Once when I was preparing to teach coordinate geometry, I learned that one could express the same equation with both geometry and algebra. That intrigued me, that a mathematician could either employ letters and numbers or a geometric form to express the same number relationship. This touched the part of me that loves diversity. I love diversity because it greatly increases health, whether in a human community or a farm ecosystem. So, what do algebra, geometry, human diversity and biodiversity have to do with painting or dancing? I am so glad you asked, and I need you to follow me into one more room before I answer that question….

In my early consciousness exploration journeys, the most visible way for me to engage with my big questions and challenges was through dialog:through group conversations, reading, journaling, counseling and coaching. I learned and healed a lot through these explorations, and….I plateaued. Challenges improved but remained. I could mentally inventory my needs, make a blueprint for what wholeness and health would look like for me, but I did not have all the building materials I needed to sufficiently embody this state of being. I believe this is because humans need more than words to integrate and embody life’s mysteries, challenges, big changes. Embodiment also needs nature, dance, music and visual expression. When I was trying to uncover my innate wholeness and genius only through dialog, I was functional but not thriving, a state which I see strongly in the collective experience of my culture and society.  

 And finally, we have arrived in our May Art Recess circle! This month brush and paint will join your integration team to create new perspectives on both our collective and your personal consciousness journeys. Saying yes to this class will invite the non-verbal process of painting archetypes and authentic personal impulses into the questions, priorities and challenges that matter most to you. In the first two classes, we will start by attuning to each other through dance followed by a sharing circle. Then I will tell a folk tale, and together we will play with translating significant moments from this story into colors, gestures, shapes and images. I experience folk tales as a powerful container for both community and personal processes. When I was a teacher, these stories deeply supported both my students’ and my own personal challenges. You need no painting experience to engage with this process, just courage and curiosity. In the third and fourth classes, we will start with a sound journey, move into a sharing circle, then I will invite you to translate stories from your own biography into paintings. All four weeks, we will end every class with a short sharing circle.

Though others may take joy in the paintings you create this month, you will not be painting for others, you will be painting for yourself, in service of self-learning and loving embodiment. No matter what shows up on the page, I will support you in listening for authentic impulses and giving them attention, present moment by present moment.

You are free to use any kind of paint for this process. I personally paint with watercolor and tempera paints. This month I will be modeling with tempera paints, as they are affordable, color-rich and easy to clean up.When you register for the circle, you will receive a supply list and class logistics.