LIVING ARTS BLOG
5 Minute Mindfulness - Reflection
As a Teaching Artist in multiple programs within Living Arts, I never know which adventure I’ll be faced with next. It’s exhilarating! Who will be sitting in front of me for today’s class? What tricks will I pull out of my sleeve in the heat of the moment? What objective will organically present itself as an intruder to my lesson plan? And what unexpected inexplicable joy will be evoked by the authentic experience of showing up as my true self to a room full of strangers that I get to serve through my gift?
Photo by: Alesha Nicole
As a Teaching Artist in multiple programs within Living Arts, I never know which adventure I’ll be faced with next. It’s exhilarating! Who will be sitting in front of me for today’s class? What tricks will I pull out of my sleeve in the heat of the moment? What objective will organically present itself as an intruder to my lesson plan? And what unexpected inexplicable joy will be evoked by the authentic experience of showing up as my true self to a room full of strangers that I get to serve through my gift?
On Saturday, November 16, 2019 my office for the day was a meditation room full of women who care for children. It was a self-care retreat, in which I taught a workshop of mindfulness. As caregivers of young learners, we tend to neglect our self-care, forgetting to take time to check-in with ourselves emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. We can accidentally pour from an empty cup and end up with inner battles of resentment, frustration, or overexertion. The guided meditation I led was a bit different than what you would experience in a typical meditation room. It took into consideration the environment in which these caregivers regularly would be using these techniques. It is usually in a home, surrounded by children playing, singing, yelling, exploring, or giggling around them, giving them very little time to truly turn inwards and not exactly having the ideal atmosphere for peace and quiet.
So, I taught some “5 Minute Mindfulness” exercises that would give them opportunities to check-in during moments of upheaval or burnout. The exercises included techniques that uplift the spirit, redirect the mind, hold space for the heart, and tune in to the body. As we went through each activity, we shared commentary on what types of stressful situations may call for the exercise and why they are useful in that situation. While they went through these neat ways of calling their attention to mindfulness and self-awareness, they may or may not have realized that the workshop as a whole was an example of mindfulness in itself. These wonderful women were able to connect on a deeper level about the work that they do and feel recognized, cared for, valued, and considered in the development of a workshop built just for them. It was a treat, we shared from our hearts, and left with tools to use at a moment’s notice. A special gift was given with sentimental value we intentionally placed on it together, so that they may be reminded of self-care anytime they look into their purse and see it. All we need is five minutes of mindfulness to bring us back to self.
Music, Play and Storytelling for Caregivers
On August 31, Living Arts hosted our second workshop for Southwest caregivers! Led by professional recording artist, musician, and Teaching Artist Alesha Brown, those who are involved in the very important work of taking care of our children were invited to learn storytelling through music. Participants were given a guitar to use during the workshop and learned how to match chords and notes with images to engage youth in a storytelling dance.
On August 31, Living Arts hosted our second workshop for Southwest caregivers! Led by professional recording artist, musician, and Teaching Artist Alesha Brown, those who are involved in the very important work of taking care of our children were invited to learn storytelling through music. Participants were given a guitar to use during the workshop and learned how to match chords and notes with images to engage youth in a storytelling dance.
Teaching Artist Karilu Alarcon Forshee with participants in puppet workshop at Congress of Communities.
Over the past few months we’ve partnered with Congress of Communities, Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation and Mathematic Policy Group to present these free workshops to caregivers. These activity sessions promote bonding, social-emotional learning, literacy, and communication skills through visual art, drama, music, and storytelling. Congress of Communities recently hosted a puppet-making workshop that used drama and the crux for storytelling.
Our next workshop is Saturday, September 28 from 2-4pm at the Ford Resource and Engagement Center (2826 Bagley St). Childcare and food are provided and all caregivers of children 0-6 are invited.
Arts Workshops for Southwest Detroit Caregivers
We’ve partnered with Congress of Communities, Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, and Mathematica to present a series of workshops for caregivers who provides care or babysitting to pre-school youth ages 0-5 in Southwest Detroit communities.
We’ve partnered with Congress of Communities, Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, and Mathematica to present a series of workshops for caregivers who provides care or babysitting to pre-school youth ages 0-5 in Southwest Detroit communities.
The first installment of the series was held on July 27th at the Ford Resource and Engagement Center. Teaching artists Karilu Forcee-Alarcon and Alesha Brown led participants in creative play activities that help to support early learning and kindergarten readiness in our youngest learners.
Ten participants (including caregivers and children) used books, toys, costumes, DIY instruments, and song and dance for the workshops. These creative arts activities create a brain boost for the youth and center developmentally appropriate learning styles.
The next installment of the series will be held on August 31st.