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Hemmie Martin's avatar

This was such an uplifting and positive post to read when I've been plagued with self-doubt for days, so thank you. I must say the art class where you can paint and draw with the freedom and enthusiasm of a child sounds absolutely fantastic!

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Allegra Chapman (she/her)'s avatar

Thank you! Yes, it's a great activity - I put an exercise along those lines in my book because I enjoy it so much. And in my free online course there's a guided meditation to talk you through doing something similar for yourself.

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Dr. Wendy Pabich's avatar

Yes! I’ve long understood the importance to my wellbeing of making space for creativity. Of course, creativity can be exercised and so many ways, and in so many disciplines. However, for me, it is safeguarding space for writing and painting that’s been most critical. Nearing the end of graduate school, I was struggling in what was becoming a toxic relationship and re-engaged in painting. I realized then that I hadn’t picked up a brush in five years while I was deeply focused on my academics. Immediately, I understood that I had abandoned a part of myself that was so important to me. I vowed to never again sideline those practices. Still today they keep me whole.

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Marlene Edmunds's avatar

Thanks for this.

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Shawna's avatar

You've just laid out my agenda for the rest of this beautiful Friday morning. Making art! And I think this illustrates the most profound thing about writing... you (the writer) profoundly influenced someone whom you will never meet, in ways you could not have imagined, long after you wrote what you did. Miraculous!

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Allegra Chapman (she/her)'s avatar

Ahh that's beautiful, thank you! ❤️

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Amanda Saint's avatar

It is miraculous! 💙

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