Integral Arts as a business founded by Jhana Bowen is a combination of massage, creative expression, breathing exercises, visualisation, communication and creative movement.

 

Meeting the “comprehensive nature” of individuals whose needs are undeniably variable.

 

“For the most effective results you will want a therapy program designed to combine creative arts and the healing arts…” pg. 9, Creative Therapy for Children with Autism, ADD and Asperger’s by Janet Tubbs

 

Integral Arts enriches lives holistically. Physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs of students are affirmed and acknowledged.

Spiritual in this context has no religious connotation, rather; it involves the development of spiritual qualities that begin before birth. Elements that combine to form the “comprehensive nature” of an individual that are responsible for all areas of development. Differing from what is often viewed as religious or philosophic. 

 

“The Spirit is usually overlooked when assembling a program to meet the needs of a child, [or any person]. In combining such a holistic program contributes to a belief that all of these elements add meaning to life, if there were no meaning in life, there would be no mention of one’s spirit throughout recorded history.” Janet Tubbs

 

Integral Arts has shown to be beneficial for those experiencing;

 

·         old age/frailty

·         disability

·         stress

·         illness

·         emotional trauma

·         boredom

·         isolation

·         impaired physical mobility

·         mental health issues

Art Therapy and Integral Arts

The field of art therapy utilises art in healing, but tends to concentrate more on therapy or method and involves training and/or licensing. Often this can result in a clinical approach to participants. The fundamental difference is mainly in the way that an individual is often acknowledged and connected with.

There is a tendency that art therapy labels a participant as a patient, which could un-consciously serve to perpetuate the on-going need for art therapy.

The concept that participants are “patients”, who turn to art for healing, can serve to prolong the very healing they seek. Such concepts often carry with them the idea that there is something wrong with a person, and that the therapist knows best.

It is also possible that the terminology “patient” serves to create a sense of distance and possibly further isolates this person from the world. 

Affirming and acknowledging participants, comprehensive of their human qualities, both their strengths and weaknesses contributes to the acceleration of effective healing. Within Integral Arts the participant and facilitator are welcomed as equals and respected as such. A common ground is shared in which healing and learning occurs, adding to the sense of security and self worth of participants. 

 

The Role of Creativity

 

In 1968, George Land and Beth Jarman gave sixteen hundred 3-5 year olds a creativity test used by NASA to select innovative engineers and scientists. They then re-tested the same children at 10 years of age and then again at 15 years of age. Their findings were dramatic.

98% of children 3-5 years of age scored at the genius level on the creativity test. Only 32% of the children did so at age 10, and only 12% did at 15 years of age.

The researchers gave the same test to a large group of adults over the age of 25 and only 2% of those participants scored at the genius level.

 

The above test by George Land and Beth Jarman clarifies that creativity;

 

·         and intelligence spark one another

·         is naturally present from birth

·         is the basis for all genius

 

In our world intelligence is often given priority above and beyond creativity. Yet the above test clearly shows that creativity and intelligence are far from contradictory but support one another.

There is evidence of how creativity and imagination are accelerating the capacity for learning, which is fast changing the face of education. In this ground-breaking technique of education students have far exceeded their normal learning capacities. This has been made possible due to images and pictures being used as the foundations for learning. These images carry all the vital information required in the learning process. As for the saying “pictures are worth a thousand words”. In this evolutionary image based technique of education these students apparently were able to read a whole book without even opening a page. They say this was made possible as they placed their hands directly on the book where images were arriving to them directly. Afterwards they were able to relay correctly the contents of the book.

A similar event occurred when students prepared a meal from a recipe which had not been read or studied. They simply placed their hands on the recipe and images of the recipe would come to them. All the ingredients were collected and the meal prepared correct to the recipe..

 

Scientific analysis shows that the brain learns fastest and most efficiently with the use of images and pictures. If the brain does not need to convert words into pictures learning becomes fun and enjoyable.

This dramatically accelerates productive learning time. Such information that is absorbed in this way has far greater retention level.

 

Integral Arts utilises visualisation to develop neural networks. This greatly assists in the creation of new artworks that correspond with physical-emotional sensations. We learn that there is a definite correspondence between our thoughts and feelings.  All of this is of primary importance in personal development and growth.

 

“Since so many emotional disturbances are either caused by or result in problems with self esteem together with an arrest in creativity and development, the growth of artistic skills can help generate more comprehensive therapeutic outcomes.” Page 50, Art Heals by Shaun McNiff

 

Integral Arts classes and workshops re-activate creative abilities for the purposes of development and healing. 

Listed below are some of the elements of Integral Arts followed by a brief overview;

 

 1.      Breathing Exercises

 2.     Meditation and Relaxation

 3.      Movement, Yoga and Dance

 4.      Visualisation

 5.      Sharing/Talking Circle

 6.      Seated Chair Massage

 7.      Painting and Drawing

 8.      Poetry

 9.     Journalling

10.  Story Telling

 

 

1. Breathing Exercises 

Inspiration stems from the word ‘inspire’. Literally meaning ‘to breathe in’.

Breath is a primary building block of practically every life form. It is, in the east known as Prana or Chi. Which translates as ‘Life-Force’. This ‘Life-Force’ is inextricably linked with the breath. Without which life stops. The natural flow of breathing is imperative to healthy life. Stress on any level is instantly reflected in the breath which limits health and wellbeing.

Breathing exercises are also known as “Pranayama”. Pranayama translates closely to ‘ the universal principles of life force’.

 

Breathing exercises are known to;

 

·         increase lung capacity

·         calm the body and mind

·         alleviate stress and trauma

·         lengthen life expectancy

·         increase blood circulation

·         make one more present and aware

 

 

In a simple and easy to understand manner participants will be guided in short effective breathing exercises designed to soothe the mind and body. Helping them to achieve the utmost from the entire course.

 

 

2. Meditation and Relaxation

Relaxation and Meditation have been around for thousands of years. Utilised by individuals mastery of mind and body. Remarkably its effect on the body’s chemistry have been scientifically observed. Many tests have revealed relaxation can effectively;

 

·         slow the breath

·         lower blood-pressure

·         reduce the effects of illness

·         enhance productivity

·         alleviate physical tension

·         reduce stress

·         calm the mind

·         promote success

 

Many people have used relaxation as a tool for self mastery. Self mastery in this aspect relates to the ability to choose how we really want to feel and act. In sharp contrast to feeling’s and actions being dominated by the external environment and circumstances.

An environment or circumstance can never be guaranteed. Relaxation gives us the key to re-creating we really want to feel..

 

3. Movement, Yoga and Dance

Stretching and movement play a pivotal role in disengaging tension. Enlivening one’s entire body, mind and spirit.

Movement has always been synonymous with life. When any living creature is born movement instantaneously begins. Through ideas and concepts that conflict with the bodies natural inclinations, movement can become inhibited or filtered which often results in stress, tension and even illness.

The science of movement is also known as Asana (postures). This science was designed by Indian yogis who were said to have sought self mastery using these postures amongst other tools. They were able to achieve amazing physical acts that defied their age and bodies.

All traditions and cultures an art-form based on moving the body for self mastery. Practises we might know as yoga, chi-kung, aiki-do and tai-chi etc.

 

The benefits of Movement, Yoga and Dance

 

·         promotes health

·         boosts the immune system

·         we feel better physically, mentally and emotionally

·         increases the flow of blood to all organs of the body

·         enhances better breathing

·         we live longer

·         we build stronger bones and better muscle

·         we become more mentally alert

 

Integral Arts has combined the elements of movement to greater enhance a participant’s abilities to be present and aware. This makes more readily available the healing properties of all the other elements.

                                                                  

4. Visualisation

“Imagination is more important than knowledge” – Albert Einstein.

 

Visualisation is at the fore-front of creating the outcomes that we desire in our lives. Kelly Slater, an internationally renowned surfer and winner of at least 9 world titles imagines himself surfing and executing new manouvers. He imagines himself surfing better than ever and refines his techniques without even entering the water. He employs this act of visualisation to effectively improve personal performance. Assisting him to become one of sports most notable icons.

 

Scientific analysis has shown that visualisation has a powerful effect on the body and mind. It produces endorphins in the body as though the actual event were occurring. The brain cannot differentiate between what is imagined and what is actually occurring.

 

When we utilise these powerful elements of visualisation we find;

 

·         the capacity to predetermine an imagined outcome

·         an increase in self-esteem

·         the ability to carry this into other areas of life

·         increased and accelerated learning outcomes

·         ‘feel good’ endorphins released into the body

 

 

5. Sharing/Talking Circle

 

 

Benefits of the sharing/talking circle;

 

·         improved public speaking skills

·         increased listening abilities

·         develops empathy

·         builds community

·         helps give new perspectives to personal challenges

·         builds self-esteem and confidence

 

 

6. Seated Chair Massage

Massage has been practiced in almost every culture and tradition for thousands of years. It has been adopted by mainstream society as being elemental to good health. Massage is employed by athletes and professional sports men and women. It contributes to peak productivity and performance in individuals. It also helps in removing toxins in the body which boosts the body’s capacity to fight disease and illness.

Massage is a key element in providing for persons need for touch without judgement or pressure.

Seated chair massage is particularly non-invasive as it requires no clothing be removed and people receive all of its benefits in total comfort and security. 

 

Seated chair massage;

 

·         relaxes the body and mind

·         relieves tension

·         improves blood circulation

·         enhances participants feel safe enough to unwind

·         regulates blood pressure

·         boosts the immune system

·         nurtures participant’s emotional needs 

 

 

7. Painting and Drawing

Integral Arts maximises artistic expression. Assisting individuals express their gifts, their highs and lows in a safe and supported environment. Providing the fundamental ground for growth, change and evolution. 

Paintings and drawings are found to date back to prehistoric times. It has been humanities most potent form of communication and expression. 

In the process of both drawing and painting we call upon our imagination to create artworks. This shifts the context of personal life experience and shape a new picture or story. One that we get to design.

 

“Imagination heals by putting our lives into a larger and richer context, by connecting us to powers and creative sources that go unappreciated in our lives.” Pg 223, Art Heals by Shaun McNiff

 

Frederick Terner, one of the few child artists who survived a Nazi Germany death camp spoke about the experience at a re-union 50 years after being liberated from Aushcwitz:

 

“It was one of the moments of total privacy- when one is in front of a piece of paper, that rectangle or square, the world does not really exist. That is, I am the total master of that little paper; I can do with it what I want. My oppressors here- the Nazis, and the Gestapo, and the SS- could do whatever they wanted. When I was in front of that little piece of paper, I was my own boss.”

 

As we become absorbed in an artistic endeavour like drawing, concentration upon the activity at hand occurs to a point where nothing else enters our focus. People have often reported that they no longer notice any stress or trauma at these times.

 

Research reveals that the use of colour carries therapeutic value and plays a significant role in emotional well-being. Colours strongly affect the way we feel. This is the very basis of colour therapy. Little wonder than, that the use of colour plays one of the most vital roles in the field of marketing and promotion of products and services.

Colours have also played a vital role in shaping the design of new hospitals in the U.K. where children were consulted in designing hospitals. Their input was that colour should be bright, uplifting and fun. The hospital had already filled all staff vacancies before even opening its doors.

In painting we have access to exactly the colours we are drawn to. These colours often resonate with an emotion or feeling that helps us best articulate visually what is happening internally. It gives us a way in which we can better understand ourselves. Without the need for labelling or categorisation.

 

Scientific analysis of the creative process reveals to us that the simple process of painting and drawing improves;

 

·         enjoyment of life

·         hand and eye co-ordination

·         fine motor skills

·         perceptual awareness

·         mental clarity

·         communication where words are not possible

·         relief from tension/trauma

·         to address topics hidden in shame or guilt in a safe way

·         confidence

 

8. Poetry

Poetry is the written word in song. A painting in words. For some poetry communicates so much more than any other medium in art. Poetry has a powerfully therapeutic and medicinal effect on the mind and body. Words often carry symbolic significance and can paint pictures for the soul, without ever lifting a brush. Visual imagery is left up to the reader/audience to create their own images. Hence leaving room for imagination.

 

Poetry’s key benefits;

 

·         easy and fun to participate in

·         relaxing for the mind and body

·         an effective communication tool

·         requires minimal materials

·         enjoyable to read and listen to

·         improves literacy

 

9. Journalling

Journaling has profound effects on the human psyche. When writing occurs without filtration, judgement plays no part in what is being written. When journaling occurs in this way, words flow freely to express whatever a person is feeling, thinking or considering. That is when a person is able to communicate whole-heartedly without restriction from thoughts, like how silly or ludicrous it may sound. This style of journaling is powerfully therapeutic as it can reveal answers held in the subconscious mind. Giving us the capacity to write whatever is on our mind and in our hearts.

There is no need for any person to share writings publicly, unless they so choose. This greatly empowers people to journal whatever is happening inside of them.

 

Key benefits of journaling;

 

·         assists in resolving uncomfortable emotions

·         contributes to effective communication

·         improves memory

·         stimulates mental cognition

·         reveals answers to personal issues

 

 

10. Story Telling

In the telling of a story we are inspired and encouraged to activate our imagination. In so doing imagination fires up the synapses of the brain that can often become dormant in a world full of cinema, television, computers, etc. All of these modes of media project images that require little or no imagination. Characters, scenery and circumstances are clearly portrayed for us. 

The ability to conjure up images in the mind lays down neural pathways helping to re-generate ideas, new emotions and infinite possibilities.

Story telling was once the age old cultural tradition of passing down knowledge and wisdom of the elders. Information was learned by the youth in a way that was fun, educational and therefore easy. Shrouded in myths and legends stories often hold mystique and foretell of a magical world waiting to be discovered.

 

Story telling contributes to;

 

·         Brings people together

·         Develop listening skills

·         Public speaking skills

·         Laughter and humour

·         Bridging the left and right brain

·         Imagine new possibilities

·         Develop new neural pathways

·         Accelerate learning

·         Improved capacity for creative imagination