ART TO HEART JOURNEYS NEWSLETTER
Winter, 2009

Perhaps the earth can teach us,

As when everything seems dead in winter

And later proves to be alive.

(Pablo Neruda)

Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering.

There's a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in.

(Leonard Cohen)

In the dark and dreary time of year when it seems that life is dying and disintegrating, I am reminded that, although underground and unseen, Earth is nurturing her potential life. The seeds of tomorrow's blossoms are being nourished and held within their casings and waiting for the impulse to break through the ground and reach again for the sun.

So it is with all of us. We as a collective are at a new crossroads where institutions are dying and we are being asked to let go of old patterns of behavior or belief. We are aging and feeling the loss of what has been known. And still we hold within us the seeds of new growth, deeply nurtured by our love, intentions and trust in the beauty within and among us.

I feel so grateful for all that I have experienced, for all those I love and love me, and for the teachers in my life who continue to require my truth, honesty and integrity in all actions I take. Even as I sit on this cold rainy morning I know that from this time of outer quiet and inner turmoil will come a resurgence of blossoms and an abundance of fruit again. It is this great movement of life that helps me in difficult times.

Wherever you are in your life cycle, may you remember that you are never alone and that love and wisdom encircles you. And may you find the beauty and strength you need to accept and receive the Joy that abounds in the little things, like a good conversation, the laugh of a baby, or the quiet spaciousness within each heartbeat.

I am delighted to announce some new workshops and opportunities in 2010 to move, create and deepen your connection with life. Thank you all for your continued support and feel free to pass this along to anyone you know.

ART TO HEART CLASSES AND SEMINARS

* NEW *

LIVING IN JOY
EMBODYING THE ARTCHETYPES OF THE HERO'S JOURNEY

A Year-long group experience

Living in Joy invites you to discover the unity of experience that is your true nature.

This creative arts training is structured as an exploration of The Hero’s Journey
which provides a mythological story for healing.

In this story you are invited to engage with 12 archetypal energies, from the Innocent and Seeker to the Ruler and the Wise Fool. You will journey from childhood to maturity, exploring such themes as identity, freedom, authenticity and power. Using movement, guided imagery, art process, discussion and journaling, you will gain a deeper appreciation for and access to the jewels that are buried deep within the mystery of your life.

The training meets monthly for 9 sessions, from February through October, 2010. Space is limited and CEU’s and academic credit are available from Sonoma State University.

Dates are on Sunday unless noted: February 13 (Sat), March 21, April 25, May 23, June 27, July 25, August 22, September 26, October 17.

Price for the entire journey is $1350 (partial scholarships available), payable monthly or in full with a 10% discount.

HEALING THE MOTHERLINE
EXPLORING THE FEMININE FROM THE PERSONAL TO THE SACRED

In this 2 day creative arts therapy course designed for both men and women, we will explore the impact of the Feminine on our lives personally, socially and spiritually. In a safe and playful environment, using art process, movement, guided imagery and writing, we travel deep into the images and stories of our feminine ancestry.

On the first day we look at patterns of behavior and core beliefs inherited from the Motherline. On the second day we address body image, issues of power and our relationship to the Sacred Feminine. Art materials included in course fee.

February 20-21, 2010

9:30- 4:30, Sat & Sun

Sebastopol Studio

$300

(partial scholarships and sliding scale available)

14 CEU's (MFTs, LCSWs, Nurses) and 1 unit of credit available from Sonoma State University

ART TO HEART EDUCATION

* New Format *

SPIRAL OF HEALING TRAINING
Embracing Body Wisdom through Art and Movement

Supporting your journey of awakening to health and wholeness in a fun, enlivening and creative way, is the intention of this 12-day somatic and creative arts training. You will learn to walk the Spiral of Healing, access resources, create safety and build boundaries and protection. You will also learn to prepare and strengthen your awareness of and relationship with your body, journey through your chakras or energy centers, and retrieve and re-member aspects of yourself.

Due to popular demand, the training will meet ONE day a month throughout the year in Sebastopol, California. I am happy to begin new trainings in other locations. The Spiral of Healing training is the first year of a two-year certificate program. The cost of the first year training is $1,800. Academic credit, CEU’s and partial scholarships are available. Visit my website, www.art-2-heart.com for more detailed information. There is still room to join this training by calling 707-823-1131.

2010 Sebastopol training dates - On Saturday unless noted

January 30 February 28 March 20 April 24

May 22 June 26 July 24 August 21

September 25 October 16 November 13

December 5 (Sunday)

DEEPENING JOY TRAINING 2010

DEEPENING JOY

THE SPIRAL OF HEALING - YEAR FOUR

Sebastopol

I am excited to continue the deep work begun in the Spiral of Healing trainings. Deeping in Joy is an opportunity to revisit the processes begun in Moving into Joy, the second year of the Spiral of Healing which bring together the important principles of Somatic Experiencing trauma resolution work with the creative art processes of Somatic Art Therapy.

We will meet 4 times throughout the year from Friday evening through Saturday evening for a total of 12 hours each session.

Dates are: February 26-27, June 4-5, August 27-28 and December 3-4.

$1200

(partial scholarships and sliding scale available - discount if paid in full)

ART TO HEART RETREAT OPPORTUNITIES

If you are interested in hosting, coordinating and/or have a retreat space, please contact me (707-823-1131 or meaganpugh@sbcglobal.net ). I would be interested in coming to your area for a weekend or a week. Among the workshop choices are Creative Approaches to Healing Trauma, Healing the Motherline, and The Spiral of Healing, an introduction to the year-long training.

ART TO HEART COUNSELING

Art to Heart Counseling provides and encourages the gathering of inner and outer resources. Allowing us to build connection to self, others and the greater mystery of life, we meet life’s challenges and learn to thrive. You will benefit from this transpersonal, creative and somatic approach to healing. The types of counseling offered are:

Individual and Couples Counseling – I support your goals using art process, trauma resolution work, visioning, communication skills and support. I work with all couples including parent/child, split gender, same gender, and business partners.

Spiritual Life Coaching – I offer non-denominational spiritual guidance using art process, visioning techniques, writing process and movement.

Somatic Experiencing Sessions – As a certified practitioner of the SIBAM model of healing developed by Peter Levine, I focus on sensations, images, movement patterns, feelings and thoughts to clear past traumas. The awareness gained is very effective in healing accidents and falls, surgery and medical challenges, physical and sexual abuse, post traumatic stress and developmental trauma.

Supervision for Art Therapy Students – I am available individually or with small groups and specialize in trauma, group process and somatics.

Women in Transition Groups – monthly and bimonthly short term and long term groups supporting women in transition, with an Art Therapy and Transpersonal Counseling approach for transforming relationships, jobs, lifestyles, illnesses, loss and life.

ART TO HEART CEREMONIAL SERVICES

As an ordained minister, I am honored to perform many kinds of ceremonies and rituals to mark life’s passages. These include:

Weddings – I perform non-denominational alternative style weddings in accordance with the wishes of the bride and groom. I offer a package of 3 pre-wedding counseling sessions, help with the creation of the ritual and ceremony, and officiating the ceremony.

Blessing Ways – This is a ritual for a woman about to give birth. It is a beautiful honoring of her body and strengths, by her community of women who blesses the way for the child. It can be combined with birth rituals that honor and bless the child.

Coming of Age Rituals – These rituals are intended to honor a girl on the threshold of becoming a woman and are done once she has begun her moon cycle.

Dissolution Rituals – It is very important when marriages end that the passage is honored and acknowleged. This ritual, which includes counseling, allows for completion.

Memorials and Funerals - During this difficult time, I provide structure and comfort to the families who have lost a loved one, as well as performing a non-denominational style service in accordance with the wishes of the family.

If you would like to speak with me about any of these offerings or services, please do not hesitate to contact me

by phone at 707/823-1131 or by email at meaganpugh@sbcglobal.net.

You can also check my website, www.art-2-heart.com.

Many blessings on you and your loved ones.

Meagan Pugh