✨ Self-Expression Sanctuary: An Art + Journaling Experience✨

Self-Expression Sanctuary: An Art + Journaling Experience

A safe space to let go of expectations and embrace your true self

When words fail, connect back to yourself through art and journaling

“Attending this workshop on self-expression through art was engaging, fun, and insightful. It was a very safe space and the work was thoughtful and well paced. I left this workshop feeling grounded and peaceful.” Michelle, Hypnotherapist

By the end of our time together, you’ll uncover (or rediscover) how art, journaling, and movement can be powerful, even playful, tools for expressing yourself in ways words can’t capture. These practices aren’t just about getting creative—they’re about freeing your imagination and breaking through boxes that limit you.

Have you found it challenging to express yourself? Are you “in your head” a lot? Editing what you have to say based on who’s around you? Sometimes choosing to keep quiet because you feel people won’t “get” you? This class is for you.

How it’s potentially showing up in your life…

• Taking the “expected practical” route (get good grades, a good job, get married to a certain type of person…) based on your family’s values, cultural norms
• Maybe you’ve had a passion project sitting in your head for months, years, decades. You want to move forward yet something’s getting in the way…
• Being in a job you hate and secretly wanting to do something entirely different
• Saying yes when you really want to say no (because you’re a people-pleaser)
• Literally losing your voice (raising my hand) or being constantly hoarse

Here’s what I also want you to know. It’s not your fault, and you are not alone. Social conditioning, listening to authority figures played a role in shaping who we are today. The good news is if you’re not happy with the way things are right now, you can absolutely do something about it.

If you’re done “putting a lid on yourself” it’s time to take back your power, friend.

This is why it’s so important to prioritize sacred space for self-expression…

• A time for reflection, processing and connecting back to yourself
• Slowing down, getting off the hamster wheel of life and making yourself a priority
• Shake up your daily routine - try something new especially if you feel like every day is the same day
• Be in community with other amazing humans - judgment free zone!
• Express yourself creatively and freely without expectations
• Release stagnation and emotional overwhelm

When you take the time to slow down, you give yourself the opportunity for these practices, you’ll quickly find that your inner voice has a lot to tell you. When you make the time to listen, you’ll be amazed at what’s to be expressed in your life.

How is this different from other art and self-care classes?

You get multiple ways to practice self-expression rolled into one class versus only focusing on either art/creativity or self-care.

Many art classes focus on teaching a specific technique or style of painting. There’s a little bit of a “right” way and “wrong” way to do things. In this class, there are no rules except to paint from the heart and have fun. Express yourself.

In addition to painting and journaling, we’re going to do some mindful movement. Sitting is the new smoking as they say - not on my watch! Expect to get up and express yourself through a few different simple exercises to get the blood flowing. This is a mind-body-spirit experience.

There’s also something powerful about being in a group setting. The collective energy in a room is palpable. Be seen. Be heard. Be supported. Everyone is going through something. You’re not alone. This is a safe space to just be yourself.

What you can expect going through this experience…

Each segment is a simple, relaxing, yet dynamic, way to clear mental and emotional clutter, so you can gain a new perspective on what self-expression means to you. Leave with improved emotional resilience, self-compassion, and clarity on what’s important to you. This journey isn’t just about where you are now—it’s about where you’re headed, crafting plans and taking steps toward a future only you can envision and fully express. By the end of the class, you’ll have an original painting capturing your emotional landscape and insights from your journaling time — priceless keepsakes of your journey.

“Great experience, good flow of energy. Let it flow!” - Jaime, Operations Director

Who’s leading you through this journey?

Hi 👋 I’m Clarissa, an international best-selling author, multi-passionate creative who knows the healing power of art and journaling. I grew up in a household of high-achieving medical doctors. Being an artist was too “out of the box” so I did my best to fit in, make my family proud, and live a “practical” life. I did all the things a dutiful daughter does - got good grades, worked in some great organizations, hit the 6-figure milestone, got married, bought the house. Despite all the outward success, I wasn’t completely happy. I had visions of what I wanted life to be like; what I wanted to do and create that hadn’t been manifested yet. Fast-forward, I left the cushy corporate landscape in 2021 to venture out on my own - coaching, creating art, leading online and in person events. Doing things that truly bring me joy and happiness!

In 2023, spasmodic dysphonia (a vocal condition) hit me, seemingly out of nowhere. I was left with barely a speaking voice. Imagine whispering to be heard. At times that’s how bad it got. What I discovered was a misalignment with the work I was doing and my true calling. Something inside me needed to be expressed. I didn’t realize that there was a part of me still falling into the trap of listening to everyone else’s voice and not my own.

What saved me? Painting, writing down my thoughts, a growth mindset, movement like yoga and zumba! These special tools helped me move through tough moments in life, and I want to share the rejuvenating forces of expressive art, journaling, and mindful movement with you. These therapeutic benefits should not be kept a secret!

Here’s how the course will flow…

• Introductions and intention setting
• Getting into our bodies with some mindful easy movement
• Self-expression roundtable discussion
• Reflective journaling time
• Dance break
• Art flow
• Revelations and takeaways
• Integrating these tools in your life

When you leave, you’ll…

• Feel relaxed and ready to take on whatever comes your way
• Have somatic tools to help you increase or calm your energy
• Create a beautiful emotional landscape painting to proudly display
• Feel a connection to your true essence
• Be compelled to take action on something you’ve been suppressing
• Remember self-compassion

“I’m so grateful for this experience and heard feedback from fellow participants that my sharing was helpful for them. It makes me feel valued just by being in the session. I feel like you don’t have to try hard to be you to be in this group. Just be yourself and let Clarissa guide you. You’re here to find comfort and can also be here to offer love.” - Jacqui, Artist

FAQ:

Q: What do I wear to this class?

A: Wear something comfortable. We will be moving.

Q: What do I need for this class?

A: Journal, pen. Open mind.

Q: Do I have to talk during the discussions?

A: Participation is encouraged, not mandatory. You don’t have to share anything you don’t feel comfortable sharing.

What everyone says about this experience: “It’s the class I didn’t know I needed!”

Host or Publisher The Awareness Center, Pasadena