Hi everyone, welcome back to this creative space. In this video, I'll be
sharing with you how to explore and meet your authentic self through art.
Authentic self can have many meanings. For me, it means the true self that sense
of wholeness that we can feel within us when we are fully accepting and allowing
of who we are without needing to change anything. And it can be very challenging
to operate from our true authentic self in life often due to fear. It could be
fear of being seen in a certain way, fear of being judged, fear of the unknown, fear
of what might happen and so on. Through this exercise, we will explore a little
deeper into our authentic self and any potential fears and beliefs that might
be blocking our ability to be our true selves. Today, we'll be using a paper that
is folded like this. This is actually a 9 by 12 inch paper. I made a light fold by
folding it in the middle and I opened them back up to fold the two sides along
that faint line in the middle that I created. And that creates this window-
-like format to work with. And along with this, we can use any drawing materials.
Today, I'm using color pencils and oil pastels and as an option you can also
use collage materials like magazines cutout images a glue stick and scissors.
So, before we begin let's bring a mindful awareness to our body. You can ground
your body on your seat and lengthen your spine for the energy to flow through
your entire body. And breathe in and as you breathe out through your mouth,
release any tension in your body and your thoughts that you don't need at
this moment... all the way out. Let's set an intention for this activity to fully
accept and allow what comes into this creative process whether we understand
it logically or not. As you begin, I invite you to look at this space on the
paper as yourself. So, the outside of this paper represents what others can see
about you. What you share with others. What can be seen by the outside world.
And the inside represents your true authentic self (who you are when you are
fully you, your inner being). And this can mean many different things for each of
you. Just flow with what comes to your mind in this moment. You can express this
in any natural way for you. Some like to use colors to represent this. Some use
forms, abstract forms. You can also use symbols and incorporate some words in the
drawing. This is your space to explore your authentic self. If you need a moment
to reflect on this you can pause this video and take your time.
So, you can begin from wherever you're drawn to: the inside or the outside. Today,
I'm drawn to the outside first. So, I'm starting from there. For the outside, you
can bring your awareness to what you believe others know about you and can see
from you. What you share with others. What can be seen. Again flow with what comes
up for you. It could be in terms of your emotional states, your beliefs ,your
values, your energy and so much more. Allow your hands to express it through the art
materials. If you happen to be unsure of where to begin, you can also choose a
color or two that represents this as a starting point. There's no right or wrong.
There is only expression. As you draw, notice any thoughts or insights that
comes through. Take in what serves you and relieve what
doesn't serve you in this moment . . . let it pass.
What is powerful about creative process is that we can be both the creator and the
observer in the drawing process. This creates a safe space to express
ourselves, while at the same time, reflect on ourselves. When you're ready, you can
move on to the inside that represents your true authentic self. Who you are.
What you're like when you're fully yourself honestly and authentically. Draw
your awareness to what is you, what feels like your true self.
What symbolizes you or even a moment in your life where you felt safe to be
fully yourself. Allow what comes into your awareness, trust it and express it.
Again, you can start with colors to begin with if you are not sure where to start
and flow from there.
We can be authentically ourselves in many aspects of our lives. We can be
authentic in the way we talk with others. We can be open and authentic enough to
listen to our needs fully. We can also go deeper and explore what it might look
like to live our highest potential (to live our highest self). As you are
creating, you might learn about aspects of yourself that you were not aware of
before . . . and sometimes, the art-making process can be a validation of who you
truly are, who you have known yourself to be. Explore what it feels like to be
authentically you when you're not pulled into doubt fear. What does that look like?
When you feel completed with your art, you can move on to the reflective
writing that can help you organize and reflect on the art. First, take a moment
to look at your art both the outside in the inside . . . and I invite you to ask
yourself the first question: What feeling do you get as you look at the outside
and the inside? Choose at least one word for each that comes to your mind.
The second question: If there is anything that could bridge the outside with the
inside and the inside with the outside, what would that be? What would that look
like? For the last part of this reflective writing, I invite you to
reflect and write on any other insights gained from this exercise. Perhaps, you
learn something about yourself that you were not fully aware of. Perhaps, any
fear-based beliefs you realize that you hold on to. Any new insights about
yourself that were new to you or a reminder for you. Thank you for tuning in.
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your way :)