Healing with the Arts

University of Florida via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/healing-with-the-arts

Introduction

### Course Review: Healing with the Arts on Coursera In a world where stress and anxiety have become commonplace, the necessity for holistic self-care practices is more important than ever. If you are looking to explore a path to healing that combines creativity with therapeutic practices, then the "Healing with the Arts" course on Coursera might be the perfect fit for you. This unique course invites you to experience the transformative power of art through various expressive mediums, helping you to nurture not only your emotional wellness but also your physical and spiritual health. #### Course Overview "Healing with the Arts," designed by experienced facilitators, engages you through a variety of artistic expressions including visual arts, music, dance, and writing. The course emphasizes the profound therapeutic benefits of creativity, encouraging participants to explore their emotions, release their burdens, and foster personal growth through artistic channels. The course structure is well-organized, consisting of five main parts: 1. **Course Introduction**: This week sets the stage, introducing participants to the course structure and objectives. You will meet your guides who will mentor you throughout this journey, and you'll receive a 'get-started kit' equipped with essential tools and resources to embark on your healing journey. 2. **Visual Arts**: In this module, you will delve into the realm of visual arts, utilizing drawing, painting, or collage to express your inner thoughts and feelings. This hands-on approach allows you to explore self-expression and enhance your emotional intelligence through creativity. 3. **Music**: Music is a universal language, and in this section, you will discover how sound and rhythm can be utilized for healing. Whether through listening, creating, or even dancing to music, you’ll uncover new avenues of relaxation and self-discovery. 4. **Movement**: This module addresses the importance of movement in healing. By incorporating dance and other forms of bodily expression, you will learn to reconnect with your physical self, alleviating stress and cultivating a deeper sense of awareness and presence. 5. **Word**: The final section encourages you to explore writing as a healing modality. Through journaling, poetry, or storytelling, you’ll uncover the therapeutic power of words to articulate your journey and catalyze healing. 6. **Conclusion**: The course wraps up with a thoughtful reflection on your experiences, guiding you on how to apply what you’ve learned in your everyday life for ongoing self-discovery and healing. #### Personal Experience and Recommendations Having taken "Healing with the Arts," I can confidently say that it’s an enriching experience that fosters both creativity and introspection. Each module allows for exploration at your own pace, with ample opportunity for personal reflection. The instructors are supportive and provide a safe space for expression, making it an ideal environment for both beginners and seasoned artists. One of the key strengths of the course is its interdisciplinary approach. You don't need to be an expert in any artistic field to participate; rather, the course gently encourages you to engage with your unique voice and experiences. The projects are designed to be enjoyable and liberating, rather than a grading scale of artistic skill. I highly recommend this course to anyone seeking healing through creativity, be it for personal growth, emotional release, or spiritual enhancement. It's particularly beneficial for artists, therapists, or anyone interested in exploring alternative pathways to health and well-being. In conclusion, "Healing with the Arts" offers a comprehensive toolkit for self-healing. By integrating creative practices into your life, you not only cultivate resilience but also embark on a deeply personal journey toward understanding and acceptance. So grab your art supplies, put on some music, and prepare to heal through the incredible power of the arts!

Syllabus

Course Introduction

This week will give you an overview of the course, an introduction to your guides, a get-started kit, and space to do art.

Visual Arts

Music

Movement

Word

Conclusion

Overview

Through art projects—including visual arts, dance, writing, and music—along with spiritual practices and guided imagery, Healing With the Arts gives you the tools to heal what you need to heal in your life: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

Skills

Music Art Meditation Visual Arts

Reviews

I started this course when the world was reeling under pandemic and lockdowns. Needless to say this course helped me to use my creativity and channelise it to create inner peace.

fantastic course! Although a little too hippie and idealistic for my taste. It takes more than the arts to heal someone. Although it was a very good course about alternative medicine and treatments.

I really love this course. It was wonderful for me to find all the tools that I found here to heal my soul. I appreciate all the work that took to created it. Thank you.

Awesome experience and I would (and have) recommended course to others. Only drawback was how the assignments were explained - I could not figure out at times, which assignments were due and when.

I really enjoyed every moment of this course. i have not seen Mary but i really adore her kind and positive way of teaching , i am grateful for the opportunity you gave me\n\nnamaste