I’m a learner. I may be an Art Therapist, business owner and Adjunct Professor, but I still remain a learner. I look at my life and the world around me in wonder and amazement. Something I hope never changes.
Choosing a state of wonder helps me embrace life’s transitions and changes as it’s often full of circumstances I would never have chosen. I decide how I will face or manage what I’m given.
That mindset showed up in one of my art therapy courses during grad school. My classmates and I were invited to choose a paper bag among many on the table as we left for the evening. Each contained unknown items and we were told to go make an art piece. As I considered the contents; a child’s medical mask, several band-aids and a small rock, I began to look at each item from a “think outside the box” or in this case “think outside the bag” perspective. This was a fabulous exercise in expanding the imagination to solve a problem, a great life skill enhancing project.
What surprised me, when everyone brought in their projects the following week, was that I was the only one who incorporated the paper bag as a key element in the finished art piece.
In order for us to grow emotionally, spiritually and physically, I think we need to adjust and “think outside the box” of our given circumstances. We need to go beyond the basic elements and consider everything we’ve got before us. You’ve got more in you than you think.
What does it mean to be given an opportunity to grow or to heal? What does it look like for you to be in that vulnerable place where you NEED to struggle in order to change? Does it hurt? Can you look at it as a gift of being able to “look outside the box” of your situation and address it creatively? Does it force you to seek help from others? Does it nudge you to seek a time of restorative prayer? Where do you go for healing?
Lately I’ve I learned that I want to hold on to too much. For instance, I hold the stories of my clients. While this is good, I also tend to hold onto what isn’t mine. They aren’t meant for me to carry. During those times, I try to think of this bible passage in Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” I am not always gentle and humble towards myself; I need this reminder and this invitation to find rest for my soul.
We change after profound rest and deep healing. Sometimes we are stronger; sometimes more gentle, but we are definitely different. The outcome of our experience can surprise us. So, give your burdens to God and let Him soothe you. You can count on His strength. Remain a learner.
– Lisa Lounsbury, MA, LMFT, ATR-BC, Executive Director of Art Lab Rx, LLC
