By KATE BLAIN
Assistant Editor
When many people think of making a connection with God, they think of prayer, Mass or the Rosary.
Geoffrey Scott-Alexander thinks of drawing, dancing and meditation.
Mr. Scott-Alexander is a registered expressive arts therapist who runs the Glass Lake Studio in Sand Lake. On Feb. 20, he will present a workshop on expressive arts at Still Point House of Prayer in Stillwater.
Bridge to God
Expressive arts, he told The Evangelist, is one way to "bridge the gap between your feelings and your relationship with God."
A "non-analytical form of therapy," expressive arts helps people to deal with depression or anxiety by using painting, drawing, writing, drama or sculpture. Meditation and visualization are another aspect of the therapy, referred to as the "contemplative arts" side, used to quiet the mind and body.
Some people are uncomfortable with traditional forms of therapy, said Mr. Scott-Alexander, and do not wish to discuss the past. Practitioners of expressive arts might begin a session with a question: "What's keeping me from staying in the moment?"
If, for example, a person feels as if "a rock is in my stomach," the person can visualize that rock, draw it and connect it to an event that is causing them pain: "When my father died, it was hard to swallow, but I had to swallow it."
Form and feeling
Expressive arts "gives form to their feelings," the therapist said. "It quiets our human fears so we can `let God.' The idea is to get out of our own way."
Often, he said, those who get in touch with their feelings through drawing or painting are astonished at the results, claiming that "I didn't paint that." But unlocking hidden talents is part of "entering into partnership with the Spirit, co-creating your life."
Expressive arts also "interfaces well" with prayer, said Mr. Scott-Alexander. Participants might pray for a symbol to help them deal with a problem and think of such images as a waterfall washing over them.
"Entering into a prayerful state gives people tools to work with," he explained.
Imagine that
Creating more resources to deal with life's difficulties and help others is the real focus of expressive arts, he added. A workshop such as that being held at Still Point can give people more confidence in their own abilities.
"It can get your imagination going in how you can be helpful in the world using your own creativity," he said.
He gave the example of a person who would like to work with Alzheimer's patients but isn't sure what she has to offer. An expressive arts session using music could help the person to realize that she would like to play music for those with Alzheimer's, sharing her gifts in a simple way.
Expressive arts is "a good match for what Still Point has to offer," said Mr. Scott-Alexander. "It follows their mission to be a place to reflect on your concerns and resources, and go back into the world with tools."
He added: "It's fun. That's the other reason I do it. It's a nonjudgmental circle of people being open and expressive."
("Nurturing Compassion and Mindfulness through the Contemplative and Expressive Arts," will be held Feb. 20, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and once a month thereafter. Cost is $45 for the day. Participants can try one session or a series. Call 587-4967 to register.)