Maryland Nonprofits feature Kits to Heart and Art for Wellness Groups

It is a pleasure to see Maryland Nonprofits highlight Kits to Heart and its mission. I am very excited that they noted the Art for Cancer Wellness groups that we have been doing for nearly a year now, and I am happy to be a part of this organization. This Spring I am facilitating two patient groups - one focusing on mandalas and the other focusing on SoulCollage - both of which have completed their first groups for this workshop cycle. I truly enjoy working with these participants and am glad to see what they are gaining from exploring things differently through artwork.

"In 2022, Kits to Heart also launched its innovative virtual art therapy program, Art for Cancer Wellness, which offers free, virtual art workshops for patients, caregivers, survivors, and healthcare workers. Participants are guided to explore a theme designed to explore feelings, increase self-expression, foster hope and strengths, identify coping skills, and engage in mindfulness and grounding.

Kits to Heart also provides​ free, virtual Art Hive sessions open to anyone in our community. These drop-in sessions are guided by one of its ​art therapists, with the focus of the session on community art-making in a shared, safe space.

Since kicking off the program with a four-week trial ​program in 2022, Kits to Heart has served more than 130 participants from 25 ​states. By the end of 2022, they had provided 90 free virtual workshops—that is more than 125 hours!"

https://www.marylandnonprofits.org/member-spotlight-kits-to-heart

What 4 skills do introverts have that are highly coveted?

 Yes, yes, yes, and yes.

Introverts have their positive qualities, even if they are lesser seen. 

Pay close attention, especially in the workplace.

Sound off in the comments below if you are an introvert and this resonates with you.

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/07/neuroscientist-shares-coveted-skills-that-set-introverts-apart-their-brains-work-differently.html

A neuroscientist shares the 4 "highly coveted" skills that set introverts apart: "Their brains work differently"

By Friederike Fabritius

(please click on the link above for the full article)

What sets introverts apart from extroverts:

1.  Introverts think more.

2.  Introverts can focus longer.

3.  Introverts are often "gifted" in a specific field.

4.  Introverts do the right thing.

How to create a workplace where introverts thrive:

• Respect boundaries.
• Brainstorm alone.
• Shorten meetings.
• Don't force a certain type of communication.
• Provide the option of privacy.

Interview with Teen Mental Health Society about Art Therapy, Creativity, and the Psychology of Art

The podcast that I interviewed with recently on the TMHS Show is finally live!  I spoke with host Aayushi Kulsunge with the Teen Mental Health Society about the psychology of art, creativity, and art therapy. Tune in here!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7nC6grY7YjZSKzjSAZbHc4?si=45ifBLlVSD2iO_VRRR44Xg

The Importance of Being Creative

From my friend Lauren Blanchard Zalewski, who asked me to contribute a quote in her book, the "52 Week Intention Journal," for her chapter on "Fostering Creativity." I am honored to be a very small part of her amazing book, and am equally flattered that she created a beautiful graphic to highlight the quote. Please check out her book here:

https://www.amazon.com/52-Week-Intention-Journal-Reflection-Meaningful/dp/1638078866