Vanessa's approach has been positively influenced by many people and impactful training programs including:
- Visionary Art-Making Facilitator
- NeuroGraphica Specialist
- 200-hour Certified Yoga Instructor
- Children's Yoga Instructor
- Mindfulness in Education Certification
LINES THAT LED ME HERE...
As a young person, I doodled on plain white printer paper, making intuitive marks in the form of lines and dots. I never considered the outcome a work of art, rather it was the process of creating these seemingly random drawings that was so appealing -- time would stand still and any stressors or worries seemed to fall away.
This state of flow, or being fully present, was familiar to me as my father taught me to meditate when I was eight years old and feeling the pressure of being a competitive rhythmic gymnast. No matter which practice I pursued on a given day - formal sitting or random mark-making - I now recognize that they both helped to develop my ability to focus and self-regulate, implement flexible thinking and creative decision-making, create space for self-reflection and growth, and they both (most of the time) brought peace and joy.
These practices stayed with me over the years, especially once I became a parent. Our kids loved to engage in any creative endeavor and still call upon their inner artist for their chosen paths. In 2010 I launched a mindfulness-based social and emotional learning program for students PreK-12. Our team expanded the curriculum to serve adults as well, and both audiences always enjoyed activities that focused on the creative process as a way of finding flow/getting present/practicing mindfulness. During that time, I also wrote the chapter on Mindfulness and Art in the book, "Teaching Mindfulness Skills to Kids and Teens.” Core tenets of this work centered on the process as opposed to the outcome.
In 2019, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and faced a difficult and prolonged recovery that brought these mindfulness and creativity tools to the forefront. It was during this time that I realized it was my mindfulness-based art practice that kept me focused and grounded, and ultimately gave me the hope to keep moving forward.
Whether using these tools to manage the pressure of being a competitive gymnast, to find the elusive work and home life balance as a parent, to maintain hope and presence in the face of cancer and chronic pain, or just to reconnect to my center, I have witnessed their transformative lessons and continue to practice daily to bring this wisdom off the cushion, out of the sketchbook, into daily life.
Does any part of this story resonate with you? I'd love to hear more about your path and what interests you about the intersection of mindfulness and creativity... Book a free discovery call with me today!