About the event:
Join us for a day of walking & art-making, in the restorative grounds of Braziers Park. Participants will explore ways in which mindfulness can support these ancient practices to become therapeutic for wellbeing. Using the shelter of a characterful former cowshed set amongst orchards, we will be based outdoors for the day, with easy access to warm drinks and indoors if it is very cold and/or wet. Adults from any walk of life are warmly welcome. No artistic experience required – the art-making will be focused on expression rather than technical skills. Art materials, lunch, and refreshments will be provided.
What can I expect?
* The Day workshop intends to offer retreat and resource, allowing our inherent creativity to unfold.
* Ideal for enabling connection to other people and the rest of nature, we will be in a small group taking mindful walks and practicing art-making.
* We will explore themes of wellbeing that are meaningful for you.
What will the day include?
* Guided/self-guided walks with optional mindfulness guidance.
* Social connection and sharing in a small group.
* Therapeutic art-making time – e.g. drawing with pencil, ink, pen, crayon, pastels. Painting with ink or watercolour, or watercolour pencils. Use of fabric or making collage. Invitation to collect natural materials, photos or rubbings of texture.
“Before the walking meditations, Eleanor’s gentle suggestions helped me ground myself, focus on my breath and tune in to the beautiful nature around us. I felt a deep connection to the natural world which I haven’t had for a long time and came away from the day’s course with a desire and intention to practise more mindfulness walking and to take my drawing into the outside World more often in the hope of finding some of that inner peace experienced during the practice. It was a day full of joyful stillness, creativity and connection. Thank you Eleanor for your calm and open guidance.” – Kate
About the facilitator:
Eleanor is a warm and welcoming artist facilitator, based in Oxford. She has experience working and volunteering in a variety of mental health contexts and has also trained in psychotherapy.
