Here’s a gentle, creative practice to help you nurture resilience while making art.
💡 Did you know your brain has a built-in system to shape your reality? It’s called the Reticular Activating System (RAS), and it decides what gets your attention and what fades into the background. Think of it as your brain’s personal spotlight operator.
The RAS is wired to notice patterns—it locks onto what you focus on most, whether that’s stress or joy. If you’re caught in the swirl of tough emotions, it might feel like all you see is more of the same. But here’s the hopeful part: you can teach your RAS to notice what uplifts and sustains you.
✨ Gratitude and glimmers to the rescue!
Gratitude is more than a quick “thank you.” It’s a way to re-train your RAS to highlight the positives. Even the smallest acknowledgments of good—like a kind word or a warm meal—can gently shift your perspective over time.
And then there are glimmers. Trauma expert Deb Dana describes glimmers as tiny moments of safety, warmth, or joy. Think: the sparkle of sunlight through leaves, a comforting melody, or the simple pleasure of a hot cup of tea. These little sparks tell your nervous system, “Hey, it’s okay to feel safe right now.”
🎨 How art amplifies the magic
When you pair your creative practice with gratitude and glimmers, you create a space for transformation. Whether you’re painting, dancing, writing, or improvising music, your art can become a container for these moments—giving them form and deepening their impact.
Here’s a gentle way to start:
Gratitude: Each day, write down or name three things, big or small, that bring a sense of appreciation.
Glimmer Hunt: Set the intention to notice one glimmer today. When you do, pause and let yourself fully take it in. How does it feel in your body?
Reflect & Create: At the end of your day, look back on your gratitudes and glimmers. Let them inspire a small creative act—draw, move, hum, or craft something that brings them to life. Be sure to take notice of how it makes you feel.
🌈 A gentle reminder…
If gratitude or glimmers feel out of reach right now, that’s okay too. Be kind to yourself—it’s simply a sign that something different might be needed today. In those moments, lean into your art practice. It can hold space for whatever is present and help you uncover the next step forward.
Not sure where to start? Just reply “how”, and I’d be delighted to share prompts to support you.
With warmth and care,
Johanne
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