Opening doors to new possibilities for everyone seeking personal transformation, Susan Day combines mindfulness and art to offer a unique pathway to well-being and personal growth. A Mindful Arts Therapist and a published author living in East Gippsland, Victoria, she has experience working with families, mothers-to-be and preteens, specially crafting art therapy activities to empower her clients. She is also trained in one-on-one counselling, mental health support and trauma-related, strength-based solutions. Here she talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the passion behind Mindful Arts Therapy, the challenges she has overcome along the way, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
I have always been passionate about art, and I have also been drawn to meditation. Each can be powerful ways to change one’s life. Art helps explore emotions and issues. The practice of deep breathing and learning to calm one’s thoughts actually changes the way your brain operates, and leads to a calmer, healthier mind. When I studied to be an arts therapist, I felt the ideas and practices really spoke to my inner wisdom. I find mindfulness is a great way to start each art therapy session. It allows the mind to relax and provides a channel for the subconscious to release stress. I knew deep down that mindfulness and arts therapy were going to be something I could use to help others deal with trauma and other issues in their lives.
Art therapy is on the one hand very simple to implement. It might involve sitting down with a set of coloured markers and a piece of paper – nothing else. The capacity to transform and heal, on the other hand, is extremely powerful. After all, as a species we have been drawing on cave walls for thousands of years. Art therapy has a storytelling element to it, but making marks on paper can be just as influential.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
About ten years ago, I started researching art therapy and how to become a therapist. I was already a published author, a website developer and I have a Masters in Education. As I began studying art therapy, I learnt about mindfulness and began incorporating it into my daily life. It didn’t take long before I realised what these two modalities were doing for me. My thoughts were clearer and my outlook on life was happier and more positive.
The more I learnt, the more I realised how mindfulness and art therapy could help people who are struggling with life, who are recovering from addiction and who need to change their mindset to create a better life for themselves and their family. I wanted to share this with others and help them live their life to its fullest potential.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
I’ve always loved writing and talking about mindful arts therapy. When I officially started my business on Instagram, I reached out to others in the health and well-being field and asked them to write for my website. I also drew on my courage and asked to be a guest on podcasts. I wanted to share what I had learned about the power of arts therapy and mindfulness. What happened was the building of some wonderful friendships across the globe. This allowed me to reach out and build more confidence, and also realise that there are so many like-minded people I could reach with just a tap on my phone.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
I set limits on how much time I write or spend on social media. That way I can spend time with those around me. Boundaries are so important to maintaining a healthy and purposeful life balance. I take lots of breaks, which may include jumping up from my desk and vacuuming the house. Having a dog is also a great way to stay fit and get outdoors.
