March bore witness to the cycles and power of nature.

Again.

The last 12 months have caused cartoonists and journalists to reflect on the biblical end times and astrological shifts of the masculine and feminine.

Sensational perhaps.

Yet so full of fear and anxiety, even for those not directly impacted by fires or floods or plague of mice or the virus.

Even on the periphery, bearing witness to the unfolding events- Climate change, political change, societal shift- the feelings of urgency, panic, uncertainty is underneath the mask we show.

In the chaos of it all #metoo has emerged from the tomb again, in Australia’s highest level of society- our parliament, private schools and football. Until now untouchable men at the top, are having to realise a cognitive shift of power and entitlement- the internalised misogyny that all men and women perpetuate- is unraveling.

Great unlearning.

The return to Mother Earth, and her cycles, does this chime the time of the matriarch again?

Although we are celebrating Easter, it is not Spring, the time of renewal. For it is Autumn, the time for reflection and preparing for the winter slumber in readiness for our yearly emergence in springtime. This is the time to prepare, jera- the rune for harvest, to metaphorically till the soil to plant the seeds we wish to grow. Ritual and intention are necessary for “flow”, the healthy state of mind, beyond stagnation. The floods come at times of great stagnation, after drought, a natural world cycle. The natural disaster events worsen as climate change is not addressed.

Perhaps your feelings are echoed in these metaphors.

In a world of such large and fast change, Art therapy can help men learn the complexity of consent and understand toxic masculinity. For women, it can help build stronger resilience and confidence to voice their consent. For children, it introduces the right to bodily and mental autonomy. My personal practice always focuses on the individual in the context of community, because we are only as strong as our community.

What do I mean by “community”?

Community is our immediate circle, personal culture, acquaintances, work, social and physical environment, as well as our society with its norms and culture. A healthy community is supportive and safe. Community is the protection against isolation and segregation. Connectivity and ritual enrich our Self, making us more resilient to change. 

In this rapidly changing world, it is natural to become overwhelmed. The innate healing of creativity will get your “flow” moving and help navigate the flood waters to your full potential. Stay tuned to for announcements of exciting circles to invite ritual into your life using Art Therapy as the guide.