In our quest for personal growth and self-discovery, we often explore various learning modalities to tap into our inner potential. While traditional methods like reading and lectures have their place, there is another powerful and transformative approach that engages multiple modes of learning simultaneously: art therapy. Art therapy combines visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and emotional experiences, making it a truly holistic and effective modality for personal growth and healing. Dive with us into the world of art therapy and explore how it can be utilized as a great multimodal learning tool.
Visual Learning:
Through visual stimuli such as colors, shapes, and imagery, we engage our visual senses to express and communicate their thoughts and emotions. Here are a few suggestions to incorporate visual learning into your art practice:
Mandalas: Create intricate mandalas using colored pencils or paints. Focus on the details and patterns as you draw or paint, allowing your mind to enter a state of relaxation and concentration.
Collage Making: Cut out images from magazines or printouts and create collages that reflect your emotions, desires, or goals. Arrange the images to tell a story or convey a message.
Auditory Learning:
Getting creative can also incorporate auditory learning, utilizing the sense of hearing to enhance the creative process. Here are a couple of ways to incorporate auditory elements into your creative sessions:
Music Therapy: Play calming or energizing music in the background while you engage in your art-making process. Allow the melodies and rhythms to guide your brushstrokes or inspire the choice of colors.
Guided Imagery: Listen to guided imagery recordings that take you on a journey of visualization and self-exploration. As you listen, let the imagery guide your artistic expression, giving form to your inner experiences.
Kinesthetic Learning:
Art encourages hands-on engagement, making it an ideal modality for kinesthetic learners. Incorporate these suggestions to make the most of the kinesthetic aspect of art therapy:
Sculpting: Experiment with clay or other sculpting materials to give shape to your thoughts and emotions. The tactile experience of molding and shaping the material can be deeply therapeutic.
Body Tracing: Lie down on a large piece of paper and have someone trace the outline of your body. Then, fill in the traced figure with colors, symbols, or words that represent your emotions or aspirations.
Emotional Learning:
Art is renowned for its ability to facilitate emotional healing and self-expression. Here are some suggestions to integrate emotional learning into your creative practice:
Emotional Color Wheel: Create a color wheel using different hues to represent various emotions. Use the color wheel as a guide to select colors that reflect your current emotional state and incorporate them into your artwork.
Emotion-Focused Drawing: Set a timer for a specific period and draw freely, allowing your emotions to guide your artistic expression. Embrace the process rather than focusing on the outcome, allowing your emotions to flow onto the canvas.
Utilizing art as a therapeutic practice is a truly multidimensional modality that engages various modes of learning simultaneously. By combining visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and emotional experiences, art therapy offers a powerful platform for self-expression, healing, and personal growth. Whether you're a visual learner who finds solace in painting or a kinesthetic learner who seeks meaning through sculpting, art can cater to your unique learning style. So, pick up a paintbrush, grab some clay, or simply doodle on a piece of paper—let art therapy unlock your inner creativity and serve as a powerful tool for self-discovery and transformation.
Surrendered Artist has created The BIG JOY Journal for kids, inspired to be an accompaniment tool for the Journaling For Joy workshop.
If your school or organization would like to apply to receive FREE copies of The BIG JOY Journal for kids and accompanying Journaling for Joy Workshop E-Kit, please contact us below to receive application information.