Let's Talk About Love, Emotional Connection & Affection
- Ana Karen San Emeterio
- Feb 4
- 2 min read
Let's draw, write, paint, embroider about them.
This month, whether we look for it or not, we are surrounded by messages that tell us how we should celebrate, what love looks like, and what we should expect. I invite you to pause and take this as an invitation to dig deeper into this subject matter. What do affection, love, and emotional connection mean to you? Let's reflect on the times we have experienced authentic connection with others (humans, animals, places, versions of ourselves) and the times we wish we had allowed ourselves to do just that but couldn't. Has your understanding of love and emotional connection changed over time? How do you connect with the land you inhabit? Do you like the way you connect with others? Do you allow yourself to grieve after an emotional bond has broken, no matter what type of bond it is? Is affection something you give easily? Do you show yourself love? What emotional practices do you have? Do your close relationships make you smile and feel accepted and loved? Let's try to explore and reflect on these questions not only with our minds but with our whole selves. Art-making and the creative process can be experiences that connect our bodies, minds, and spirit, bringing new insights in a gentle yet cathartic way. Here are some examples of art-making around the subjects of self-love, emotional connection, and affection that were part of different art therapy processes of mine:
“Me soñaba nube, agua,
Fuego de mil cambiantes llamaradas.
Me llamaba ruina,
piedra, nudo.
Nos llamaba casa,
Juntos.” (2019)
“Today, I saw myself in the wind.
My truth spreading, slowly.
Carrying through every corner.
Today, I saw myself in the wild berries.
Full of purple red aliveness
blooming, giving,
Today, I saw myself in our cat,
DD,
in her softness and unapologetic demand for nurturing.
Today, I saw myself open,
imperfect, afraid, yet loved and accepted,
in your eyes.
Today, I asked myself
if the mirror has ever truly shown me
who am I. “ (2023)
For Spanish-speaking folks interested in exploring the topics of love, emotional connection, and self-love collectively, I have a couple of invitations for you. Here are some art-as-therapy experiences that are happening in the upcoming weeks. On the other hand, if you are an English speaker interested in exploring these topics, remember that you can book an individual art therapy session with me anytime. You can also sign up for the newsletter, and you'll be kept in the loop when similar collective art therapy experiences are available in English!
If you did pause and make reflective art about what love and connection have meant to you, leave a comment about your experience. Let's talk about love, emotional connection & affection.
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