When You Don't Have Words

An impromptu creative invitation to art our way through grief

I’ve got about 10 minutes to write and publish this post so there will be type-o’s and incomplete thoughts and honestly, this week, I’m calling that just fine because it’s where I am. Saturday night blew in 14 inches of snow and sub-zero temperatures that have left schools closed here all week and forced my dog to attempt to hibernate. He is not made for days like such as these, and I get it. I think most of us would like to take a long nap and wake up in a different season than the one we’re living right now. We are warm and safe, and my oven is broken, and I haven’t figured out how we’re going to get the trash can to the curb at the end of the week.

I’m watching and reading the news like the rest of you and reading all the things trying to discern what is what and the layers of grief feel so heavy. This morning I woke up and felt like I need to get to my art table because I know that lately, more than using my words, using my hands to smear paint helps move the grief through in such a way that I can begin to breathe deeper again. I think I’ve been holding my breath for a week and my shoulders bear the receipts. The knots running up the back of my neck causing a week-long headache are a sign that this grief needs to move.

I keep wondering, what can I do? So, here’s what I’ve got, Friday, as in two days from now, on January 30, at 9AM Eastern, I’m hoping on this zoom link for an open Art of Prayer gathering. I host these bi-weekly in person but I’m offering this one online, for free, because I think we could all use some kindness in community, and a creative outlet for the things we are carrying.

What this WILL be, is a quiet, reflective space for making together.I will pray, and read a little something to bless our time together, and I will encourage you to lean in. There will be gracious space made for sharing, but mostly, we will be present together while we work with our hands. What this WON’T be is a space for venting anger, talking non-stop, or me teaching you art techniques. You don’t need any experience, just find whatever art materials you have on hand. Paints, colored pencils, magazines, and a glue stick—whatever you want. If you’re a crocheter, or knitter, bring that. The materials aren’t the point.

If you’re free Friday morning and you want a little creative company, hop on this link and join us. I have no idea how many of you will be there, but I will show up as I always do for Art of Prayer, whether anyone joins me or not. The invitation stands. I’d love to see you there.

There is NO fee for this workshop, but if you want to support my work, converting to a paid subscriber here on Substack is a HUGE gift to me. And if you know someone who might like to join this impromptu workshop, share this post with them.