2013 The Art of Encouragement

Photo by Dawn Breeze

I am so elated to be exactly where I am and to be exactly who I am right now.  This very second on this first day of a new year!  I feel grateful, deeply grateful for the many new artistic opportunities that became possible in 2012.  Without question the highlight of the year was beginning my workshop series Creativity & Courage, the gift of my new beautiful art studio and the wonderful solo show at Mcdaris Fine Art in Hudson, NY. 

Leading my workshops is truly an indescribable joy.  I do not have words to describe the feelings I feel.  When I complete my classes I am "high" with love, excitement, joy and compassion towards all my students and their creative potential.  I feel quivery all over.  I have been trying to understand what this is?  What is happening in my classes?  What is happening to both me and my students?  I know my students feel similarly because they all keep signing up again and again.  In the rehab I have had two separate situations where people have extended their stay one extra day in order to be able to take my class one more time before discharge.  These people who love my class are not in any way stereotypical creative types.  In fact at the rehab my most enthusiastic students are also the most "brute" artistically.  So what is this?  I have an idea.....

Last week my class was on Courage and the Hero.  In preparation for class I was researching the definition of courage and the definition that most struck me was #2.

cour·age

[kur-ij, kuhr-] Show IPA

noun

1.

the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.

2.

Obsolete . the heart as the source of emotion.

  

What I was most taken with was that definition #2 was an original definition of "Courage" and has now been deemed "Obsolete".  I disagree with it being obsolete.  I believe that courage is following the heart.  When I asked my students about their hero's many of them spoke of people who loved them, who they felt supported by....and then it struck me!  Their hero's had "encouraged" them!!!   The word "encouraged" became so large and powerful to me in this moment-"encourage" to fill someone with courage, ie. to love and help fufill someones hearts purpose.  I realized that is what is happening in my classes.  Me and my students are mutually encouraging our hearts purpose, which is simply to to be our authentic creative selves.  So my New Years resolution is "Encourage" in every possible way and my motto is the photo above. "With You I Can".   I love you all!  xoxoxoxoDawn

 

Creativity & Courage Workshops with Artist Dawn Breeze

Creativity & Courage The Origin of Becoming. New: Special Winter Workshop Series four classes $200.00 Creativity & Courage 1 January 12 Creativity & Courage 2 February 9 Creativity & Courage 3 March 9 Creativity & Courage 4 April 13 Each workshop will meet the second Saturday of the month from 2-5pm in Hudson, NY.  This series is for each of you that want to explore your unique creativity in a supported and mindful environment, to be challenged to experience and examine your relationship to your existing thoughts and perceptions, and allow new ideas to emerge in surprisingly delightful ways! Creativity & Courage to be Grateful Saturday January 19th from 2-5pm in Hudson, NY.  $75.00 including materials. A special one day workshop, the original foundation of all the Creativity & Courage workshops. May we begin the new year together with a refreshed sense of gratitude and wonder. For questions and to register email dawnbreezeart@gmail.com or call #917-622-5141 Through exposure to a variety of artistic and playful hands-on imaginative exercises, you will deepen your ability to express thoughts and feelings. Through your innate creativity you will discover new ways to problem solve, communicate and connect with both yourself and others. Previous workshops students have said: "I learned that I flourish in spaces of time devoted purely to creativity."-Nicole Smith Vidor, Life Coach "This is a wonderful workshop, there were many ways to access our own knowing.  I left feeling stronger and internally balanced."-Alison Fox, Artist, Educator "By taking time out of routine thinking and actions and by giving myself the time and space for creative exploration, I became present for deep insights to emerge that perhaps were always present, but not overheard above the more habitual thoughts."-Gianni Iacono, Chef "I just love the sessions. They make me happy. They make me grow in every way imaginable and they can make me cry at the beauty of life."-Tim Ebneth, Artist "Time I have spent in Dawns sessions are controlled, relaxing, encouraging and a bright spot in my week.  They have revived an interest which I left by the wayside long ago.  Because she is so well prepared and encouraging our workshops have momentum, camaraderie and introspection.  I recommend them highly!"-Melinda O'Brein, Mother To read more:  Creativity & Courage Workshop Series