Seeds of Connection FAQ
Is this an art class?
Nope. It's a self-exploration, creativity, tap-into-your-intuition, connect & build community "class". Honestly, it's not really a class at all, I typically use words like "workshop" and even that isn't quite accurate. The focus isn't on specific art techniques, but instead on the process. You probably will learn some artful tidbits and techniques, and it's likely that if you are an artist, that this may improve or deepen your work, but the focus is NOT on art technique or instruction. Do I have to talk in the group? Do I have to share my art? I have social anxiety, groups make me nervous. Nope. Nope. And cool. Seriously, EVERY part of the spaces I create have a focus on consent and "opting in". If you don't want to talk, don't. If you don't want to show your art, you don't have to! If you are a ball of stressy mess just thinking about something like this, please know you are welcome as a stressy mess ball, and we will welcome you EXACTLY as you are. No judgment, no wishes that you were different. If you need to show up to group from a blanket fort with a kitty in your lap because it's been a rough day, COOL. I say often in my groups that ALL of you is welcome, COME AS YOU ARE, and I really, really mean it. What kinds of supplies will I need? The very basics are: some kind of journal/notebook/sketchbook, some arty/crafty supplies of *some* kind (colored pencils, markers, crayons, paint, stickers, WHATEVER you have! Grab the overflowing bin that the kids have and find some colorful goodies....those will work just fine!), and tarot/oracle cards (which are actually optional and not required) You will get more details and discussion on supplies once you're signed up and we're rolling, but I'd say if you've ever crafted ANYTHING or if you have kids, you probably have the bare minimum already. And if you have bins or a room FULL of art supplies? Great! You'll get a chance to try out lots of your stash. |
What if I feel intimidated by the creative parts of this workshop? What if I don't consider myself an artist?
That's ok because this workshop is totally NOT about being an artist or being a certain level of creative. This group experience will use creativity as a tool for communicating and exploring in new and different ways. You do not ever have to show what you create to anyone, it can be just for you. Any creating we do is a part of a bigger process, NOT to try to create the next Mona Lisa. At one point, all of us were kids with crayons and we knew what to do. Whether you think of yourself as an "artist" or not, is irrelevant, we are all inherently creative. The biggest tool you'll bring if you choose to join us is your willingness to TRY and to be curious about what might happen if you do.
Another online thing? I'm so "zoom'ed out"! How will this be different?
Seeds of Connection groups are unique and have elements that set them apart from a lot of the online "things" out there right now. First off, I've been doing groups online for almost 6 years, long before this pandemic, and that means I have a lot of practice building online communities, and have lots of tools in my tool box to create an online experience that is connected, interactive, fun, and cup-filling. I do ask that you have your video on, if at all possible. All of our groups are LIVE, no videos to get behind on, or another course paid for and unwatched. We will laugh together, listen to each other, learn together, co-regulate (yes! it's possible in an online format), and generally create a space that will feel authentic and engaging.
What if I can't make it to one of the scheduled groups? Will they be recorded?
The groups are NOT recorded. We do some really juicy sharing in our groups and the good stuff is in that live group dynamic. It's not instruction based, so there isn't really anything to "catch up" on. We'll miss you, and you'll be able to check in via the Facebook group and bounce back in the next week, no problem.
Is this group therapy? What are the benefits of being in a group like this?
The groups that I facilitate are NOT "group therapy". I am not a clinical provider and do not provide diagnosis or treatment. These groups are considered Peer Support Groups and there are lots of benefits to participating in peer support! The research is clear that peer support is effective for supporting people through all sorts of challenges. Benefits of peer support may include: increased self-esteem and confidence, increased sense of control and ability for participants to create change in their lives, increased sense of hope and inspiration, increased engagement in self-care and wellness, increased social support and social functioning, decreased substance use and depression, and increased quality of life and life satisfaction. Participants should be managing any mental health needs with their clinical providers (like therapist, personal care doc, etc.) in addition to participating in groups. I have numerous resources to refer people to if they need care outside of the scope of what a group can provide.
That's ok because this workshop is totally NOT about being an artist or being a certain level of creative. This group experience will use creativity as a tool for communicating and exploring in new and different ways. You do not ever have to show what you create to anyone, it can be just for you. Any creating we do is a part of a bigger process, NOT to try to create the next Mona Lisa. At one point, all of us were kids with crayons and we knew what to do. Whether you think of yourself as an "artist" or not, is irrelevant, we are all inherently creative. The biggest tool you'll bring if you choose to join us is your willingness to TRY and to be curious about what might happen if you do.
Another online thing? I'm so "zoom'ed out"! How will this be different?
Seeds of Connection groups are unique and have elements that set them apart from a lot of the online "things" out there right now. First off, I've been doing groups online for almost 6 years, long before this pandemic, and that means I have a lot of practice building online communities, and have lots of tools in my tool box to create an online experience that is connected, interactive, fun, and cup-filling. I do ask that you have your video on, if at all possible. All of our groups are LIVE, no videos to get behind on, or another course paid for and unwatched. We will laugh together, listen to each other, learn together, co-regulate (yes! it's possible in an online format), and generally create a space that will feel authentic and engaging.
What if I can't make it to one of the scheduled groups? Will they be recorded?
The groups are NOT recorded. We do some really juicy sharing in our groups and the good stuff is in that live group dynamic. It's not instruction based, so there isn't really anything to "catch up" on. We'll miss you, and you'll be able to check in via the Facebook group and bounce back in the next week, no problem.
Is this group therapy? What are the benefits of being in a group like this?
The groups that I facilitate are NOT "group therapy". I am not a clinical provider and do not provide diagnosis or treatment. These groups are considered Peer Support Groups and there are lots of benefits to participating in peer support! The research is clear that peer support is effective for supporting people through all sorts of challenges. Benefits of peer support may include: increased self-esteem and confidence, increased sense of control and ability for participants to create change in their lives, increased sense of hope and inspiration, increased engagement in self-care and wellness, increased social support and social functioning, decreased substance use and depression, and increased quality of life and life satisfaction. Participants should be managing any mental health needs with their clinical providers (like therapist, personal care doc, etc.) in addition to participating in groups. I have numerous resources to refer people to if they need care outside of the scope of what a group can provide.