Creativity and The Capacity to Heal At Risk Youth
Last night we hosted a group of at risk youth for a photography class held by worldclass photographer, animal lover and one of the best moms ever- Rebecca Kuritz. . I am always in awe of her work as a photographer, videographer and fellow creative soul.
Earlier this year Rebecca invited me to present our services at Art Soul Horses to a local organization that works with the San Diego District Attorney program for high risk youth. Of course we were honored to share Art Soul and Horses with these kids. The kids typically walk onto the property a bit shy, wondering what they have signed up for… Art with Horses? It’s been an honor to witness the shifts in their demenaor from the start to finish of these classes. It may be small shifts but my greatest hope is that what we are doing here is opening the window to possibility and giving them an opportunity to feel into their power. I strongly believe that creativity can be a window for our transformation. It also reminds me of my high school self and the teacher who taught me about the power of vision and manifestation though art. She truly changed my life. So now I am paying it forward and we (the horses and I) are showing up for these beautiful, resilient souls…and their parents too.
I love teaching how the horses bring us into the present moment- from our head to our heart. It is here in this very place- the heart space that the world begins to open and the power of possibility lives. Those 3 hours that we spend together are truly magical and I just love hearing all about their stories, their challenges and what they hope and dream. It’s the greatest honor for us to to witness. Each class I reinforce that the greatest lessons in our life usually come from our big mistakes. When we begin to look at the lessons offered by our challenges simply as lessons we are invincible.
Rebecca and I often share ideas and how our work is impacting this population.
We had this wonderful texting conversation this morning about the world and challenges for for young people. I feel it in my soul all the time…how do you change the world? It’s a daunting question…we often look to our political systems for support but I am strongly feeling that at this time it is not the right answer. Our world at times seems to be in a total free fall… powerlessness, hopelessness, hate, divisiveness, and gloom and doom are always at the forefront in the media. We can escape by engaging in mindless activities- arguing about political parties, doom scrolling, talking trash about others, purchasing crap online, the list goes on and on…. Problem= When we focus our energies outside of ourselves as opposed to looking inward we are have no time to connect with our hearts, with our passion, with our families and communities. Solution= When we take time daily to quiet our mind and listen to the voice of our heart we can become a light both for ourselves and to others. Be curious, be kind and know you are worthy of great things. Simple acts of kindness can go along way in this world and eventually will transform our youth and are future.
In peace joy – Vivian, Luca and Skye Mama
