It is so hard to comprehend the enormity of a loss. We often sit and wonder why? It truly makes us experience so many uncomfortable and unfamiliar feelings. It is hard to know what to do, what to say and how to manage the discomfort. It is normal to feel guilty, sad, confused, angry, lost, stunned, afraid and overwhelmed by the impact of the loss. Remember to be gentle with yourself, let your feelings come out as you experience them, find someone to talk to whom you trust. Be patient with yourself and remember that it takes time to heal. Finding a support group where others are coming together who understand your pain can be very healing. For those in Chicago area Willow House http://willowhouse.org offers free support groups to those who have lost a loved one. You don't have to go through this alone. There is help out there. 

When was the last time you really sat with yourself and treated yourself to art? To play? To writing? When were you able to really nourish yourself, take time to be creative and feel supported by a community of people who are doing the same?

Being in the Art Works group is about connecting with your inner voice, finding that way of expressing yourself through creativity. Engaging with materials in ways that you may have not considered, sitting, writing and reflecting on yourself, taking the time to clear the chatter of your mind and tap into what you really want to do with your time and your life, clearing the space to engage with art, to engage with others who are also looking to connect with art, reading a book filled with insights and narratives that support you on your journey, and a space to share your insights, learning along the way. We come together once a week and make art, we post our insights to a private online community and upload images we are working on from the suggested readings. We journal, we reflect and we connect with one another. We celebrate the completion of the course by sharing our art in a community show. This course is more than just making art, its about connecting with your own unique voice, connecting with others and celebrating your unique contribution to this world.

To register visit www.art-therapist.org/open-studiocourses.html

Course runs: Thursday evening 7-9pm or Friday morning10am-12pm(for clinicians),

or virtually to anyone for half the price.

Secure your spot in the course today!