December 7, 2024 • 45 mins
50 Art Therapy Journal Prompts
Unlock the transformative power of art therapy as we explore how creativity can be a gateway to self-discovery and emotional expression. Join us for an insightful conversation with our expert guest, who guides us through various art therapy journal prompts designed to nurture personal growth and healing. From drawing self-portraits channeling emotions to visualizing stress and gratitude through art, we delve into the therapeutic benefits of giving emotions a visual language. This episode promises to equip you with creative tools that help articulate emotions, promote resilience, and celebrate the journey of self-reflection.
Picture the pivotal moments of your life through the lens of art, and discover how reflecting on these experiences can offer profound insights into personal evolution. We discuss how prompts like crafting a series of doors to symbolize choices or creating a collage of past, present, and future can deepen your connection to your own story. Artistic exercises connect us to the strength we've developed by embracing symbols such as mountains and colors to metaphorically represent challenges and change. These creative expressions celebrate individual paths, honoring the resilience that shapes our lives.
Finally, we explore the potential of art as a healing force, allowing us to process complex emotions and find peace. By engaging in exercises that symbolize recovery and hope, like illustrating scars or expressing gratitude through art, we reconnect with our inner child and nurture a sense of wonder and curiosity. We also ponder the profound act of communicating with our future selves through art, encouraging ongoing self-reflection and growth. Remember, art therapy is a personal journey without the pressure of perfection, but an invitation to be kind to oneself and savor the process. Tune in and let art guide you to newfound insights and healing.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
All right.
So today we're going to do adeep dive into something a
little bit different.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
Oh.
Speaker 1 (00:03):
Yeah, it's 50.
Art therapy journal prompts.
Speaker 2 (00:07):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (00:08):
Now and before you say anything, just to be clear,
this isn't really abouttraditional therapy or anything
like that.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Gotcha.
Speaker 1 (00:14):
Yeah, it's more about using art as a tool to kind of
explore your own thoughts andfeelings and stuff.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
I like that.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
Yeah, so just picture like a journal, but instead of
writing you're like sketching orpainting, or even like
collaging.
You know your way through theselike deep dives into yourself.
Speaker 2 (00:31):
That's cool.
Speaker 1 (00:31):
Yeah, it's like giving your emotions a whole new
language to speak.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
I like that.
Speaker 1 (00:35):
And some of these prompts are really intriguing.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Oh yeah.
Speaker 1 (00:38):
Like what?
Well like.
One of them is draw aself-portrait, but focus on your
emotions, not your looks.
So how would you even likebegin to represent joy or
frustration on a canvas?
Speaker 2 (00:49):
Right.
Speaker 1 (00:50):
Another one is imagine your stress as a visual
piece, so like.
Does it have sharp edges, or isit more of a swirling vortex of
color?
Speaker 2 (00:58):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (00:59):
And then there's one that's like use art to express
gratitude, so like what symbolsor colors come to mind when you
think about the things you'remost thankful for?
Speaker 2 (01:07):
Hmm, that's a good one.
Speaker 1 (01:09):
To help us unpack all of this and like shed some
light on this world of creativeexpression and its therapeutic
benefits, we have an expert withus today.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
Hello.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
Okay, so these prompts.
They're cleverly divided intofive categories.
Speaker 2 (01:23):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (01:23):
Exploring emotions.
Uh-huh Ref reflecting on yourjourney, healing through
creativity, reconnecting withyour inner child and expressing
gratitude through art.
Okay, and each category has 10prompts, so there's quite a bit
here.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
Nice.
Speaker 1 (01:38):
But what struck me is how each category kind of seems
to build on the last one.
Yeah, you know, it's likecreating a sort of roadmap for
deeper self-exploration.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
Oh, I see what you mean.
Yeah, yeah, I think that's agreat observation.
Yeah, yeah, it really is like ajourney, isn't it?
Speaker 1 (01:53):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
Starting with understanding your present
emotions and then like moving onto reflecting on your past,
working through challenges andultimately finding ways to
express gratitude.
Speaker 1 (02:04):
I love that.
Okay, so let's dive into somespecific prompts, shall we?
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Let's do it.
Speaker 1 (02:08):
So, from the exploring emotions, section, one
that caught my eye was createan abstract piece that
represents the emotion you'refeeling most strongly today.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (02:20):
So we cat this to the bigger picture.
How can something as simple asan abstract doodle actually help
us understand our emotionsbetter?
Speaker 2 (02:29):
Well, think about it.
Speaker 1 (02:29):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (02:30):
Emotions can be incredibly complex, right.
Speaker 1 (02:33):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (02:33):
Sometimes words just aren't enough to fully grasp
what we're feeling.
That's true.
But when you translate thoseemotions into like colors,
shapes, textures, yeah.
It's like you're giving yourfeelings a tangible form, you
know.
Speaker 1 (02:45):
Right.
Speaker 2 (02:46):
A way to see them outside of yourself.
Yeah, and that can beincredibly insightful.
Speaker 1 (02:49):
It's like giving those feelings a voice.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (02:51):
But through art instead of words.
Speaker 2 (02:53):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (02:53):
What about this one?
Draw or paint a scene thatmakes you feel calm and safe.
That seems prettystraightforward.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (03:02):
But I bet there's more to it than meets the eye
there definitely is.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
This prompt taps into the power of visualization,
which has been used forcenturies in like various
therapeutic practices.
Speaker 1 (03:14):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
Yeah.
So by creating a visualrepresentation of a safe and
calming space, you'reessentially training your mind
to access those feelings moreeasily in real life.
Speaker 1 (03:26):
Well, that makes sense.
Speaker 2 (03:27):
Yeah, it's like creating your own mental
sanctuary that you can visitwhenever you need a sense of
peace.
Speaker 1 (03:32):
So it's not just about creating a pretty picture.
Speaker 2 (03:34):
Right.
Speaker 1 (03:35):
It's about building a mental toolkit for dealing with
stress and anxiety.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
Exactly Okay.
Speaker 1 (03:40):
That's awesome.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
And that's where the real power of art therapy lies.
Speaker 1 (03:43):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (03:44):
It's about using creativity as a tool for
self-care and emotionalwell-being.
Speaker 1 (03:49):
Okay, I love that.
Speaker 2 (03:50):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (03:50):
This next one really intrigued me.
It says use a single color torepresent sadness.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (03:56):
Now, I'm not a professional artist, by any
means.
Speaker 2 (03:58):
Right.
Speaker 1 (03:58):
So wouldn't that just be like a blue square?
Speaker 2 (04:01):
It could be absolutely.
Right blue square.
It could be absolutely, butthat's the beauty of this.
There's no right or wronganswer.
Maybe for you sadness isn'tjust a flat static blue.
Speaker 1 (04:10):
Maybe it's a swirling textured blue with rough
brushstrokes, or maybe youincorporate found objects that
evoke a sense of sadness for you.
Maybe it's not even blue at all.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
Okay, yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:23):
It's about finding your own personal language for
expressing that emotion.
Speaker 2 (04:27):
That's a great point.
Speaker 1 (04:28):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:29):
It's not about creating a masterpiece.
It's about the process and whatit reveals to you.
Okay, this one caught myattention.
It says sketch a tree or aplant.
Think about how the growth ofthe tree represents your own
personal growth.
Speaker 1 (04:44):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (04:44):
Trees, growth, resilience Right.
It feels very symbolic.
Speaker 1 (04:48):
It is.
Speaker 2 (04:48):
So what are we hoping to tap into here?
Speaker 1 (04:50):
Well, that's a classic one.
Speaker 2 (04:51):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:51):
And for good reason.
Okay, trees are incrediblypowerful symbols of resilience
and growth.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:57):
Both in nature and in our own lives.
Speaker 2 (04:59):
Right.
Speaker 1 (04:59):
So think about it.
Speaker 2 (05:00):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
They weather storms.
Right they adapt to theirenvironment.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (05:04):
And they keep reaching for the light, even in
the toughest conditions.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
Yeah.
So, as you're sketching thattree, you might start to think
about the challenges you facedin your own life.
Speaker 1 (05:15):
That's a good point.
Speaker 2 (05:17):
How did you weather those storms?
What did you learn along theway?
Yeah, what are you still?
Speaker 1 (05:22):
reaching for.
It's like visually mapping outyour personal growth journey,
exactly Using the tree as ametaphor.
Speaker 2 (05:27):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (05:28):
Okay, this next prompt is one that I think we
can all relate to.
Speaker 2 (05:31):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
Create a visual representation of stress.
What's fascinating here is thatit asks us to really think
about what our stress feels like, right, not just what causes it
.
Yeah, that's a good like.
Speaker 2 (05:44):
Right, not just what causes it.
Yeah, that's a good point Right.
It's about bringing thatabstract feeling into the
physical world.
Speaker 1 (05:49):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (05:50):
Is your stress sharp and jagged like broken glass?
Is it heavy and dark like alooming storm cloud?
Oh, or maybe it's chaotic andmessy, like a jumble of tangled
lines and colors.
Speaker 1 (06:02):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:02):
Giving your stress a visual form can be incredibly
cathartic.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
It's like you're taking something that feels
overwhelming and giving itboundaries.
You know.
Speaker 1 (06:11):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:11):
A shape you can understand.
Speaker 1 (06:12):
And maybe even start to manage better once you can
see it more clearly.
Speaker 2 (06:16):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (06:17):
I'm curious about this next prompt Draw or paint
your ideal place of peace.
Is this about escapism?
Speaker 2 (06:26):
I think it's a bit of both, and that's what makes it
so interesting.
Right On the surface, it'sabout creating a visual
representation of a place whereyou feel completely at ease.
But what's really fascinatingis what that place reveals about
your needs and desires.
Maybe you crave quiet nature ora bustling city that energizes
you.
Maybe it's a cozy library or asun-drenched beach.
(06:50):
Your ideal place of peace canoffer a lot of insight into what
truly nourishes you.
You know what you might bemissing in your everyday life.
Speaker 1 (06:59):
It's like creating a visual representation of your
self-care needs Exactly, andmaybe even a blueprint for how
to bring more of that peace intoyour real life.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
Yeah, I love that.
Speaker 1 (07:09):
I love how these prompts really encourage us to
think outside the box.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
Right.
Speaker 1 (07:13):
It's not just about drawing pretty pictures.
It's about using art as a toolfor deeper self-understanding.
Absolutely Okay, let's look atthis one Use art to express
gratitude.
Speaker 2 (07:25):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (07:26):
What I love about this is how open-ended it is.
Speaker 2 (07:29):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:29):
There are so many directions you could take this.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
Right.
It's really about defining whatgratitude means to you, right?
Maybe it's specific people inyour life that you're grateful
for, or maybe it's something assimple as a sunny day or a good
cup of coffee.
Speaker 1 (07:43):
Right.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
And the act of translating that feeling into
art can make it even more potent, more real, somehow.
Yeah, it's like you're infusingyour creation with that sense
of appreciation.
Speaker 1 (07:56):
I love that.
Speaker 2 (07:57):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:57):
Before we move on to the next category Okay, let's
take a step back for a second.
Okay, for someone who might bea bit hesitant to try this.
Speaker 2 (08:04):
Yeah, what would you say to them?
You know a lot of people thinkthey need to be artistic to
benefit from art therapy.
Right, but that's simply nottrue.
Yeah, these prompts are foreveryone, regardless of your
artistic ability.
It's not about creatingmasterpieces, it's about the
process, the act of expressingyourself authentically.
Speaker 1 (08:24):
I love that.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
And if you can doodle , scribble or even just make a
mess with some paint, you can dothis.
Speaker 1 (08:31):
So it's really about letting go of those
perfectionist tendencies.
Exactly, and just allowingyourself to play to experiment
to see what emerges.
Speaker 2 (08:41):
Exactly, and who knows, you might be surprised by
what you discover aboutyourself along the way that's a
great point to emphasize.
Speaker 1 (08:47):
Yeah, it's not about being an artist, it's about
being open to the process rightand maybe even having a little
fun along the way.
Absolutely now, let's shiftgears a bit okay and explore,
reflecting on your journey okayanother set of 10 prompts that
use art to help us understandour past, present and future.
Speaker 2 (09:07):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (09:08):
The first one is a great way to set the scene.
Draw or paint a road or path.
Think of it as a symbol of yourpersonal journey.
Speaker 2 (09:16):
Oh, I like that.
Speaker 1 (09:17):
Is it a winding road?
Yeah, a straight path, amountain trail.
Right, that's a reallyevocative image, isn't it?
Speaker 2 (09:24):
It is.
It encourages you to thinkabout your life not just as like
a linear path right, but assomething with twists and turns
mountains and valleys I likethat where have you been?
What obstacles have youovercome?
Yeah, where are you headed next?
Speaker 1 (09:38):
it's a great way to visually map out your personal
narrative absolutely and maybeeven identify some patterns or
themes you kind of noticedbefore.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (09:47):
This next prompt is all about those pivotal moments.
Create an image that representsa turning point in your life.
Speaker 2 (09:54):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (09:55):
How might revisiting those turning points, even the
difficult ones, be beneficialfor us?
Speaker 2 (10:01):
That's a great question.
Yeah, turning points, even thechallenging ones right are often
where we experience the mostgrowth, where we learn the most
about ourselves.
Revisiting them through art canhelp us see how those
experiences, both positive andnegative, have shaped us, molded
us into who we are today.
Speaker 1 (10:22):
Right.
Speaker 2 (10:22):
It can also help us appreciate how far we've come,
you know how much we've overcome.
Speaker 1 (10:27):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (10:28):
It's a way of honoring our resilience and
giving ourselves credit for thejourney.
Speaker 1 (10:32):
It's like creating a visual timeline of your personal
evolution.
Speaker 2 (10:35):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (10:36):
With all its ups and downs.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
Exactly All right.
Speaker 1 (10:38):
This one is a little more abstract.
Speaker 2 (10:40):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (10:41):
Sketch a series of doors, each one representing a
different choice or opportunityyou've encountered.
Reflect on how these choicesshaped your journey.
I like that.
What stands out to you aboutthis prompt and how it uses
symbolism?
Speaker 2 (10:55):
I love the visual metaphor of doors.
Speaker 1 (10:58):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (10:58):
Doors represent possibilities, decisions, maybe
even close chapters in our lives.
Oh wow, by sketching them.
Yeah, you're acknowledging thechoices you've made, both big
and small.
Speaker 1 (11:08):
Right.
Speaker 2 (11:09):
And how they've led you to where you are today.
Speaker 1 (11:11):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (11:11):
It's an invitation to reflect on the power of choice,
how each decision we make, eachpath we choose Right Shapes our
unique journey.
Speaker 1 (11:22):
It's like you're the architect of your own destiny,
exactly, literally, drawing theblueprints of your life story.
Speaker 2 (11:26):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (11:27):
Okay, this one seems like a fun one to explore
visually.
Oh yeah, use a collage ofimages or words that represent
your past, present and future.
How do these three stages ofyour life connect to each other?
I love the idea of usingcollage for this.
Speaker 2 (11:46):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (11:46):
Incorporating different textures and materials
.
What do you think?
Speaker 2 (11:50):
Collage is perfect for this.
Speaker 1 (11:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (11:53):
It's all about bringing different elements
together, layering them,juxtaposing them Right To create
something new and meaningful.
I like that and when you thinkabout your life, it's really a
collage of experiences, memories, dreams and aspirations.
Maybe, you use old photosmagazine clippings fabric scraps
, ticket stubs nature findsanything that speaks to your
(12:16):
personal narrative.
Speaker 1 (12:18):
It's like you're creating a tangible
representation of your life'sjourney.
Speaker 2 (12:21):
Exactly, with all its layers and complexities.
Speaker 1 (12:23):
This next prompt takes us back to our roots.
Speaker 2 (12:26):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (12:27):
Create an artwork that reflects your childhood.
What memories come up as youcreate, and how have those
experiences shaped who you aretoday?
Ah, childhood.
Right.
Speaker 2 (12:38):
It's such a formative time, isn't it?
Speaker 1 (12:40):
It is.
Speaker 2 (12:41):
This prompt is an invitation to reconnect with
those early experiences, boththe joyful and the challenging
ones.
And as you create yeah youmight start to see how those
early patterns and beliefs arestill influencing you today.
Wow often in ways we don't evenrealize it's like unearthing
hidden treasures from your pastyeah things that make you you I
(13:03):
love that.
Speaker 1 (13:05):
All right, let's tackle this one.
Speaker 2 (13:06):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (13:08):
Draw or paint a bridge symbolizing a transition
or period of change in your life.
Reflect on what you had toleave behind and where you're
headed.
What do you think about thisone?
Speaker 2 (13:17):
Bridges are such powerful symbols.
They represent connection but,they also represent passage from
one place to another so asyou're drawing or painting that
bridge yeah think about what itrepresents for you.
Okay, what were you leavingbehind?
What challenges did you faceduring that transition right,
and what did you gain on theother side?
(13:37):
What were you moving towards?
Speaker 1 (13:39):
it's like a visual representation of letting go and
moving on exactly okay, thisone feels like a good one to
tackle head on.
Okay, let's do it Sketch orpaint a mountain, symbolizing a
challenge you've overcome.
Reflect on the struggle andwhat reaching the peak means to
you now.
Speaker 2 (13:55):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (13:56):
What are some of the ways someone might approach this
visually?
Speaker 2 (14:00):
Well, mountains are classic metaphors for resilience
and determination.
Right, they represent obstaclesthat we have to climb step by
step.
So as you're working on thisone, you might think about the
specific challenges you faced.
Speaker 1 (14:13):
Right.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
How did you overcome them?
Yeah, what did you learn alongthe way, and how does that
experience inform your approachto challenges today?
Speaker 1 (14:22):
That's a good point.
Speaker 2 (14:22):
Maybe you use bold lines to represent strength or
jagged edges to show thedifficulty of the climb.
Yeah, maybe the peak is bathedin light, representing the sense
of accomplishment and the viewfrom the top.
Speaker 1 (14:34):
Oh, I like that.
Yeah, I'm already feeling moreempowered just thinking about it
.
Speaker 2 (14:38):
Me too.
Speaker 1 (14:39):
This next prompt is a really interesting one.
Speaker 2 (14:41):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (14:42):
Use colors to represent how you've changed
over time.
Write about the differentphases of your life and how each
one contributed to your growth.
It's almost like creating yourown personal color palette.
Speaker 2 (14:54):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (14:54):
For different chapters of your life isn't it
Exactly?
Speaker 2 (15:02):
And colors can evoke such strong emotions and
associations.
Right?
Maybe your rebellious teenageyears were a fiery red, while
your early 20s were a vibrant,adventurous orange.
Speaker 1 (15:08):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (15:09):
And maybe your current phase is a calm and
serene blue, reflecting a senseof peace and contentment.
Speaker 1 (15:15):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (15:15):
It's a beautiful way to visually map out your
personal evolution.
Speaker 1 (15:19):
And this one really speaks to our inner strength.
Speaker 2 (15:21):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (15:22):
Create a piece of art that represents resilience.
How do the lines, textures orcolors show your strength in the
face of adversity?
What are some of the lessobvious ways you might visually
represent resilience?
Speaker 2 (15:34):
That's a great question.
Speaker 1 (15:36):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (15:36):
I think resilience can be expressed in many ways,
even subtle ones.
Okay, maybe it's through bold,strong lines, or maybe it's
through delicate delicate butintricate details that show how
you've weathered the stormwithout breaking.
Speaker 1 (15:49):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
Or maybe you use a combination of light and dark
colors to show how you'venavigated both difficult and
joyful times.
Speaker 1 (15:57):
Right.
Speaker 2 (15:58):
Finding balance amidst the chaos.
Speaker 1 (16:00):
I love how there's so much room for interpretation
with these crops.
Speaker 2 (16:04):
You too.
Speaker 1 (16:04):
So many ways to make them your own.
Speaker 2 (16:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (16:07):
And finally, to close out the reflecting on your
journey section, we have thisbeautiful image Draw or paint a
lighthouse symbolizing guidanceand hope in difficult times.
What does this symbol mean foryour personal journey?
Speaker 2 (16:23):
Oh wow, Lighthouses Hope resilience.
Speaker 1 (16:24):
Why?
What a wow Lighthouses Hope,resilience.
What a perfect way to end thissection.
Speaker 2 (16:28):
Isn't it?
Lighthouses are such powerfulsymbols of hope and direction.
They stand tall against thestorm, guiding ships safely to
shore Right.
So, as you're creating yourlighthouse, you might start to
think about the sources ofguidance and support in your own
life.
Speaker 1 (16:44):
Oh, that's a good point.
Speaker 2 (16:45):
What has helped you through difficult times.
Speaker 1 (16:48):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (16:48):
What are you grateful for?
Speaker 1 (16:49):
Right.
Speaker 2 (16:50):
What keeps you anchored when the seas are rough
?
Speaker 1 (16:53):
It's like having your own personal beacon of hope.
Speaker 2 (16:55):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (16:57):
So far, we've explored exploring emotions and
reflecting on your journey, bothof which have been incredibly
insightful.
Yeah, but we're just gettingstarted.
Oh, we still have three morecategories to explore, wow, each
with its own unique set ofprompts and potential for
self-discovery.
Speaker 2 (17:13):
I can't wait to delve deeper into these prompts and
see what other insights weuncover.
It's truly fascinating how artcan be such a powerful tool for
understanding ourselves and theworld around us, I know right.
Yeah, it's amazing.
Hashtag TTS the deep dive,episode 2024, 1113, part two of
three.
It's like peeling back thelayers, you know?
One prompt at a time.
Speaker 1 (17:34):
I love that analogy.
And speaking of peeling backlayers, our next category is
healing through creativity.
Speaker 2 (17:41):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (17:42):
Now, before we dive in, I just want to acknowledge
that some of these prompts mighttouch on sensitive topics.
Right, and that's okay.
Speaker 2 (17:47):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (17:48):
It's all part of the process.
Speaker 2 (17:49):
That's a really important point.
It's okay to feel thoseemotions, you know, as they come
up.
In fact, it's a sign thatyou're engaging with the process
authentically.
Speaker 1 (17:58):
Exactly yeah.
And remember if you ever needsupport, don't hesitate to reach
out to a therapist or counselor.
Speaker 2 (18:04):
Yeah, good point.
Speaker 1 (18:05):
Art therapy can be a wonderful complement to
traditional therapy.
Speaker 2 (18:08):
For sure.
Speaker 1 (18:09):
Okay.
So healing through creativityOkay.
This section focuses on usingart as a tool for healing,
processing difficult emotionsand finding a sense of peace.
Speaker 2 (18:22):
Right.
Speaker 1 (18:23):
This first prompt feels like a good place to start
.
Speaker 2 (18:25):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (18:26):
It says create a visual representation of healing
.
Use colors and shapes thatsymbolize what healing means to
you and reflect on how theprocess feels.
I imagine this could look verydifferent for everyone.
Speaker 2 (18:38):
Absolutely Healing is such a personal journey.
For some it might berepresented by soft, calming
colors and flowing lines, Whilefor others it might be a more
abstract explosion of color andtexture, Maybe even some jagged
edges representing the rawnessof the process.
There's no right or wronganswer.
It's about finding whatresonates with you, what feels
(19:00):
true to your own experience.
Speaker 1 (19:02):
I love that.
Speaker 2 (19:03):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (19:03):
This next prompt is really intriguing.
It says draw or paint a brokenobject that you then visually
mend or repair.
How does this exercise reflectthe process of healing and
recovery in your life?
Speaker 2 (19:16):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 1 (19:17):
It's like you're taking something that's been
damaged Right and making itwhole again.
Yeah, but through art.
Speaker 2 (19:22):
It's a powerful metaphor, isn't it?
Speaker 1 (19:24):
It is.
Speaker 2 (19:24):
And that process of mending and repairing can be
incredibly therapeutic.
Speaker 1 (19:28):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (19:29):
It's a way of acknowledging the hurt,
brokenness.
Speaker 1 (19:32):
Right.
Speaker 2 (19:33):
But also recognizing your own power to heal, yeah, to
piece yourself back together.
You might use gold leaf tosymbolize the preciousness of
the scars, or delicate stitchingto show the care and attention
you're giving to your ownhealing.
Speaker 1 (19:47):
It's a reminder that even broken things can be
beautiful.
Speaker 2 (19:50):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (19:51):
That our scars can be a source of strength and
resilience.
Exactly Okay.
This one is all about hope.
Speaker 2 (19:56):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (19:57):
Use colors to represent hope.
What do these colors symbolizefor you and how do they help you
feel more positive about yourhealing journey when you think
about hope, what kind of imagecomes to mind?
Speaker 2 (20:11):
For me, hope is often represented by those vibrant,
almost luminescent colors yousee in a sunrise the pinks,
oranges and yellows that signala new day, you know, a fresh
start.
They symbolize new beginnings,growth and the promise of a
brighter future.
But again, it's all aboutpersonal interpretation.
What colors evoke a sense ofhope for you?
(20:31):
Maybe it's a deep, calming bluethat represents stability and
peace, or a vibrant green thatsymbolizes growth and renewal.
Speaker 1 (20:40):
Okay, that makes sense.
This next prompt gets prettydeep.
It says create an artwork thatrepresents your heart.
How does it look in this momentof your healing?
Reflect on what this heart saysabout where you are emotionally
.
Speaker 2 (20:55):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 1 (20:56):
It's like you're giving your heart a physical
form.
Speaker 2 (20:58):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (20:59):
A way to see what's going on inside.
Speaker 2 (21:00):
It can be a very revealing exercise.
Is your heart whole and vibrant, radiating outwards?
Is it cracked and fragile,needing gentle care and
attention?
Speaker 1 (21:11):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 2 (21:11):
Is it surrounded by darkness or light?
Speaker 1 (21:14):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (21:14):
The way you depict your heart can offer a lot of
insight into your currentemotional state the things you
might need to address or nurture.
Speaker 1 (21:22):
It's like taking your emotional temperature through
art.
Speaker 2 (21:24):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (21:25):
Getting a visual snapshot of your inner world.
I love that this next one is abit more challenging, I think.
Speaker 2 (21:30):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (21:31):
It says draw or paint a scar, either physical or
emotional.
Reflect on how this scar hasshaped you and how you are
healing from it.
Scars are reminders of whatwe've been through, aren't they?
Speaker 2 (21:43):
They are.
Speaker 1 (21:43):
Both physically and emotionally.
Yeah, they tell a story.
Speaker 2 (21:46):
Uh-huh, they hold memories.
Speaker 1 (21:48):
Right, by drawing or painting them.
Speaker 2 (21:50):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (21:51):
We're acknowledging those experiences and how
they've shaped us.
Speaker 2 (21:54):
Right.
Speaker 1 (21:54):
It's a way of honoring our resilience.
Speaker 2 (21:56):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (21:56):
And the healing that's taken place, or maybe, or
maybe, the healing that's stillin progress.
Speaker 2 (22:00):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (22:01):
It's about embracing those parts of ourselves, even
the imperfections, seeing themas part of our unique story.
Speaker 2 (22:07):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (22:12):
Okay, let's see what this one is all about.
No-transcript.
Speaker 2 (22:23):
And how does the process help you release?
Speaker 1 (22:24):
them.
What's interesting here is thatit's not about depicting a
specific object.
Speaker 2 (22:29):
Right.
Speaker 1 (22:29):
But rather an abstract feeling, an internal
process.
Speaker 2 (22:32):
Right, and that's what makes it so powerful.
Speaker 1 (22:34):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (22:38):
Letting go can be such a challenging process,
Whether it's letting go of oldpatterns, beliefs or even people
that no longer serve us Rightby using abstract shapes and
colors, Whether it's letting goof old patterns, beliefs or even
people that no longer serve usRight.
By using abstract shapes andcolors, you're able to express
that feeling of release in a waythat words might not be able to
capture.
Speaker 1 (22:51):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 2 (22:51):
Maybe you use a swirling vortex of color to
represent the emotions you'reletting go of.
Speaker 1 (22:56):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (22:57):
Or maybe it's a series of lines that gradually
fade away, symbolizing theprocess of releasing those
attachments.
Speaker 1 (23:04):
It's like giving those emotions a physical outlet
, yeah, allowing them to flowthrough you and onto the page.
Speaker 2 (23:09):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (23:10):
This one seems like a great way to check in with
yourself.
Create a visual representationof balance.
How do the elements of yourartwork represent the areas of
your life where you seek moreharmony?
I love the idea of using art tocreate a sense of equilibrium.
Yeah, Not just visually, butmaybe emotionally as well.
Speaker 2 (23:30):
Me too.
Balance is so essential forwell-being.
Speaker 1 (23:34):
Right.
Speaker 2 (23:34):
And it's something we're all constantly striving
for, yeah.
This prompt encourages you tothink about the different areas
of your life work, relationships, health, spirituality.
Are they in harmony, yeah, orare some areas out of whack?
Maybe you represent those areaswith different shapes or colors
and the way you arrange them onthe page reflects how balanced
(23:56):
those areas feel to you rightnow.
Speaker 1 (23:58):
It's like a visual checklist for your overall
well-being Exactly A way to seewhere you might need to make
some adjustments.
Speaker 2 (24:03):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (24:04):
This next one is a beautiful image.
Draw or paint a sunrisesymbolizing a new beginning.
Write about what this freshstart means to you and how it
relates to your healing.
Sunrises are so hopeful andfull of promise, aren't they?
Speaker 2 (24:21):
They are and they represent a fresh start.
Speaker 1 (24:23):
Right.
Speaker 2 (24:23):
A new day full of possibilities.
Speaker 1 (24:25):
I love that.
Speaker 2 (24:25):
So, as you're drawing or painting your sunrise, you
might start to think about theareas of your life where you're
seeking renewal or growth.
Speaker 1 (24:33):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (24:33):
What are you leaving behind?
Yeah, what are you welcominginto your life?
Maybe you use soft pastelcolors to represent gentleness
and hope Right, or bold streaksof color to symbolize the energy
and excitement of a fresh start.
Speaker 1 (24:48):
It's a powerful way to visualize and embrace change.
Speaker 2 (24:51):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (24:52):
And this prompt is a really important one, I think,
especially in our busy, oftenoverwhelming world.
Speaker 2 (24:57):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (24:58):
Use art to express self-compassion.
What symbols or imagesrepresent kindness toward
yourself and how can youincorporate more self-compassion
into your life?
Speaker 2 (25:08):
That's a good one.
Speaker 1 (25:09):
Self-compassion is so crucial for our well-being.
Speaker 2 (25:12):
It is.
Speaker 1 (25:13):
Yet it's something many of us struggle with.
Speaker 2 (25:15):
Yeah, that's true.
Speaker 1 (25:16):
This prompt encourages us to really think
about what it means to be kindto ourselves, to treat ourselves
with the same care andunderstanding we would offer a
dear friend.
Maybe you representself-compassion with soft curves
and gentle colors, or images ofnurturing like a warm embrace
or a soothing hand.
Speaker 2 (25:34):
I like that.
Speaker 1 (25:35):
But symbols speak to you.
Speaker 2 (25:36):
It's like giving yourself a visual hug, reminding
yourself that you deservekindness and care.
Speaker 1 (25:42):
And finally, to close out this section on healing, we
have this powerful promptCreate an artwork that
represents freedom.
Reflect on what freedom lookslike for you and how you can
work toward achieving it.
What does freedom mean to you,both personally and in the
context of this prompt?
Speaker 2 (25:59):
Freedom is such a multifaceted concept, isn't it?
It is it can mean differentthings to different people right
maybe it's freedom fromlimiting beliefs, freedom from
toxic relationships, or simplythe freedom to be your authentic
self, yeah, to express yourselfwithout fear of judgment okay
by creating an artwork thatrepresents freedom yeah you're
(26:21):
able to visualize what thatlooks and feels like and perhaps
even identify some steps youcan take to achieve it.
Speaker 1 (26:28):
It's like giving yourself a roadmap to liberation
.
Speaker 2 (26:30):
Yeah, exactly.
Speaker 1 (26:31):
A visual reminder of what you're striving for.
Speaker 2 (26:34):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (26:34):
We've covered a lot of ground in this section.
It's exploring some pretty deepand complex emotions.
Speaker 2 (26:38):
Yeah, we have.
Speaker 1 (26:39):
It's amazing how art can provide such a powerful
outlet for processing theseexperiences it really is.
Speaker 2 (26:46):
Hashtag TTS the deep dive, episode 2024, 11, 13, part
3 of 3.
And you know, what's sobeautiful about art therapy is
that it meets you where you areright, whether you're dealing
with those heavy emotions.
Yeah, we're completely lookingto explore your creative side,
you know right right there's aprompt here for everyone and
speaking of finding thosemoments of joy and lightness
(27:07):
yeah our next category is allabout that.
Oh reconnecting with your innerchild okay so these prompts,
they encourage us to tap intothat playful, curious and
uninhibited part of ourselvesthat often gets lost amidst the
responsibilities of adulthood.
This first prompt feels like awarm invitation to rediscover
(27:30):
that childlike sense of wonder.
Draw or paint something thatyou love to do as a child.
Reflect on how this activitybrought you joy and how you can
reconnect with that sense ofplayfulness.
What comes to mind for you whenyou hear that prompt?
Speaker 1 (27:45):
Oh, so many things Building elaborate forts out of
blankets and pillows, spendinghours drawing fantastical
creatures, you know.
Speaker 2 (27:54):
Right, getting lost in imaginary worlds.
Oh yeah, childhood was a timeof pure imagination and wonder.
Speaker 1 (27:59):
And it's so easy to lose touch with that.
Speaker 2 (28:01):
It is.
Speaker 1 (28:02):
As we get older.
Speaker 2 (28:10):
But this prompt is a reminder that it's still there.
Yeah, that spark of creativityand joy just waiting to be
rekindled.
Speaker 1 (28:13):
I love that.
What about this one?
Create a piece of art thatrepresents a childhood memory.
What emotions come up as youreflect on this memory, and how
does it shape who you are today?
I imagine some of these couldbe real tearjerkers.
Oh, yeah, but also full ofwarmth and nostalgia.
Speaker 2 (28:32):
Absolutely Our childhood memories, even the
seemingly insignificant ones,you know right.
They shape so much of who weare.
They hold our fears, our joys,our triumphs and our heartbreaks
.
By revisiting those memories,through art, we can gain a
deeper understanding ofourselves and how we've evolved
over time.
Speaker 1 (28:52):
It's like piecing together a puzzle of our past,
exactly Seeing how those earlyexperiences have shaped our
values, our beliefs, even ourfears and insecurities.
Speaker 2 (29:01):
Yeah, that's a good point.
Speaker 1 (29:02):
This next prompt feels like a permission slip to
let go of all those grown-upinhibitions.
Use crayons or markers tocreate a fun, childlike drawing.
Let go of perfection and focuson the joy of creating like a
child who doesn't love crayonsand markers.
There's something so liberatingabout those simple tools.
Speaker 2 (29:22):
I know right, they take us right back to childhood,
to that time when creating artwas pure joy, you know, Free
from self-judgment or thepressure to be good at it.
This prompt is a reminder thatart doesn't have to be perfect.
It's about the process ofexpression, not the end result.
It's about allowing yourself tobe messy, playful and fully
(29:45):
present in the moment.
Speaker 1 (29:46):
It's about rediscovering the joy of
creating for the sake ofcreating, without any
expectations or pressure.
This one's interesting Draw orpaint an image of your younger
self.
What advice or encouragementwould you offer that younger
version of you If you could goback in time and talk to your
younger self?
Yeah what would you say?
What wisdom would you share?
Speaker 2 (30:07):
that's such a beautiful question.
I think I would tell my youngerself to be kinder to herself,
to embrace her quirks yeah andto never give up on her dreams,
even when things get tough wowit's so easy to be hard on
ourselves it is especially whenwe're young and navigating all
the complexities of life.
Speaker 1 (30:25):
Right.
Speaker 2 (30:25):
But it's important to remember that we're all works
in progress, you know.
Speaker 1 (30:29):
Right.
Speaker 2 (30:29):
Perfectly imperfect in our own unique ways.
Speaker 1 (30:32):
It's a reminder that we all have that inner critic.
Speaker 2 (30:35):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (30:35):
And we also have that inner cheerleader, uh-huh, that
voice of love and support thatwe need to nurture Exactly that
voice of love and support thatwe need to nurture.
Exactly Okay.
This one is sure to spark somefun conversations.
Speaker 2 (30:45):
Uh-huh.
Speaker 1 (30:45):
Create an artwork inspired by a favorite childhood
story Uh-huh.
What does the story mean to younow, and how does it influence
your sense of creativity?
Speaker 2 (30:55):
Hmm.
Speaker 1 (30:56):
What were some of your favorite childhood stories?
Speaker 2 (30:58):
Oh, I loved fairy tales, especially the ones with
strong female characters, okay,who defied the odds and found
their own, happily ever afters.
Speaker 1 (31:07):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 2 (31:07):
Stories like Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.
They taught me that anything ispossible if you believe in
yourself and never give up hope,even when things seem
impossible.
Speaker 1 (31:18):
Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 2 (31:18):
And looking back, I think those stories also
instilled in me a love forstorytelling, for using my
imagination to create worlds andcharacters that transport
people to other realms.
Speaker 1 (31:31):
It's amazing how those early stories stay with us
.
They do, shaping our worldviewand inspiring our own creative
journeys.
This prompt is a bit moresentimental, maybe even a bit
melancholy.
Okay, exactly.
This prompt is a bit moresentimental, maybe even a bit
melancholy.
Okay, draw or paint a toy orobject that meant a lot to you
as a child.
Reflect on why it was importantand what it represents in your
(31:51):
life today.
I think objects often hold somuch more than we realize.
Speaker 2 (31:57):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (31:57):
Especially those from childhood.
They're like little timecapsules of memories and
emotions.
Speaker 2 (32:02):
They really are.
They can transport us back to aspecific time and place, evoke
a whole range of feelings andremind us of who we were and how
far we've come.
Speaker 1 (32:11):
By drawing or painting those objects.
Speaker 2 (32:14):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (32:14):
We're honoring the memories they represent and
acknowledging the impact they'vehad on our lives.
Speaker 2 (32:20):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (32:21):
It's a way of connecting with that younger
version of ourselves.
Speaker 2 (32:24):
Right.
Speaker 1 (32:24):
Acknowledging the things that brought us joy and
comfort, and maybe evenrecognizing how those needs have
evolved over time.
Speaker 2 (32:31):
Yeah, I love that.
Speaker 1 (32:33):
Okay, I'm feeling a surge of energy just reading
this one.
Use bright colors to create ajoyful, playful scene.
Let your imagination run wildand write about how this process
helps you reconnect with yourinner child.
Bright colors, playful scenesit's like an instant mood
booster.
Speaker 2 (32:52):
I know right.
Speaker 1 (32:53):
Right.
Speaker 2 (32:53):
There's something so uplifting and energizing about
bright colors.
Yeah, this prompt is all aboutletting go of inhibitions,
tapping into that childlikesense of wonder and playfulness
right and allowing yourcreativity to flow freely yeah
it's a reminder that joy isalways within reach if we're
willing to embrace it this nextprompt feels like a secret
(33:14):
escape hatch to childhood.
Speaker 1 (33:16):
Draw or paint a tree, house or fort you imagined as a
child.
What did this space representfor you, and how does it relate
to the way you seek comfort now?
What kind of treehouse wouldyou have built?
Speaker 2 (33:29):
It would have been epic.
Speaker 1 (33:30):
Really.
Speaker 2 (33:31):
Multi-level secret passages oh, wow.
A rope swing Okay.
A lookout tower with views ropeswing Okay.
A lookout tower with views formiles, wow.
And of course, a super secretpassword to get in.
Speaker 1 (33:43):
Three.
Speaker 2 (33:43):
Houses, and Forts, real or imagined.
Speaker 1 (33:45):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (33:46):
They're all about creating a safe and magical
space.
You know Right when we can beourselves without judgment a
place to escape the pressures ofthe world and just be.
Speaker 1 (33:56):
It's like creating our own little world where
anything is possible.
Exactly A sanctuary where wecan recharge and reconnect with
our inner child.
Speaker 2 (34:02):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (34:04):
And finally, to close out this section on
reconnecting with our innerchild, we have this beautiful
prompt Create an artwork thatrepresents curiosity.
Reflect on how your childhoodcuriosity shaped your view of
the world and how you cannurture that curiosity today.
Curiosity, that spark of wonderand exploration.
(34:24):
What does that word evoke foryou?
Speaker 2 (34:28):
To me, curiosity is the fuel for growth and
discovery.
It's about asking questions,exploring new ideas and never
losing that sense of wonderabout the world around us.
I love that.
It's about staying open to newpossibilities and never stopping
learning, even when we think wehave all the answers.
Speaker 1 (34:48):
It's about remembering that life is a
journey, not a destination.
Speaker 2 (34:52):
Right.
Speaker 1 (34:52):
And that there's always something new to learn,
something new to discover if wejust stay curious.
Speaker 2 (34:57):
I agree.
Speaker 1 (34:58):
So far, this deep dive has been an incredible
journey of self-discovery.
Speaker 2 (35:01):
It has.
Speaker 1 (35:02):
We've explored our emotions, reflected on our
journeys, tapped into ourhealing power, reconnected with
our inner child.
Speaker 2 (35:08):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (35:09):
And now for our final category.
Speaker 2 (35:11):
Oh.
Speaker 1 (35:12):
We're diving into something that feels incredibly
grounding.
Speaker 2 (35:16):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (35:16):
Expressing gratitude through art.
Speaker 2 (35:20):
It's like we've come full circle.
Speaker 1 (35:21):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (35:22):
From exploring the depths of our emotions to
celebrating the abundance in ourlives and gratitude expressed
through art can be such apowerful force for
transformation.
Speaker 1 (35:32):
Absolutely these prompts.
They encourage us to appreciatethe good things in our lives,
both big and small, and toexpress that gratitude through
creative expression.
This first prompt feels like agentle nudge to focus on the
positive.
Draw or paint something you'regrateful for in your life right
(35:56):
now.
Reflect on why it's importantto you and how expressing
gratitude through art enhancesyour sense of appreciation.
What are you grateful for today?
Speaker 2 (36:06):
Oh, there's so much to be grateful for, even on the
most challenging days.
Speaker 1 (36:10):
Right.
Speaker 2 (36:10):
Today I'm feeling incredibly grateful for the
warmth of the sun on my skin,for the sound of laughter
echoing through my home, for theopportunity to connect with
others and share my passion forart and healing.
I love that, and you knowexpressing gratitude through art
it feels different somehow.
It's like you're infusing yourcreation with that positive
energy amplifying the feeling ofappreciation.
Speaker 1 (36:33):
It's like taking a moment to savor the good to let
it sink in and fill you up.
Speaker 2 (36:37):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (36:39):
This next prompt is visually stunning Create a
gratitude.
Mandalas use shapes, patternsand colors that represent the
things you are most thankful for.
Mandalas are so intricate andbeautiful.
They are and they feel soperfect for expressing gratitude
.
Speaker 2 (36:58):
They really do.
Mandalas are often used inmeditation and spiritual
practices to represent wholenessand interconnectedness Right by
creating a gratitude mandala.
Speaker 1 (37:07):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (37:07):
You're essentially weaving together all the things
you're thankful for.
Speaker 1 (37:10):
Right.
Speaker 2 (37:11):
Into a beautiful and symbolic representation of your
blessings.
Speaker 1 (37:14):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (37:15):
And the process itself can be incredibly
meditative and calming.
Speaker 1 (37:18):
It's like creating a visual tapestry of gratitude,
reminder of all the good thatsurrounds you.
Speaker 2 (37:23):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (37:24):
Okay, get those tissues ready, because this next
prompt might bring up some bigfeelings.
Draw or paint a picture of aperson who has made a positive
impact on your life.
Reflect on why you are gratefulfor them and how they have
supported you.
Who are the people in your lifethat you would want to honor in
this way?
Speaker 2 (37:43):
Oh, I'm incredibly grateful for my family, my
friends, my mentors and all thepeople who have inspired me
along the way.
They've taught me valuablelessons, offered unwavering
support, challenged me to growand helped me become the person
I am today.
And thinking about representingthat gratitude visually, I can
(38:05):
already feel the emotionswelling up.
Speaker 1 (38:07):
It's a beautiful reminder that we're not on this
journey alone.
Speaker 2 (38:10):
We're not.
Speaker 1 (38:11):
We have a whole network of people who love and
support us.
Speaker 2 (38:13):
Right.
Speaker 1 (38:14):
People who make our lives richer and more meaningful
, absolutely who love andsupport us Right.
People who make our livesricher and more meaningful?
Absolutely.
This next prompt encourages usto appreciate the beauty and
serenity that exists all aroundus.
Use art to represent yourfavorite place.
Reflect on why this placebrings you peace and gratitude
and how it supports youremotional well-being.
Where would you take us on thisartistic journey?
Speaker 2 (38:36):
You know I'm drawn to the simplicity and tranquility
of nature.
For me it's a quiet walk in thewoods, surrounded by towering
trees, dappled sunlightfiltering through the leaves,
soft crunch of leaves beneath myfeet.
I love that.
Nature has a way of calming mymind, you know, grounding me in
the present moment and remindingme of the beauty and wonder
(38:58):
that exists all around us if wejust take the time to notice.
Speaker 1 (39:03):
It's like hitting the reset button on our soul,
exactly Finding that sense ofpeace and connection that can be
so elusive in our busy, oftenchaotic lives.
Speaker 2 (39:13):
Yeah, I agree.
Speaker 1 (39:14):
This prompt feels like a fun way to get creative
with gratitude.
Yeah, I agree.
Speaker 2 (39:18):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (39:29):
Hmm.
Speaker 2 (39:34):
Yeah, me too.
Collage is a great way to getthose creative juices flowing.
Speaker 1 (39:39):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (39:39):
And to explore different ways of expressing
gratitude, you might use imagesfrom magazines photos.
Nature finds fabric scraps,handwritten notes, anything that
speaks to your heart andrepresents the things you're
most thankful for.
Speaker 1 (39:52):
It's like creating a gratitude mood board.
Speaker 2 (39:54):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (39:55):
A visual reminder of all the good in your life.
I love that this next prompt issimple, elegant.
Speaker 2 (40:01):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (40:02):
And full of symbolism .
Speaker 2 (40:03):
Right.
Speaker 1 (40:04):
Draw or paint a flower to symbolize growth and
gratitude.
Reflect on how both growth andappreciation are important in
your life.
What kind of flower comes tomind for you when you hear that
prompt?
Speaker 2 (40:17):
I think I would choose a lotus flower.
Okay, important in your life,what kind of flower comes to
mind for?
You when you hear that prompt Ithink I would choose a lotus
flower.
They grow in muddy water, butthey emerge from that darkness
with such beauty and grace,reaching for the light.
To me, they represent the powerof resilience, the ability to
grow and thrive even in the faceof adversity.
Speaker 1 (40:33):
That's a beautiful analogy and such a powerful
reminder that even in thedarkest of times, we have the
ability to rise above, to findbeauty and meaning and to
continue growing towards thelight.
Speaker 2 (40:46):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (40:47):
Okay, this prompt invites us to explore gratitude
on a more visceral level.
Speaker 2 (40:53):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (40:54):
Use colors and shapes to express how gratitude feels
in your body.
Reflect on how focusing onthankfulness affects your
emotional state.
How does gratitude feel to you?
Speaker 2 (41:06):
For me, gratitude feels like a warmth that spreads
throughout my chest.
Speaker 1 (41:10):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (41:11):
A lightness in my heart, a softening around my
shoulders.
It's a feeling of peace,contentment and joy.
Speaker 1 (41:17):
And when you focus on those feelings, it's like a
ripple effect that touches everyaspect of your life.
Speaker 2 (41:22):
It is it's like a positive energy that radiates
outward, transforming not justour inner world but also the way
we interact with the worldaround us.
Speaker 1 (41:30):
This next prompt is a wonderful invitation to savor
those everyday moments of joyand appreciation.
Create an artwork thatrepresents a recent experience
you are thankful for.
What made it special and howdid it contribute to your sense
of joy?
What's a recent experience thatyou would want to capture in
this way?
Speaker 2 (41:50):
You know, it doesn't have to be anything grand or
extraordinary.
For me, it was a simple momentshared with a loved one, a quiet
evening spent sipping tea,sharing stories and simply
enjoying each other's company.
I love that.
It was a reminder thatsometimes the most ordinary
moments are the most precious.
Speaker 1 (42:09):
It's about finding those pockets of joy in the
everyday.
Speaker 2 (42:12):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (42:13):
Those moments that nourish our souls and remind us
of what truly matters.
Speaker 2 (42:17):
I agree.
Speaker 1 (42:17):
This next prompt feels like a perfect transition
to our final prompt.
Speaker 2 (42:21):
Oh yeah.
Speaker 1 (42:22):
Draw or paint a sunrise, symbolizing a new
beginning you are grateful for.
Reflect on the possibilitiesthat come with each new day.
Sunrises are so full of hopeand possibility.
Speaker 2 (42:33):
They are.
Speaker 1 (42:34):
A reminder that each day is a fresh start.
Speaker 2 (42:36):
Every sunrise is a chance to begin again.
Yeah, to set new intentions andto embrace the unknown with a
sense of optimism and wonder.
And you know, when you thinkabout it, gratitude is all about
embracing the present moment,appreciating what we have and
trusting that, even when thingsare difficult, there's always
(42:56):
something to be thankful for.
Speaker 1 (42:59):
And with that beautiful sentiment we arrive at
our final prompt.
Okay, create an artwork thatrepresents abundance.
Reflect on the ways you feelabundant in your life, whether
through love, friendship orpersonal growth.
What does abundance mean to you, both personally and in the
context of this prompt?
Speaker 2 (43:18):
To me, abundance is about recognizing the wealth we
already have in our lives.
Speaker 1 (43:22):
Correct.
Speaker 2 (43:23):
The things that truly matter, you know.
Yeah, love, connection, bliss,joy.
Speaker 1 (43:27):
It's about shifting our focus from what we lack
Right To what we have Exactly,and appreciating the richness of
our experiences, relationshipsand personal growth.
Speaker 2 (43:36):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (43:37):
It's about recognizing that true abundance
comes not from what we possess,but from how we perceive the
world and our place in it.
Speaker 2 (43:44):
Yeah, beautifully said.
Speaker 1 (43:47):
Well, there you have it 50 art therapy journal
prompts to unlock yourcreativity, explore your
emotions and deepen yourself-awareness.
Speaker 2 (43:55):
What I love about these prompts is that they're
accessible to everyone.
Speaker 1 (43:59):
Right.
Speaker 2 (43:59):
Regardless of artistic ability.
Speaker 1 (44:01):
It's not about creating masterpieces.
Speaker 2 (44:03):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (44:03):
It's about using art as a tool for self-discovery,
healing and growth.
Speaker 2 (44:07):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (44:08):
It's about giving yourself permission to play yeah
, to experiment Uh-huh, toexpress yourself authentically
Right, and to see what emerges.
Speaker 2 (44:16):
And you never know, you might just surprise yourself
with what you create Right andwhat you discover about yourself
along the way.
Speaker 1 (44:21):
Now, before we wrap up.
Speaker 2 (44:23):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (44:24):
We want to leave you with one final thought-provoking
prompt to ponder.
Speaker 2 (44:28):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (44:29):
Imagine you could send a message to your future
self through art.
Hmm, what would you create andwhat message would it convey?
Speaker 2 (44:37):
That's a good one.
Speaker 1 (44:38):
Let that question simmer as you explore these
prompts at your own pace.
Remember there's no right orwrong way to approach art
therapy.
Speaker 2 (44:45):
Right.
Speaker 1 (44:46):
It's a personal journey and the most important
thing is to be kind to yourself.
Yeah, and have fun along theway.
Speaker 2 (44:52):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (44:53):
Thanks for joining us on this deep dive into the
world of art therapy.
Speaker 2 (44:57):
It was fun.
Speaker 1 (44:58):
Until next time, keep exploring, keep creating and
keep discovering the amazingpower of art to transform your
life.
All right.
So today we're going to do adeep dive into something a
little bit different.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
Oh.
Speaker 1 (00:03):
Yeah, it's 50.
Art therapy journal prompts.
Speaker 2 (00:07):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (00:08):
Now and before you say anything, just to be clear,
this isn't really abouttraditional therapy or anything
like that.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Gotcha.
Speaker 1 (00:14):
Yeah, it's more about using art as a tool to kind of
explore your own thoughts andfeelings and stuff.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
I like that.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
Yeah, so just picture like a journal, but instead of
writing you're like sketching orpainting, or even like
collaging.
You know your way through theselike deep dives into yourself.
Speaker 2 (00:31):
That's cool.
Speaker 1 (00:31):
Yeah, it's like giving your emotions a whole new
language to speak.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
I like that.
Speaker 1 (00:35):
And some of these prompts are really intriguing.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Oh yeah.
Speaker 1 (00:38):
Like what?
Well like.
One of them is draw aself-portrait, but focus on your
emotions, not your looks.
So how would you even likebegin to represent joy or
frustration on a canvas?
Speaker 2 (00:49):
Right.
Speaker 1 (00:50):
Another one is imagine your stress as a visual
piece, so like.
Does it have sharp edges, or isit more of a swirling vortex of
color?
Speaker 2 (00:58):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (00:59):
And then there's one that's like use art to express
gratitude, so like what symbolsor colors come to mind when you
think about the things you'remost thankful for?
Speaker 2 (01:07):
Hmm, that's a good one.
Speaker 1 (01:09):
To help us unpack all of this and like shed some
light on this world of creativeexpression and its therapeutic
benefits, we have an expert withus today.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
Hello.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
Okay, so these prompts.
They're cleverly divided intofive categories.
Speaker 2 (01:23):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (01:23):
Exploring emotions.
Uh-huh Ref reflecting on yourjourney, healing through
creativity, reconnecting withyour inner child and expressing
gratitude through art.
Okay, and each category has 10prompts, so there's quite a bit
here.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
Nice.
Speaker 1 (01:38):
But what struck me is how each category kind of seems
to build on the last one.
Yeah, you know, it's likecreating a sort of roadmap for
deeper self-exploration.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
Oh, I see what you mean.
Yeah, yeah, I think that's agreat observation.
Yeah, yeah, it really is like ajourney, isn't it?
Speaker 1 (01:53):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
Starting with understanding your present
emotions and then like moving onto reflecting on your past,
working through challenges andultimately finding ways to
express gratitude.
Speaker 1 (02:04):
I love that.
Okay, so let's dive into somespecific prompts, shall we?
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Let's do it.
Speaker 1 (02:08):
So, from the exploring emotions, section, one
that caught my eye was createan abstract piece that
represents the emotion you'refeeling most strongly today.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (02:20):
So we cat this to the bigger picture.
How can something as simple asan abstract doodle actually help
us understand our emotionsbetter?
Speaker 2 (02:29):
Well, think about it.
Speaker 1 (02:29):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (02:30):
Emotions can be incredibly complex, right.
Speaker 1 (02:33):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (02:33):
Sometimes words just aren't enough to fully grasp
what we're feeling.
That's true.
But when you translate thoseemotions into like colors,
shapes, textures, yeah.
It's like you're giving yourfeelings a tangible form, you
know.
Speaker 1 (02:45):
Right.
Speaker 2 (02:46):
A way to see them outside of yourself.
Yeah, and that can beincredibly insightful.
Speaker 1 (02:49):
It's like giving those feelings a voice.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (02:51):
But through art instead of words.
Speaker 2 (02:53):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (02:53):
What about this one?
Draw or paint a scene thatmakes you feel calm and safe.
That seems prettystraightforward.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (03:02):
But I bet there's more to it than meets the eye
there definitely is.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
This prompt taps into the power of visualization,
which has been used forcenturies in like various
therapeutic practices.
Speaker 1 (03:14):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
Yeah.
So by creating a visualrepresentation of a safe and
calming space, you'reessentially training your mind
to access those feelings moreeasily in real life.
Speaker 1 (03:26):
Well, that makes sense.
Speaker 2 (03:27):
Yeah, it's like creating your own mental
sanctuary that you can visitwhenever you need a sense of
peace.
Speaker 1 (03:32):
So it's not just about creating a pretty picture.
Speaker 2 (03:34):
Right.
Speaker 1 (03:35):
It's about building a mental toolkit for dealing with
stress and anxiety.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
Exactly Okay.
Speaker 1 (03:40):
That's awesome.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
And that's where the real power of art therapy lies.
Speaker 1 (03:43):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (03:44):
It's about using creativity as a tool for
self-care and emotionalwell-being.
Speaker 1 (03:49):
Okay, I love that.
Speaker 2 (03:50):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (03:50):
This next one really intrigued me.
It says use a single color torepresent sadness.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (03:56):
Now, I'm not a professional artist, by any
means.
Speaker 2 (03:58):
Right.
Speaker 1 (03:58):
So wouldn't that just be like a blue square?
Speaker 2 (04:01):
It could be absolutely.
Right blue square.
It could be absolutely, butthat's the beauty of this.
There's no right or wronganswer.
Maybe for you sadness isn'tjust a flat static blue.
Speaker 1 (04:10):
Maybe it's a swirling textured blue with rough
brushstrokes, or maybe youincorporate found objects that
evoke a sense of sadness for you.
Maybe it's not even blue at all.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
Okay, yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:23):
It's about finding your own personal language for
expressing that emotion.
Speaker 2 (04:27):
That's a great point.
Speaker 1 (04:28):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:29):
It's not about creating a masterpiece.
It's about the process and whatit reveals to you.
Okay, this one caught myattention.
It says sketch a tree or aplant.
Think about how the growth ofthe tree represents your own
personal growth.
Speaker 1 (04:44):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (04:44):
Trees, growth, resilience Right.
It feels very symbolic.
Speaker 1 (04:48):
It is.
Speaker 2 (04:48):
So what are we hoping to tap into here?
Speaker 1 (04:50):
Well, that's a classic one.
Speaker 2 (04:51):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:51):
And for good reason.
Okay, trees are incrediblypowerful symbols of resilience
and growth.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:57):
Both in nature and in our own lives.
Speaker 2 (04:59):
Right.
Speaker 1 (04:59):
So think about it.
Speaker 2 (05:00):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
They weather storms.
Right they adapt to theirenvironment.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (05:04):
And they keep reaching for the light, even in
the toughest conditions.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
Yeah.
So, as you're sketching thattree, you might start to think
about the challenges you facedin your own life.
Speaker 1 (05:15):
That's a good point.
Speaker 2 (05:17):
How did you weather those storms?
What did you learn along theway?
Yeah, what are you still?
Speaker 1 (05:22):
reaching for.
It's like visually mapping outyour personal growth journey,
exactly Using the tree as ametaphor.
Speaker 2 (05:27):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (05:28):
Okay, this next prompt is one that I think we
can all relate to.
Speaker 2 (05:31):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
Create a visual representation of stress.
What's fascinating here is thatit asks us to really think
about what our stress feels like, right, not just what causes it
.
Yeah, that's a good like.
Speaker 2 (05:44):
Right, not just what causes it.
Yeah, that's a good point Right.
It's about bringing thatabstract feeling into the
physical world.
Speaker 1 (05:49):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (05:50):
Is your stress sharp and jagged like broken glass?
Is it heavy and dark like alooming storm cloud?
Oh, or maybe it's chaotic andmessy, like a jumble of tangled
lines and colors.
Speaker 1 (06:02):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:02):
Giving your stress a visual form can be incredibly
cathartic.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
It's like you're taking something that feels
overwhelming and giving itboundaries.
You know.
Speaker 1 (06:11):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:11):
A shape you can understand.
Speaker 1 (06:12):
And maybe even start to manage better once you can
see it more clearly.
Speaker 2 (06:16):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (06:17):
I'm curious about this next prompt Draw or paint
your ideal place of peace.
Is this about escapism?
Speaker 2 (06:26):
I think it's a bit of both, and that's what makes it
so interesting.
Right On the surface, it'sabout creating a visual
representation of a place whereyou feel completely at ease.
But what's really fascinatingis what that place reveals about
your needs and desires.
Maybe you crave quiet nature ora bustling city that energizes
you.
Maybe it's a cozy library or asun-drenched beach.
(06:50):
Your ideal place of peace canoffer a lot of insight into what
truly nourishes you.
You know what you might bemissing in your everyday life.
Speaker 1 (06:59):
It's like creating a visual representation of your
self-care needs Exactly, andmaybe even a blueprint for how
to bring more of that peace intoyour real life.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
Yeah, I love that.
Speaker 1 (07:09):
I love how these prompts really encourage us to
think outside the box.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
Right.
Speaker 1 (07:13):
It's not just about drawing pretty pictures.
It's about using art as a toolfor deeper self-understanding.
Absolutely Okay, let's look atthis one Use art to express
gratitude.
Speaker 2 (07:25):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (07:26):
What I love about this is how open-ended it is.
Speaker 2 (07:29):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:29):
There are so many directions you could take this.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
Right.
It's really about defining whatgratitude means to you, right?
Maybe it's specific people inyour life that you're grateful
for, or maybe it's something assimple as a sunny day or a good
cup of coffee.
Speaker 1 (07:43):
Right.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
And the act of translating that feeling into
art can make it even more potent, more real, somehow.
Yeah, it's like you're infusingyour creation with that sense
of appreciation.
Speaker 1 (07:56):
I love that.
Speaker 2 (07:57):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:57):
Before we move on to the next category Okay, let's
take a step back for a second.
Okay, for someone who might bea bit hesitant to try this.
Speaker 2 (08:04):
Yeah, what would you say to them?
You know a lot of people thinkthey need to be artistic to
benefit from art therapy.
Right, but that's simply nottrue.
Yeah, these prompts are foreveryone, regardless of your
artistic ability.
It's not about creatingmasterpieces, it's about the
process, the act of expressingyourself authentically.
Speaker 1 (08:24):
I love that.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
And if you can doodle , scribble or even just make a
mess with some paint, you can dothis.
Speaker 1 (08:31):
So it's really about letting go of those
perfectionist tendencies.
Exactly, and just allowingyourself to play to experiment
to see what emerges.
Speaker 2 (08:41):
Exactly, and who knows, you might be surprised by
what you discover aboutyourself along the way that's a
great point to emphasize.
Speaker 1 (08:47):
Yeah, it's not about being an artist, it's about
being open to the process rightand maybe even having a little
fun along the way.
Absolutely now, let's shiftgears a bit okay and explore,
reflecting on your journey okayanother set of 10 prompts that
use art to help us understandour past, present and future.
Speaker 2 (09:07):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (09:08):
The first one is a great way to set the scene.
Draw or paint a road or path.
Think of it as a symbol of yourpersonal journey.
Speaker 2 (09:16):
Oh, I like that.
Speaker 1 (09:17):
Is it a winding road?
Yeah, a straight path, amountain trail.
Right, that's a reallyevocative image, isn't it?
Speaker 2 (09:24):
It is.
It encourages you to thinkabout your life not just as like
a linear path right, but assomething with twists and turns
mountains and valleys I likethat where have you been?
What obstacles have youovercome?
Yeah, where are you headed next?
Speaker 1 (09:38):
it's a great way to visually map out your personal
narrative absolutely and maybeeven identify some patterns or
themes you kind of noticedbefore.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (09:47):
This next prompt is all about those pivotal moments.
Create an image that representsa turning point in your life.
Speaker 2 (09:54):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (09:55):
How might revisiting those turning points, even the
difficult ones, be beneficialfor us?
Speaker 2 (10:01):
That's a great question.
Yeah, turning points, even thechallenging ones right are often
where we experience the mostgrowth, where we learn the most
about ourselves.
Revisiting them through art canhelp us see how those
experiences, both positive andnegative, have shaped us, molded
us into who we are today.
Speaker 1 (10:22):
Right.
Speaker 2 (10:22):
It can also help us appreciate how far we've come,
you know how much we've overcome.
Speaker 1 (10:27):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (10:28):
It's a way of honoring our resilience and
giving ourselves credit for thejourney.
Speaker 1 (10:32):
It's like creating a visual timeline of your personal
evolution.
Speaker 2 (10:35):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (10:36):
With all its ups and downs.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
Exactly All right.
Speaker 1 (10:38):
This one is a little more abstract.
Speaker 2 (10:40):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (10:41):
Sketch a series of doors, each one representing a
different choice or opportunityyou've encountered.
Reflect on how these choicesshaped your journey.
I like that.
What stands out to you aboutthis prompt and how it uses
symbolism?
Speaker 2 (10:55):
I love the visual metaphor of doors.
Speaker 1 (10:58):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (10:58):
Doors represent possibilities, decisions, maybe
even close chapters in our lives.
Oh wow, by sketching them.
Yeah, you're acknowledging thechoices you've made, both big
and small.
Speaker 1 (11:08):
Right.
Speaker 2 (11:09):
And how they've led you to where you are today.
Speaker 1 (11:11):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (11:11):
It's an invitation to reflect on the power of choice,
how each decision we make, eachpath we choose Right Shapes our
unique journey.
Speaker 1 (11:22):
It's like you're the architect of your own destiny,
exactly, literally, drawing theblueprints of your life story.
Speaker 2 (11:26):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (11:27):
Okay, this one seems like a fun one to explore
visually.
Oh yeah, use a collage ofimages or words that represent
your past, present and future.
How do these three stages ofyour life connect to each other?
I love the idea of usingcollage for this.
Speaker 2 (11:46):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (11:46):
Incorporating different textures and materials
.
What do you think?
Speaker 2 (11:50):
Collage is perfect for this.
Speaker 1 (11:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (11:53):
It's all about bringing different elements
together, layering them,juxtaposing them Right To create
something new and meaningful.
I like that and when you thinkabout your life, it's really a
collage of experiences, memories, dreams and aspirations.
Maybe, you use old photosmagazine clippings fabric scraps
, ticket stubs nature findsanything that speaks to your
(12:16):
personal narrative.
Speaker 1 (12:18):
It's like you're creating a tangible
representation of your life'sjourney.
Speaker 2 (12:21):
Exactly, with all its layers and complexities.
Speaker 1 (12:23):
This next prompt takes us back to our roots.
Speaker 2 (12:26):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (12:27):
Create an artwork that reflects your childhood.
What memories come up as youcreate, and how have those
experiences shaped who you aretoday?
Ah, childhood.
Right.
Speaker 2 (12:38):
It's such a formative time, isn't it?
Speaker 1 (12:40):
It is.
Speaker 2 (12:41):
This prompt is an invitation to reconnect with
those early experiences, boththe joyful and the challenging
ones.
And as you create yeah youmight start to see how those
early patterns and beliefs arestill influencing you today.
Wow often in ways we don't evenrealize it's like unearthing
hidden treasures from your pastyeah things that make you you I
(13:03):
love that.
Speaker 1 (13:05):
All right, let's tackle this one.
Speaker 2 (13:06):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (13:08):
Draw or paint a bridge symbolizing a transition
or period of change in your life.
Reflect on what you had toleave behind and where you're
headed.
What do you think about thisone?
Speaker 2 (13:17):
Bridges are such powerful symbols.
They represent connection but,they also represent passage from
one place to another so asyou're drawing or painting that
bridge yeah think about what itrepresents for you.
Okay, what were you leavingbehind?
What challenges did you faceduring that transition right,
and what did you gain on theother side?
(13:37):
What were you moving towards?
Speaker 1 (13:39):
it's like a visual representation of letting go and
moving on exactly okay, thisone feels like a good one to
tackle head on.
Okay, let's do it Sketch orpaint a mountain, symbolizing a
challenge you've overcome.
Reflect on the struggle andwhat reaching the peak means to
you now.
Speaker 2 (13:55):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (13:56):
What are some of the ways someone might approach this
visually?
Speaker 2 (14:00):
Well, mountains are classic metaphors for resilience
and determination.
Right, they represent obstaclesthat we have to climb step by
step.
So as you're working on thisone, you might think about the
specific challenges you faced.
Speaker 1 (14:13):
Right.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
How did you overcome them?
Yeah, what did you learn alongthe way, and how does that
experience inform your approachto challenges today?
Speaker 1 (14:22):
That's a good point.
Speaker 2 (14:22):
Maybe you use bold lines to represent strength or
jagged edges to show thedifficulty of the climb.
Yeah, maybe the peak is bathedin light, representing the sense
of accomplishment and the viewfrom the top.
Speaker 1 (14:34):
Oh, I like that.
Yeah, I'm already feeling moreempowered just thinking about it
.
Speaker 2 (14:38):
Me too.
Speaker 1 (14:39):
This next prompt is a really interesting one.
Speaker 2 (14:41):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (14:42):
Use colors to represent how you've changed
over time.
Write about the differentphases of your life and how each
one contributed to your growth.
It's almost like creating yourown personal color palette.
Speaker 2 (14:54):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (14:54):
For different chapters of your life isn't it
Exactly?
Speaker 2 (15:02):
And colors can evoke such strong emotions and
associations.
Right?
Maybe your rebellious teenageyears were a fiery red, while
your early 20s were a vibrant,adventurous orange.
Speaker 1 (15:08):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (15:09):
And maybe your current phase is a calm and
serene blue, reflecting a senseof peace and contentment.
Speaker 1 (15:15):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (15:15):
It's a beautiful way to visually map out your
personal evolution.
Speaker 1 (15:19):
And this one really speaks to our inner strength.
Speaker 2 (15:21):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (15:22):
Create a piece of art that represents resilience.
How do the lines, textures orcolors show your strength in the
face of adversity?
What are some of the lessobvious ways you might visually
represent resilience?
Speaker 2 (15:34):
That's a great question.
Speaker 1 (15:36):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (15:36):
I think resilience can be expressed in many ways,
even subtle ones.
Okay, maybe it's through bold,strong lines, or maybe it's
through delicate delicate butintricate details that show how
you've weathered the stormwithout breaking.
Speaker 1 (15:49):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
Or maybe you use a combination of light and dark
colors to show how you'venavigated both difficult and
joyful times.
Speaker 1 (15:57):
Right.
Speaker 2 (15:58):
Finding balance amidst the chaos.
Speaker 1 (16:00):
I love how there's so much room for interpretation
with these crops.
Speaker 2 (16:04):
You too.
Speaker 1 (16:04):
So many ways to make them your own.
Speaker 2 (16:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (16:07):
And finally, to close out the reflecting on your
journey section, we have thisbeautiful image Draw or paint a
lighthouse symbolizing guidanceand hope in difficult times.
What does this symbol mean foryour personal journey?
Speaker 2 (16:23):
Oh wow, Lighthouses Hope resilience.
Speaker 1 (16:24):
Why?
What a wow Lighthouses Hope,resilience.
What a perfect way to end thissection.
Speaker 2 (16:28):
Isn't it?
Lighthouses are such powerfulsymbols of hope and direction.
They stand tall against thestorm, guiding ships safely to
shore Right.
So, as you're creating yourlighthouse, you might start to
think about the sources ofguidance and support in your own
life.
Speaker 1 (16:44):
Oh, that's a good point.
Speaker 2 (16:45):
What has helped you through difficult times.
Speaker 1 (16:48):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (16:48):
What are you grateful for?
Speaker 1 (16:49):
Right.
Speaker 2 (16:50):
What keeps you anchored when the seas are rough
?
Speaker 1 (16:53):
It's like having your own personal beacon of hope.
Speaker 2 (16:55):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (16:57):
So far, we've explored exploring emotions and
reflecting on your journey, bothof which have been incredibly
insightful.
Yeah, but we're just gettingstarted.
Oh, we still have three morecategories to explore, wow, each
with its own unique set ofprompts and potential for
self-discovery.
Speaker 2 (17:13):
I can't wait to delve deeper into these prompts and
see what other insights weuncover.
It's truly fascinating how artcan be such a powerful tool for
understanding ourselves and theworld around us, I know right.
Yeah, it's amazing.
Hashtag TTS the deep dive,episode 2024, 1113, part two of
three.
It's like peeling back thelayers, you know?
One prompt at a time.
Speaker 1 (17:34):
I love that analogy.
And speaking of peeling backlayers, our next category is
healing through creativity.
Speaker 2 (17:41):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (17:42):
Now, before we dive in, I just want to acknowledge
that some of these prompts mighttouch on sensitive topics.
Right, and that's okay.
Speaker 2 (17:47):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (17:48):
It's all part of the process.
Speaker 2 (17:49):
That's a really important point.
It's okay to feel thoseemotions, you know, as they come
up.
In fact, it's a sign thatyou're engaging with the process
authentically.
Speaker 1 (17:58):
Exactly yeah.
And remember if you ever needsupport, don't hesitate to reach
out to a therapist or counselor.
Speaker 2 (18:04):
Yeah, good point.
Speaker 1 (18:05):
Art therapy can be a wonderful complement to
traditional therapy.
Speaker 2 (18:08):
For sure.
Speaker 1 (18:09):
Okay.
So healing through creativityOkay.
This section focuses on usingart as a tool for healing,
processing difficult emotionsand finding a sense of peace.
Speaker 2 (18:22):
Right.
Speaker 1 (18:23):
This first prompt feels like a good place to start
.
Speaker 2 (18:25):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (18:26):
It says create a visual representation of healing
.
Use colors and shapes thatsymbolize what healing means to
you and reflect on how theprocess feels.
I imagine this could look verydifferent for everyone.
Speaker 2 (18:38):
Absolutely Healing is such a personal journey.
For some it might berepresented by soft, calming
colors and flowing lines, Whilefor others it might be a more
abstract explosion of color andtexture, Maybe even some jagged
edges representing the rawnessof the process.
There's no right or wronganswer.
It's about finding whatresonates with you, what feels
(19:00):
true to your own experience.
Speaker 1 (19:02):
I love that.
Speaker 2 (19:03):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (19:03):
This next prompt is really intriguing.
It says draw or paint a brokenobject that you then visually
mend or repair.
How does this exercise reflectthe process of healing and
recovery in your life?
Speaker 2 (19:16):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 1 (19:17):
It's like you're taking something that's been
damaged Right and making itwhole again.
Yeah, but through art.
Speaker 2 (19:22):
It's a powerful metaphor, isn't it?
Speaker 1 (19:24):
It is.
Speaker 2 (19:24):
And that process of mending and repairing can be
incredibly therapeutic.
Speaker 1 (19:28):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (19:29):
It's a way of acknowledging the hurt,
brokenness.
Speaker 1 (19:32):
Right.
Speaker 2 (19:33):
But also recognizing your own power to heal, yeah, to
piece yourself back together.
You might use gold leaf tosymbolize the preciousness of
the scars, or delicate stitchingto show the care and attention
you're giving to your ownhealing.
Speaker 1 (19:47):
It's a reminder that even broken things can be
beautiful.
Speaker 2 (19:50):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (19:51):
That our scars can be a source of strength and
resilience.
Exactly Okay.
This one is all about hope.
Speaker 2 (19:56):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (19:57):
Use colors to represent hope.
What do these colors symbolizefor you and how do they help you
feel more positive about yourhealing journey when you think
about hope, what kind of imagecomes to mind?
Speaker 2 (20:11):
For me, hope is often represented by those vibrant,
almost luminescent colors yousee in a sunrise the pinks,
oranges and yellows that signala new day, you know, a fresh
start.
They symbolize new beginnings,growth and the promise of a
brighter future.
But again, it's all aboutpersonal interpretation.
What colors evoke a sense ofhope for you?
(20:31):
Maybe it's a deep, calming bluethat represents stability and
peace, or a vibrant green thatsymbolizes growth and renewal.
Speaker 1 (20:40):
Okay, that makes sense.
This next prompt gets prettydeep.
It says create an artwork thatrepresents your heart.
How does it look in this momentof your healing?
Reflect on what this heart saysabout where you are emotionally
.
Speaker 2 (20:55):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 1 (20:56):
It's like you're giving your heart a physical
form.
Speaker 2 (20:58):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (20:59):
A way to see what's going on inside.
Speaker 2 (21:00):
It can be a very revealing exercise.
Is your heart whole and vibrant, radiating outwards?
Is it cracked and fragile,needing gentle care and
attention?
Speaker 1 (21:11):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 2 (21:11):
Is it surrounded by darkness or light?
Speaker 1 (21:14):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (21:14):
The way you depict your heart can offer a lot of
insight into your currentemotional state the things you
might need to address or nurture.
Speaker 1 (21:22):
It's like taking your emotional temperature through
art.
Speaker 2 (21:24):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (21:25):
Getting a visual snapshot of your inner world.
I love that this next one is abit more challenging, I think.
Speaker 2 (21:30):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (21:31):
It says draw or paint a scar, either physical or
emotional.
Reflect on how this scar hasshaped you and how you are
healing from it.
Scars are reminders of whatwe've been through, aren't they?
Speaker 2 (21:43):
They are.
Speaker 1 (21:43):
Both physically and emotionally.
Yeah, they tell a story.
Speaker 2 (21:46):
Uh-huh, they hold memories.
Speaker 1 (21:48):
Right, by drawing or painting them.
Speaker 2 (21:50):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (21:51):
We're acknowledging those experiences and how
they've shaped us.
Speaker 2 (21:54):
Right.
Speaker 1 (21:54):
It's a way of honoring our resilience.
Speaker 2 (21:56):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (21:56):
And the healing that's taken place, or maybe, or
maybe, the healing that's stillin progress.
Speaker 2 (22:00):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (22:01):
It's about embracing those parts of ourselves, even
the imperfections, seeing themas part of our unique story.
Speaker 2 (22:07):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (22:12):
Okay, let's see what this one is all about.
No-transcript.
Speaker 2 (22:23):
And how does the process help you release?
Speaker 1 (22:24):
them.
What's interesting here is thatit's not about depicting a
specific object.
Speaker 2 (22:29):
Right.
Speaker 1 (22:29):
But rather an abstract feeling, an internal
process.
Speaker 2 (22:32):
Right, and that's what makes it so powerful.
Speaker 1 (22:34):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (22:38):
Letting go can be such a challenging process,
Whether it's letting go of oldpatterns, beliefs or even people
that no longer serve us Rightby using abstract shapes and
colors, Whether it's letting goof old patterns, beliefs or even
people that no longer serve usRight.
By using abstract shapes andcolors, you're able to express
that feeling of release in a waythat words might not be able to
capture.
Speaker 1 (22:51):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 2 (22:51):
Maybe you use a swirling vortex of color to
represent the emotions you'reletting go of.
Speaker 1 (22:56):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (22:57):
Or maybe it's a series of lines that gradually
fade away, symbolizing theprocess of releasing those
attachments.
Speaker 1 (23:04):
It's like giving those emotions a physical outlet
, yeah, allowing them to flowthrough you and onto the page.
Speaker 2 (23:09):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (23:10):
This one seems like a great way to check in with
yourself.
Create a visual representationof balance.
How do the elements of yourartwork represent the areas of
your life where you seek moreharmony?
I love the idea of using art tocreate a sense of equilibrium.
Yeah, Not just visually, butmaybe emotionally as well.
Speaker 2 (23:30):
Me too.
Balance is so essential forwell-being.
Speaker 1 (23:34):
Right.
Speaker 2 (23:34):
And it's something we're all constantly striving
for, yeah.
This prompt encourages you tothink about the different areas
of your life work, relationships, health, spirituality.
Are they in harmony, yeah, orare some areas out of whack?
Maybe you represent those areaswith different shapes or colors
and the way you arrange them onthe page reflects how balanced
(23:56):
those areas feel to you rightnow.
Speaker 1 (23:58):
It's like a visual checklist for your overall
well-being Exactly A way to seewhere you might need to make
some adjustments.
Speaker 2 (24:03):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (24:04):
This next one is a beautiful image.
Draw or paint a sunrisesymbolizing a new beginning.
Write about what this freshstart means to you and how it
relates to your healing.
Sunrises are so hopeful andfull of promise, aren't they?
Speaker 2 (24:21):
They are and they represent a fresh start.
Speaker 1 (24:23):
Right.
Speaker 2 (24:23):
A new day full of possibilities.
Speaker 1 (24:25):
I love that.
Speaker 2 (24:25):
So, as you're drawing or painting your sunrise, you
might start to think about theareas of your life where you're
seeking renewal or growth.
Speaker 1 (24:33):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (24:33):
What are you leaving behind?
Yeah, what are you welcominginto your life?
Maybe you use soft pastelcolors to represent gentleness
and hope Right, or bold streaksof color to symbolize the energy
and excitement of a fresh start.
Speaker 1 (24:48):
It's a powerful way to visualize and embrace change.
Speaker 2 (24:51):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (24:52):
And this prompt is a really important one, I think,
especially in our busy, oftenoverwhelming world.
Speaker 2 (24:57):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (24:58):
Use art to express self-compassion.
What symbols or imagesrepresent kindness toward
yourself and how can youincorporate more self-compassion
into your life?
Speaker 2 (25:08):
That's a good one.
Speaker 1 (25:09):
Self-compassion is so crucial for our well-being.
Speaker 2 (25:12):
It is.
Speaker 1 (25:13):
Yet it's something many of us struggle with.
Speaker 2 (25:15):
Yeah, that's true.
Speaker 1 (25:16):
This prompt encourages us to really think
about what it means to be kindto ourselves, to treat ourselves
with the same care andunderstanding we would offer a
dear friend.
Maybe you representself-compassion with soft curves
and gentle colors, or images ofnurturing like a warm embrace
or a soothing hand.
Speaker 2 (25:34):
I like that.
Speaker 1 (25:35):
But symbols speak to you.
Speaker 2 (25:36):
It's like giving yourself a visual hug, reminding
yourself that you deservekindness and care.
Speaker 1 (25:42):
And finally, to close out this section on healing, we
have this powerful promptCreate an artwork that
represents freedom.
Reflect on what freedom lookslike for you and how you can
work toward achieving it.
What does freedom mean to you,both personally and in the
context of this prompt?
Speaker 2 (25:59):
Freedom is such a multifaceted concept, isn't it?
It is it can mean differentthings to different people right
maybe it's freedom fromlimiting beliefs, freedom from
toxic relationships, or simplythe freedom to be your authentic
self, yeah, to express yourselfwithout fear of judgment okay
by creating an artwork thatrepresents freedom yeah you're
(26:21):
able to visualize what thatlooks and feels like and perhaps
even identify some steps youcan take to achieve it.
Speaker 1 (26:28):
It's like giving yourself a roadmap to liberation
.
Speaker 2 (26:30):
Yeah, exactly.
Speaker 1 (26:31):
A visual reminder of what you're striving for.
Speaker 2 (26:34):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (26:34):
We've covered a lot of ground in this section.
It's exploring some pretty deepand complex emotions.
Speaker 2 (26:38):
Yeah, we have.
Speaker 1 (26:39):
It's amazing how art can provide such a powerful
outlet for processing theseexperiences it really is.
Speaker 2 (26:46):
Hashtag TTS the deep dive, episode 2024, 11, 13, part
3 of 3.
And you know, what's sobeautiful about art therapy is
that it meets you where you areright, whether you're dealing
with those heavy emotions.
Yeah, we're completely lookingto explore your creative side,
you know right right there's aprompt here for everyone and
speaking of finding thosemoments of joy and lightness
(27:07):
yeah our next category is allabout that.
Oh reconnecting with your innerchild okay so these prompts,
they encourage us to tap intothat playful, curious and
uninhibited part of ourselvesthat often gets lost amidst the
responsibilities of adulthood.
This first prompt feels like awarm invitation to rediscover
(27:30):
that childlike sense of wonder.
Draw or paint something thatyou love to do as a child.
Reflect on how this activitybrought you joy and how you can
reconnect with that sense ofplayfulness.
What comes to mind for you whenyou hear that prompt?
Speaker 1 (27:45):
Oh, so many things Building elaborate forts out of
blankets and pillows, spendinghours drawing fantastical
creatures, you know.
Speaker 2 (27:54):
Right, getting lost in imaginary worlds.
Oh yeah, childhood was a timeof pure imagination and wonder.
Speaker 1 (27:59):
And it's so easy to lose touch with that.
Speaker 2 (28:01):
It is.
Speaker 1 (28:02):
As we get older.
Speaker 2 (28:10):
But this prompt is a reminder that it's still there.
Yeah, that spark of creativityand joy just waiting to be
rekindled.
Speaker 1 (28:13):
I love that.
What about this one?
Create a piece of art thatrepresents a childhood memory.
What emotions come up as youreflect on this memory, and how
does it shape who you are today?
I imagine some of these couldbe real tearjerkers.
Oh, yeah, but also full ofwarmth and nostalgia.
Speaker 2 (28:32):
Absolutely Our childhood memories, even the
seemingly insignificant ones,you know right.
They shape so much of who weare.
They hold our fears, our joys,our triumphs and our heartbreaks
.
By revisiting those memories,through art, we can gain a
deeper understanding ofourselves and how we've evolved
over time.
Speaker 1 (28:52):
It's like piecing together a puzzle of our past,
exactly Seeing how those earlyexperiences have shaped our
values, our beliefs, even ourfears and insecurities.
Speaker 2 (29:01):
Yeah, that's a good point.
Speaker 1 (29:02):
This next prompt feels like a permission slip to
let go of all those grown-upinhibitions.
Use crayons or markers tocreate a fun, childlike drawing.
Let go of perfection and focuson the joy of creating like a
child who doesn't love crayonsand markers.
There's something so liberatingabout those simple tools.
Speaker 2 (29:22):
I know right, they take us right back to childhood,
to that time when creating artwas pure joy, you know, Free
from self-judgment or thepressure to be good at it.
This prompt is a reminder thatart doesn't have to be perfect.
It's about the process ofexpression, not the end result.
It's about allowing yourself tobe messy, playful and fully
(29:45):
present in the moment.
Speaker 1 (29:46):
It's about rediscovering the joy of
creating for the sake ofcreating, without any
expectations or pressure.
This one's interesting Draw orpaint an image of your younger
self.
What advice or encouragementwould you offer that younger
version of you If you could goback in time and talk to your
younger self?
Yeah what would you say?
What wisdom would you share?
Speaker 2 (30:07):
that's such a beautiful question.
I think I would tell my youngerself to be kinder to herself,
to embrace her quirks yeah andto never give up on her dreams,
even when things get tough wowit's so easy to be hard on
ourselves it is especially whenwe're young and navigating all
the complexities of life.
Speaker 1 (30:25):
Right.
Speaker 2 (30:25):
But it's important to remember that we're all works
in progress, you know.
Speaker 1 (30:29):
Right.
Speaker 2 (30:29):
Perfectly imperfect in our own unique ways.
Speaker 1 (30:32):
It's a reminder that we all have that inner critic.
Speaker 2 (30:35):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (30:35):
And we also have that inner cheerleader, uh-huh, that
voice of love and support thatwe need to nurture Exactly that
voice of love and support thatwe need to nurture.
Exactly Okay.
This one is sure to spark somefun conversations.
Speaker 2 (30:45):
Uh-huh.
Speaker 1 (30:45):
Create an artwork inspired by a favorite childhood
story Uh-huh.
What does the story mean to younow, and how does it influence
your sense of creativity?
Speaker 2 (30:55):
Hmm.
Speaker 1 (30:56):
What were some of your favorite childhood stories?
Speaker 2 (30:58):
Oh, I loved fairy tales, especially the ones with
strong female characters, okay,who defied the odds and found
their own, happily ever afters.
Speaker 1 (31:07):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 2 (31:07):
Stories like Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.
They taught me that anything ispossible if you believe in
yourself and never give up hope,even when things seem
impossible.
Speaker 1 (31:18):
Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 2 (31:18):
And looking back, I think those stories also
instilled in me a love forstorytelling, for using my
imagination to create worlds andcharacters that transport
people to other realms.
Speaker 1 (31:31):
It's amazing how those early stories stay with us
.
They do, shaping our worldviewand inspiring our own creative
journeys.
This prompt is a bit moresentimental, maybe even a bit
melancholy.
Okay, exactly.
This prompt is a bit moresentimental, maybe even a bit
melancholy.
Okay, draw or paint a toy orobject that meant a lot to you
as a child.
Reflect on why it was importantand what it represents in your
(31:51):
life today.
I think objects often hold somuch more than we realize.
Speaker 2 (31:57):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (31:57):
Especially those from childhood.
They're like little timecapsules of memories and
emotions.
Speaker 2 (32:02):
They really are.
They can transport us back to aspecific time and place, evoke
a whole range of feelings andremind us of who we were and how
far we've come.
Speaker 1 (32:11):
By drawing or painting those objects.
Speaker 2 (32:14):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (32:14):
We're honoring the memories they represent and
acknowledging the impact they'vehad on our lives.
Speaker 2 (32:20):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (32:21):
It's a way of connecting with that younger
version of ourselves.
Speaker 2 (32:24):
Right.
Speaker 1 (32:24):
Acknowledging the things that brought us joy and
comfort, and maybe evenrecognizing how those needs have
evolved over time.
Speaker 2 (32:31):
Yeah, I love that.
Speaker 1 (32:33):
Okay, I'm feeling a surge of energy just reading
this one.
Use bright colors to create ajoyful, playful scene.
Let your imagination run wildand write about how this process
helps you reconnect with yourinner child.
Bright colors, playful scenesit's like an instant mood
booster.
Speaker 2 (32:52):
I know right.
Speaker 1 (32:53):
Right.
Speaker 2 (32:53):
There's something so uplifting and energizing about
bright colors.
Yeah, this prompt is all aboutletting go of inhibitions,
tapping into that childlikesense of wonder and playfulness
right and allowing yourcreativity to flow freely yeah
it's a reminder that joy isalways within reach if we're
willing to embrace it this nextprompt feels like a secret
(33:14):
escape hatch to childhood.
Speaker 1 (33:16):
Draw or paint a tree, house or fort you imagined as a
child.
What did this space representfor you, and how does it relate
to the way you seek comfort now?
What kind of treehouse wouldyou have built?
Speaker 2 (33:29):
It would have been epic.
Speaker 1 (33:30):
Really.
Speaker 2 (33:31):
Multi-level secret passages oh, wow.
A rope swing Okay.
A lookout tower with views ropeswing Okay.
A lookout tower with views formiles, wow.
And of course, a super secretpassword to get in.
Speaker 1 (33:43):
Three.
Speaker 2 (33:43):
Houses, and Forts, real or imagined.
Speaker 1 (33:45):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (33:46):
They're all about creating a safe and magical
space.
You know Right when we can beourselves without judgment a
place to escape the pressures ofthe world and just be.
Speaker 1 (33:56):
It's like creating our own little world where
anything is possible.
Exactly A sanctuary where wecan recharge and reconnect with
our inner child.
Speaker 2 (34:02):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (34:04):
And finally, to close out this section on
reconnecting with our innerchild, we have this beautiful
prompt Create an artwork thatrepresents curiosity.
Reflect on how your childhoodcuriosity shaped your view of
the world and how you cannurture that curiosity today.
Curiosity, that spark of wonderand exploration.
(34:24):
What does that word evoke foryou?
Speaker 2 (34:28):
To me, curiosity is the fuel for growth and
discovery.
It's about asking questions,exploring new ideas and never
losing that sense of wonderabout the world around us.
I love that.
It's about staying open to newpossibilities and never stopping
learning, even when we think wehave all the answers.
Speaker 1 (34:48):
It's about remembering that life is a
journey, not a destination.
Speaker 2 (34:52):
Right.
Speaker 1 (34:52):
And that there's always something new to learn,
something new to discover if wejust stay curious.
Speaker 2 (34:57):
I agree.
Speaker 1 (34:58):
So far, this deep dive has been an incredible
journey of self-discovery.
Speaker 2 (35:01):
It has.
Speaker 1 (35:02):
We've explored our emotions, reflected on our
journeys, tapped into ourhealing power, reconnected with
our inner child.
Speaker 2 (35:08):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (35:09):
And now for our final category.
Speaker 2 (35:11):
Oh.
Speaker 1 (35:12):
We're diving into something that feels incredibly
grounding.
Speaker 2 (35:16):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (35:16):
Expressing gratitude through art.
Speaker 2 (35:20):
It's like we've come full circle.
Speaker 1 (35:21):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (35:22):
From exploring the depths of our emotions to
celebrating the abundance in ourlives and gratitude expressed
through art can be such apowerful force for
transformation.
Speaker 1 (35:32):
Absolutely these prompts.
They encourage us to appreciatethe good things in our lives,
both big and small, and toexpress that gratitude through
creative expression.
This first prompt feels like agentle nudge to focus on the
positive.
Draw or paint something you'regrateful for in your life right
(35:56):
now.
Reflect on why it's importantto you and how expressing
gratitude through art enhancesyour sense of appreciation.
What are you grateful for today?
Speaker 2 (36:06):
Oh, there's so much to be grateful for, even on the
most challenging days.
Speaker 1 (36:10):
Right.
Speaker 2 (36:10):
Today I'm feeling incredibly grateful for the
warmth of the sun on my skin,for the sound of laughter
echoing through my home, for theopportunity to connect with
others and share my passion forart and healing.
I love that, and you knowexpressing gratitude through art
it feels different somehow.
It's like you're infusing yourcreation with that positive
energy amplifying the feeling ofappreciation.
Speaker 1 (36:33):
It's like taking a moment to savor the good to let
it sink in and fill you up.
Speaker 2 (36:37):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (36:39):
This next prompt is visually stunning Create a
gratitude.
Mandalas use shapes, patternsand colors that represent the
things you are most thankful for.
Mandalas are so intricate andbeautiful.
They are and they feel soperfect for expressing gratitude
.
Speaker 2 (36:58):
They really do.
Mandalas are often used inmeditation and spiritual
practices to represent wholenessand interconnectedness Right by
creating a gratitude mandala.
Speaker 1 (37:07):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (37:07):
You're essentially weaving together all the things
you're thankful for.
Speaker 1 (37:10):
Right.
Speaker 2 (37:11):
Into a beautiful and symbolic representation of your
blessings.
Speaker 1 (37:14):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (37:15):
And the process itself can be incredibly
meditative and calming.
Speaker 1 (37:18):
It's like creating a visual tapestry of gratitude,
reminder of all the good thatsurrounds you.
Speaker 2 (37:23):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (37:24):
Okay, get those tissues ready, because this next
prompt might bring up some bigfeelings.
Draw or paint a picture of aperson who has made a positive
impact on your life.
Reflect on why you are gratefulfor them and how they have
supported you.
Who are the people in your lifethat you would want to honor in
this way?
Speaker 2 (37:43):
Oh, I'm incredibly grateful for my family, my
friends, my mentors and all thepeople who have inspired me
along the way.
They've taught me valuablelessons, offered unwavering
support, challenged me to growand helped me become the person
I am today.
And thinking about representingthat gratitude visually, I can
(38:05):
already feel the emotionswelling up.
Speaker 1 (38:07):
It's a beautiful reminder that we're not on this
journey alone.
Speaker 2 (38:10):
We're not.
Speaker 1 (38:11):
We have a whole network of people who love and
support us.
Speaker 2 (38:13):
Right.
Speaker 1 (38:14):
People who make our lives richer and more meaningful
, absolutely who love andsupport us Right.
People who make our livesricher and more meaningful?
Absolutely.
This next prompt encourages usto appreciate the beauty and
serenity that exists all aroundus.
Use art to represent yourfavorite place.
Reflect on why this placebrings you peace and gratitude
and how it supports youremotional well-being.
Where would you take us on thisartistic journey?
Speaker 2 (38:36):
You know I'm drawn to the simplicity and tranquility
of nature.
For me it's a quiet walk in thewoods, surrounded by towering
trees, dappled sunlightfiltering through the leaves,
soft crunch of leaves beneath myfeet.
I love that.
Nature has a way of calming mymind, you know, grounding me in
the present moment and remindingme of the beauty and wonder
(38:58):
that exists all around us if wejust take the time to notice.
Speaker 1 (39:03):
It's like hitting the reset button on our soul,
exactly Finding that sense ofpeace and connection that can be
so elusive in our busy, oftenchaotic lives.
Speaker 2 (39:13):
Yeah, I agree.
Speaker 1 (39:14):
This prompt feels like a fun way to get creative
with gratitude.
Yeah, I agree.
Speaker 2 (39:18):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (39:29):
Hmm.
Speaker 2 (39:34):
Yeah, me too.
Collage is a great way to getthose creative juices flowing.
Speaker 1 (39:39):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (39:39):
And to explore different ways of expressing
gratitude, you might use imagesfrom magazines photos.
Nature finds fabric scraps,handwritten notes, anything that
speaks to your heart andrepresents the things you're
most thankful for.
Speaker 1 (39:52):
It's like creating a gratitude mood board.
Speaker 2 (39:54):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (39:55):
A visual reminder of all the good in your life.
I love that this next prompt issimple, elegant.
Speaker 2 (40:01):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (40:02):
And full of symbolism .
Speaker 2 (40:03):
Right.
Speaker 1 (40:04):
Draw or paint a flower to symbolize growth and
gratitude.
Reflect on how both growth andappreciation are important in
your life.
What kind of flower comes tomind for you when you hear that
prompt?
Speaker 2 (40:17):
I think I would choose a lotus flower.
Okay, important in your life,what kind of flower comes to
mind for?
You when you hear that prompt Ithink I would choose a lotus
flower.
They grow in muddy water, butthey emerge from that darkness
with such beauty and grace,reaching for the light.
To me, they represent the powerof resilience, the ability to
grow and thrive even in the faceof adversity.
Speaker 1 (40:33):
That's a beautiful analogy and such a powerful
reminder that even in thedarkest of times, we have the
ability to rise above, to findbeauty and meaning and to
continue growing towards thelight.
Speaker 2 (40:46):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (40:47):
Okay, this prompt invites us to explore gratitude
on a more visceral level.
Speaker 2 (40:53):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (40:54):
Use colors and shapes to express how gratitude feels
in your body.
Reflect on how focusing onthankfulness affects your
emotional state.
How does gratitude feel to you?
Speaker 2 (41:06):
For me, gratitude feels like a warmth that spreads
throughout my chest.
Speaker 1 (41:10):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (41:11):
A lightness in my heart, a softening around my
shoulders.
It's a feeling of peace,contentment and joy.
Speaker 1 (41:17):
And when you focus on those feelings, it's like a
ripple effect that touches everyaspect of your life.
Speaker 2 (41:22):
It is it's like a positive energy that radiates
outward, transforming not justour inner world but also the way
we interact with the worldaround us.
Speaker 1 (41:30):
This next prompt is a wonderful invitation to savor
those everyday moments of joyand appreciation.
Create an artwork thatrepresents a recent experience
you are thankful for.
What made it special and howdid it contribute to your sense
of joy?
What's a recent experience thatyou would want to capture in
this way?
Speaker 2 (41:50):
You know, it doesn't have to be anything grand or
extraordinary.
For me, it was a simple momentshared with a loved one, a quiet
evening spent sipping tea,sharing stories and simply
enjoying each other's company.
I love that.
It was a reminder thatsometimes the most ordinary
moments are the most precious.
Speaker 1 (42:09):
It's about finding those pockets of joy in the
everyday.
Speaker 2 (42:12):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (42:13):
Those moments that nourish our souls and remind us
of what truly matters.
Speaker 2 (42:17):
I agree.
Speaker 1 (42:17):
This next prompt feels like a perfect transition
to our final prompt.
Speaker 2 (42:21):
Oh yeah.
Speaker 1 (42:22):
Draw or paint a sunrise, symbolizing a new
beginning you are grateful for.
Reflect on the possibilitiesthat come with each new day.
Sunrises are so full of hopeand possibility.
Speaker 2 (42:33):
They are.
Speaker 1 (42:34):
A reminder that each day is a fresh start.
Speaker 2 (42:36):
Every sunrise is a chance to begin again.
Yeah, to set new intentions andto embrace the unknown with a
sense of optimism and wonder.
And you know, when you thinkabout it, gratitude is all about
embracing the present moment,appreciating what we have and
trusting that, even when thingsare difficult, there's always
(42:56):
something to be thankful for.
Speaker 1 (42:59):
And with that beautiful sentiment we arrive at
our final prompt.
Okay, create an artwork thatrepresents abundance.
Reflect on the ways you feelabundant in your life, whether
through love, friendship orpersonal growth.
What does abundance mean to you, both personally and in the
context of this prompt?
Speaker 2 (43:18):
To me, abundance is about recognizing the wealth we
already have in our lives.
Speaker 1 (43:22):
Correct.
Speaker 2 (43:23):
The things that truly matter, you know.
Yeah, love, connection, bliss,joy.
Speaker 1 (43:27):
It's about shifting our focus from what we lack
Right To what we have Exactly,and appreciating the richness of
our experiences, relationshipsand personal growth.
Speaker 2 (43:36):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (43:37):
It's about recognizing that true abundance
comes not from what we possess,but from how we perceive the
world and our place in it.
Speaker 2 (43:44):
Yeah, beautifully said.
Speaker 1 (43:47):
Well, there you have it 50 art therapy journal
prompts to unlock yourcreativity, explore your
emotions and deepen yourself-awareness.
Speaker 2 (43:55):
What I love about these prompts is that they're
accessible to everyone.
Speaker 1 (43:59):
Right.
Speaker 2 (43:59):
Regardless of artistic ability.
Speaker 1 (44:01):
It's not about creating masterpieces.
Speaker 2 (44:03):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (44:03):
It's about using art as a tool for self-discovery,
healing and growth.
Speaker 2 (44:07):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (44:08):
It's about giving yourself permission to play yeah
, to experiment Uh-huh, toexpress yourself authentically
Right, and to see what emerges.
Speaker 2 (44:16):
And you never know, you might just surprise yourself
with what you create Right andwhat you discover about yourself
along the way.
Speaker 1 (44:21):
Now, before we wrap up.
Speaker 2 (44:23):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (44:24):
We want to leave you with one final thought-provoking
prompt to ponder.
Speaker 2 (44:28):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (44:29):
Imagine you could send a message to your future
self through art.
Hmm, what would you create andwhat message would it convey?
Speaker 2 (44:37):
That's a good one.
Speaker 1 (44:38):
Let that question simmer as you explore these
prompts at your own pace.
Remember there's no right orwrong way to approach art
therapy.
Speaker 2 (44:45):
Right.
Speaker 1 (44:46):
It's a personal journey and the most important
thing is to be kind to yourself.
Yeah, and have fun along theway.
Speaker 2 (44:52):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (44:53):
Thanks for joining us on this deep dive into the
world of art therapy.
Speaker 2 (44:57):
It was fun.
Speaker 1 (44:58):
Until next time, keep exploring, keep creating and
keep discovering the amazingpower of art to transform your
life.
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