artful brain
How Tuning your Mind's Attention with Art can Change Everything
"Absolutely fascinating to learn so much about the brain - how it works, how much we are affected by it but then to learn how we can train the brain in so many different ways. Experimenting with the different tools of art to bring about flow was really enjoyable, using processes I’d never considered before. The space for the course is lovely - so welcoming and calm and inspiring"
Helen Gainford
The Cost of Distraction
We can spend our lives being busy and distracted or we can make the most of it by shifting our attention to what truly matters. The trouble is, our brains are designed to look for distractions and consciously paying attention is actually effortful. Our brains readily reward us for that tap on social media or a check of a promo e-mail, even if it has nothing to do with what is actually important to us. In the age of continuous information and sophisticated marketing strategies to highjack our attention, this inability to focus on our intentions comes at a big cost. By wasting our time, we are wasting our lives.
The Power of Focus
This course introduces you to how your brain attends and gives you tools to develop and strengthen your focus towards what matters to you, strengthening your mind, making shifts towards increased mindfulness, mental resilience, improved focus and sense of wellbeing.
The Beauty of Art
This course is special in that awareness of how your mind works is deepened with creative expression, which has been captivating attention of humans for thousands of years. ‘In the zone’ is often used to describe artists when they lose themselves in the moment, with their focus sharp and undivided. We can draw inspiration from them and improve our own intentional attention by engaging in artful practices.
- By learning to pay attention to our body, our senses, our emotions and thoughts we will learn to tune into ourselves, and define our values and intentions.
- By learning to attend externally through drawing, we will strengthen our attention like a muscle and be ready for the optimal performance in other areas of life too.
- By learning to let go of attention in the ways that are in line with our intentions we will help our brain organise and consolidate information, and tap into our innate creativity.
"The Artful Mindscape course has been transformational. The sessions are interesting and thought-provoking. All materials are provided including a course book and workbook for each session. I have come away with a bunch of new techniques and inspirations I can apply to any creative endeavour - and now I even understand a bit of the science behind it all. Highly recommended for anyone interested in art, artists and the brain"
Chrissie Cuthbertson
Your Programme
6 sessions run either over 6 weeks or as a weekend retreat
1
Attending to your body
The nervous system and your breath
- discover how your brain attends, processes and organises information and why it is easily distracted
- learn about your nervous system and how tuning into your breath can not only give important information about your emotional state, but also directly effect that state
- find out how you can use simple drawing practice to connect with your breath, reduce anxiety and regain control at times of stress
2
Attending to your senses
Training your brain to be present
- learn the science behind mindfulness and how training your mind to attend to the present moment reshapes your brain
- discover the ways in which your brain evolved to automate your actions and how through this powerful process some important moments in your life get filtered out. You will learn to challenge your own brain’s machinery by tuning your attention
- use drawing to connect to your senses through music and through touch
3
Attending to your emotions
Emotions as information, not directives
- learn how your emotions provide you with vital information in order to alert you, guide you, or nudge you. Yet these messages are not always accurate. By attending to your emotions, even the most uncomfortable ones, you become in control of your reactions, which is the backbone of resilience
- discover how you can use drawing to connect with your emotions with the help of music. Music induces emotions, some will make you feel sad, some - joyful. You will practice connecting with emotions induced by music in a safe and supportive space. You will then be able to use that experience to practice on your own with real-time emotions that arise for you
4
Attending to your thoughts
Your thoughts are not reality
- learn how your brain generates your reality and what role your thoughts play in that. You will discover how deeply engrained beliefs, biases, and life narratives are born and how powerful they are in shaping your life. You will realise that your thoughts are simply representations of reality, rather than the reality itself.
- you will find out how through drawing meditation and journaling you can become attentive to your thoughts and question their validity, allowing you to feel more in control of your life
5
Attending to the process
Finding your Flow
- learn about the Flow - your brain’s superpower that often remains hidden in the depths. You will find out how activities that you feel passionate about are your biggest treasure, and once that treasure is discovered, it will illuminate your life
- discover how understanding the 9 conditions of Flow will help you find your element and use it to supercharge your focus. You will learn how Olympic champions use Flow to win gold medals and how you can tap into your optimal performance by doing something that you already love doing
- use observational drawing to put together all principles already uncovered in the course. During a longer stretch of time, you will draw an object from nature, whilst observing your thoughts, challenging your perception and channelling your emotions
6
Inattention. The power of mind wandering.
Creativity and rest
- learn about the vast importance of inattention. You will learn the power of the wandering mind and find out how your brain consolidates learning and memories, as well as how creativity is born
- combine all previously learned techniques to tap into your innate creativity and set on your unique journey with drawing, music, colour, shapes, lines and whatever else...
&
Artful Habit
- Weekly sessions to carry on with sustained artful practice aimed at fostering self-awareness and presence, whilst harnessing the principles of neuroplasticity
"Kariné is a highly qualified teacher with a background in neuroscience. On this course, with a lovely small friendly group, we learnt about the workings of the brain and how to focus creatively on the present moment. Highly recommended!"
Ros Watson
Choose your way to dive in
6 - week Course in the Studio
6 weekly 3-hour sessions at the beautifully bright and spacious Atelier 8 studio in Stow-on-the-Wold, Cotswolds.
Courses run on selected weekdays (10am-1pm)
Price £270
What's included:
- All course materials, extended reading list and music playlists
- Art supplies used in practical sessions
- Oriental tea and nibbles
- A 2-hour reflect & refresh session in 6 months
- 20% Discount on Mindscape Journey - a One to One 6-Week coaching journey with Kariné
3- day Immersive Retreat
Retreat into the small medieval market town in the beautiful Cotswolds to fully recharge your mind, body and soul with lectures, drawing, nourishing food, music, yoga and sound baths.
Run at the boutique studio Atelier8 in Stow-on-the-Wold
Friday:
9.30 - 12.00 - Artful Brain 1 - Attending to your body
12.00 - 13.00 - Lunch
13.00 - 15.00 - Artful Brain 2 - Attending to your senses
Time for yourself
18.00 - 19.00 - Yin Yoga
19.30 - Candlelit Dinner, wine & music
Saturday:
9.30 - 12.00 - Artful Brain 3 - Attending to emotions
12.00 - 13.00 - Lunch
13.00 - 15.00 - Artful Brain 4 - Attending to your thoughts
Time for yourself
18.00 - 19.00 - Sound Bath
19.30 - Candlelit Dinner, wine & music
Sunday:
9.30 - 12.00 - Artful Brain 5 - Attending to the process
12.00 - 13.00 - Lunch
13.00 - 15.00 - Artful Brain 6 - The power of mind wandering
15.00 -16.00 - Teas, coffees, reflections and good byes
Price £4100
for a group of 6 people
What's included:
- Dates that are convenient to you
- All course materials, extended reading list and music playlists
- Art supplies used in practical sessions
- Refreshments
- Delicious lunches and dinners
- Yin Yoga
- Sound Baths
- Accommodation for three nights
"I was open minded about the course, expected to practice some drawing skills and learn about the mind and creativity.
It was so much more!
Karine is so warm and passionate, she has experience and is highly knowledgeable about the science of the mind, her love of mindfulness meditation and enjoyment of art, which has enabled her to create a unique and inspiring course that has helped me make a shift in my perception of myself and that’s special.
Through insights about how we think and feel, the practice of gentle meditation techniques and simple creative expression exercises, I have learnt how I think, why I feel what I do, how I can use these lessons learnt with Karine to improve my sense of self, my well-being and confidence to express myself. Not just creatively but by knowing myself better I am more peaceful and accepting of all my perfect imperfections.
I’m looking forward to her follow up course!!
Be open to learning and Karine will gently take you on a fun journey of self discovery and increase your self awareness so you can be your best self. Just brilliant!!"
Simone Brenninkmeijer
"Well what a wonderfully knowledgeable, kind and calm human Karine is. I thoroughly enjoyed her five week ‘Knowing Yourself’ workshop, giving time for myself and always coming away feeling relaxed and inspired. I was initially concerned signing up as I am not an artist, but you really don’t have to be or even know anything about art to do this course.
The balance of Karine’s studies in neuroscience, mindfulness & art made this course really different and very interesting. We all have something going on in our lives and these workshops give you the knowledge, tools and nourishing food for thought to take home with you.
Karine coaches you through the five topics and creates a safe environment where you feel you can share your thoughts if you want to but also stay quiet if you wish. Being a small group she allows time to just chat which adds to the relaxed & warm feeling of the course.
If you are looking to give yourself some self love, growing your self awareness while learning some interesting neuroscience and mindful art practices, this course is for you. You will feel so much better than you did the day you started, I certainly have."
Kirsty Bundy
"My gratitude for this course Karine, which I will never forget and use. You provide a comfortable and non-judgmental space to create and learn, and you have shared your knowledge so passionately and peacefully. I now have more clarity and insight into my life, emotions and thoughts. You offer such fun and simple art explorations with love, guidance and encouragement. Initially I thought I needed to be able to draw and be creative and did not know that using colour, texture and sound would pull me into the moment and notice sensations and emotions. The creative work is about the process rather than the end product! Using the activities you explored and taught on your course is more accessible to me to tame the mind from meandering off.
I really am looking forward to coming back and learning more artful mindfulness from you Karine."
Jacqueline Marais