well being

How do you take care of yourself when so many others are demanding your attention? Whether it’s kids or older adults, you feel a sense of obligation. And you truly want to help. But you’re no good for others if you aren’t in good shape for yourself.

In this episode of The Art Biz I talk with Shimoda Donna Emmanuel. Shimoda has been the caregiver in her family, primarily for her mother Izola who recently passed after living with Alzheimer’s, but also for an ailing sister. Her book, Sacred Stitches: The Art of Care Giving, has tips for stitching yourself together when caring for someone else. We discuss her routine, how she keeps her home to maintain a high vibration, tools she uses to de-stress and to stay calm, and how gratitudes and “the rage dance” fit into all of this.

We need art. Some of us need it more than others. For some of us, it’s as necessary as the air we breathe. Rich Simmons insists that art saved his life. Rich has struggled with depression and was eventually diagnosed with Aspergers. The realization that making art could make him feel better was life changing, and he wanted other people to know about this. In 2008 he started Art Is The Cure to inspire people to turn to creativity in times of pain.