In a darker, slower season, our bodies crave rest. Yet all around us, it feels like society wants us to speed up. This time of year can be particularly difficult for working artists, and whether or not we make a living from our creative pursuits, we can often feel the need for a slower pace. But in the midst of systemic forces, how do we take care of ourselves? Artist Antoinette Thomas and Outdoor Journal Tour founder, wellness leader and author Kenya Jackson-Saulters help us to better understand the forces that we’re up against, and what we can do when to slow down and to pause.

Head over to CreativeFuelCollective.com for more creative inspiration, prompts, online workshops and a robust creative community.

Hosted by Anna Brones

Co-Produced by Anna Brones & Gale Straub

Theme Music is by cleod9 music

Season 1 is Made with Support by Big Cartel

Featuring:

Kenya Jackson-Saulters: Master workshop facilitator, Kenya Jackson-Saulters, MS, is a five-time published self-help author, certified spiritual coach and reiki master. Kenya is a thought leader in the wellness community and has been recognized for her work integrating outdoor activity into the mental health process. In 2015, Kenya along with partner Michelle, blended the health benefits of exercise, meditation and writing to form a custom personal development experience for women called The Outdoor Journal Tour. The Outdoor Journal Tour uses each of the aforementioned elements to provide clarity, healing, and connection for participants. Soon after, Kenya created the outdoor wellness phenomenon #wehiketoheal, and authored the best-selling Nature Meditations Deck. Kenya holds dual undergraduate degrees in Sociology and Psychology from Xavier University, and a master’s degree in Policy Analysis with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from Georgia State University.

Links:
- Outdoor Journal Tour

Antoinette Thomas: Antoinette Thomas is a multi media artist that works as an illustrator and painter. The comic strips Thomas creates move between meditations on daily struggles, as well as a more direct social commentary that addresses the audience head on. Subjects like race, being a woman, the work place, etc. are all tackled with a whimsical humor. For the artist, being able to experience representation of Black people outside of a lens of oppression and strife, is imperative. Thomas aims to build a world of works that normalizes the image of Black people and celebrates their bodies, experiences, and culture.

Links:
- Antoinette Thomas

Resources Mentioned & Places to Learn More

Antoinette Thomas’ Instagram
“Survival Season for Small Businesses”
Outdoor Journal Tour
We Hike to Heal
“Ecopsychology: How Immersion in Nature Benefits Your Health”
“The Mental Health Benefits of an Inclusive Outdoor Escape”
“Why Doctors Are Prescribing Nature Walks for Stress”
Effects of nature on wellbeing, cognition, mood
Kenya Jackson-Saulters’ Nature Meditations Deck
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