CENTRE OF THE HEART - BLOG

The Power of Somatic Therapy: How It Heals from Within and How Art Therapy Enhances Its Lasting Impact

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 16:03:03 GMT

In recent years, the world of therapy has embraced more holistic approaches, recognizing that true healing involves not just the mind but the body and soul as well. Somatic therapy, a body-centered approach to therapy, has gained popularity for its ability to address trauma, stress, and emotional pain through the body-mind connection. By allowing individuals to tune into physical sensations and experiences, somatic therapy can offer deep, long-lasting healing. However, when combined with the creative process of art therapy, this approach becomes even more powerful. Together, somatic and art therapy can unlock inner healing that transcends talk therapy, leaving a profound and lasting impact on a person’s emotional and physical well-being.

What Is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on the connection between the body and mind. Rather than relying solely on talking about emotions and experiences, somatic therapy encourages individuals to notice and process physical sensations, tension, and energy flow in their bodies. It operates on the principle that the body holds onto stress and trauma, sometimes for years, and that releasing this tension can lead to profound emotional healing.
In somatic therapy, practitioners may guide clients through exercises that involve breathing techniques, body movement, grounding, sound therapy or mindfulness practices. These techniques help individuals become more aware of their bodies and the ways in which past experiences may be manifesting physically. This form of therapy allows emotions to move through the body, helping to release stored pain, fear, or trauma that traditional talk therapy may not address on its own.

Why Is Somatic Therapy So Effective?

Trauma is stored in the body: One of the key reasons somatic therapy is effective is that it addresses trauma and emotional wounds at a physical level. Many people experience trauma or chronic stress that manifests as tension, pain, or other physical symptoms. Somatic therapy helps to release these trapped emotions and sensations, making room for the body to heal.
Promotes self-awareness: By focusing on body sensations, individuals learn to listen to their bodies in a more mindful way. This increased awareness allows them to understand their emotional states and reactions better, leading to more conscious decision-making and emotional regulation.
Regulates the nervous system: Somatic therapy works directly with the nervous system, helping clients shift from fight-or-flight mode into a more relaxed, balanced state. This regulation can reduce anxiety, stress, and the physical symptoms of trauma, helping clients feel calmer and more in control of their emotions.
Creates lasting change: Because somatic therapy works on a physical level, the changes are often more deeply rooted. Clients can experience shifts in posture, movement, and emotional reactivity, creating a foundation for long-term healing and well-being.

The Role of Art Therapy in Enhancing Inner Healing
Art therapy involves the use of creative processes—such as drawing, painting, or sculpting—as a form of self-expression and healing. When combined with somatic therapy, art therapy can amplify the healing process in profound ways. The physical act of creating art helps individuals express emotions and experiences that words may not adequately convey. This creative process aligns well with somatic principles, allowing for healing at both emotional and physical levels.

How Art Therapy Supports Somatic Healing:

Non-verbal expression of trauma: Some emotions and traumas are difficult to articulate in words. Art therapy offers an outlet for these feelings through color, shape, and texture, bypassing the limitations of language and allowing the subconscious to communicate freely.
Accessing the unconscious mind: Just as somatic therapy brings awareness to unconscious physical sensations, art therapy taps into the unconscious mind through symbolic representation. By engaging in artistic expression, individuals may access emotions or memories that they were previously unaware of, providing new opportunities for healing.
Encourages physical engagement: The hands-on nature of art therapy engages the body in the healing process. Whether it’s the motion of painting or the tactile experience of molding clay, these physical actions help people reconnect with their bodies in a safe and creative way. This complements the body-awareness practices in somatic therapy, further enhancing the body-mind connection.
Reduces stress and anxiety: Both somatic and art therapy are rooted in mindfulness and present-moment awareness. The act of creating art can serve as a meditative practice, helping individuals stay grounded in the present moment, reduce anxiety, and soothe the nervous system.
Promotes emotional release: Just as somatic therapy helps release tension and stored emotions from the body, art therapy allows for emotional release in a visual and tangible way. The process of creation can feel cathartic, providing a sense of relief and resolution.

How Combining Somatic and Art Therapy Can Lead to Lasting Healing
When somatic therapy and art therapy are combined, they offer a multi-dimensional approach to healing that touches both body and soul. By working with the body’s physical sensations and engaging in creative expression, individuals can achieve a deeper understanding of themselves and their emotions, while also releasing the trauma stored in their bodies.
Here’s why the combination is so effective:

Holistic approach: This dual therapy approach doesn’t just treat the mind or body separately. It engages both in a healing process that honors the complex ways trauma and emotions affect us.
Increased mindfulness: Art therapy can deepen the mindfulness practiced in somatic therapy by adding a visual and creative element to self-awareness. By focusing on creating, individuals stay present in the moment, promoting healing on multiple levels.
Amplified emotional exploration: Somatic therapy helps people become more aware of physical sensations related to their emotions, while art therapy provides an outlet for expressing these emotions. The result is a more complete exploration and release of both physical and emotional pain.
Long-lasting transformation: Since both therapies work on deep, unconscious levels, the changes they produce are often profound and enduring. When individuals heal through both body and expression, the inner transformations they experience tend to last, leading to sustained emotional well-being.

Conclusion
Somatic therapy is a powerful tool for addressing trauma and emotional pain by working with the body’s innate wisdom. When paired with art therapy, it becomes an even more potent approach for healing, allowing individuals to express emotions, release stored trauma, and connect with their bodies in a meaningful way. Together, these therapies create a lasting healing process that transforms both mind and body, offering peace, balance, and emotional freedom.
By incorporating these therapeutic practices into one’s healing journey, individuals can experience a profound and lasting shift toward wholeness and well-being—one that touches every aspect of their lives.

The Symbiotic Relationship Between Art Therapy, Psychedelic Medicines, and Transpersonal Experiences

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 00:47:42 GMT

Art has long been recognized as a profound medium for exploring the depths of the human psyche. In recent years, the intersection of art, transpersonal experiences, and the therapeutic use of psychedelic medicines has emerged as a compelling area of study and practice. The synergy between these elements highlights the indispensable role that art therapy plays in navigating altered states of consciousness and facilitating deep psychological healing.

Art as a Bridge to the Unconscious
Throughout history, art has served as a conduit for accessing the unconscious mind. The works of renowned figures such as Carl Jung, Sigmund Freud, and Stanislav Grof underscore the significance of art in exploring and understanding the psyche. Jung’s use of mandalas, Freud’s analysis of dreams, and Grof’s pioneering research on LSD and holotropic breathwork demonstrate how art can unlock previously uncharted emotional realms.

In indigenous cultures, artistic expression has been a vital tool for connecting with the spiritual and transpersonal dimensions of life. These ancient traditions provide valuable insights into the relationship between art and altered states of consciousness. By studying these practices, modern therapists can gain a deeper understanding of how art can facilitate healing in contemporary settings.

The Role of Psychedelic Medicines in Modern Therapy
Recent research has illuminated the potential of psychedelic medicines to induce profound psychological transformations. Substances like psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA have shown promise in treating a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. However, the therapeutic potential of these substances is not fully realized without proper integration and preparation.

This is where art therapy becomes crucial. As psychedelic experiences often bring unconscious material to the surface, art therapy provides a structured way to explore, express, and integrate these experiences. Through creative expression, individuals can make sense of their journey, process complex emotions, and find meaning in their altered states.

The Ethical Considerations of Art Therapy in Psychedelic Practice
As the use of psychedelic medicines becomes more widespread, the ethical application of therapeutic interventions, including art therapy, is of paramount importance. One concern is the practice of untrained individuals offering art therapy to those undergoing psychedelic experiences. While art can be a powerful tool for healing, it can also be risky when not facilitated by a trained professional.

Without proper guidance, individuals may struggle to integrate their experiences, potentially leading to dependency on altered states of consciousness for mental well-being. This underscores the need for formal training and ethical standards in the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy. By ensuring that art therapy is administered by qualified professionals, we can maximize its therapeutic benefits while minimizing potential harm.

Integrating Art Therapy into Psychedelic Practice
Art therapy offers a unique and effective approach to supporting individuals through their psychedelic journeys. By incorporating creative expression into the integration process, therapists can help clients solidify the insights gained during their experiences. This not only enhances the therapeutic impact of psychedelics but also fosters long-term psychological resilience.

Participants in art therapy sessions often find that their creative expressions provide a tangible record of their inner experiences. This can be particularly valuable in the context of psychedelic therapy, where the insights gained can be fleeting if not properly integrated. Art therapy serves as a bridge between the altered state and everyday reality, helping individuals to carry the benefits of their psychedelic experiences into their daily lives.

Conclusion: Embracing the Renaissance of Psychedelic Therapy
We are currently witnessing a renaissance in the field of psychedelic therapy. As these powerful substances gain acceptance in mainstream culture, it is crucial to recognize the pivotal role of art therapy in this evolving landscape. By incorporating art into the therapeutic process, we can enhance the integration of psychedelic experiences, ensuring that their transformative potential is fully realized.

As the field of psychedelic therapy continues to grow, it is imperative that we also address the ethical concerns surrounding the practice. Ensuring that art therapy is conducted by trained professionals will safeguard the well-being of clients and uphold the integrity of the therapy.

In conclusion, the relationship between art and psychedelics is not merely a historical curiosity but a vital area of contemporary therapeutic practice. By acknowledging and harnessing this connection, we can create more effective and holistic approaches to mental health treatment, guiding individuals toward profound healing and personal growth.

Journey Into the Creative Portal: Exploring the Interplay between Sacred Geometry, Somatic Art Therapy & Psychedelics

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 00:02:38 GMT

Sacred geometry is a field of study that explores the inherent patterns, shapes, and mathematical principles found in the natural world, religious and spiritual symbolism, and ancient architectural and artistic traditions. It is based on the belief that certain geometric forms hold deep spiritual or metaphysical significance and can be seen as a reflection of divine order and universal truths.

Combining sacred geometry, divine intelligence, somatic therapy, art therapy, and psychedelics can be a powerful and transformative experience.

We are all geometrical beings with infinite possibilities of how our life can be created, explored and enjoyed. When we are able to tap into and access the power of sacred geometry, we feel more balanced in our lives because we become more connected to the nature around us as well as our own infinite possibilities!

The very act of creating a reflection of what is represented in nature in a systematic and structured way that geometric images allow, invite a restructuring of our own mechanical and geometric systems within. Our DNA is based on this system of sacred geometry and images we take in with our senses have deep meaning to our bodies, psyche and healing. Try it for yourself by creating various sacred geometrical images like the flower of life to access inner peace and restructure your own geometrical DNA and life plan.

The art of sacred geometry has been studied and revered for ages; from the note books of Leonardo Da Vinci, to the construction of the pyramids. There is an innate wisdom within our bodies that can be tapped into when we explore the magic of Sacred Geometry.

Here are 10 steps that explore the connection between Sacred Geometry, Somatic Therapy, Art Therapy, Healing, and
Psychedelics:

1. Symbolic Meaning and Emotional Resonance: Sacred geometry often carries symbolic meaning and evokes emotional responses. By actively engaging with these symbols and reflecting on their significance, individuals can tap into emotional and cognitive processes associated with personal growth, transformation, and spiritual connection. This engagement can help regulate emotional states and contribute to overall mental well-being. Reflect on the symbolic meanings of the sacred geometry encountered during your psychedelic experience. Explore how these symbols relate to your personal healing process and incorporate them into your daily life.

2. Meditative and Contemplative Practice: Engaging with sacred geometry through contemplation, meditation, or creative expression can be a profound spiritual practice, especially when one dedicates this as a regular daily practice. The intricate patterns and shapes encourage focused attention, deep contemplation, and a sense of connection with the divine or higher realms of consciousness. Use meditation techniques to quiet the mind and visualize sacred geometric patterns. Allow yourself to connect with divine intelligence and explore the depths of your consciousness.

3. Integration Journals: Keep a journal to record your experiences and insights gained from your explorations. Write about the symbolism, geometric patterns, and divine wisdom that emerge during your psychedelic journeys and art therapy sessions.

4. Study Sacred Geometry: Begin by learning about the principles and symbolism of sacred geometry. Explore ancient teachings, symbols, and geometric patterns to gain a deeper understanding of their significance. Which symbols feel important to you? Incorporate these in your life as pictures on your wall or placed in an area you will engage with them often, or even try creating these images yourself!

5. Integrates Your Whole Brain: Sacred geometry represents a harmonious and interconnected system of shapes and patterns. Engaging with these geometric forms can facilitate the integration of different brain regions and promote neural coherence. This coherence can improve communication between different brain networks, fostering a sense of wholeness and integration that supports mental health and well-being. The left side of our brain tends to be the more logical, technical side, whereas the right brain is typically the creative, intuitive side. For most of us, one side of the brain is usually dominant. The nature of sacred geometry engages both sides of your brain and helps them to work together, supporting balance, harmony and integration.

6. Art Therapy: Engage in art therapy during or after your psychedelic experience. Use artistic mediums to express your journey and integrate the sacred geometric patterns that emerged. When working with a certified and trained art therapist, one is able to access unconscious processes through the art making to allow for a deeper and lasting healing to take place after your psychedelic journey. Using sacred geometry in combination with this process is an extremely effective form of healing.

7. Neuroplasticity: The brain has the remarkable ability to rewire itself through neuroplasticity. Engaging with sacred geometry and incorporating it into one's practices can promote neuroplasticity by forming new neural connections and strengthening existing ones. Regular exposure to sacred geometry can facilitate the rewiring of neural pathways, potentially leading to improved mental health and well-being.

8. Connect to Nature: Sacred geometry emphasizes the inherent harmony and balance found in nature and the cosmos. Many natural objects and organisms exhibit sacred geometric patterns, such as the spirals in seashells (Fibonacci sequence), the hexagonal cells in honeycombs, the way leaves and petals are arranged on trees and flowers. These patterns reflect the inherent order and harmony found in nature. To support grounding after your psychedelic experience, spend time in nature to deepen your connection with the natural world through sacred geometry. Observe the natural patterns and geometric formations in the environment, allowing them to reinforce your healing journey. By studying and applying these geometric principles, individuals seek to align themselves with the natural order of the universe, promoting a sense of balance and unity in their lives.

9. Music, Sound & Vibration: Sound frequencies and harmonics follow mathematical ratios, forming the basis of sacred geometry. The relationship between musical tones and their harmonies corresponds to geometric ratios, creating a sense of harmony and resonance. Sacred geometry is believed to have energetic and vibrational qualities as well. It is thought that specific geometric patterns can resonate with and influence subtle energy fields in the body, just as music does! By working with sacred geometry, individuals aim to harmonize and balance their own energetic systems.

10. Healing Modalities: Various healing modalities, such as Reiki or acupuncture, incorporate sacred geometry. The placement of energy centres (chakras) or the arrangement of acupuncture points follow geometric principles to enhance energy flow and promote well-being.

Remember that the use of psychedelics should always be approached with caution and responsibility. Adhere to legal regulations, prioritize your safety, and consider working with experienced professionals to guide you through the process. The combination of sacred geometry, Art Therapy, and psychedelics can offer profound insights and transformation, but it is essential to approach it with respect and mindfulness.

Full Integration Course: https://courses.centreoftheheart.com/psychedelic-integration-full-course-modules-1-8

My web site: https://www.centreoftheheart.com/

Web Page for Integration : https://www.centreoftheheart.com/psychedelic-integration-therapy.html

Page on Somatic Therapy : https://www.centreoftheheart.com/somatic-therapy.html

Web page link to about me : https://www.centreoftheheart.com/about.html

Sacred Geometry link: https://www.etsy.com/shop/charmainehusumart/?etsrc=sdt

Sacred Geometry Course link: https://courses.centreoftheheart.com/sacred-geometry-fully-embodying-nature-s-magic-through-creativity-meditation

Module 1: https://courses.centreoftheheart.com/p/module-one-psychedelic-integration-grounding-after-your-experince?affcode=1245882_r04jdu4s

Blog: https://www.centreoftheheart.com/blog/how-do-non-ordinary-states-change-our-brain

https://www.centreoftheheart.com/art-therapy.html

https://www.centreoftheheart.com/blog/how-can-art-therapy-and-kundalini-yoga-optimize-brain-functioning

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cymatics

Shadow Work, Psychedelics & Art Therapy: Exploring the Darkness Within

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 12:57:35 GMT

by Charmaine Husum

The Integration of Psychedelic experiences using Somatic Art Therapy can be a valuable and supportive approach to Shadow Work.

What is Shadow Work?
Shadow work is a psychological and spiritual practice that involves exploring and integrating the unconscious aspects of the self, often referred to as the “shadow.” The concept of the shadow was popularized by Swiss psychologist Carl Jung, who believed that the shadow consists of repressed or disowned aspects of our personality, including our fears, insecurities, unresolved traumas, and unexpressed desires.

Somatic Art Therapy & Shadow Work
Here’s how Somatic Art Therapy can facilitate the integration of psychedelic experiences and support Shadow Work:

Meaning-Making:
Somatic Art Therapy assists individuals in making meaning out of their psychedelic experiences and the shadow material that arises. Through reflection on the created artwork, dialogue, and interpretation with the art therapist, individuals can explore the significance and symbolism of their artistic expressions. This process helps integrate the insights and emotions from the psychedelic experiences into their personal narrative and daily life.

Amplified Awareness:
Psychedelics such as Ayahuasca, Psilocybin or San Pedro have the potential to heighten awareness and dissolve the barriers between the conscious and unconscious mind. During a psychedelic or plant medicine experience, suppressed or hidden aspects of the shadow may come to the surface, allowing individuals to directly confront and explore them. This can be dysregulating and sometimes even frightening. Having a trained Art Therapist to the support the process of integration afterwards and even leading up to your psychedelic experience to establish navigation tools and intentions, can be very supportive in allowing your shadow aspect to heal.

Expressive Outlet:
Art therapy provides a non-verbal and creative means of expression. Through various art forms such as painting, drawing, sculpture, or collage, individuals can externalize their inner experiences and emotions that may have emerged during psychedelic journeys. This allows for a tangible representation of the shadow aspects, facilitating exploration, reflection, and processing.

Symbolic Exploration:
Art therapy encourages the use of symbols and metaphors, which can be particularly useful when working with shadow aspects. Symbolic representations in art can offer a safe and indirect way to engage with the shadow, making it more accessible for exploration and integration. Artistic symbolism can evoke deeper insights and provide a bridge between the conscious and unconscious mind.

Integration Support:
The integration phase following a psychedelic experience is crucial for incorporating the insights gained and integrating them into daily life. Integration practices, such as Somatic Counselling, Art Therapy, journaling, Sacred geometry, and meditation, can help individuals make sense of their experiences, process emotions, and apply the lessons learned to support a lasting healing.

Access to Subconscious Material:
Psychedelics can facilitate access to deep layers of the subconscious mind, where the shadow aspects reside. Art Therapy does the same. This increased access provides an opportunity to uncover and bring to light repressed emotions, unresolved traumas, and unconscious patterns that may be influencing behavior and well-being.

Emotional Release and Healing:
Psychedelics can evoke intense emotional experiences and promote emotional release. After one’s psychedelic experience during the integration process, individuals are given an opportunity to confront and process challenging emotions that may have come up for deeper, lasting healing to take hold. The act of creating art can also be cathartic and supportive of emotional release. Engaging in art-making can help individuals process and release challenging emotions, facilitating the integration of difficult or repressed aspects of the shadow. The art-making process allows for a safe container to channel and transform emotions associated with shadow material.

Spiritual Connection:
Psychedelic experiences can deepen one’s spiritual connection and provide a sense of transcendence. While working afterwards Somatically with Art therapy, this connection to spirit can become amplified. This expanded spiritual perspective can support shadow work by offering a broader context and a deeper sense of meaning, allowing individuals to explore their shadow from a spiritual lens.

Reflective Exploration:
Art therapy provides an opportunity for reflection and contemplation. The created artwork serves as a mirror for self-reflection, allowing individuals to observe their own creative expressions and delve deeper into the underlying meanings and emotions present in the art. This reflective process can foster insight, self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of the shadow aspects.

Safe and Supportive Environment:
Art therapy sessions are typically conducted in a safe and supportive environment with a trained Art Therapist. This environment promotes trust, authenticity, and non-judgment, providing individuals with a space where they can explore and process their psychedelic experiences and shadow material. The therapeutic relationship and guidance of the art therapist can offer valuable support throughout the integration process.

Empowerment and Self-Discovery:
Art therapy empowers individuals to take an active role in their own healing and self-discovery. By engaging in the art-making process, individuals gain a sense of agency and control over their own exploration and integration of the shadow and their psychedelic experience. This empowerment contributes to a deeper understanding of oneself and fosters personal growth and transformation.

Is Shadow Work Dangerous?

It is important to note that engaging in psychedelic experiences for shadow work should be approached with caution, respect, and guidance from experienced professionals. Psychedelics can evoke powerful and intense experiences, and the support of integration practices and professionals can help navigate the complexities of shadow work and ensure a safe and transformative process.
Art therapy can be a valuable tool for integrating psychedelic experiences and supporting shadow work. It provides a creative and expressive outlet, a safe space for exploration, and a means to process and integrate the insights gained during psychedelic journeys. Working with an art therapist who is experienced in both art therapy and psychedelic integration can enhance the effectiveness of this approach.

Charmaine Husum
As a Certified Art Therapist and Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, Charmaine Husum DKATI, RTC, CT supports people in finding personalized routes to emotional healing with a focus on inner resources and transpersonal connections to spirit. With years of experience and training in the area of Psychedelics, she helps people both in groups and individually, understand and Integrate the details of their Psychedelic Experiences using Trauma Informed Art Therapy, Counselling, Meditation and tapping into the innate Wisdom of the Body through various Somatic Approaches. Her current research enthusiasms are in neuroplasticity, neuroscience, epigenetics, mystical/ psychedelic integration and intergenerational trauma.

What to Do After Your Psychedelic Experience to Integrate?

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 13:31:32 GMT

Are you struggling to make sense of the Psychedelic Experience you just went through? Do you feel like the surface has just been skimmed and you would like to go deeper into learning about yourself and how to live your best life ever?
The effects of a mystical and altered state of consciousness linger, bounce around, and affect our waking reality far beyond ceremony or however your awakening has been opened. When our soul’s path has been awakened through sacred plant medicines or entheogens like Ayahuasca, Psilocybin, Iboga, Kambo, LSD, or through a Kundalini Awakening, Dark Night of the Soul or Meditation and Yoga, a profound shift happens in the body and brain. This can be confusing once we go back to our regular waking life.

My name is Charmaine Husum, RTC, DKATI, CT and I help people understand and integrate the details of their psychedelic experience using trauma informed art therapy, counselling, meditation and tapping into the innate wisdom of the body.
After my own personal experiences using breathwork and psychedelics to gain deeper awareness of myself, I was left with more questions than answers. Initially, there was a thought that to decipher the experience further and for greater understanding I needed more medicine, more ceremonies, more insight that came from outside of myself. This was counterintuitive to what I knew as a Trauma-Informed, Registered Therapeutic Counsellor and Somatic Art Therapist, which is that lasting healing comes from within. This revelation made the importance of integration, that much clearer; all of the answers I needed for healing were inside of me and had become awakened by my psychedelic experience!

10 Proven Methods of Integrating Psychedelic Experiences

Grounding after Your experience: What does this even mean? Coming back into your body in a way that feels resourced and strong. Grounding can take many forms. After using sacred medicines or psychedelics, your energy is moved very quickly from one state to another. This can cause energetic holes within your aura, which may create a feeling of being unsafe. We ground to bring our auric energy into alignment with our body. When working with clients I find bringing in a regular, focussed meditation practice and yoga are especially helpful. Another especially poignant way to ground is by connecting to nature. Allow yourself the time to walk in nature, becoming aware of the present moment; noticing the feel of your feet on the ground, the smells in the air, the sounds around you, the feel of the sun or wind on your face, these are all ways to connect in a way that will bring you into the present moment and allow your mind to settle and your body to ground. Another powerful activity I invite people to do after using psychedelics, is to gather natural objects from their walk and create a collage of these using a thick Bristol board or cardboard as a base and a glue gun to assemble. As you arrange your natural objects into a collage, you are invited to stay connected to your breath and the feelings or sensations in your body, while pressing your feet into the surface beneath you. These are all activities that will support you to ground after your psychedelic experience.
Creating Safety and Security Around Yourself: Bring people, tools and supports closer, so you feel held in your experience and not isolated. When our energy feels scattered, which can often happen after a non-ordinary state, it is important to establish safety around us. This can be done in many ways but especially important is to become aware of our boundaries and what we let into our life that support us, or what may be in our life that does not support us.
Making Sense of the Experience: Reflect on what happened during your experience. Journaling is a great way to reflect on what happened and any insights that may have come to the surface for you. One journaling activity is to imagine the spirit of the medicine you worked with and begin writing a letter or questions to this energy. As you connect to your breath and body, using a different colour of pen, allow automatic writing to take place where you begin answering your questions from the point of view of the medicine. It is easy to feel like you are making this up, but know that imagination is a huge part of connecting to energies beyond you. Over time, this process will become easier and you will feel a flow to it where information is given to support you. If you feel like you are in your head and thinking about what to write, breath that energy back into the heart and be open to allowing whatever is written to come from an unconscious place.
Move your Body: Exercise and especially yoga can have a profound effect to create an influx of neural chemicals in the body like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, which support a heightened and elevated mood. This will help to support you after moving so quickly from one energetic state experienced during you journey, to your regular state of conscious awareness. Allow the blood to move in your body and be open to breaking a sweat. Know that you are in control of the mechanisms within your body as you work towards moving the blood, raising your heart rate and grounding in a way that comes back into the body.
Meditation is Key: As many will attest, non-ordinary states of consciousness support a quieting of an area of the brain associated with ego called the Default Mode Network. Meditation will also bring you into this state of being. This will continue to support your transition into everyday life, while still connecting to a quiet and calm, place within. Continuing a regular meditation practice will support neuroplasticity to re-route your neural pathways, where achieving this inner feeling of balance and peace becomes a part of who you are.
Connecting to the Spirit of the Medicine: When we are working with entheogenic medicines, we are working with a spirit. Often times this spirit has called us long before our journey into ceremony. Continuing a relationship to this spirit will support you through your experience and integration. As this relationship continues to grow and expand, however that looks for you, you will create a lasting relationship to the experience you went through that will continue to support you throughout your years for lasting changes to take hold of your life. Use journaling to connect or meditation and know that you can call on the support of this energy when needed.
Connecting to community: When looking at the three stages of trauma healing, the final one is connecting to community and making sense of your experience by relating to others. As humans, we are social creatures: introverts and extroverts, alike. Connecting to a community you feel safe in, to share your experience and support others through their own, will support your integration in a way that makes sense of your experience and promote integration into living a fuller more joyous life
Tending to Your Shadow: Shadow work has become a bit of a buzz word but when one is ready, this is powerful, reparative and healing work. After using sacred medicines, our shadow is often brought to the forefront but there is more work to do in order to fully integrate and accept this part of self so it no longer leaks into other parts of your life. Working with one’s shadow aspect of self is an advanced endeavour that is best done with the support of a clinically trained practitioner or shaman. One effective tool I use with my own clients is working with clay in a meditative state. Allowing an image to emerge from this natural substance opens up a dialogue with our shadow in a way that is can be seen, understood and integrated so that it no longer leaks into our life in ways that are unsupportive and feel beyond our control.
Understanding our Attachment styles: The ways we connect to others and our expectations within relationships can be somewhat of a mystery. When we begin to look at patterns in our lives and our relationships, we are better able to understand what will support us. People generally attach in 3 different ways, Securely, Anxiously or with Avoidance. By knowing what your attachment style is, we may be able to explore why this originated this way and ways to move into a healthy and secure forms of attaching to others so that the relationships around us feel deeply connected and supportive.
Creating your new life: Whether one is spiritual, religious or atheist, after a psychedelic experience, most feel a connection to the world that is different from when they began. Understanding this in a way that becomes a part of our daily lives can shift the way we walk in the world to fill us with more compassion in our everyday moments. By becoming aware of our connection to all things, we are then able to imagine what we would like our lives to look like and begin making choices to support that. In this state, we begin working with quantum reality; believing that our thoughts have power over our lives and consciously choosing what you want your life to look like. The goal is to make sense of what happened so that you may be in control of the shift you have created in life and tap into that strength as a continuous resource. It's through the experience, that being healed becomes the new pattern - to create the life you have always intended. Enjoy the journey, it will be memorable.

If you are needing support to integrate your experience of working with plant medicines, psychedelics or Entheogens please reach out. Free 20 minute calls are available for us to explore specific ways that may support your journey to lasting healing. If you would prefer to work at your own pace, to continue the relationship to the healing you touched on this 8 module program incorporates Yoga, Meditation, Art Therapy Directives, Dreamwork, Journaling, Scared geometry and Neuroscientific explanations which will help to guide you towards lasting healing after using psychedelic medicine. Included in your enrolment is one free private art therapy and somatic counselling session.

May all beings be blessed, Charmaine Husum

How Do Non-Ordinary States Change Our Brain?

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 22:41:56 GMT

Neuroplasticity: How the Brain is AffectedMystical Experiences are profound experiences for anybody, that is true, but what is actually happening in the brain to create this profound shift? Although research is just now flooding in, there have been many studies, FMRI's and personal, professional and medical accounts to explain what shifts our brain is going through in these profoundly moving moments.

Intensely powerful is the rerouting of neuropathways which dictate the ways we have habitually been conditioned to act, react and survive in our lives. That is why profound, mystical experiences can bring about such great changes when it comes to addiction and changing demoting habits or personality traits that may have taken control of our lives.

As described by Michael Pollan in his ground breaking book, 'How to Change Your Mind', our minds and the paths our neurotransmitters take in the brain can be described as a ski hill that has been well worn by skiers creating heavy and deep crevices where years of downhill rounds have taken place over and over again. These deep ruts represent our patterns in life; our habits, addictions, ways of acting and reacting, ways of coping we have used in the past to stay safe and feel secure. Even when we want to make a change, we are pulled into these ruts and lasting change in our lives becomes difficult. A Mystical experience, arising from an epiphany in meditation; a kundalini awakening, a near death experience or hallucinogenic or psychotropic medicinal ceremonies, creates a grooming of this snowy hill leaving a pristine powder where new behaviors are able to create new pathways. This is what is happening in our brain; this is the neuroscience of Mystical and Entheogenic experiences. Our brain actually becomes re-groomed, ready for change and a new life to blossom.

However, as wonderful or difficult this experience may be (since change is rarely an easy process), sometimes the heightened experience of change becomes its own ski rut in the snow. We begin to feel drawn again and again to the profound shifts we have experienced; looking for the newest most sought after guru, spending hours in meditation focusing on that one glimpse of truth instead of the experience in the moment, increasing our frequency of and perhaps even dosage of psychedelic and psychotropic entheogenic medicines like psilocybin, LSD, or ayahuasca and healing retreats. The goal is to heal and grow from within so that the changes we want in life are lasting.

I too have felt this and is why I created this program. I believe that through integration of the experience, we are able to maintain this new way of being; celebrating the changes and creating them in our everyday lived experience so the new pathways we create support our evolution, healing and personal growth, beyond the experience. We become sustained in our greatness and stop seeking that which already lives within us. This my hope for all those on the path of transformation and for you in this moment as you embark on the journey of integration.

- Charmaine Husum

How to Rewire Your Attachment Style

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 12:06:29 GMT

How to Rewire Your Attachment Style
Ten Effective ways to Support Growth and Change

When discussing ways to reparent ourselves to move into Secure Attachment, what is important is to be able to acknowledge when you are feeling triggered and have compassion for where this trigger was first formed. Knowing yourself, building self-esteem, and finding self-compassion are steps in the right direction to achieving a Secure Attachment style but it is a process. Have compassion for your journey of rewiring and learning, just as you would a small child. Here are some key steps in moving toward the direction of having a secure attachment pattern in your life.

1. What do you love doing? Do it more!
Living passionately involves having things in our life that we love doing. What are things that you are already good at and give you a sense of pride, joy and passion? Do more of these, making time each week to dive deeper into your own pursuits that give you a sense of being in the flow. Keep developing these things you are already good at and the things you love, and notice the sense of accomplishment you get from these.
If you are unsure of what you are good at or what brings you this sense of joy where time melts away and you can be completely immersed, write out a list of the things you love doing and spend time each week or even each day if you have the time. Know that you are giving yourself a gift by taking the time to dive into your passions in a concentrated way. It can take patience to stumble upon the things you love. We don't always know our passions until we find ourselves doing them and realize we're totally in our element.

2. Push yourself out of your comfort zone
Write out a list of areas in your life that may bring a sense of discomfort, nothing dangerous but things in life you may avoid. Looking at your list, pick one or two and consciously decide to push yourself in a way that feel safe but engages you in these areas. Building self-esteem takes courage and patience. You'll feel proud of your courage when you push yourself and see that you are stronger and braver than you may have known.

3. Strengthen your body physically
Looking after yourself physically by attending to your wellness and self-care nurtures emotional strength and stability more than you might realize. You can start out small but be sure to do something physically strengthening every day.

4. Create a deeper sense of Self Compassion
Become aware of the way you talk to yourself. Often times, our self-talk, or ways we speak to ourselves in our head, can be harsh and critical. It's essential to become aware of this and to start infusing some new ideas. If you're hard on yourself, ask yourself whether you'd speak to someone else that way. Would it help a child's self-esteem and emotional growth if you spoke to them the way you speak to yourself? If not, think about giving yourself the same level of kindness and compassion you'd give another because feeling ashamed and criticized, for whatever reason, is not helpful.

5. Insight, understanding, and awareness generate acceptance and fuel your journey into emotional freedom
Insight means realizing why things worked out as they did, why you are how you are, why they were how they were. It's not about making excuses for anyone. It's about assessing the depths and locations of the scars in your inner landscape so you don't keep falling into those same patterns for the rest of your life.
When you find yourself pushing someone away, ask why. If you feel worried that your partner is going to leave you, again, ask yourself where this is coming from. Have they shown you any reason to believe this? Many times, there is no real evidence. In that case, allow yourself to calm down and try not to obsess over it.

6. Focus On Healing
Childhood situations and experiences that promote insecure attachments also tend to create shame and self-esteem issues. Living with shame can result in self-neglect (focusing on everyone else's needs while ignoring your own), self-criticism, self-sabotage, and even self-destructive behaviors. Beginning to heal from these symptoms will help you lay the foundation to form secure attachments.
These feelings and behaviors are often connected to a deeply rooted, self-imposed belief that an individual does not deserve happiness or healthy relationships. While healthy guilt can help an individual make better choices, the shame and self-loathing that often accompany an insecure attachment style can make a person feel perpetually stuck in insecurity.

7. Build Self-Esteem
Self-forgiveness provides a fresh start. Once you're no longer bogged down by the pain of the past, you can work on building yourself up. You might have years of experience with negative self-talk, shame, and criticism, so it's time to turn things around.

8. Communicate your needs
In loving relationships, partners have a desire to make one another happy. Allow yourself to express what your needs are to your partner, knowing that this will not push them away but help them to know you better. Be clear that your needs are yours; try not to focus on what your partner is NOT doing but rather what you would like them to do differently in the relationship to help you feel more supported, connected and loved. Communication is key.

9. Learn how to handle conflict effectively
The conclusion of a fight is NOT usually the end of the relationship. It may feel vulnerable to open up but having clear communication in what is bothering us may help to bring people closer together. If you can speak openly about your fears, you will give them less power over you.
Do Not Avoid Conflict or assume you are inconveniencing or burdening another by bringing up your concerns. If your partner has been caring and responsive to your needs in the past, trust this pattern and allow dialogue between you two about what is on your mind. Don’t assume your partner knows what is on your mind and don’t assume you know what is on their mind- always ask.
Like those with an anxious attachment style, avoidants can also have great difficulty at facing conflict- for a very different reason though! Conflict, when done right, increases closeness and intimacy. This is usually what the avoidantly attached person is trying to avoid, knowingly or unknowingly. It’s important to recognize WHY you distancing yourself during a conflict (i.e. shutting down, giving up etc.). Fighting the instinct to avoid conflict is difficult.

10. Shift Away from Self-Reliance Towards Mutual Support
Often times, people become so used to depending entirely on one's self, that the idea of letting that go is very distressing. Or the feeling that no one has ever been there or that people have left us in the past can become the lens we look through all the time; with the expectation that relying on another will only bring up those painful experiences again. Our past does not need to be our future.
This also makes it difficult to allow anyone to truly depend on YOU to meet their needs- you may be afraid that you will also be expected to let your walls down and reciprocate this level of trust, and that may not come naturally to you.
Having your identity and independence outside of a romantic relationship is very important. However, perceiving a relationship as a threat to your self-reliance can greatly get in the way of your ability to be in a fulfilling relationship.
Mutual support is important between partners. Try and see it this way: if you allow someone to depend on you and meet their needs reliably, they will ultimately be less ‘needy’. You will also feel better about sharing your load in life with them because there is no longer pressure to reciprocate.

If you are in crisis or need someone to talk to immediately, please go to the worldwide crisis line: www.befrienders.org Or if you are in Canada visit: www.crisisservicescanada.ca or call : 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645. Private individual art therapy and counselling sessions are also available by contacting me at centreoftheheart@gmail.com

What is the Default Mode Network and How can Mindfulness Yoga and Art Therapy Help our Brain Function Optimally?

Sun, 05 May 2019 06:00:00 GMT

The Default mode network (DMN) is a set of interacting brain structures first described in 2001 by the Washington University neuroscientist Marcus Raichle. It’s called that because it is most active when the brain is in a resting state. This network links parts of the cerebral cortex (thinking, decision making, higher brain functions) with deeper and evolutionarily older structures of the brain involved in emotion and memory.

It is said to influence and often inhibit, other parts of the brain, especially those involving emotion and memory, preventing signals from being interrupted or interfering with each other. Neuroimaging studies suggest that the DMN is involved in higher-order “metacognitive” activities such as self-reflection, mental projection, time travel, and the ability to attribute mental states to others (Sheline et al. 2009).

The Power of Your Breath on Brain Health and Emotional Regulation

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 06:00:00 GMT

The breath is a powerful source of transformation. The rate and rhythm of the breath are intimately connected to our mental & emotional states (Brown, Gerbarg, 2012). Just as the emotions and the mind cause the breath to vary, by consciously controlling the breath, we gain control over our mind and our emotions (Trinity College Dublin. 2018).
In my Art Therapy practice, one of the first things I pay attention to when I first see a client is how they are breathing. Noticing the breath says a lot about how a person is feeling in the moment. Notice how you are breathing right now. Is your breath shallow and regulated to the upper chest? Or is it deep and concentrated in the belly? How do you feel in this moment?

One way to stabilize one’s self when feeling a sense of anxiety or stress (where the breath becomes shallow and centralized in the upper chest) is to stop and focus your attention on the breath filling the lower belly with deep inhales through the nose (Bhajan, 2010). Combining this modality of breath-work with the eye gaze by noticing ten things in the room and mentally or aloud saying their colour and what they are, as well as pressing the feet into the floor, will activate your parasympathetic nervous system and bring you into a feeling of calmness (Brantley & el 2007).

On the other hand, when a person is feeling the depths of depression and despair, they may sigh a lot with an almost a sense of defeat. The breath here is usually more in the belly. To bring more life force or prana into the body, I recommend sitting up straight, lengthening the spine and with an open mouth breathing deep and forcefully into the upper chest. This activates the sympathetic nervous system and creates a sense of alertness and aliveness (Levine & Frederick, 2005). Taking this one step further, I would invite the client to raise both arms above the head as they inhale, allowing the eye gaze to follow the hands while keeping the chin level (Assay, Rosenberg & Rand, 1987). Five to ten of these breaths and one will feel a tingling in the whole body, with the eye focus becoming clearer and a sense of elation. So how and why does this happen?

The respiratory system is one of the only major systems in the body which is usually involuntary, but which can also be voluntarily controlled (Levine & Frederick, 1997).  Our heart also beats involuntarily but if we want to control it, we slow down our breath bringing us into a state of calmness and relaxation. Breath is the life force that keeps us going. Without breathing we would die. When we are able to control the breath, we are able to control the way we feel in the moment and develop a sense of control over stress levels.

Your rate of breathing and state of mind are inseparable. Using a full yogic breath or pranayama techniques and especially adding mantra or chanting, reprograms your whole cellular memory (Khalsa & Lumpkin, 2015). This is one of the reasons that Kundalini Yoga is so powerful!  By consciously directing the flow of our breath, not only are we transporting life force, vitamins, minerals and glandular secretions to our vital organs, we are also transforming the way we think and the way we feel (Bhajan, 2003).

For thousands of years, ancient wisdom techniques from the east have exalted the virtues of breath-focused practices, such as pranayama and meditation to have numerous cognitive benefits including an increased ability to focus, decreased mind wandering, improved arousal levels, more positive emotions, decreased emotional reactivity, and many other benefits (Immergut & Yates Culadasa, 2017) . What did they know that we are just now validating as scientifically proven?  Well, a new study by researchers at Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience and the Global Brain Health Institute at Trinity, Dublin explains for the first time the neurophysiological link between breathing, cognition and emotion.

The research shows that the way we breathe, directly affects the chemistry of our brains in a way that can enhance our attention and improve our brain health.  What was found is that the levels of a natural chemical messenger in the brain called noradrenaline, is directly affected by breath. This chemical messenger is released when we are challenged, curious, exercised, focused or emotionally aroused, and, if produced at the right levels, helps the brain grow new connections (Trinity College Dublin, 2018, May 10)!

Outlined here by PhD candidate at the Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience and lead author of the study, Michael Melnychuk:

"Practitioners of yoga have claimed for some 2,500 years, that respiration influences the mind. In our study we looked for a neurophysiological link that could help explain these claims by measuring breathing, reaction time, and brain activity in a small area in the brainstem called the locus coeruleus, where noradrenaline is made. Noradrenaline is an all-purpose action system in the brain. When we are stressed we produce too much noradrenaline and we can't focus. When we feel sluggish, we produce too little and again, we can't focus. There is a sweet spot of noradrenaline in which our emotions, thinking and memory are much clearer.

This study has shown that as you breathe in, locus coeruleus activity is increasing slightly, and as you breathe out it decreases. Put simply this means that our attention is influenced by our breath and that it rises and falls with the cycle of respiration. It is possible that by focusing on and regulating your breathing you can optimize your attention level and likewise, by focusing on your attention level, your breathing becomes more synchronized."
Ian Robertson, Co-Director of the Global Brain Health Institute at Trinity and Principal Investigator of the study added:
"Yogis and Buddhist practitioners have long considered the breath an especially suitable object for meditation. It is believed that by observing the breath, and regulating it in precise ways -- a practice known as pranayama -- changes in arousal, attention, and emotional control that can be of great benefit to the meditator are realized. Our research finds that there is evidence to support the view that there is a strong connection between breath-centered practices and a steadiness of mind."

Even more exciting in this area of research was the understanding and uncovering of how breath-work and meditation may have an effect of the aging of the brain. Ian Robertson went on to speculate that,

"Our findings could have particular implications for research into brain ageing. Brains typically lose mass as they age, but less so in the brains of long-term meditators. More 'youthful' brains have a reduced risk of dementia and mindfulness meditation techniques actually strengthen brain networks. Our research offers one possible reason for this -- using our breath to control one of the brain's natural chemical messengers, noradrenaline, which in the right 'dose' helps the brain grow new connections between cells. This study provides one more reason for everyone to boost the health of their brain using a whole range of activities ranging from aerobic exercise to mindfulness meditation."
It is always exciting to witness the acceptance of Eastern healing modalities as being scientifically proven in our Western medical system. My personal feeling is that this mirrors our global understandings and acceptance of one another, a sharing of information rather that a fear that another’s information will taint or somehow invalidate our own. I look forward to more research being done in the areas of mindfulness, mediation, yoga and neuroscience to help heal and transform our brains and the way we engage in the world.

“If there is anything divine in you, it’s your breath” Yogi Bhajan.

May all beings be Blessed,

Charmaine Husum (Livdeep Kaur)
www.centreoftheheart.com

Charmaine Husum (Livdeep Kaur) runs a private Art Therapy practice (Centre of the Heart) in Calgary Alberta. She is also an Artist, Kundalini Yoga teacher and trained in the somatic approach of Integrative Body Psychotherapy and Reiki. Her approach to healing is within a Humanistic, Feminist lens that believes the power of healing lies within the individual. Her current research enthusiasms are in neuroplasticity, neuroscience, epigenetics, mystical integration and intergenerational trauma; on which she is currently writing a book and creating online courses. She specializes in working with trauma and symptoms of PTSD and C-PTSD as well as Autism, Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Addiction and other mental health symptoms. She is honoured to offer a workshop at The Sanctuary Space Saturday May 11th,  2019 on Brain Health using Kundalini Yoga and Art Therapy techniques and looks forward to meeting you all soon.

References

Assay, D., Lee Rosenberg, J., Rand, M. (1987). Body, Self, and Soul: Sustaining Integration. Lake Worth, FL: Humanics Publishing Group

Brantley, J. MD, McKay, M. PhD, Wood, J.C. PsyD, (2007). The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook: Practical DBT Exercises for Learning Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation, and Distress Tolerance. Oakland, California: New Harbinger Publications Inc.

Brown, R., Gerbarg, P. (2012). The Healing Power of the Breath: Simple Techniques to Reduce Stress and Anxiety, Enhance Concentration, and Balance Your Emotions. Boulder, Colorado: Shambala Publishing.

Bhajan, Y. (2003). The Aquarian Teacher: Level One Instructor Book. Santa Cruz NM: Kundalini Research Institute

Bhajan, Y. (2010) Transformation Vol. 1: Mastering the Self, edited by Sat Purkh Kaur Khalsa, Santa Cruz, NM: Kundalini Research Institute.

Immergut, M. PhD, Yates Culadasa, J. PhD (2017). The Mind Illuminated: a Complete Meditation Guide Integrating Buddhist Wisdom and Brain Science for Greater Mindfulness. London: Hay House Publishing

Khalsa Kaur, J, Lumpkin, N. (2015). Enlightened Bodies: Exploring Physical and Subtle Human Anatomy.Santa Cruz, NM: Kundalini Research Institute

Levine, P., & Frederick, A. (1997). Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma. Berkley, California: North Atlantic Books.

Levine, P., & Frederick, A. (2005). Healing Trauma: A Pioneering Program for Restoring the Wisdom of Your Body. Boulder, Colorado: Sounds True Inc.

Nhất, H., Ho, M., & Vo-Dinh, M. (1987). The miracle of mindfulness: An introduction to the practice of meditation. Boston: Beacon Press.

Shannahoff-Khalsa, D. (2012).  Sacred Therapies: The Kundalini Yoga Meditaion Handbook for Mental Health. W.W. Norton & Company: New York, London.

Singh Khalsa, D. M.D. (2013). This is Your Brain on Yoga by the Founding President and Medical Director Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation FIRST POSTED IN www.SPIRITVOYAGE.com on November 5, 2013, Retrieved April 24, 2019 from https://kathrynmccuskerkundalini.com/this-is-your-brain-on-yoga/

Trinity College Dublin. (2018, May 10). The Yogi masters were right -- meditation and breathing exercises can sharpen your mind: New research explains link between breath-focused meditation and attention and brain health. ScienceDaily. Retrieved April 28, 2019 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/05/180510101254.htm

Journal Reference:

Michael Christopher Melnychuk, Paul M. Dockree, Redmond G. O'Connell, Peter R. Murphy, Joshua H. Balsters, Ian H. Robertson. Coupling of respiration and attention via the locus coeruleus: Effects of meditation and pranayama. Psychophysiology, 2018; e13091 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13091

How Can Art Therapy and Kundalini Yoga Optimize Brain Functioning?

Sun, 28 Apr 2019 06:00:00 GMT

Both Art Therapy and Kundalini Yoga share the powerful healing effect of integrating the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Typically the left side of the brain rules the orderly, statistical, mathematical, logical, practical, rational way of thinking, seeing things in straight lines. The right side of the brain represents passion, experience of taste and feelings, creativity, free spirit, imagination, yearning, sensuality, movement, vivid colours and the senses.

Without activities that stimulate integration within each side of the brain, it is difficult for one side to make sense of how the other sees things. You cannot put feelings and expressions into boxes as the left hemisphere would require, they will become restricted; they must be felt to truly be experienced. Subsequently, the right brain also has difficulty making sense of how the left-brain sees things. As a society, we tend to be mostly left brain dominant and this causes an imbalance that can create a great disruption in the natural flow of everyday living. This is why it is so important to create integration and balance within both sides of the brain.

Observing and especially drawing or creating art allows for this integration in the most therapeutic way. As does meditation, mindfulness and the many yogic postures within Kundalini Yoga. Kundalini Yoga is a prime example of creating space for this
occurrence. Whenever we do anything that requires logical and creative thought simultaneously, we are integrating the hemispheres of the brain.

Another powerful way both Kundalini Yoga and Art Therapy work to change the brain is by rerouting neurotransmitters. Neuropsychologist Donald Hebb first used the phrase, “Neurons that fire together, wire together” in 1949 to describe how pathways in the brain are formed and reinforced through repetition. What this means is we develop habits and ways of being in the world (that may not always serve our highest purpose). Both Art Therapy and Kundalini offer an opportunity to explore life in new ways using mindful awareness of our emotions, messages from within the body and tactile sensory expression through art making.

What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well being of individuals of all ages. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self esteem and self awareness, and achieve insight. Art therapy uses the creation of art as a primary mode of expression and communication (American Art Therapy Association, 2013). It integrates psychotherapeutic techniques with the creative process to improve mental health and wellbeing. Sometimes referred to as creative arts therapy or expressive arts therapy, it encourages people to express and understand emotions through artistic expression and the creative process.

By making art in a spontaneous way, one is able to bring unconscious feelings to consciousness. Art Therapy can help a person give expression to their feelings and hidden inner conflicts that they may not have words for. As one creates, they are able to uncover aspects of self that may be locked in the body. When people are then able to associate feelings verbally to the artwork created, the therapy speeds up recovery. The idea of using art in psychotherapy has been around since the early days of Carl Jung. This modality of healing has continued to grow and expand showing people how the benefits of making art in a safe, secure setting can be. It is through the making of art that feelings trapped inside the body can be moved and expanded on, bringing an awareness to ourselves that was before uncovered.

What is Kundalini Yoga?
Kundalini Yoga is described as the Yoga of Awareness or Householders’ Yoga, accessible to all. It is a powerful science that rewires neurotransmitters in the brain working on not only the physical body but also the nervous, endocrine and glandular systems.

A large focus within the practice, for instance, is the drishti or eye-gaze during meditations and postures (asanas). When the eye gaze is focused behind closed lids between the eyebrows (third eye), a pressure builds in this region activating the pituitary and pineal master glands. This works to regulate the whole body and increases serotonin and other neurotransmitter levels to bring a calming, happy, peace to the mind. Through regulating hormones and the glandular system, Kundalini yoga strengthens, heals and changes the brain, body and the way we respond to stresses in our lives.

Another fascinating component of Kundalini yoga is its ability to remove emotional blocks within the body. As life goes on, traumatic and stressful moments we experience become lodged within our bodies. Without opportunities for safe and healthy release, these memories and ways we develop to cope in the world slowly become a part of our personality. Although we may have needed these coping mechanisms at one or more times in our life, often they become a source of pain, as they no longer serve the purpose they once did. For instance, maybe you were bullied as a child and now find yourself on guard and ready to attack when provoked, when in reality the threat is no longer with you. Perhaps as a child you were scolded or even physical reprimanded by your parents for being “too loud” or “acting out” and this has created a deep-seated fear within you to speak up for your self in the world. Maybe this stifling of your voice and spirit has even created a thyroid condition or goiter? These emotions in the body are real and will eventually manifest into physical ailments. By bringing mindful awareness to the body and facilitating release through postures, mantra and meditation, we are invited to let go of these parts that no longer serve us and hold us back from living life to our fullest potential. In this way, Kundalini Yoga can bring about strong releases of emotion that help to clear the subtle bodies that sustain and support our soul’s path.

In Conclusion
By combining Art Therapy approaches and Kundalini Yoga, I invite you to experience the profound healing that both modalities offer. No artistic expertise is needed and there is never any pressure to fold like a pretzel or push yourself beyond what is safe for your own body. Honouring and listening to your body and allowing space for feelings and messages to arise is all that is required for you to step into a new way of being in the world. I look forward to crossing paths with you soon.

May all beings be Blessed,

Livdeep Kaur (Charmaine Husum)

http://www.centreoftheheart.com

CENTRE OF THE HEART - BLOG

The Power of Somatic Therapy: How It Heals from Within and How Art Therapy Enhances Its Lasting Impact

The Symbiotic Relationship Between Art Therapy, Psychedelic Medicines, and Transpersonal Experiences

Journey Into the Creative Portal: Exploring the Interplay between Sacred Geometry, Somatic Art Therapy & Psychedelics

Shadow Work, Psychedelics & Art Therapy: Exploring the Darkness Within

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What to Do After Your Psychedelic Experience to Integrate?

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How Do Non-Ordinary States Change Our Brain?

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How to Rewire Your Attachment Style

What is the Default Mode Network and How can Mindfulness Yoga and Art Therapy Help our Brain Function Optimally?

The Power of Your Breath on Brain Health and Emotional Regulation

How Can Art Therapy and Kundalini Yoga Optimize Brain Functioning?