Art Therapy

[Spock]

I've seen a lot of groups trying to get vets involved in art therapy. We talk about it in Group and also had to try different things in out-patient program: drawing, music, writing, etc. There a several non-profits or small orgs geared toward engaging vets with art. I came across this video recently and it looked interesting:
Link Removed

 

[Spock]

Another good one for writing where you can get published:
http://o-dark-thirty.org/

 

[Spock]

National Veterans Art Museum
http://www.nvam.org/

 

[Spock]

Workshops run by Gen Patton's grandson:
http://www.pattonveteransproject.org/

 

[Spock]

Words After War is dedicated to building a community of thoughtful, engaged and skilled veteran writers. Through high-quality literary programming, we provide veterans, their families and civilian supporters with the tools they need to tell their stories.

http://wordsafterwar.org/

 

[Sleeping Dragon]

Thank you Spock.

Gotta tell ya my Brothers and Sisters, Spock is onto something here. Writing has been my release for many years. And, ya don't have to be Hemingway to benefit from doing it.

You will be amazed at how it can help you sort things out by simply writing your thoughts down, and then reading what you've written. Share it if you like, or just keep it to yourself. You'll benefit either way.

And, as he said, there are lots of web sites dedicated to helping writers with editing services, copy rights and general encouragement.

GIVE IT A TRY. It won't cost anything but a little of your time. Start with something simple and then expand on it. Don't worry about spelling or punctuation. You can edit later if you decide to share or publish.

SD

 

[Sarg]

Yeah, that's the direction I was going. Had maybe fifty pages of the tornado my life has been. Liked the background research. Found the paper where my mom had written down all the bases we were stationed at while I was growing up. 21 furniture moves before I was 16. Hey, back in those days that was the fastest way up through the ranks.

It was pretty fair writing, if I say so myself. But the nice folks that have been tearing my system apart for the last three years, managed to delete it off every media on my computer. I lost it all. Ah, but I remembered that I had run off about 25 pages to show a friend and get their opinion.

So, I put it in a special place so I could transcribe it back onto the computer and then promptly forgot where the special place was. I'll tear the house apart sometime and find it. It's almost like I feel obligated to write it down. I know most wouldn't believe it...too "Alice in Wonderland".

Sarg

 

[BaMuoiBa]

Spock - Thank you!

There a several non-profits or small orgs geared toward engaging vets with art.

Here is another one for the archives:

http://www.combatpaper.org/

A couple of guys in my group are involved with this - they do good work for sure.

Sarge - Go dig the stuff out - like to see it

SD - Writing is good for me as well- I do a blog and on occassion find great relief dumping the stuff. There is a unique relationship between the the pen, the eye and the mind.

 

[Barberian]

I carry or keep with me a nice camera. I use it as a form of therapy. When I have my camera with me, and even when I forget it, because I usually have it with me, I try to look at the world as a photographer would. I try to find the obvious beauty in it, and the hidden beauty. I try to find the interesting in the mundane. With the proper mindset, and a bit of effort, I can find things of beauty and interest most places. And yes, sometimes I photograph the ugly stuff too, just out of curiosity or because it doesn't have to be beautiful to be interesting.

I started doing this to break out of my negative mindset and self talk I've been trapped in since before my PTSD came into full bloom. It really helps. I've posted some of my pics on the civie PTSD site under the thread "Get your art on! All types of art included".

 

[Spock]

Photography is magic!

 

[Sarg]

When I was 35mm I carefully framed my shots. I thought it was ridiculous what they were charging for color prints. As they say in the movies...the digital age set me free. I shoot shots that I have only an inkling may have merit, if it doesn't, the delete button is right there and didn't cost me a cent.

I shoot a dozen shots, maybe only one has merit....

I try not to Photoshop my pictures, it's too much like a crutch. I have been fortunate to get a couple of my photos published in the paper and currently have one on display at the county fair.

Lastly, Arizona is among the most photogenic states. There's almost an "oh, wow" around every corner.

All of this will be lost to me if the forest service continues to close forest roads. We're told to walk in.

Sarg

 

[Barberian]

Sarg, I love country like that. It's similar to where I grew up, SE Wash State. Open enough not to have to hack your way through the underbrush, yet enough cover that you can't see the house half a mile away if there is one.

Unfortunatly, I currently live in central CA, two hours away from the coast, Mtns, or any real "scenic" areas. I have to make do with architecture, people, and flower gardens for the most part. I prefer outdoor landscape photography and the Mtns.