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This module will introduce you to value of expressing your
pain by creating visual images. Picturing your pain can
help you:
- Learn more about your pain
- Witness your pain experience
- Bring to consciousness what you know at a deeper level
- Identify feelings to sort out
- Imagine ways of controlling your pain
You do not have to have any artistic talent to create pictures
of your pain. Just focus on the process of creating the
image and paying attention to how you feel about your pain.
You can work in any media that you feel comfortable with
and create images of any kind-drawings, paintings or collages.
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Preparing to Create a Picture
Here are some suggestions for those of you who don’t consider yourselves artistically inclined:
- Collect your supplies
- Use whatever you have at hand–pens or pencils, paper,
crayons, paints, magazine pictures, etc.
- Give yourself a choice of colors–from black and
white to pastels and bright colors.
- Choose materials that fit your state of mind–for
instance, if you feel like ripping something, choose
colored paper, or magazines.
- Experiment with obtaining and using different materials–decide
what allows you to most comfortably express yourself
visually.
- Find a spot to work
- Provide yourself privacy–you may not feel comfortable
with letting other people see your work.
- Prepare your work area so you don't have to worry
about making a mess or damaging anything.
- You may want to select a work area where you can
leave your project out.
- Experiment with the materials
- Make some random marks on the paper with the pen,
marker or brush just to get a feel for the materials
you have chosen to use-What can you do with them?
How do they make you feel?
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Creating the Image
- Think about your pain experience and let an image begin
to develop in your mind.
- If you are drawing or painting, start with a simple
mark on the paper and move from there.
- Let yourself work freely, without criticism.
- Continue until the image "says it is finished."
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Try It Now
Pick up a piece of paper and a pen, a pencil, or some markers.
Draw a quick sketch of how you are experiencing your pain
right now.
View a
few examples of images that ordinary people have created
to express their pain. None of these people are artists.
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Monitor Your Response
Use the “Response
Worksheet” to explore how you might be able to
use creative art techniques to better manage your pain.
 DOWNLOAD
RESPONSE WORKSHEET-PICTURING YOUR PAIN
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Planning for Change
Use the “Action
Plan Worksheet” to help you think about how you
will begin to use "picturing your pain" as a tool
for expressing your feelings about pain.
DOWNLOAD
ACTION PLAN WORKSHEET-PICTURING YOUR PAIN
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Sources
The material was adapted from Allen, Pat B. (1995). Art is a Way of Knowing:
A Guide to Self-Knowledge and Spiritual Fulfillment Through
Creativity by Pat B. Allen. (Boston: Shambala Publications,
1995)
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