SESSION 2: The Power of Moving Through Stress: Exploring our connection & awareness of the body
This session will combine mindfulness, movement, and art-making (no experience required). We often believe that when we experience stress, once the stressor is removed, we should be free of the stress we experience. However, this is not the case. It is important to take action and “complete the stress cycle”. We will discuss practical ways to help move and release stress from the body.
Ways to complete the cycle include:
- Physical Activity
- Breathing
- Positive Social Interaction
- Laughter
- Affection
- Crying
- Creative Expression
This session will focus on breath, movement, and creative expression! Ainslee and a special guest will lead us through basic movements from our head to our toes! Don’t worry! All movements can be completed from a seated position (very simple, and accessible for all). We will take brief breaks throughout to engage in art responses inspired by our connection to the body.
This process is mindful, playful, and fun! You will need:
- 3 Pieces of Paper (sketchbook, drawing paper, watercolour paper, etc.)
- Pencils, coloured pencils, markers, pastels, watercolours, etc. (choose your preferred material).
Process:
- Connect to your breath. Notice its movements. How does it feel? On your first sheet of paper, without looking at your page and without lifting your mark-making tool, create a continuous line self-portrait. Use one hand to draw, and the other to feel your facial features. Take this one step further by drawing the movement of your breath.
- Stretch your body. Extend your arms, stand on the tip of your toes, shake your hands, loosen your legs, drop your shoulders! Don't forget to breathe. On your second sheet of paper, use your mark-making tool to trace your hand. Move and wiggle your fingers. Lift your hand, place it in another corner of your page and trace it again. Create layers. Be mindful of the positive and negative space created on your paper.
- Wiggle and stretch your toes, stand on the tip of your toes, roll your ankles, shake your feet. On your third piece of paper, use your mark-making tool to trace your feet. Lift your foot, place it in another corner of your page and trace it again. Create layers. Be mindful of the positive and negative space created on your paper.