The Art of the Inner Journey: Symbol as Healing Agent - Paperback

by Margaret Carpenter Arnett (Author)

Healing in a creative process, is in FULL COLOR EDITION BOOK:

"The Art of the Inner Journey" addresses art as a way of knowing and as an approach to healing and spiritual development, from the perspective of participants in "Art & Meditation" class over several years. It features the drawings and stories of eleven women and two men whose drawings were of significant help to them in their lives, often in difficult and challenging circumstances. Most of them were non-artists! The images that came up for them during guided imagery at the start of each session were sometimes surprising and working with the images, a transformational process. For the participants, art became a tool for healing. The book describes the principles behind art as healing and gives suggestions of exercises to help access imagery. Over 100 images shared by participants are accompanied by their explanations of how they were helpful by bringing attention to certain issues and through emotion. It is not necessary to be an artist to benefit from this experience, This book can be categorized as informational or as self-help. If used for self-help, it is strongly suggested that you find a therapist or counselor to talk with about your drawings.

Christiane Northrop M.D. said about my work: "

"The power in Margaret's work comes in part from her ability to help participants' access information about themselves crucial to their well-being, which is not generally accessible to the intellect. I have witnessed Margaret's work with a group of physicians in which she was able to help participants break through the denial and control which is so much a part of physician training. Her work is gentle compassionate and a very important tool in healing."

Working with others in this format I have learned about and experienced the power of art to heal and lead us deeper on the spiritual journey and want to share this perspective. As one participant said, "This is a class for the artist within, and the only skill required is the willingness to attend to what is offered from that inner well."