The Art of Transitions: A Creative New Year’s Ritual for Personal Growth
- Author Terri Gregory
- Published March 5, 2012
- Word count 545
I say forget New Year’s resolutions. They are one-time statements of intent that our conscious minds invent. The problem is that the conscious mind is not communicating with the subconscious mind – and we all know that if the subconscious mind is not on board with the new program, the whole dang effort is doomed before the ball drops in Times Square!
So as the New Year presents itself, I offer you a little art-making ritual that will help you consciously focus your intentions while gently nudging the subconscious mind along, bringing it into submission for the good of the whole – mind, body, and spirit. As we each set out on our own personal journeys into the New Year, we can use our imaginations to create new and improved versions of our old selves. How, you say? Through art and ritual. Let me explain why these two processes are so well suited to assisting us with change.
Rituals mark transitions and help us evolve when change is needed. (Think weddings and funerals). Self-invented, personal rituals provide the same psychological space. The process of art making can be imbued with meaning and become a right of passage that opens the door for change. As we create art for ourselves, we tap into an inner knowing and produce a visual statement that often surprises and inspires.
If you are serious about change this New Year, mark the psychological shift with a personal ritual. Here, I present an art experience for personal growth. I invite you to create a mini-collage that includes one "focus word" that symbolizes your goal for the New Year. Going forward, the art object provides a tangible, visual reminder of your intention. By placing the art object in a prominent place (your wallet, a nightstand, etc), it keeps the New Year commitment in mind. This is often subconscious, yet wonderfully effective.
A New Year’s Art-making Ritual
Materials: Card stock, cut to desired size; magazines for collage imagery; scissors; glue stick; acrylic paint (optional).
-
Gather materials.
-
Create your space. You may put on music, burn a candle, or place photos nearby.
-
Block out at least one hour of time for this art-making ritual.
-
Center yourself by sitting quietly for several minutes. Concentrate on your breath and let your mind go blank. Invite your intuition to guide you forward.
-
When you are ready, look for your focus word (or rather, let it find you). Choose a word that symbolizes your intention for this coming year.
-
Now look through the magazines to find imagery that visually symbolizes this intention. Use imagery that appeals to you, even if you cannot explain why – (you are working with a higher knowing that is not logical).
-
Cut, arrange, and paste onto your card.
-
If you are feeling really artsy, add a dash of paint here or there for effect (optional).
-
Now that you have your art, sit with it and reflect for a few minutes. Honor it for its wisdom. Ask it to help you move forward. Thank it for giving you focus and encouragement.
-
Important! Keep this art card in a prominent place throughout the year and reflect upon its message often.
This art experience may be done alone or with close friends. Wishing you a blessed New Year.
Terri Gregory is an Art Therapist at The Lighthouse Emotional Wellness Center in Arlington Heights, Illinois - www.lighthouseemotionalwellness.com.
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- Bohemian Farmhouse Luxury: Elevating Interiors with Carved Statement Pieces
- The Fusion of Old World Philosophies and Modern Opulence
- Modern Boho Interior Design: A Fusion of Creativity and Elegance
- The Top Ways to Use PLR Content Effectively for Your Business
- The Ultimate Guide to Hiring a Private Chauffeur Service in Cape Town
- NFPA 96 Compliance and Hood Cleaning: Captive Aire Hood vs. Accurex Hoods, Greenheck Systems
- Fire Suppression Systems in NYC: How to Stay FDNY, DOB & NFPA 96 Compliant
- A Guide to Taking Care of your Pet Guinea Pig
- Used 25-Passenger Bus for Sale | High-Quality and Affordable
- Artisanal Carved Statement Doors: Luxury Aesthetic
- Essex Roofs Under Siege: Battling Moss, Grime, and the British Weather with Rayleigh Gutter Cleaning and Repairs
- Coaster Mini Bus for Sale | Reliable & Affordable Options
- Take Control of Your Health with Advanced Testing
- Plastic Injection Moulding In The Medical Industry: Precision And Sterility
- Behind the Scenes
- Enhancing Wine Storage with Mogul Interior Sideboards, Credenzas, and Antique Armoires
- The Power of Gratitude for a Healthier, Happier Life
- Serene Reading Nooks: Infusing Elegance and Comfort into Your Home
- Sedation Dentistry 101: Answers to Your Most Common Questions
- Whimsical Gallery Walls: Mogul Interior Carved Wall Panels
- From Chandeliers to Pendants: How Can You Find Your Perfect Lighting at Fehmi Lights?
- Closing the Gaps in Business Central: Elevating Warehouse and Inventory Management
- Top 10 Stylish Kitchen Bar Tables in the UK for Every Home
- How to Reduce Mental Load and Enhance Well-being with Lenormand Cards
- Meet Sam Lang
- Why a Car Needs a Regular Service
- Web Design Agency in Singapore
- Is It Time to Leave Home? How to Find Your First Office
- Illuminate Your Home and Garden with Glow-in-the-Dark Products
- How Carbon Levels Influence the Properties of Carbon Steel Castings