How will you celebrate community?

I cannot help but reflect on the past week and consider community... We've had global terror events across several countries, national progress in the areas of same-sex marriage and the removal of the confederate flag from South Carolina's State Capitol grounds, and in Chicago the past week started with PrideFest and culmintated with the Pride Parade over the weekend. We will follow all this up with our nation-wide celebration of independence, the 4th of July. 
This past week I have ridden a wave of emotions, some more strong than others. Some events have pulled my attention far from my local community while others have brought into sharp focus the individuality of my neighborhood and my responsibility in community. I feel a surge and swell to celebrate strangers coming together this past week to protect, redefine, change, and celebrate community. 

My intention: this coming week I will both listen and revel in my conversations with folks, making an effort to connect strangers. I will honor events, individuals, and conversations in my art-making. How will you celebrate community?

This month's blog post was written by Erin Owens, ATR, LCPC therapist at Art Therapy Studio Chicago Ltd