RGCF Online Workshops

Discussion: What is creativity? Creativity is defined as “the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns and relationships to imagine and create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, and interpretations.” People “imagine and create” music, theater, dance, literature, painting, sculpture and many other forms of artwork, or creative products. But it’s the creative process that allows us to “transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns and relationships.” Your creative process might kick in when you cook, garden, work on the car, sew, play basketball, spend time outdoors, build something, work out, even clean out closets. It’s not what you do or make, it’s how you feel during and after the process, which can take place at work, at home or at play. The creative process involves the entire self – mental, physical, emotional and spiritual. It might be alternately comfortable and uncomfortable. It lets you to lose track of time. Your mind relaxes. You let your natural talents and intuition guide you. Your body gets into a rhythm as you move. Subconscious issues surface as conscious thoughts and become part of the process. You’re connected to something mysterious and exciting. You emerge from the process refreshed and serene. Usually, adults encourage children to discover and experience the creative process through various activities. But as we become the adults and take on more and more responsibilities, we often deny ourselves access to the creative process, as though it’s self- indulgent and childish, when it’s actually an important part of our health and sanity.

CREATIVITY: Be Who You Are

915-562-7660 - 616 N. Virginia St. - El Paso, TX 79902

Conclusion: No one can be YOU better than you can! Have the courage to express your unique creativity in whatever way gives you joy and makes you grateful to be alive.

We rely on our partners to enhance our services to truly serve our cancer community. Some of our partners donate their product or services or offer us significant discounts. They are listed below * and we are grateful for their generous contributions. We accept donated wigs that are refurbished by our salon partners. Donated product is augmented by the purchase of products, and you can help through your financial support. This year thus far we have provided 550 women with a wig, mastectomy garment or compression sleeve. > $35 will provide for one wig > $50 will provide for one wig and cap or hat > $100 will fund one off-the-shelf compression sleeve * Myong’s Wigs & Beauty Supplies 1360 Lee Trevino, Ste. 105 El Paso, TX 79936 (915) 591-533 * Suk's Wigs & Beauty Supplies 1840 Lee Trevino, Ste. 104 El Paso, TX 79936 (915) 599-0089 * El Paso Community College Cosmetology Department Administrative Service Center 9050 Viscount, Bldg. B, Room B110 El Paso, Texas 79925-6511 (915) 831-6565 * Tri-State Cosmetology Institute 6800 Gateway East, Suite 4A El Paso, Texas 79915 (915) 778-1741

Following breast surgery, many breast cancer patients experience a condition called lymphedema. If you need financial assistance with a compression sleeve/glove, please call our office to inquire on available options to meet your needs.

Lymphedema Compression Therapy Products

Hair Care Assistance

Conclusion: Everyone is creative in some unique way. The creative process is important to everyday health regardless of the creative product – it’s not what you make or do, but how you’re changed by making or doing it!

Lesson 2

Handout: 10 Rules of the Subconscious Mind

Handout: 6 Psychological Benefits of Writing Things Down

Meditation and Writing Prompt: Sit up, feet flat on the floor, spine straight, head lifted. Breathe deeply, relax, focus inward. While we relax, look inward and reflect on your own creativity. How does it affect your life? How comfortable are you with that part of yourself? When you’re ready, begin writing about your creative activities as a child. What did you do and how did it make you feel?

Read Aloud: I encourage everyone to share, but will respect your privacy. Also, although I will occasionally make suggestions on dealing with personal situations, members of the group should be cautious about offering unsolicited advice.

Break / Stretch

Resume Discussion: What creative activities have you left behind? What keeps you from being more openly creative and sharing your art? What are you afraid of? Artists are just people who dare to share what they create. You might be a brilliant painter who never shares your work. Your neighbor might be an average painter but every week he/she hangs a new piece in public. Who is more likely to be called an artist? Why? The fear of ridicule might seem irrational, but it’s actually primitive instinct saying, “Your survival depends on being accepted by your peers! Your chances of survival are much better in a group than on our own, so don’t attract attention or risk losing status! You might be banished to the wilderness!” No wonder sharing our creativity with the world seems so risky.

Handout: (Read aloud) Your weirdness will make you stronger by Andrea Balt and Our Deepest Fear by Marianne Williamson

Meditation and Writing Prompt: Sit up, feet flat on the floor, spine straight, head lifted. Breathe deeply, relax, focus inward. Do you still do what gave you joy as a child? If not, why not? What do you want to share with the world? When you’re ready, begin writing …and express gratitude for your creativity!

Read Aloud