Taking slow time for yourself...
Mark-Making as Mindful Practice
MONTHLY GATHERINGS FOR ARTISTIC PLAY
Mark-making can serve as a therapeutic, mindful practice that grounds us in the present moment. The repetition, rhythm, and flow that can happen when taking art material to surface is a somatic (body) practice that fosters a sense of connection, play, creativity, personal ritual and meaning for the maker.
These monthly gatherings at Yoyogi Park will take advantage of nature as our container where we may draw inspiration from nature's beautiful marks all around us. These sessions are designed for the person with curiosity and an openness to play. We'll set aside our expectations and tendencies towards perfection and explore what that day brings us.
Each session will focus on a specific art medium. Participants will be sent a list of basic materials they can bring including papers, a personal journal, and creative surfaces with which to experiment; some basic materials will also be provided. We'll enjoy a light tea as an ending gesture for sharing and integration.
Michelle Pietrzak-Wegner will facilitate a non-judgmental space for exploration and connection amongst participants. She has facilitated workshops and circles for over twenty years and specializes in helping people slow down and connect to their body, nature and their inner-self.
GATHERINGS ARE ONCE-A-MONTH FRIDAYS
10-11:45am
SEPTEMBER 11: THREAD/NEEDLE/FABRIC
OCTOBER 2: PEN/INK/PENCIL
OCTOBER 16: BRUSH/WATERCOLOR/GOUACHE
NOVEMBER 13: STICKS/STONES/PAPER
NOTE: In the event of rain or poor weather, these workshops
will be moved to online and can be done from the comfort
of your home via Zoom.
LOCATION: Yoyogi Park, Tokyo
(exact location will be emailed to participants prior to meeting)
COST: ¥1800/$11USD
TO REGISTER: click here
Tell JAPAN sponsored
FOREST BATHING for Mental Wellbeing
Forest Bathing for a cause with all proceeds going to Tell's Community Mental Health services...
Experience Shinrin Yoku (forest bathing) with Michelle Pietrzak-Wegner, a licensed somatic-based therapist and Certified Japanese Shinrin Yoku/Forest Therapy Guide. Shinrin Yoku is an opportunity to commune with nature through the invitation of slowing down and experiencing the natural world through your five senses. By immersing yourself in nature’s sights, sounds, scents, textures, and rhythms, you can cultivate a deeper connection with both nature and yourself. This simple but rich practice has been shown to reduce stress, strengthen immunity, enhance mood regulation, and improve focus.
This event is a partnership between Slow Life Experience and TELL. TELL is a nonprofit organization that provides mental health support for the international community of Japan through their free and anonymous Lifeline, professional counseling services, and community outreach programs.
Event limited to 15 people; pre-registration required.
WHEN: Sunday, Nov 8
TIME: 9:30-11:30am
WHERE: Denechofu Seseragi Park (near Tamagawa Station on Meguro Line)
(details on where to meet with google links will be sent out to those registered)
COST: ¥1,500 as suggested donation to Tell Japan in support of their community services.
To Register, please email Catherine, Outreach Coordinator at Tell Japan:
