Calm and Creative Podcast

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• Overcoming Creative Blocks: Learn about common misconceptions around creative blocks and how to navigate through them to unleash your creativity.
• Empowering Creative Practices: Gain insights into small, actionable steps that can significantly impact your creative journey.
• Watercolor Meditation Course: An invitation to delve deeper into your creative exploration through Volta's comprehensive course designed to fuse creativity with mindfulness.
• Personal Journey and Inspiration: Volta shares her personal story, from business school to embracing art, highlighting the transformative power of creativity in her life.
• Practical Tips for Unleashing Creativity:
  • Start Small: Embrace the power of taking small steps to build your creative habit.
  • Be Consistent: Understand the importance of consistency in nurturing your creative practice.
  • Experiment and Play: Learn to view your creative endeavors as experiments, embracing the joy of discovery and learning.

Join my FREE Creative Wellness Retreat: www.colorsnack.com/retreat

• Personal Meditation Journey

  • Volta discusses her decade-long meditation practice and its initial challenges.
  • Acknowledges the struggle with quieting the mind, especially with anxiety.

• Evolution of Watercolor Meditation

  • Inspiration from painting an Enso Circle, combining breath with brush strokes.
  • Highlights the meditative state achieved through creative engagement.

• Benefits of Visual Meditation

  • Discusses brain science and the impact of creative activities on stress levels.
  • Encourages using visual meditation as an alternative to traditional practices.

• Workshop Experiences and Outcomes

  • Shares experiences from leading workshops for corporate clients and communities.
  • Highlights the calming effects of repetitive mark-making and visual focus.

Join my FREE retreat on Creative Wellness: https://www.colorsnack.com/retreat/

• Link Between Creativity and Calm (00:01:57)

  • Discussion on how art positively impacts mental and emotional well-being.
  • Personal story of discovering watercolor's stress-relieving effects.

• The Science of Art and Stress (00:04:47)

  • How creative activities release happiness chemicals and reduce stress hormones.
  • Studies showing art’s effect on lowering cortisol and enhancing decision-making.

• Overcoming Creative Fear (00:09:49)

  • Encouragement to engage in art without fear of imperfection.
  • The difference between external and internal dopamine sources.

• Fostering Creativity Through Art (00:12:34)

  • Practical advice for starting with simple, accessible art techniques.
  • Engaging in creative self-care to enhance calmness and creativity.

Sweet friend! Join me for a FREE 5 Day Live retreat on zoom.

Here's the link to sign up: https://www.colorsnack.com/retreat/

To grab Volta's free guide to 5 Easy Exercises for Creative Relaxation, visit: https://www.colorsnack.com/calm

To join the free and private Calm and Creative Community, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/804189398089705/

On today's episode, Volta chats with Nichole Lee on the powerful topic of trauma, healing and creativity. 

Here are the main takeaways:

• Redefining Trauma: Exploring the varied impact of trauma, big or small, on our lives.
• The Body's Trauma Story: Unpacking how trauma is stored and released physically.
• Beyond 'Big T, Little T': Breaking down the myth of trauma's magnitude.
• Intentional Healing Practices: The power of aligning affirmations with physical activity.
• Empowerment in Therapy: Choosing a therapist or healer for a co-creative healing journey.
• Transforming the Inner Critic: Strategies to turn self-judgment into a tool for growth.
• Finding the Right Fit: The importance of connecting with the right therapist.
• The Healing Experiment: Embracing curiosity and experimentation in personal growth.
• Art as a Healing Tool: Leveraging creativity for emotional and mental liberation.

To grab Volta's free guide to 5 Easy Exercises for Creative Relaxation, visit: https://www.colorsnack.com/calm

To join the free and private Calm and Creative Community, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/804189398089705/

Take-aways from the episode:

• [00:02:09] Overcoming Challenges:
  • Sara shares challenges from art school to balancing family life.
  • Advice on defining 'bare minimum' and self-care to avoid burnout.

• [00:05:24] Rediscovering Creativity:
  • Tips for reigniting creative spark by exploring different mediums.
  • Significance of self-care activities like painting pottery, pickleball.

• [00:07:12] Self-Care and Routine:
  • Emphasis on skincare as self-love.
  • Role of personal care routines in creative mindset maintenance.

• [00:09:20] Finding Time for Creativity:
  • Importance of scheduling 'play time' for productivity.
  • Personal experiences of fitting creativity into a busy schedule.

• [00:19:01] Sara's Podcast - "I Like Art":
  • Introduction to Sara's podcast about art in everyday life.
  • Encouraging creative pursuits regardless of professional background.

• [00:21:27] Final Thoughts and Resources:
  • Information about Sara's studio tour and contact details.
  • Introduction to Sara's newsletter 'Sending Flowers'.

This episode with Meredith Arthur is a profound exploration of the intersection between mental health and creativity. It provides invaluable insights for anyone struggling with anxiety or looking to understand the complex nature of creative minds better.

To grab Volta's free guide to 5 Easy Exercises for Creative Relaxation, visit: https://www.colorsnack.com/calm

To join the free and private Calm and Creative Community, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/804189398089705/

Show Summary with Timestamps:

• [00:01:36] Meredith's Revelation: Her journey to discovering she had generalized anxiety disorder at 39, highlighting the physical symptoms and the birth of Beautiful Voyager for overthinkers and perfectionists.

• [00:05:42] Therapy's Role: Meredith talks about her experience with therapy, emphasizing the need for approaches beyond traditional talk therapy for anxiety disorders.

• [00:09:21] Creativity as Healing: Discussion on the significance of creativity in understanding and healing mental health issues. Advocates for embracing experimental and non-judgmental approaches in creativity.

• [00:11:03] New Book Insight: Meredith shares her work on a new book aimed at providing a toolkit for those newly diagnosed with anxiety disorders.

• [00:22:43] How We Feel App: Introduction to a free app designed to improve emotional literacy and self-expression regarding feelings.

• [00:26:54] Personal Coping Mechanisms: Meredith shares her strategies like changing physical temperatures and setting mental boundaries to manage anxiety.

Hello, and welcome back to the Calm and Creative Podcast. I'm your host, Volta. In this episode, we delve into a simple yet profound practice – choosing a "Word of the Year." This practice is a way to set your intentions and guide your actions throughout the year. Let's explore how to select a word that resonates with your soul and propels you forward in your creative and personal journey.

Download the fillable PDF worksheet to discover your Word of the Year: https://colorsnack.myflodesk.com/kl00ge5nv8

Show Notes:

1. The Essence of a Word of the Year:

   • Diving into what it means and how it can shift your focus and intentions for the year.

2. Reflection and Aspiration:

   • Reflecting on past experiences to inform your choice.
   • Aligning your word with your core values and aspirations.

3. Selecting Your Word:

   • Tips for finding a word that truly speaks to you.
   • Making your word a cornerstone of your daily life.

4. Tips on how to keep up with your Word of the year.

To grab my free guide to 5 Easy Exercises for Creative Relaxation, visit: https://www.colorsnack.com/calm

In this episode I dive into the topic of embodying your future self. 

I came across this idea by reading the book - Be Your Future Self Now, by Dr. Ben Hardy ( I highly recommend this book).

I share some vulnerable stories and how I am learning to become my future self in the present moment and trusting myself to take bold action. 

Thanks for being here, sweet friend!

In the latest episode of the Calm and Creative Podcast, Volta engages in a thoughtful conversation with Leah Guzman, an artist and art therapist. They delve into the vital role of self-care in the life of a creative individual and how integrating art into self-care practices can have transformative effects.

To grab Volta's free guide to 5 Easy Exercises for Creative Relaxation, visit: https://www.colorsnack.com/calm

To join the free and private Calm and Creative Community, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/804189398089705/

Shownotes and details:

• 00:01:56 - Leah’s Background:

  • Leah discusses her dual role as an artist and art therapist.
  • Insights into how her art practice and therapy work complement each other.

• 00:03:31 - The Importance of Self-Care for Artists:

  • Leah emphasizes the need for self-care, especially when dealing with creative burnout.
  • Discussion about keeping artistic practice and professional work separate.

• 00:04:16 - Starting a Creative Self-Care Practice:

  • Leah advises on how to begin a self-care routine that includes creative expression.
  • Mention of simple, accessible activities like making mini art pieces to express emotions.

• 00:05:14 - Tips for Beginners in Artistic Self-Care:

  • Leah offers suggestions for those intimidated by starting a creative self-care practice.

• 00:06:19 - Integrating Art into Daily Routine:

  • Discussion on how small creative acts can be fitted into everyday life.

• 00:07:16 - Using Color to Express and Manage Emotions:

  • Leah talks about how different colors can represent various emotional states.
  • Personal experiences and advice on using color in art therapy.

• 00:09:23 - Building a Self-Care Kit:

  • Leah shares her idea of a personal self-care kit.
  • Examples of what to include and how to tailor it to individual preferences.

• 00:12:04 - Creating a Personalized Self-Care Kit:

  • Leah explains how to create a self-care kit that reflects personal needs and tastes.
  • Tips on choosing items that engage the senses and provide comfort.

• 00:14:33 - The Grounding Hand Technique:

  • Leah introduces a technique to help identify personal self-care items.
  • Each finger represents a sense (touch, taste, hearing, sight, smell) for choosing items.

• 00:17:09 - Dealing with Creative Blocks:

  • Leah discusses her approach to overcoming periods of creative blockage.
  • Importance of self-compassion and taking breaks in the creative process.

• 00:19:01 - Further Advice on Self-Care and Art:

  • Leah provides additional tips on maintaining a balanced creative life.
  • Emphasis on self-care practices as a means to bounce back from life’s challenges.

• 00:21:46 - Closing Thoughts and Resources:

  • Leah shares information about her books and online resources.
  • Volta and Leah discuss the significance of art in maintaining mental health and wellbeing.

In a recent episode, Volta had an insightful discussion with Heidi Fiedler, a talented writer, editor, and mother. Heidi shares her profound wisdom on engaging with the creative process, especially for those with time constraints. Let’s explore the key takeaways from their conversation.

To grab Volta's free guide to 5 Easy Exercises for Creative Relaxation, visit: https://www.colorsnack.com/calm

To join the free and private Calm and Creative Community, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/804189398089705/

Key Takeaways:

• [00:02:30] The Personal Benefits of Writing: Heidi speaks about her lifelong passion for writing and how it serves as a personal haven, offering control and a space for her own thoughts amidst life’s demands.
• [00:04:09] Writing as a Tool for Presence and Control: Writing, like sketching, is a way to be more present and gain a sense of control in life. It’s about owning something that’s exclusively yours.
• [00:05:44] Overcoming Writing Blocks: Heidi suggests that journaling doesn’t have to be a lengthy, heavy process. It can be as simple as jotting down a word or a phrase, making the act of writing more accessible and less daunting.
• [00:08:12] The ‘Nebula Notebook’ Concept: Heidi introduces the ‘Nebula Notebook’, a unique approach to brainstorming and collecting ideas for a project, emphasizing a free, open, and dreamy process.
• [00:09:50] Perspective on Morning Pages: While acknowledging the benefits of morning pages for some, Heidi shares her method of dropping into her creative space when time allows, which is more suitable for her busy lifestyle.
• [00:11:20] Tips for Entering a Creative State: Treating activities like walking or reading as part of the creative process helps Heidi prepare for her writing sessions. She also emphasizes having a clear plan for each writing session.
• [00:13:18] Avoiding Self-Criticism: Heidi advises against self-criticism for not following certain writing practices or meeting expectations, as it hinders creativity.
• [00:14:07] Embracing the Creative Process: Working on paper and treating revising as a creative process helps Heidi maintain a playful and open approach to writing.
• [00:17:02] Finding Joy in Imperfection: Embracing the creative process as an experimental and playful journey helps overcome the resistance of perfectionism.
• [00:19:34] Simple Creative Practices: Heidi encourages embracing small, manageable creative practices, stressing that even short durations of creativity are meaningful.
• [00:23:26] Maximizing Limited Time: Heidi talks about how even with limited time, a small creative practice can be deeply fulfilling and meaningful.

Welcome to a new episode of the "Calm and Creative Podcast," where we delve into the fascinating intersection of art, creativity, mindfulness, and mental health. In this episode, we have an enriching conversation with Lizzie Larock, an applied positive psychology-based coach. Together, we explore how embracing creativity can significantly enhance our resilience and overall well-being, especially in challenging times.

To grab Volta's free guide to 5 Easy Exercises for Creative Relaxation, visit: https://www.colorsnack.com/calm

To join the free and private Calm and Creative Community, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/804189398089705/

Key Takeaways:

• Lizzie's Life Lessons: Lizzie chats about her switch from high-stress restaurant life to the chill vibes of mindfulness and positive psychology.

• Positive Psychology, Simply Put: Dive into the cool world of positive psychology with us – it's all about bouncing back and feeling all the feels!

• Gratitude Meets Grief: Lizzie opens up about how being thankful can walk hand-in-hand with grief, helping us flex instead of break when times get tough.

• Gratitude, Up Close and Personal: Let's get real about gratitude! We talk about why it's super important to be specific with our thanks, including trying out the "Three Good Things" exercise to feel awesome.

• Creativity Comeback: Hear Lizzie's story about rekindling her love for photography and how it's been like a balm for her soul.

• Creativity in the Fast Lane: Got a hectic schedule? No sweat! We've got some neat tricks for squeezing in some creative fun, even with just your phone and a few spare moments.

• Art for a Happy Mind: We chat about why getting artsy can be a serious game-changer for your mental health, especially with everything going on in the world.

• Your Creative Call to Action: We're here to pump you up to find and embrace your own creative spark – because everyone deserves to feel creatively fulfilled!

This episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to enrich their creative journey with mindfulness and positive psychology strategies. Whether you're an artist, a creative professional, or simply someone seeking a more fulfilling and resilient life, this conversation with Lizzie offers valuable insights and practical tips to inspire your path.

Tune into a heartwarming conversation with artist Ana Sneeringer, as she unveils how art can be a powerful ally in your journey towards self-confidence and inner power. Get inspired by Ana's personal story and her transformative use of art to stand firm in her own power.

To grab Volta's free guide to 5 Easy Exercises for Creative Relaxation, visit: https://www.colorsnack.com/calm

To join the free and private Calm and Creative Community, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/804189398089705/

Key Takeaways:

• Ana's cross-cultural experiences shaped her exploration of personal power through art.
• Overcoming self-doubt is a common theme for artists at any stage, with art serving as a medium for growth and self-acceptance.
• Engaging in creative activities can be a profound practice in building resilience and self-esteem.
• The process of creating art can offer a sense of unity and empowerment that transcends the canvas and nourishes life itself.

To grab Volta's free guide to 5 Easy Exercises for Creative Relaxation, visit: https://www.colorsnack.com/calm

To join the free and private Calm and Creative Community, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/804189398089705/

In today's conversation, Juliana delves into several intriguing topics, providing valuable takeaways for listeners of all backgrounds:

• Discover how Juliana maintains a stable routine amidst the challenges of travel and shifting environments.
• Explore the world of improvisation as Juliana reveals how her improv classes serve as both an artist's date and a form of self-care.
• Gain a deeper understanding of self-care and its dual nature – as both a treat and a discipline – and how it plays a vital role in Juliana's life.
• Learn about the transformative power of music and how Juliana uses it as a channel for her creative energy and emotional well-being.
• Dive into Juliana's perspective on dealing with failure, and glean valuable insights into how she navigates setbacks on her creative journey.

To grab Volta's free guide to 5 Easy Exercises for Creative Relaxation, visit: https://www.colorsnack.com/calm

To join the free and private Calm and Creative Community, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/804189398089705/

Join the "Calm and Creative Podcast" with host Volta and artist Samantha Barnes for an inspiring conversation on nurturing your creativity. Discover the power of a morning drawing practice, overcoming self-doubt, and embracing the joy of creating. Get ready to unlock your creative potential and find resilience on your artistic journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Morning drawing practice for a creative start.
• Overcome self-doubt and embrace failure.
• The joy of creating and staying consistent.

Don't miss this episode filled with practical insights and motivation. Tune in to explore your creative side and boost your artistic resilience. Listen now!

To grab Volta's free guide to 5 Easy Exercises for Creative Relaxation, visit: https://www.colorsnack.com/calm

To join the free and private Calm and Creative Community, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/804189398089705/

In the latest "Calm and Creative Podcast" episode, host Volta welcomes Jennifer Colombo, an artist and mindfulness advocate. Together, they explore key strategies:

• Daily Habits: Jennifer shares her daily rituals, including meditation, journaling, and connecting with nature. She stresses the importance of accountability and creative camaraderie.

• Self-Care Practices: Jennifer discusses self-love practices, from group meditation to artist play dates. She highlights the significance of proactive self-care.

• Managing Burnout: Jennifer reflects on her experiences with burnout and offers insights into boundary-setting, prioritizing self-care, and preventing creative blockage.

• Stress Management: Practical tools for stress management are shared, including mindful breathing, grounding techniques, and creative stress-relief activities.

• Fear of Wasting Supplies: Jennifer advises using basic, affordable materials for creative exploration, encouraging experimentation.

In this episode of the Calm and Creative Podcast, Volta welcomes Teresa Merriman, the founder and CEO of Mind's Eye Journals and the Art Journal Avenue. With a rich history in the craft of book binding and art journaling, Teresa brings a unique perspective on creativity, mindfulness, and mental health.

Episode Highlights & Takeaways:

1. Introduction to Teresa Merriman: Learn about Teresa's journey into the world of art journaling and her significant contributions to the community.

2. The Healing Power of Art Journaling: How Teresa used art journaling to navigate through personal challenges and improve her mental well-being.

3. Breaking the First-Page Fear: Practical tips on starting your art journaling journey and overcoming the hesitancy of working on that intimidating first page.

4. Defining Art Journal vs. Sketchbook: Understanding the nuanced difference between these two forms of artistic expression.

5. The Importance of Physicality: Engage in tangible, hands-on creativity to ground yourself and stay away from digital distractions.

6. Teresa's Tips to Spark Inspiration: Simple strategies for those times when you're stuck staring at a blank page.

7. Resources & Community: Discover Teresa’s Art Journal Avenue Facebook group and how to join her community to further your art journaling adventure.

To grab Volta's free guide to 5 Easy Exercises for Creative Relaxation, visit: https://www.colorsnack.com/calm

To join the free and private Calm and Creative Community, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/804189398089705/

To grab Volta's free guide to 5 Easy Exercises for Creative Relaxation, visit: https://www.colorsnack.com/calm

To join the free and private Calm and Creative Community, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/804189398089705/

On today's episode of the Calm and Creative podcast, your host Volta Voloshin-Smith dives deep with the incredible Whitney Prude. Whitney is not only a certified health and wellness coach but also a passionate public speaker and the CEO of Whole and Happy Living. Her mission? To genuinely transform individual health from the inside out.

Highlights:

• Whitney's approach to understanding why so many of us are uncomfortable with calm and the idea of being still.
• Caffeine and its unexpected impact on our mental and physical health.
• Why slowing down is crucial for our wellbeing and how society has conditioned us to feel uncomfortable with moments of stillness.
• Practical steps to introduce moments of calm into your busy life, starting with just 10 minutes.
• The importance of seeking help when you need it and how everyone, even experts, need guidance at times.
• Book Recommendations: "Mindset" for understanding how our brains operate and how to shift your perspective.

Don't miss this enlightening conversation that touches on the essence of mental and emotional well-being in our fast-paced world. Join Volta and Whitney as they uncover ways to embrace calmness, understand our caffeine habits, and learn to value self-care and professional guidance.

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Dr. Gina Simmons Schneider, a licensed psychotherapist, executive coach, and author of "Frazzlebrain: Break Free from Anxiety, Anger, and Stress Using Advanced Discoveries in Neuropsychology." Dr. Schneider shares her profound wisdom on overcoming self-doubt and achieving personal growth and happiness.

We begin by exploring the concept of the "Frazzlebrain" and how it relates to anxiety, anger, and stress. Dr. Simmons Schneider provides valuable insights into the inner workings of our minds and offers practical tips to break free from these negative emotions.

A profound mindset shift is discussed, where we learn to fall in love with our limitations and accept self-doubt as a natural part of the creative process. Dr. Simmons Schneider guides us on embracing vulnerability and using it as a catalyst for innovation and the creation of something unique in the world.

Lastly, we delve into the therapeutic benefits of spending more time with living beings – be it people, animals, or nature. Dr. Simmons Schneider highlights the profound impact of these connections on our mental well-being.

Join us for a transformative conversation as we explore strategies to navigate self-doubt, cultivate happiness, and lead more fulfilling lives with the guidance of Dr. Gina Simmons Schneider, a true expert in the field of emotional regulation and personal growth.

To grab Volta's free guide to 5 Easy Exercises for Creative Relaxation, visit: https://www.colorsnack.com/calm

To join the free and private Calm and Creative Community, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/804189398089705/