Tag: creativity

Posted in Events, Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Mental Health, Self-Care

NAMI-NYC Virtual Expressive Arts Workshop Event: My Treasure Map

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

So very excited to announce the NAMI-NYC Expressive Arts workshop event I will be hosting tomorrow!  This event will be via Zoom and on the NAMI-NYC website. You can find the link here. Click the Expressive Arts Zoom link for October 28th, 2023.

IMPORTANT: This Expressive Arts workshop and the ones following this one are from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm!

If you have any questions or concerns feel free to send me an email. The time of the event is in Eastern Standard Time.

*I will share any updates or changes and keep everyone posted.

Here are some details for the event:

Title:
My Treasure Map

Description:
“My Treasure Map” is a relaxing and fun event where we will draw, write, and reflect about what’s most important to us. Starting with an ice breaker, we will sketch an image and write a thank you note to a person, place, thing, or ideas that’s been helpful for us this year. The main activity will then be to pick one of two activities. The first activity will be to draw a treasure map with all the things we find valuable in our lives, and the second activity will be to write a poem or journal entry about something or someone that’s made a profound impact on us. Lastly, we will close by sharing our works of art.

Materials:
Paper, writing utensils (pen, pencil, markers, or crayons).

Schedule
2:00 – 2:20: Introductions and Ice breaker
2:20 – 3:00: Main Activity
3:00 – 3:30: Sharing and Closing

Hope to see you there!

Posted in Mental Health, The Mighty, The Pencil Case on The Mighty

Pencil Case Prompts: 2023 and The Week Ahead

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

What words describe how this year is going for you?

Boy, oh boy 😵‍💫. I’m tired. This year has been a doozy.

Here are some words that describe what’s it been like for me:

😓 Exhausting
🥀 Challenging
💡Enlightening
😢 Grief from loss
❓Confused
🌀Cycle endings
🌱Growth
📚Learning
🤗 Family
👀 Seeing

What words describe your year so far?

You can also find this prompt here in The Pencil Case on The Mighty!

What are you using from your pencil case this week?

Comment below with the item(s) that symbolize what you’ll be embracing over the coming days.

🖊️ Pencil/Pen: Vulnerability, reflection, introspection, journaling

🖍️ Crayon: Creativity, openness, exploration, travel

✏️ Eraser: Alone time, rest, relaxation

🖼️ Glue: Community, family, friendships, connection

✂️ Scissors: Boundaries, speaking up, communication

Can’t find any that match your week? That’s OK! Share what you’ll be embracing instead in the comments below 🌻.

I’ll be taking out my pencil/pen and glue this week!

You can also find this prompt here in The Pencil Case on The Mighty!

Posted in Events, Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Mental Health, Self-Care

NAMI-NYC Virtual Expressive Arts Workshop Event: Abstract!

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

So very excited to announce the NAMI-NYC Expressive Arts workshop event I will be facilitating tomorrow! This event will be via Zoom and on the NAMI-NYC website. You can find the link here. Click the Expressive Arts Zoom link for September 30, 2023.

IMPORTANT: This Expressive Arts workshop and the ones following this one are from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm!

If you have any questions or concerns feel free to send me a DM or email 💟. The time of the event is in Eastern Standard Time.

*I will share any updates or changes and keep everyone posted.

Here are some details for the event:

Title
Abstract!

Description
“Abstract!” is a relaxing and fun event where we will draw, write, and create. Starting with an ice breaker, we will sketch an image and share a self-care goal we have for the month of October. The main activity will then be to pick one of two activities. The first activity will be to create an abstract drawing, and the second activity will be to write a free verse poem about what thoughts, images, and ideas come to mind when hearing the word “art.” Lastly, we will close by sharing our works of art.

Materials
Paper, writing utensils (pen, pencil, markers, or crayons).

Schedule
2:00 – 2:20: Introductions and Ice breaker
2:20 – 3:00: Main Activity
3:00 – 3:30: Sharing and Closing

Hope to see you there!

Posted in Events, Mental Health

NAMI-NYC Virtual Expressive Arts Workshop Event: A Butterfly’s Wings

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

So very excited to announce the NAMI-NYC Expressive Arts workshop event I will be facilitating today!  This event will be via Zoom and on the NAMI-NYC website calendar here. Click the Expressive Arts Zoom link for today, July 29th at 2:00 pm.

IMPORTANT: This Expressive Arts workshop and the ones following this one are from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm! 

If you have any questions or concerns feel free to send me an email 💟. The time of the event is in Eastern Standard Time. 

Here are some details for the event:

Title
A Butterfly’s Wings 

Description
“A Butterfly’s Wings” is a creative and fun event where we get to know one another by sharing about ourselves and who we are as we draw, write, and create. Starting with an ice breaker, we will sketch an image and finish this sentence: Comfort to me looks like ___________. The main activity will then be to pick one of three activities. The first activity will be to draw a butterfly and color the wings different colors assigning each color a characteristic that describes you; the second activity will be to write an encouraging and uplifting message to yourself; and the third activity will be to write an acrostic poem or song using the letters of your first name. Lastly, we will close by sharing our works of art.

Materials
Paper, writing utensils (pen, pencil, markers, or crayons).

Schedule
2:00 – 2:20: Introductions and Ice breaker
2:20 – 3:00: Main Activity
3:00 – 3:30: Sharing and Closing

Hope to see you there!

Posted in Creative Writing, Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Mental Health, Reflection, Self-Care, Self-Talk, The Mighty, The Pencil Case on The Mighty

Journaling Prompts: Meditation, Passions, Imagery, and Poetry

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

Activity

What are your thoughts on meditation?

When it comes to positive coping strategies and helpful self-care techniques, I like to hear what others do to self-soothe — even if it’s only to feel better for a momentary basis. One coping strategy that I find helpful, but often hear mixed reviews and ideas about, is meditation.

My Reflection

For me, meditation has helped me learn to connect with myself and my thoughts better; but I do feel like I have to be in a calm place mentally to meditate effectively, which leaves me procrastinating more times than not.

What are your thoughts? Do you think meditation is helpful for you or a bust?

You can also find this prompt here in The Pencil Case on The Mighty!

Activity

What are you passionate about?

When it comes to our passions, we can think about things that spark a light in us or make us feel good. A passion can be anything from a hobby, a truth, value or philosophy, or a cause that helps out others as well as ourselves.

My Reflection

My passion is in mental health advocacy, community building, and creativity.

Feel free to share your passions in the comments below 💌

You can also find this prompt here in the Chat Space group on The Mighty!

Activity

Write an imagery poem about how you’re feeling today.

Let’s practice our imagery writing skills!

⭐ Imagery is a literary device where you use vivid descriptions that appeal to a reader’s senses and imagination to create an image or idea in their head.

Here is my poem:

My ears are buzzing and ringing.
Bees and telephones.
Bees and telephones.
I’m wide awake.
Eyes like owls in the prime of night.
So much to do.
Time feels crammed into a soda can. There’s not enough of it, I’m craving more. I wish for more. Oh no! I missed the shooting star that just flew by.

I’m ready. Ready for what? Ready to rush?

I can’t. I need to take my time like a sloth. Going too fast makes me lose my breath. I’m hunched over because I can’t breathe.

Deep breaths. Deep breaths.

I can do it.
Run this race?
But, it’s not a race, remember?
I can slow down.

My heart is slowing down. Each beat like a soft drum.

I’m safe. I can slow down.
I’m doing good.

Feel free to share your own poem in the comments below! 💌

You can also find this prompt here in the Mighty Poets group on The Mighty!

Posted in Events, Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Mental Health, Self-Talk

NAMI-NYC Virtual Expressive Arts Workshop Event: That’s My Favorite

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

So very excited to announce the NAMI-NYC Expressive Arts workshop event I will be facilitating at the end of the month! This event will be via Zoom and on the NAMI-NYC website. You can find the link here. On the day of the event click the Expressive Arts Zoom link for May 27th, 2023.

IMPORTANT: This Expressive Arts workshop and the ones following this one are from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm!

If you have any questions or concerns feel free to send me a DM or email 💟. The time of the event is in Eastern Standard Time.

*I will share any updates or changes and keep everyone posted.

Here are some details for the event:

Title:
That’s My Favorite!

Description:
“That’s My Favorite!” is a creative and fun event where we will reflect, get to know one another, and share what our favorite things are. Starting with an ice breaker, we will sketch an image of something that’s our favorite color. The main activity will then be to pick one of two activities. The first activity will be to draw a favorites list of your favorite food, season, animal, movie, and song or genre of music; and the second activity will be to write a poem or a song about something you enjoy doing, a favorite memory, or what makes you happy. Lastly, we will close by sharing our works of art.

Materials:
Paper, writing utensils (pen, pencil, markers, or crayons).

Schedule:
2:00 – 2:20: Introductions and Ice breaker
2:20 – 3:00: Main Activity
3:00 – 3:30: Sharing and Closing

Hope to see you there!

Posted in Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Mental Health, Self-Care, Self-Talk, The Mighty, The Pencil Case on The Mighty

Reflection Prompts and Affirmations: Looking Ahead

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

Activity

Which animal affirmation will you embody this week?

Choose an animal from the graphic above and scroll down to read what your “I am” affirmation is for the week ahead!

Fox 🦊: I am able to do what’s best for me. I take care of myself.

Panda 🐼: I am resilient. I allow myself to take one step at a time.

Horse 🐴: I am fierce. I can achieve what I set my mind to.

Koala 🐨: I am kind to myself. I allow myself moments of peace and rest.

Lion 🦁: I am strong. I can overcome whatever comes my way.

Turtle 🐢: I am patient with my progress. I’ve achieved so much so far. I am proud of myself.

You can also find this prompt here in The Pencil Case on The Mighty!

Activity

What’s something you want to get better at by the end of the year?

Check-in, time! Let’s share the things we want to improve by the end of December. Whether it has to do with your health, habits, finances, spirituality, work, hobbies, or goals, what do you want to improve, learn, get better at, or change by the end of 2023?

My Reflection

I’ll go first!

Something I really want to improve is prioritizing self-care when I’m taking a break. I often find myself thinking of work or everything I want to accomplish when I’m trying to rest, leaving me exhausted most of the time. I want to learn how to relax my thoughts and nervous system so I’m actually resting when I need to.

You can also find this prompt here in the Check In With Me group on The Mighty!

Posted in Events, Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration

NAMI-NYC Virtual Expressive Arts Workshop Event: Colors

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

So very excited to announce the NAMI-NYC Expressive Arts workshop event I will be facilitating this weekend!  This event will be via Zoom and on the NAMI-NYC website. You can find the link here. On the day of the event click the Expressive Arts Zoom link for April 29th, 2023.

IMPORTANT: This Expressive Arts workshop and the ones following this one are now from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm! 

If you have any questions or concerns feel free to send me an email. The time of the event is in Eastern Standard Time. 

Here are some details for the event:

Title
Colors

Description
“Colors” is a creative and fun event where we will reflect and share about the colors and beauty we see in the world around us. Starting with an ice breaker, we will sketch an image and write about what we imagine when we hear the word “bright”.The main activity will then be to pick one of two activities. The first activity will be to pick a color and draw as many things you can think of that’s the color you chose; and the second activity will be to write a descriptive poem about a time when you witnessed a beautiful scenery. Lastly, we will close by sharing our works of art.

Materials:
Paper, writing utensils (pen, pencil, markers, or crayons).

Schedule:
2:00 – 2:20: Introductions and Ice breaker
2:20 – 3:00: Main Activity
3:30 – 3:30: Sharing and Closing

Hope to see you there!

Posted in Events, Keep Moving: Motivation and Inspiration, Mental Health, Self-Care

NAMI-NYC Virtual Expressive Arts Workshop Event: Shine Your Light

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

So very excited to announce the NAMI-NYC Expressive Arts workshop event I will be facilitating at the end of the month!  This event will be via Zoom and on the NAMI-NYC website. You can find the link to the event here. On the day of the event click the Expressive Arts Zoom link for February 25th, 2023.

If you have any questions or concerns feel free to send me an email. The time of the event is in Eastern Standard Time. 

**I will share any updates or changes and keep everyone posted. 

Here are some details for the event:

Title

Shine Your Light

Description

“Shine Your Light” is a creative and fun event where we will reflect and share about our most authentic selves. Starting with an ice breaker, we will sketch an image and finish this sentence “I feel good when I _____.” The main activity will then be to pick one of two activities. The first activity will be to either draw a sun, light bulb, or candle, and around our drawing write down our hobbies, skills, talents, interests and things we are good at or learning to be good at; and the second activity will be to write a descriptive poem about a moment when we felt free to be ourselves. Lastly, we will close by sharing our works of art.

Materials

Paper, writing utensils (pen, pencil, markers, or crayons).

Schedule

5:30 – 5:50: Introductions and Ice breaker

5:50 – 6:30: Main Activity

6:30 – 7:00: Sharing and Closing 

Hope to see you there!

Posted in Events, Mental Health, Self-Care

NAMI-NYC 2023 Expressive Arts Schedule!

Posted on by SparklyWarTanks

I’m having a few more Expressive Arts workshops this year! 

Here is the schedule:

February 25, 2023 (5:30 pm – 7:00 pm)

April 29, 2023 (2:00 pm – 3:30 pm)

May 27, 2023 (2:00 pm – 3:30 pm)

July 29, 2023 (2:00 pm – 3:30 pm)

September 30, 2023 (2:00 pm – 3:30 pm)

October 28, 2023 (2:00 pm – 3:30 pm)

November 25, 2023 (2:00 pm – 3:30 pm)

December 30, 2023 (2:00 pm – 3:30 pm)

All workshops are free and virtual!

To join all you have to do is check out this link here and click the zoom links on each individual day or scan the QR code above!

Important note: Events after February will begin at 2:00 pm and end at 3:30 pm.