What is the Thriving Kind?
The Thriving Kind aimed to create community, connection and self-nurturance through gentle mindful movement and art-making. Through generous support from the Climb for Cancer Foundation and the Florida Division of Arts and Culture, art and mindfulness activities have been 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 founders to create a repository of free, virtual resources that can be accessed by anyone, anytime, anywhere.
The following modules 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. Then, follow the instructions listed with the module to enjoy a centering art-making experience.
The Thriving Kind Modules
Use the free modules below to enjoy a ~45-minute grounding, creative activity.
Art-making is written and instructed by Molly, with mindful moments guided by Tammy.
Riding the Waves
Using watercolor painting and pen, explore the theme of Riding the Waves in a guided meditation and art-making experience.
Dropping Roots
Imagine you are a tree with deep roots and long branches as you paint and explore familiar imagery.
Fresh Horizons
Engage in meditative mess-making with this guided art and mindfulness activity.
Ch-ch-ch-changes
Embrace the ideas of change and metamorphosis while exploring this guided art and mindfulness exercise.
Exploring the Inner and Outer Landscape Pt. 1
Get in touch with your own inner landscape while bringing it to life through this guided art experience.
Exploring the Inner and Outer Landscape Pt. 2
Continue along with Molly and Tammy as you get in touch with your inner and outer landscape.
In the Groove Pt. 1
Using pen and paper, follow along with this free-flowing exercise in mindfulness.
In the Groove Pt. 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.
Setting the Compass Pt. 1
Using stencils and a map, explore the theme of Setting the Compass in Part 1 of this guided meditative and artistic experience.
Setting the Compass Pt. 2
Complete the theme from part 1 with artwork and a centering exercise.
Blooms, Blossoms & Pollinators
Explore a grounding practice as you design your own field, alive with flowers and pollinators.
Attitude of Gratitude
Embrace what matters to you through this artmaking activity.
Summer Breeze
Through creating undulating lines and color, gather inspiration through the breeze.
Phoenix, Fire, & Transformation Pt. 1
Explore the theme of death and rebirth with this mindful artmaking activity.
Phoenix, Fire, & Transformation Pt. 2
The theme of rebirth continues with Part 2.
Making Your Nest Pt. 1
Center on your “home base” while painting your birdhouse.
Making Your Nest Pt. 2
Complete decorating your birdhouse with this grounding artmaking moment.
The Wisdom of Water Pt. 1
Invent your own waterway through mindful painting.
The Wisdom of Water Pt. 2
Continue your exploration of the path of water by adding new elements to your waterway.
Self-guided Modules
The modules below offer art-making activities for a more self-paced experience, with readable mindfulness moments without audio tracks.
With all Thriving Kind modules, we recommend moving through the modules slowly and with intention to maximize the mindfulness that can be found in each activity.
Pocket Poetry
Present a phrase that fits almost anywhere through an accordion pocket book.
Rock N Roll
Create a piece of garden or porch decor with lyrics from your favorite song.
Mini Pinch Pots
Affirmation Cards
Combine positive affirmations and collage to create imagery that is intuitive, contemplative, and highly personal.
Layers and Layers
Find grounding by painting an affirmation over and over to get a graffiti-like look.
