The Method Behind My Saneness
Yep, you read that right - the method behind my Saneness - not madness!
The reason I emphasise this, is simply because these are the tools and methods I have found and used within my own healing journey.
When my nervous system was in the midst of survival mode, I was in need of some really grounding practices to bring me back down to earth.
These creative methods provided pivotal points where I was able to blend my art and neuroscience knowledge, and see both myself and the world from a new perspective.
The consciousness created from thinking and acting in such ways, allowed me to build awareness around my habits - physically, mentally and emotionally. I learnt to recognise different sensations in my body as I was painting and then trace back where they came from (root cause). By learning that I had the ability change and adapt a simple movement habit using awareness, conscious intention and repetition (as well as self-love and kindness when it got frustrating!) - I figured I could use this same method with my thoughts, with my choices, with my emotions and with my perspective. What if, there was another way of seeing something? What if, there was another way of feeling something? What if, there was another way of being? I got curious.
I knew it was all possible, but that it was going to take getting out of my comfort zone to really make a shift. .
Allowing myself the opportunity to do something out of my comfort zone and trying new things then only enhanced my understanding of the brain’s ability to learn a new way of thinking, feeling and doing, as well as highlighted the emotional resilience and adaptability that comes from consciously challenging oneself through art.
I created the ‘Move with Art’ Concept which draws on the incredible potential of the brain and body to adapt and change if given the right experience. The concept embodies the foundational practices of raising consciousness of one’s self, and bringing the nervous system into a state to accept change. Here is how I hope to bring the experience to you:
Self-Exploration and Process Driven Artwork -
We are all on our own journey and showing up exactly as you are is hard sometimes. Performing an art practice where you get to explore and find your own way allows for more meaning to flow into your experience.
Exploring different painting techniques that allow you to immerse yourself into the process of the art, instead of only thinking of the outcome - which in turn can allow you to realise your own potential.
Mind-Body Connection Practice -
Focusing on sensing & feeling during gentle mindful movement, helps to slow the brain waves down to a relaxed state, so that your brain and body can be open to receiving and processing new information. Connecting both sides of your body also enhances the flow of creative energy by stimulating both sides of the brain.
Therefore using the body as an instrument of consciousness, it can help you connect more to your somatic self and become more aware of your ability to change in a creative way.
Dance Your Art Out -
Immersing yourself into your body & into your artwork by allowing the music to guide your body to move freely in a fun way, so that your creativity can flow easily.
Using noise-cancelling Silent Disco Headphones with multiple playlists & music genres available helps you find something you vibe with. The music is simply a prompt to move your body while blocking out the external ‘noise’ that may distract you from being present in the moment.
Dominate Your Non-Dominant -
We are creatures of habit. By exploring new ways of moving, we are opening the brain’s networks to learning new ways of being, through a process called Neuroplasticity = the ability of the brain to form & reorganise new connections.
Using both the left & right sides of the body helps both sides of our brains to communicate & fire up; awakening our creative and intuitive thinking brain (which can commonly be suppressed by our logical, analytical brain).
= MORE CREATIVE FLOW
Painting Perspectives -
Perception painting techniques to challenge your brain to look at things from a different perspective.
This helps to remove any perfectionism, which is commonly based on preconceived expectations of what something should look like & allows you to see things for what they are - tones, lines, colours and shapes.
Yes all you perfectionists - I see you! ;)
If you think these methods sound like something that may help your Saneness in today’s busy world - check out the workshops page for more information, or follow my social media for upcoming events!
With loving gratitude,
Shan x