Creative activities naturally ease us into a process of focus, concentration, equanimity and flow. This is often the same process we experience when we’re practicing mindfulness meditation. Artmaking magically engages one into a state of present moment awareness gently developing acceptance of our experience of ourselves inside and outside without attachment to the outcome. In the process of creating, we are also able to befriend and gradually change the habits of negative self-talk, inner criticism, perfectionism and self-doubt that often cause us to feel creatively blocked. Bringing a curious, lively awareness and then a kindly, gentle attitude to what we're making, we can change how we relate to ourselves, our creativity, and the world around us forever. 

In this hour-long workshop, participants will create well-being themed mandalas with simple art materials with the intention of being with oneself safely and openheartedly. There will be time for sharing the experience in small groups as well. No artistic experience is necessary.  

Patricia Isis holds a Ph.D. in the expressive therapies with an emphasis on art therapy. Dr. Isis is a licensed mental health counselor in Florida and a registered board-certified art therapist, credentialed supervisor and has trained in Mindful Self-Compassion with the originators of that program, Dr. Chris Germer and Dr. Kristin Neff.  Patricia is certified in Mindful Self-Compassion from UCSD, Mindfulness-Based Professional Training Institute.  Since 1980, Patricia has practiced art psychotherapy in South Florida and taught Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) meditation at South Miami Hospital in the Behavioral and Collaborative Medicine Department from 2000 to 2013 and served on the Arts in Healthcare Advisory Committee. In 2016, she published her first book, The Mindful Doodle Book: 75 Creative Exercises to Help you Live in the Moment, integrating mindfulness practices with doodling.  

This program is sponsored in part by the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, the Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs, and the Program in the Study of Spirituality at Florida International University.