2. Benefits of Art Therapy 1. Art Therapy can provide a forum to express strengths and genuineness. 2. Through viewing one’s own creation – one can improve the skill of self-observation. 3. What cannot be said with words – may be more easily expressed through the art. 4. Metaphors and stories emerge through the art – which can provide a ‘voice’ for material which may be difficult to express. 5. Art Therapy is active & physical, fun, and stimulating. 6. Emotions and art are closely connected; making art can aid in uplifting one’s mood. 7. Making art activates the whole brain and can foster integration of emotional, cognitive, and sensory processes. 8. Emerging and recurrent symbols expressed in the art can help to make unconscious material conscious. 9. Art can make the hidden – visible in an external & tangible way. 10. Art making provides an experience which is stress & anxiety reducing, relaxing, and decreases worry. *information can be found at tinleyparkpsychologicalcounselingservices.com*

7. Basics of Buddhism 1. lead a moral life 2. be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions 3. develop wisdom and understanding Buddhism is a way of life, the Buddhist path can be summed up as endeavoring to:

8. Four Noble Truths 1. All of life is marked by suffering. 2. Suffering is caused by desire and attachment. 3. Suffering can be stopped. 4. The way to end suffering is to follow the Noble Eightfold Path.

9. The Noble Eight Fold Path 1. Right knowledge 2. Right intention 3. Right speech 4. Right action 5. Right livelihood 6. Right effort 7. Right mindfulness 8. Right concentration

10. Benefits of yoga on stress 1. reduced stress 2. sound sleep 3. improvement of many medical conditions 4. allergy and asthma symptom relief 5. lower blood pressure 6. lower heart rate 7. spiritual growth 8. sense of well-being 9. reduced anxiety and muscle tension 10. increased strength and flexibility *information can be found at stress.about.com*

11. my tattoo’s and their meaning Left: Forget Me Not’s represent my family, my mom, dad and sister Right: A robin for my cousin of the same name who passed away three years ago from pancreatic cancer, The morning after she passed her children saw a robin outside their window and said it was their mother watching over them.