What is the Thriving Kind?
The Thriving Kind is a monthly program that aims to create community, connection and self-nurturance through gentle mindful movement and art-making. This program is offered freely as a continuum of care to those previously hospitalized and living with chronic conditions.
Realizing that the program offers a unique opportunity to combine guided mindfulness practices with making art, Arts in Medicine collaborated with The Thriving Kind program founders to create a repository of free, virtual resources that can be accessed by anyone, anytime, anywhere. The following modules are those resources, which consist of art-making instructions and prerecorded audio files that guide you through each mindful moment. These modules allow both the participants and the greater community to access Thriving Kind resources when convenient for them.
How do I use the modules?
These modules are designed for those hoping to create a finished work of art while practicing mindfulness techniques at their own speed, wherever they may be. The art-making portion of the activities are led by artist in residence Molly Kempson, and allow participants to read instructions and gather materials based on the provided activity sheets. The mindfulness practices are led using audio tracks made by Tammy Bernard, Integrative Therapies practitioner and licensed yoga therapist, and are used to enhance the art-making for a grounding experience that can relieve stress and further connect participants to the art-making process.
To begin, select a module from the list below and gather the art materials listed in the activity sheet associated with your module. Then, follow the instructions listed with the module to enjoy a centering art-making experience.
The Thriving Kind Modules
Use the free virtual modules below to engage in a centering, creative activity.
Module 1
Riding the Waves
Using watercolor painting and pen, explore the theme of Riding the Waves in a guided meditation and art-making experience.
Module 2
Dropping Roots
Imagine you are a tree with deep roots and long branches as you paint and explore familiar imagery.
module 3
Fresh Horizons
Engage in meditative mess-making with this guided art and mindfulness activity.
Module 4
Ch-ch-ch-changes
Embrace the ideas of change and metamorphosis while exploring this guided art and mindfulness exercise.
Module 5
Exploring the Inner and Outer Landscape Part 1
Get in touch with your own inner landscape while bringing it to life through this guided art experience.
module 6
Exploring the Inner and Outer Landscape Part 2
Continue along with Molly and Tammy as you get in touch with your inner and outer landscape.
Module 7
In the Groove Part 1
Using pen and paper, follow along with this free-flowing exercise in mindfulness.
Module 8
In the Groove Part 2
Continuing from Part 1, proceed to adding a bit of color to the design you’ve created while following along with this guided art exercise.
Module 9
Setting the Compass Part 1
Using stencils and a map, explore the theme of Setting the Compass in Part 1 of this guided meditative and artistic experience.
