These experiences consistently feed the soul

by Ana Moreno

“These experiences consistently fed the soul … “

Understanding the theoretical paradigm that supports expressive arts work, is in great part understanding the theoretical paradigm of myself and the elements both seen and unseen. An understanding that has only been scratched. The exercises and materials in our workshops (clay, poetry, dance, movement, music, painting and collage, etc.), all transported my inner being, my core, to places both expected and unexpected. Because I engaged in the mediums within a group setting, they were especially unique, compared to when I “played” or made art alone at home.

While engaging in these mediums with others, I broke down a model of myself, only to be mended – moving below the surface to a different place, at times of strength. Witnessing each other created a space for moving through an enlightened experience. I believe each time I was brought into a new relationship singularly and collectively with others it brought me to an enlightened space. On more than one occasion, I personally found myself below the surface of my thinking, emotions, and spiritual essence. Sometimes each medium provided a framework, and yet often we “played” and went beyond the frame, into the unknown, portraying stories (individually and collectively) within and without this unknown place.

In various mediums we started off playfully, dance for example allowed my perfectionism to loosen. I could no longer hold onto the idea that I had to dance perfectly and beautifully. Eventually, I was, often unknowingly, exposing the truth of myself, both strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to break through. A surrender took place, a lifting. Many times I was surprised, caught off guard by the experience of delving into something elusive yet beyond myself, deeper, other worldly at times. I can see how this work is practice for life. Or perhaps my humanness is a practice for the work. There are no limits when engaging with the arts, no limits to its discoveries, offerings of ever growing clarity, even when it seems like all it offers is fog.

These experiences consistently fed the soul, and doesn’t the world need more of that…

The soul needs to be fed
In a way the world
Understands less and less
With each passing generation