Creating Your Life Story with Expressive Arts

If you were to tell the story of your life what would it be? In this article we will help you depict your own life story through expressive arts activities and nature. Expressive arts offer a profound journey into self-discovery. They enable us to explore the self, know the self, and ultimately grow the self. Through the process of creating our life story, we uncover hidden aspects of our personality, gain insights into our true desires and fears, and foster personal growth and transformation.

Also, sometimes life may feel overwhelming, like we’re caught in a whirlpool of emotions. We feel stuck, unsure of how to navigate through our challenges. During these times, finding a way to express our feelings can be incredibly healing. This is where the power of creativity comes in, particularly through the use of expressive arts. Engaging in creative activities allows us to explore our inner world, find clarity, and experience emotional release.

Expressive Arts

Expressive arts encompass a wide range of activities, including photography, drawing, painting, writing, dancing, and music. These activities help us communicate feelings that words alone cannot express. They offer a safe outlet for emotions and can bring about a sense of peace and understanding. Studies have shown that engaging in creative activities can reduce stress, enhance mental clarity, and improve overall well-being.

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”

Pablo Picasso

Life Story Walk

A walk in nature allows us to calm our mind chatter and access the creative side. By being mindful of our senses we can focus on the beauty of the present moment and access the many healing gifts that nature has to offer. This creates a wonderful space for self-reflection and self-expression. In most of our Nature Calm posts we have multiple activities for groups – however, for this activity we recommend you take a solo walk in nature or go with someone that you are comfortable sharing your life story with.

Things you need to bring: A notebook, a pen, your phone camera, and an open mind. By the end of the walk you should have a creative expression of your life story depicted in your journal. This walk can also be a great way of learning about the life story of people you are close to.

1. Past and Present

As you embark on your nature walk, take a moment to reflect on your life’s journey. Bring along a camera or simply use your phone to take 2 photographs. Begin by taking a photo that represents your past. An image that symbolises your life’s journey so far or reminds you of your roots and where you come from. Perhaps a winding path that symbolises your life’s twists and turns, or an unusual tree that calls out to you?

Next, as you continue your walk, seek out a scene that embodies your present. A photo that represents the current state of your life. Spend some time contemplating what this image means to you and how it connects to your life story. These two images, representing your past and present, become visual markers of your life’s journey. This exercise not only helps in reconnecting with your personal history but also brings a sense of clarity for your present.

Use your journal to write down what these photos meant to you and why you took those particular shots.

2. People and Pebbles

Find a peaceful spot during your nature walk where you can sit comfortably. Draw two sets of concentric circles on the ground using a stick or your finger. The first set of circles represents your past, and the second set represents your present.

Start with the circles representing your past. Gather some small pebbles and think about the people who have been part of your life. Place the pebbles on the circles according to how close they were to you at that time. People who were very close to you, like family members or best friends, go in the inner circles. Those who were significant but more distant can be placed in the outer circles. Next, move to the circles representing your present. Repeat the process, placing pebbles to symbolize the people currently in your life. Notice how some people might have moved closer or farther away over time.

In your journal, make an ordered list of all the names from your inner circles. This activity helps you visualize the changing dynamics of your relationships. It allows you to reflect on the importance of these connections and how they have shaped your journey. Seeing these patterns can bring a deeper understanding of your interpersonal growth and the shifting nature of your emotional landscape.

3. Places and Moments

For the next activity take out your journal and write down the two most significant moments in your life so far. These moments could be either positive or negative. As you write, think about the impact these events had on your life and the lessons they taught you. Perhaps a challenging experience taught you resilience, or a positive change brought you a sense of purpose. Reflecting on these turning points helps you understand your personal growth and writing down the wisdom you gained, provides insights into the person you have become. Our life is but a collection of moments expressed in time.

4. Painting of Life

For the next activity, listen to your favorite song using your phone and earphones. Immerse yourself in the music, allowing it to flow through you. If you feel comfortable, let your body move to the rhythm, dancing freely among the trees. For those who are shy, take a slow, mindful walk and observe the gentle dance of leaves and canopies swaying with the wind.

As the song ends, find a quiet spot to sit and bring out your journal. Using the inspiration from your musical and natural surroundings, create a painting themed “Dance of Life.” Let your brush or pen flow freely, capturing the essence of movement and the interconnectedness of all things. Don’t worry about creating a masterpiece of art; the goal is to express yourself freely. This activity encourages you to express the vitality and rhythm of life, blending your inner emotions with the song of nature.

5. Personality Poles

Like all stories, our life story also has a hero and a villain. Instead of looking outside we’ll do an inner enquiry to find out the light and shadow side of our personality. Begin by looking for something in nature that represents a positive aspect of yourself. For example a flower could symbolize kindness or a sturdy rock stands for strength. Pick up this item and hold it as you walk, thinking about how this quality has shaped your life and interactions.

Next, seek out something that represents your shadow side. For example a thorny branch may symbolize anger or a fallen leaf could represent a past failure. Carefully collect this item, acknowledging that everyone has aspects of themselves they’d like to improve or understand better.

In your notebook, write down your reflections on these qualities. Consider how your positive trait has helped you and how you can continue to nurture it. Then, reflect on your shadow side, thinking about how you might learn from it or transform it. This exercise helps you embrace the full spectrum of your character, recognising that both light and shadow contribute to your unique life story.

6. Possibilities: Our Future Story

As you wander through nature, let yourself be drawn to a place that resonates deeply with you. It might be a sunlit clearing, a quiet spot by a stream, or beneath a majestic tree. Sit down and take in your surroundings, noticing the sights, sounds, and feelings that arise. Reflect on why this place called out to you. Perhaps it evokes a sense of peace, strength, freedom, or inspiration.

The emotions you feel and things that draw you, point to the values that are important to you. List down these life values. Next, think about your life goals. Write them down and prioritize them according to the values that are most important to you.

By aligning your goals with your core values, you create a roadmap for the next chapter of your life story, grounded in what truly matters to you. This reflective exercise helps you envision a future that honours your deepest values and guides you toward meaningful and fulfilling aspirations.

Expressive Arts: A New Alternative

In the age of smartphones, every phone has a camera but few people know how to tap into its full potential.

I am the founder of Healing Forest project and primarily a filmmaker. You may have seen some of my films on this website.

I have just released this ebook as a guide for absolute beginners. It’s a fascinating way to go on a creative adventure and create something wonderful.

Amazon.com link to Smarfilms ebook.>>

Expressive Arts: Origin and Therapy

The practice of using art for healing has ancient roots. Cultures around the world have long recognized the power of creative expression for emotional and spiritual well-being. In modern times, expressive arts therapies have emerged as a formal field, incorporating art, music, dance, drama, and writing to promote healing.

Expressive arts are used in various settings, from hospitals and therapy centers to schools and community programs. They help individuals of all ages, from children dealing with trauma to adults managing stress and mental health issues. A practical example is the use of art therapy with veterans suffering from PTSD. Creating art allows them to process their experiences and emotions in a non-verbal way, leading to significant improvements in their mental health.

One inspiring story comes from a young woman who found solace in painting during her battle with cancer. Through her art, she was able to express her fears and hopes, which helped her cope with the illness and find strength. Her paintings became a source of inspiration for others, showing the profound impact of creativity on healing.

As you can see, the power of creativity through expressive arts is immense. It allows us to explore our emotions, find healing, and connect with our true selves. Whether through a simple drawing, a heartfelt poem, or a photograph, the act of creating can be a powerful tool for personal growth and emotional well-being. As we embrace the healing power of art, we open ourselves to new possibilities and a deeper understanding of our inner world.

End Note: I hope this article adds some new experiences to your life story – and the expressive arts walk brings you a deeper understanding of your self. Please share this post with those who will find it useful – especially younger audiences who are at cross-roads and those pebbles in your life who were part of your inner circle.

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 1 Comment

 Posted on July 24, 2024 by

 Healing Forest, Mindful Activities, Nature Art

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Circle of Courage: Motivating Self and Others

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel disconnected and alone. Our society is becoming more individualistic, and the strong community bonds that once held us together are weakening. This shift makes it crucial to find ways to reconnect, support each other, and build a sense of belonging. With so much negative news and overwhelming challenges, it’s also easy to feel demotivated. Now, more than ever, we need to find ways to inspire ourselves and those around us.

Engaging people and especially the youth in community projects and activities that promote collective well-being is essential. By doing so, we not only help them develop important life skills but also foster a sense of purpose and resilience.

The Circle of Courage offers a powerful framework to achieve this. Rooted in the values of Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity, it provides a path to strengthen both individuals and communities. This article will guide you through an activity-based learning experience using a nature walk, where each value is explored through reflection and shared experiences.

Circle of Courage: The Story

In a land rich with traditions and community spirit, the elders of Native American tribes gathered to discuss the wisdom of raising strong and resilient children. They believed that the strength of their people lay in the hearts of their youth. The wise elders noticed that children thrived when they felt connected, skilled, independent, and generous. They passed down these insights through stories and practices that wove together the 4 key values.

Years later, three dedicated researchers—Dr. Larry Brendtro, Dr. Steve Van Bockern, and Dr. Martin Brokenleg— rediscovered these ancient teachings. They saw how these timeless values could help modern youth who were struggling in a fast-changing world. Inspired, they created the Circle of Courage model, which blends these traditional insights with contemporary research on child development.

Circle of Courage Walks

We’ll start by meeting in a beautiful natural space. Before we begin our walks, it’s important to set our intentions: we are here to learn, grow, and support each other. During the session all participants will go on 4 solo walks of 10 minutes each. The idea is to spend time alone to think deeply about one of the four values and what it means to you. After each solo walk, we’ll come together in a circle to share what we learned and felt. By sharing we are able to transform individual learning into a collective learning. (Note: the sharing circle is most effective when done is small groups of 7 or less. Give 10 minutes for each sharing circle)

Walk 1: Belonging

In Native American and First Nations cultures, being part of a community was really important. Ella Deloria, a Lakota anthropologist, said it best: “Find a way to connect with everyone you know.” By treating others like family, they built strong bonds based on respect. Historians like Marty noticed that throughout history, tribes—not just individual families—kept their cultures alive. Even if parents weren’t around, the tribe always stepped in to help raise the next generation.

Instructions for the Solo Walk Focused on Belonging: Belonging is about feeling connected to others. It’s knowing that you are part of a group and that you matter. When we feel like we belong, we are happier and more confident.

As you walk, think about the times when you felt like you truly belonged. What made you feel that way? How did others show you that you were important to them? Look around and see how nature creates a sense of belonging—how trees, plants, and animals are all part of a larger system.

Reflection Questions for Group Sharing

  1. When have you felt a strong sense of belonging?
  2. What can you do to help others feel they belong?
  3. How does nature show us the importance of belonging?

“We are all different, which is great because we are all unique. Without diversity, life would be very boring.” — Catherine Pulsifer

Walk 2: Mastery

In traditional cultures, becoming skilled was guaranteed through opportunities to learn and practice. Children learned by watching and listening to those who were more experienced. Skilled individuals were respected as teachers rather than competitors. Everyone aimed to improve themselves, not to outdo others. It’s natural for people to want to be capable and solve problems. Overcoming challenges fuels this desire to succeed. Leading by example and taking responsibility are important values upheld in these cultures.

Instructions for the Solo Walk Focused on Mastery: Mastery is about learning and improving. It’s the satisfaction of getting better at something and knowing you’ve done your best.

Think about a skill or activity you enjoy and have worked hard to improve. How did you feel as you got better? As you walk, notice the effort nature puts into growth and improvement—how a small seed becomes a strong tree through time and effort.

Reflection Questions for Group Sharing

  1. What is something you are proud of mastering or would like to master?
  2. What steps are important for you to achieve mastery?
  3. How can you help others on their journey to mastery?

“Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude.” — Ralph Marston

Walk 3: Embracing Independence

In Western culture, power often meant dominance, but in tribal traditions, it meant honoring everyone’s right to be independent. Unlike strict obedience, Native teachings focused on fostering respect and inner discipline. From a young age, children were encouraged to make decisions, solve problems, and take responsibility for their actions. Adults guided, supported, taught values, and provided feedback, yet children had plenty of chances to choose freely without pressure. This approach ensures that others can always rely on and trust you.

Instructions for the Solo Walk Focused on Independence: Independence is about being able to take care of yourself and make your own decisions. It’s about having the confidence to stand on your own and trust your abilities.

During your walk, think about a time when you made an important decision on your own. How did it feel to take control? Notice how nature shows independence—how each plant and animal plays a role in its environment while still standing on its own.

Reflection Questions for Group Sharing

  1. When have you felt most independent?
  2. How can you balance independence with being part of a community?
  3. What can you do to build more confidence in your independence?

“Independence is happiness.” — Susan B. Anthony

Walk 4: Practicing Generosity

In Native American cultures, the highest virtue was generosity. The main focus in raising Native American children was to teach them the importance of being generous and selfless. As a Lakota Elder put it, “You should be willing to give away your most prized possession without feeling anxious.” By helping others, young people demonstrate their own value: they make a positive impact on someone else’s life.

Instructions for the Solo Walk Focused on Generosity: Generosity is about giving to others without expecting anything in return. It’s about kindness and helping to make the world a better place.

Think about times when you’ve been generous or when others have been generous to you. How did those moments make you feel? Look for examples of generosity in nature—how the sun gives light, or how trees provide shade and shelter. Can you perform one act of generosity for nature during the walk? It could be as simple as clearing some litter, or perhaps watering a plant.

Reflection Questions for Group Sharing

  1. When have you experienced or shown generosity?
  2. How can you practice generosity in your daily life?
  3. What impact does generosity have on your community?

“No one has ever become poor by giving.” — Anne Frank

Circle of Courage: Conclusion

This model has since been used around the world, in schools, youth programs, and communities, to help young people find their place, develop their talents, stand strong, and share with others. The Circle of Courage not only nurtures individual growth but also strengthens the bonds that hold communities together, making it a beacon of hope and resilience in our increasingly fragmented society.

A nature walk is a great way to reflect on, learn and integrate these principles into our daily lives. By embracing Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity, we can build a better future for ourselves and those around us.

Further Reading and Resources

 1 Comment

 Posted on June 28, 2024 by

 Forest Bathing, Healing Forest

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Nature Artists & Meditations on Time

Art from nature is created with the brush of time. To meditate on it is to experience a state of timelessness. This month we cover some brilliant nature artists from different corners of the planet. We hope their work helps you stop time, even if it is for a few moments.

Great nature artists have the ability to gift us a unique perspective of our world, creating works that provoke thought, evoke emotion, and inspire awe. As you experience their art, put yourself in the mind of the nature artist and spend a little thought to imagine the creation process. Creating beautiful art that evolves and disintegrates with time is perhaps a metaphor for our own journey through life.

Nature Artist: Andy Goldsworthy

Andy Goldsworthy is a British artist known for his site-specific sculptures and land art. Goldsworthy often uses natural materials like rocks, leaves, ice, and branches to create his works, which are often ephemeral and subject to the forces of nature. His pieces explore themes of impermanence, the relationship between humans and nature, and the passage of time. His work can be quite stunning, and it often invites viewers to contemplate the beauty and transience of the natural world. Explore Andy Goldsworthy’s work.

Nature Artist: Richard Long

Midsummer Circles, 1993, Richard Long

Richard Long: Long is a British artist known for his minimalist sculptures, often created by arranging natural materials like stones, sticks, and mud into geometric shapes or lines. He’s also renowned for his landscape interventions and walks, during which he documents his journeys through photographs and text. His work explores themes of time, distance, and the relationship between humans and the natural world. Learn more about Richard Long.

Nature Artist: Maya Lin

Maya Lin: Lin is an American artist and architect famous for her environmental artworks and memorials. She’s best known for designing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., but she’s also created numerous other works that engage with nature and landscape in innovative ways. Lin’s installations often incorporate natural elements to evoke contemplation and reflection on the environment and our place within it. Explore Maya Lin’s work.

Nature Artist: Nils Udo

Nils-Udo: Nils-Udo is a German environmental artist known for his large-scale, site-specific installations made from natural materials. His works often blend seamlessly with their surroundings, emphasizing the beauty and fragility of the natural world. Nils-Udo’s pieces range from ephemeral sculptures to intricate earthworks, all of which celebrate the interconnectedness of humanity and nature. Discover more about Nils-Udo.

Nature Artist: Robert Smithson

Desert Breath by Robert Smithson

Robert Smithson: Smithson was an American artist famous for his pioneering land art and earthworks. He’s best known for creating “Spiral Jetty,” a massive earthwork sculpture built into the Great Salt Lake in Utah. Smithson’s work often dealt with themes of entropy, transformation, and the relationship between art and the environment. Discover more about Robert Smithson.

Nature Artist: Agnes Denes

Tree Mountain by Agnes Denes

Agnes Denes: Denes, a Hungarian-American artist, weaves intricate tapestries of thought and land. Her work, often colossal in scale, talks of the symbiosis between human intellect and the natural world. She paints with fields of wheat, etches with the sharp edge of geometry, and sculpts with the undulating curves of topography. Denes’ creations are sung in the language of soil and sky. Explore Agnes Denes’ work.

Nature Artist: James Brunt

James Brunt: Brunt, a modern-day wanderer and artist, roams the land seeking inspiration from the earth. With nimble fingers he sculpts masterpieces from pebbles, leaves, and branches. Each creation is a testament to the beauty hidden in the mundane, a delicate dance between chaos and order. Brunt invites us to pause, to see the world anew through the kaleidoscope of his vision, and to rediscover the magic woven into the fabric of existence. Discover more by James Brunt.

Nature artists and their art serves as a gentle reminder of our connection to the earth and the fleeting wonders it holds. We hope you enjoyed this post. Leave a comment to let us know of other amazing nature artists that have touched your mind.

Every month we share uplifting new ideas from nature. You can join our free newsletter to see older posts and get the latest one.

Also, try our collection of best nature activities from around the world and create your own meditative art. >> Nature Calm

REQUEST: Please share this post, so it reaches where it’s needed.

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 Posted on April 30, 2024 by

 Healing Forest, Nature Art

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