In this video, you will learn how to:

• choose the right art journal for you

• How to customize your art journal

• And the mental health benefits of keeping a consistent art journal practice.

In this video, we’ll practice the art of bringing awareness to your body.

You’ll learn how to:

• Mindfully and intentionally slow down to notice where you are holding tension

• Thoughtfully and gently ask yourself what you’re holding onto and why

• How to use what you notice for inspiration in your art journaling practice

• And the health benefits of regularly practicing this simple meditation.

This is the first therapeutic art session in your introductory self-love series.

During this session, you will use a mirror to look at yourself and observe your facial expressions, your body movements, and thoughts.

It is very important that you pay careful attention to the impressions and thoughts that arise as you look at yourself.

What thoughts immediately spring to mind as you see yourself? How do you feel as you watch your body move?

Record your thoughts in a way that is comfortable for you. For example; write them down in your journal in a stream of consciousness after you’ve finished the first part of the session, or record a voice note of yourself talking in a stream of consciousness throughout the first part of the session.

It’s important that you don’t filter yourself. Make a record of everything that comes to mind.

You will use your thoughts and reactions to inform your art-making as you create an abstract self-portrait this week, and in the following week’s sessions.

You will need:

• Paint of choice (I am using Gouache)

• Stamps/stencils/stickers

• Brushes/Paint scrapers

• Palette

• Water