I have never been a fan of the return to structured life that happens this time of year.
I love summer and the wonderful hot lazy days. This summer has been exceptional for me, lots of heat and sunshine.
While I go back to structure kicking and screaming once it happens I am happy to get back to my routine. Spent yesterday with my art group and will be seeing another group this weekend. the highlight of my week was Tuesday and Wednesday with the clients of the YorkDurham Aphasia Centre. It was Art for Communication days and they as always were amazing.
Many of them brought their sketch books in to share. Part of my article for the YDAC newsletter
The Power of Art
Study after study has shown that brains can be retrained to adjust to the new realities after a brain injury. It is not just one thing that helps the brain
but many different activities that
might help. Of course each person is different and results are varied. Art for Communication is a monthly part of our program in Newmarket. Each month we go through a series of drawing exercises designed to stimulate the brain and exercise our muscles. The most important part is we
have fun! By repetition we hope to
create these new pathways. Drawing is also another tool to communicate. The more we draw the more comfortable we all feel
drawing.
Last month each client and volunteer in
the Wednesday afternoon program received a sketch
book from the dollar store to take home. They could draw anything; the only rule was that
it must be in pen. The “homework” was due on the next art day. People were so pleased with what they had
accomplished that they brought them
before art during the month to show
everyone. WOW.
We were all
amazed at everyone’s work. I doesn’t matter what is on the page but that they
are working hard at retraining their brain by drawing and doodling. Now the Tuesday programs also have books and
their “homework”. All of the books
will be brought in to share on our next art day.
I am so excited to see all these books. They
are truly wonderful pieces of work,
every single page.
Remember that most of these people they are using their non dominant hand, have never drawn before and would have never even considered trying any kind of art. They are very brave!
 |
| one person wrote a story with pictures |
The courage that everyone that I have met with Aphasia can be summed up by this video of Gabby Gifford last night.
Have a beautiful Day.
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