Gratitude Heart Pass Along

By Lolly Forsythe-Chisolm

Commercial Valentine's day can be rough. Expectations about "romantic love" can feel overwhelming or disappointing.  This expressive arts project encourages you to take the best care of your own heart by showing gratitude/love to another's heart.

Benefits

"Gratitude is the heart's memory."  French proverb
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"The place to improve the world is first in ones own heart and head and hands." Robert Persig

Expressive arts are a great way to start a self care habit by using creativity to take matters in your own hands - literally. Expanding our sense of personal struggle to realize we are not alone and then working to alleviate a sense of loneliness for another, we change the entire focus of the day for all involved.

Materials

• Watercolor paper or mixed media paper
• Watercolor paints or spray inks or collage materials
• Stamps or pens to decorate your paper

Process

1. Create painted paper using watercolor, collage, or spray inks (see example above).
2. Draw out several hearts on each paper.
3. Decorate your paper with swirls or words.
4. Cut out all of your painted hearts.
5. Write "Gratitude" on the back of your hearts.
6. Deliver your painted creations.
7. Request the recipient also pass the 'Gratitude Heart" to another person who is appreciated.

About the Artist:  Lolly Forsythe-Chisolm

​Lolly Forsythe-Chisolm is a Mind/Body Specialist for the Inpatient Integrative Medicine team.  Email her at lforsythe@umm.edu with any questions and/or with special ways you are using this activity and how it has influenced your days.  She'd also like to hear your ideas and how healing arts have helped you!