Caregiving & Creativity
[A Project]
The Latin root of the word emotion are e (out) and movere (move). Allowing all our emotions and feelings, the good and the bad to move freely and flow is a powerful way to heal from the effects of trauma, chronic stress and depression.
It is well established that caring for a family member with chronic conditions can be exhausting with layers of emotional complexity. Caregivers are at greater risk of anxiety, depression, and burnout so having an outlet is critical to lightening their emotional load. Knowing this, Normandale Center for Healing & Wholeness frequently offers introductory creative workshops for caregivers that are experiencing stress and burnout. Classes about legacy writing, watercolors and poetry are just some of the offerings geared towards caregivers.
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To celebrate the upcoming 25th anniversary of serving caregivers and seniors, Normandale Center is looking to create a collection of writings, poetry and paintings that will be made into a book dedicated to caregivers. Any form of artistic expression is welcomed.
Creative expression has no bounds, especially when used to process trauma and stress.
We hope for the collection to be a showcase of artwork created by caregivers that highlights the complexities of compassion fatigue, caregiver burnout and the joy and sorrows of caring for a loved one with a chronic illness. There will be several opportunities during our Second Saturday for Caregivers to create art and express your feelings and emotions artistically. We will be accepting submissions for consideration to be published and shared in a book format in 2024.
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Check back soon for more details!