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Morning Streaks: Mindfulness with a Sponge

"Don't let one cloud obliterate the whole sky." Anais Nin

On my way to work one morning I noticed the sky streaking by the window. I cannot say what had consumed my attention up to that moment, save the monotony of the road and passing cars. Dawn came as a surprise. It brought an artists palette of long wispy streaks... oranges, magentas, and golds. It may have had teals and purples too. The image persisted long after the casual blues and white puffy clouds set-in. The memory persisted long into my work day.

 By mid-day I knew I wanted needed to bring that moment into one of my groups, and I knew just the one. Using rectangular pieces of orange hanging folders (yep, recycling), small sponges (cut from packing material), and craft acrylics I set to the task of composing a mindful-art experience. The beauty is in the simplicity of the materials and the 'magic' that takes place in the process.



After our usual group discussion I set out to be their guide through the mindful painting experience. With a soft even tone I 'walked' the group through each layer of color and its accompanying breath(s). Matching horizontal arm movements to exhales and inhales. *Very much channeling Mr. Miyagi from Karate Kid. 

Lastly, as you may notice the pieces of paper were taped-down completely - this gave them a border and also kept them flat, allowing individuals to work past the edges. In this simple process the last thing you want is to have to be concerned with 1. holding your paper in place & 2. stopping your movement because you are at the edge of the paper. 




Check with your local music therapist --- The right music accompaniment could set the mood and the adequate pace for the activity.

 Once dry these could stand alone or serve as backdrops for cheer-leading statements or uplifting quotes. 

 For another directive with recycled materials visit the sister blog's post on All Things Recycled about making a group mandala from old work.
Whether you make 1 or 4...Work with purpose and awareness.
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