Tag Archives: art therapy

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Art for Cancer Foundation Gala

The Art for Cancer Foundation in Toronto continues to be very active. You can follow them (and even better you can like them on Facebook – they are trying to reach 500 ‘likes’).

A gala evening is being held on October 27th as a major fundraiser for the programs that they run. View their website for more information. You could have a gourmet meal, entertainment and dancing and raise money for a good cause.

The next workshop with acrylic paints is September 24 in Toronto. For more information follow this link.

And most exciting (because it has to do with me of course) is the upcoming publication of the book In Their Words, Through  Their Eyes, By Their Hands. This book is a collection of  art and writing from participants and supporters of the Art for Cancer Foundation Programs.  And yes, you will find my painting and one of my poems in this book (and yes I am happy to autograph as many copies as you want.) Here is the trailer for the book (This link will also take you to further information)


Sam

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Poetry and Medicine

I found a beautiful website tonight. It’s called Poetry and Medicine (that’s what I googled, Poetry and Medicine and look what I got!)

They describe themselves in the following way:

Healing Words: Poetry & Medicine is a multi-hour television program on the poetry of illness and recovery.

You can watch short videos about poetry therapy, dance therapy, and the idea of arts as healing.


http://www.poetryandmedicine.com/index.html

Do check it out!

Sam

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Arts and Medicine Institute at the Cleveland Clinnic

Welcome to another good day.

I have just stumbled upon a beautiful program at the Cleveland Clinic called The Arts and Medicine Institute. This institute hosts a number of programs including art, music and dance therapy and dance and music concerts for patients.

The item that really intrigues me, however, is a Doctor-Patient Music Connection program. Musical performances by doctors and patients are mounted with the help of local professional musicians. The ensuing discussion between doctors and patients about the concerts and music in general is thought to enhance the level of relationship between these two groups. The doctor/patient relationship is so important, so kudos to the Institute for their innovative approach to developing this connection.

You can see more about this project at 
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/arts_medicine/our_programs.aspx

Sam

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Maintaining identity through illness

I recently came across a study about art therapy for cancer patients. It remarked on the importance of meaningful activity, such as the creation of art, as a way of maintaining one’s identity while dealing with a serious illness such as cancer.

I find this very interesting because it certainly has reflected my experience. My  life is consumed by my illness and treatment, so to have things to do that are meaningful help me feel that I am not my illness.  These kinds of activities give me something to think about, talk about and focus on that help remind me of who I really am and who I am becoming, independent of my illness.

My involvement with the Taoist Tai Chi Society of Canada has played that kind of a role. Aside from the physical benefits,  which have been enormous, its charitable and volunteer nature has taken my focus out towards helping other people, a deeply meaningful activity. It has also helped me to feel strong and able to affect change when having an illness can give you the perception of being weak and impotent.

My writing has also served that purpose. When people ask what I am doing, I can say that I am writing rather than saying I am a sick person.  My waiting room hours are now filled with imaginings, shaping and creating which provide a welcome reprieve from worrying, boredom and suffering.  I am an active player in my own story. Writing is an act of engagement with my life that makes everything seem more interesting and full of potential.

Reading this article helps me connect to my own experience and understand why it’s not enough for me to just be a patient ( although there were times when that was all I could be) , but how important it is for me to find meaningful activity to stay connected to my soul.

Many hospitals are now providing writing, art and music therapy programs for their patients. These kinds of programs can do more than just help people process their experience, it can remind them that they are living, breathing people with purpose beyond just surviving the next round of chemo.

If you have been ill, what are your experiences with maintaining the “you” in you while being sick?

Sam