Contact me at ellegilbertson@protonmail.com
Inspiration stone
A wonderful creative way to make an anchor that you can use through the day to connect to an affirmation or uplifting though is to make your own inspiration stone using clay. The shapes and forms can be very personal to you, and what you enjoy holding in your hand. It can be smooth, textured, flat round, you can make whatever form you wish! Using the tactile sense of touch, can help ground in the moment.
I love to keep something inspiring handy, and the beauty of making my own stone out of clay, is that when it dries it can be painted with a favourite colour, pattern, or even a word that resonates with you. I like to use mine to remind me to take a mindful moment and breath, and I love to pair this moment with an affirmation.
For breathing techniques, see the resources page for session 2.
In your art pack, you should have air drying clay, and acrylic paints. If this activity resonates with you, have a shot and make your very own inspiration stone to carry with you and call on when you need it.
Step 1 Making your form
Take a blob of clay that fits in your hand comfortably and start to mould it, finding what feels good in your palm. You may wish to take a pencil or the end of a paintbrush and use this to create textures, or help mould forms in your clay. A pencil can also be used to draw a word into the soft clay. Take as much time as you need to make something that you will enjoy holding and find comforting.
Having a cup with a little water can be handy if it is a warm day and the clay is drying quickly, allowing you to add a little water to the surface should it start to dry out before you are finished shaping it.
Step 2
Once your shape has formed, let it dry out over a day or two. At this stage you can use your journal to make an outline drawing of your clay form, to sketch out any details you'd like to add when you decorate it. Things to think about include the colours you may like to paint it, or if you want to add any designs.
Step 3
Paint your clay shape. You might have a particular colour that makes you feel a certain way, or has associations that you enjoy, e.g. blue may remind you of a blue sky, or sunny beach. Think about which affirmation you'd like to use with it.
Step 4 (optional)
The acrylic paint should have some sheen to it, however for extra shine and waterproof you may like to paint it with PVA glue.
Affirmations
I love to use affirmations to help me focus my energies and attention on a feeling or thought which is going to positively support me through the day.
Here are some of my favourite affirmations, some of which you may like too. Different affirmations may resonate at different times, so you might like to switch things up from time to time. Making up your own affirmations can also be great allowing you to personalise the experience. Reflect on what speaks to you and enjoy being creative with it.
Well-being surrounds me in all that I do.
I am deserving and worthy.
The universe always has my back.
Abundance and beauty flow my way everyday.
My body is healthy and my mind is peaceful.
I love my life and life loves me back.
I am confident and calm.
I make time for things that make me feel good and the people I love.
Elle Gilbertson is committed to inclusivity and welcomes people of all ethnicities, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, and people of all ages.
The information on this website is for informational purposes and is not intended to replace medical or psychological assessment and treatment.
Please note that I do not offer a crisis or emergency service. In such situations, if you are living in the UK I would recommend that you contact your GP during clinic hours, attend your local Accident & Emergency department, or dial 999 in an emergency. If you are from outside the UK please have a look on the befrienders website for crisis support in your country. www.samaritans.org. and www.befrienders.org
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