mom guilt

HOW TO GUIDE:

#1 - Gather your supplies:

Since this is part of an art journal ecourse, have your art journal and any other materials ready. This might include pens, pencils, markers, paints, collage materials, or anything else you like to use in your art journaling practice.

#2 - Breathe

Find a quiet and comfortable space where you won't be disturbed (too much). You can play soft music, light a candle, organize your space, get a hot drink, and sit and breathe. Set a timer for 3-5 minutes of silence before moving into this exercise. 

Note: This isn't meditating. You are not noticing, following, or trying to stop thoughts. You are simply taking a moment to transition from what you were doing to working on your journal. 

#3 Sentence Stems

Starting with a sentence stem is a powerful way to delve into your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. There's no right or wrong way to journal with sentence stems. The most important thing is to approach the process with curiosity, openness, and self-compassion.

1. Each topic will start with a few sentences that relate to what we will explore. A sentence stem is an incomplete sentence designed to prompt reflection and introspection. It should be open-ended to encourage exploration. Examples of sentence stems include (go ahead and use these ones now):

   • "Today, I feel..."

   • "One thing I learned recently is..."

   • "My happiest memory from childhood is..."

   • "Something I'm struggling with right now is..."

   • "If I could change one thing about myself, it would be..."

   • "I feel most alive when..."

2. Write Freely: Begin writing in response to the sentence stem. Let your thoughts flow freely without worrying about grammar, punctuation, or structure. Write as much or as little as you feel compelled to. You can explore different aspects of the prompt, recount personal experiences, express emotions, or even brainstorm solutions to challenges.

3. Stay Curious: As you write, maintain a sense of curiosity and openness. Allow yourself to explore new insights and perspectives that may arise. Don't censor or edit your thoughts—just let them unfold naturally.

4. Reflect and Review: Once you've finished writing, take a moment to reflect on it. Notice any patterns, themes, or revelations that emerge. Consider how your thoughts and feelings have evolved throughout the process.

• Note: To achieve your desired presence, you must confront whatever is arising within you. These sentences might bring up things that you haven't thought about for a while or that you are constantly dismissing in yourself. Being this honest with yourself can feel uncomfortable, liberating, and maybe even scary.

• If you are triggered/activated at any point, deeply surprised, or hurt by any of your responses, connect with someone safe or email me so we can set up a session to debrief.

#4 Listen to the Visualization

Find a comfortable position and either close your eyes or softly focus on an object nearby to relax and tune into your inner experience. Then, start the recorded visualization provided in the e-course, allowing yourself to be guided.

#5 Creative Practice

After the visualization, it's time for the art or journaling process. You will be given art journaling, writing and other expressive prompts in response to each visualization.

#6 Reflection

Before concluding your session, there will be one last reflection question. You can also set intentions for how you want to integrate any insights or realizations. This might be setting goals, making decisions, or committing to greater self-awareness and growth.