lives and embark on a journey of personal growth and healing.
Would you like to be a more active participant in your own life? What better way to do it than to try new ways of moving combined with art-making and poetry? Whether you are seeking a route to become more embodied, health-oriented, or simply more positive, finding your connection through small group art therapy sessions offer a flexible and welcoming space for personal growth and exploration.
Twice a month on Sunday afternoons from 1:00-2:30pm, embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Why not join us?
At Art of the Matter, I am an art therapist who practices expressive art therapy by inviting group members to move using the method from the Tampala Institute by Daria Halprin that I experienced as continuing education at Esalen. Daria calls it a “life-art balance.” However, I’ve been integrating the arts into my practice for my entire life. I’ve also explored body-oriented approaches such as yoga and Qi Gong personally.
Start the process by scheduling a time to meet the facilitator today! This encounter is not only your opportunity to interview me, a seasoned art therapist, to see if I’m the right match for you but also an introduction to how the process may be empowering to you.
Reach out at 913-732-0622 or email info@artofthematterllc.com today!
– Paula Acheson, MS, ATR-BC
Board-Certified Art Therapist
Paula received her BFA from KU and her master’s degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School. She is also the artist/owner of Multimedia Art Studios in addition to her work with Art of the Matter. She’s provided Art Therapy to adolescents in multiple group home settings, schools, and partial hospital programs.
