Nature & Creativity PLAYshop - For Womxn with Chronic Illness

Chronic illness comes with losses and limitations. But sometimes, the slowing down or shifting of plans that illness necessitates creates openings, too. I got sick with long Covid at the very beginning of the pandemic. I still haven't fully recovered. From one perspective, this is a tragedy. It doesn't feel that way, though. To cope with the losses, I've turned toward nature and toward my creativity (especially writing and music). The experiences, connections, and opportunities that this has opened are a daily source of meaning and joy.

If you're a womxn living with chronic illness, please come join me for this series of 3 nature-immersive playshops. I'd love to see you at all three sessions!

Drawing on my experiences and training as a Forest Therapy Guide, each session will begin with grounding exercises to help you connect with nature through your senses. We'll let that sensory exploration fuel our play as we dip into creativity in fun and experimental ways. Examples of possible activities include sketching, collaging, painting, creating mandalas, or writing. The goal of these activities is not to produce some polished piece of art. We'll set our perfectionism to the side and get a little silly - maybe drawing with our non-dominant hands, for example. The goal is simply to experience nature and its healing benefits, experience your own creativity, and enjoy connecting with others in the process.

I know from experience that it can be very important to have detailed information about accessibility and what to expect before going somewhere. For this particular program, a little bit of travel across grass or similarly uneven surfaces will be necessary. If this isn't possible for you but you'd like to participate in something along these lines, please reach out and let me know. I would love to create a future event to better match those needs. Most of the program will take place while seated on blankets in the grass (please let me know if you need a chair; I have a few that I can bring). There will be occasional invitations for you to walk around and experience the area with your senses, but these are completely optional, so if staying seated works best for you, then I hope you'll do exactly that.

I will bring water and light snacks that you can dip into any time you need them. You can find more information about accessibility and what to expect in the FAQ section. Please also feel free to reach out to me with any questions.

This program is free to participants, thanks to a generous grant from the Kentucky Foundation for Women. All materials (notebook, art supplies) will be provided free of cost. Please note that registration is required.

Host or Publisher Lisa Jensen