Meditation and Creativity: Making a Dharma Art Journal

“Our spiritual journey is intimate, subtle, and deep. At times it seeks expression through words and images. It is not uncommon for practioners to keep journals for recording and exploring their dharma insights. On this retreat each participant will be guided in a contemplative creative process of making a mixed-media dharma art journal to take home and use in their ongoing practice. Insights deepen and enliven as we give them expression through words and images. This is a silent retreat in which mindfulness and yoga practices will provide the ground for creative exploration. Dharma talks and interviews will be offered daily. There will be two-hour sessions of journal making in the morning and evening. You will learn different methods of constructing a journal as well as techniques of drawing, painting, writing, collaging, stamping, layering, and more. We will guide you in exercises to stimulate your journal making process. Out of a rich variety of possibilities, you choose, experiment, and discover your unique expression. Voila! You will have created a dharma art journal to take home with you. No previous art or writing experience is required. A list of suggested materials will be sent upon registration. Limited to 30 participants. Robin Brandes, senior practitioner, graphic designer, and passionate artist will facilitate the journal making sessions. She has found journal making to be “”nourishing, insightful, and heart-opening.””“