Happiness is a State of Mind We all seem to still be searching for that essential ingredient to promote happiness. Yet the formula for a happy life is not really a secret anymore. Happiness is a state of mind, and as such it comes and goes much like the ebb and flow of the ocean waves caressing the shore. But … Read More
The R(evolution) of American Opera – Alive and Well in Santa Fe!
Santa Fe Opera has once again earned international accolades for it’s premieres of iconic contemporary American operas with this season’s extraordinary offering from Mason Bates (Composer) and Mark Campbell (Libretto) in The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs. Santa Fe Opera has always been a confident leader in producing new operas, and has never taken a “wait and see” approach with premieres … Read More
Truths About Creativity
Across the centuries the link between creativity and mental health has been observed, and there have been many examples of compelling associations that support this relationship. Creativity is one of those elusive things that is extremely hard to define, yet once you’re in its presence you absolutely know it. At times, creativity might seem like magic, and it bewitches us … Read More
Extraordinary Ordinary Creativity
We marvel at how extremely gifted people create art that touches our lives and bestows so much beauty on our world. Although we enjoy and celebrate the talents of highly creative individuals, we must also unravel their mysteries in order to be engaged ourselves in “extraordinary ordinary creativity” and to use art making as a healing tool to enhance our … Read More
The Power of Flow
We’ve all heard of flow states but what exactly is “flow” anyway? Some athletes and performers call it “being in the zone” or “runner’s high”; and musicians say they feel a sense of “being one with the music”. These peak experiences are also described as “the power of flow” because flow is a state of mind that helps you to … Read More
Practicing Perfectly
If practice makes perfect what are the key elements for practicing perfectly? Staying focused is certainly essential along with well-paced timing of your practice session; mapping out your practice goals; being confident and determined to achieve small daily accomplishments; and practicing smarter not harder. Being healthy artists promotes a realization that effective practice isn’t just in your body, it’s in … Read More
How to Practice for Peak Performance in Art & Life
The promise of peak performances – in life, art, sports, and intellectual pursuits comes from engaging a few common principles. Effective practice habits blend mind and body to optimally include intense work and sustaining rest to promote enhanced productivity. And through a cycle of frustration and recovery self-regulation, confidence and resilience is found. See how an 11 year-old cellist practiced … Read More
Creativity is a Wellness Practice
“When we are involved in creativity, we feel that we are living more fully than during the rest of life.” Expanding on Csikszentmihalyi’s important observation on the healing quality of art, I believe that the power of creative expression and engagement in the arts can serve as an essential wellness practice for everyone. Our ability to be creative allows us … Read More
Let Yourself Shine
As artists we continually struggle to grow and perfect our art, yet harsh self-criticism most always detracts from positive goals. Putting yourself up will endear you to others engaged in similar struggles, and help you find more productive ways to cope with the difficult path of making art anew each day. With self-confidence creativity can be a joyful, personally enriching … Read More
Mindfulness Practices Heal Relationships
Mindfulness practices have the ability to transform our relationships through the power of deepening the capacity for love, compassion, and forgiveness. Even 15 minutes of mindfulness practice a day can begin to direct us towards adopting the tools to enable us to connect on a meaningful level in our relationships. Mindfulness can help us overcome feelings of unworthiness so that … Read More
- Page 1 of 2
- 1
- 2