Saying goodbye to January and welcome Febuary ⋆ Christine Gautreaux MSW

Saying goodbye to January and welcome Febuary

Dear friends,

Welcome to February! Not completely sure how January went by so fast but whew what a whirlwind. It’s been a month of expansion (as I dive into 2015) and some contraction (as I let go of 2014).

2015 necklaces Snake/spiral energy for me.

The spiral and Hamsa symbol are part of the InterPlay logo and they have been showing up for me in other ways too. When I found this clay pendant by a fabulous Native artist through her Etsy shop Secret Canyon I knew it was my 2015 necklace.

Jennifer and I in the wind outside of Lee Arrendale

Friday I wrapped up a sixteen week InterPlay series with Jennifer Denning, Director of Atlanta InterPlay at Lee Arrendale State Prison. It was an amazing experience working with the women once a week and bringing play, connection and performance into this environment. Jennifer wrote a great blog about it.

I’m wrapping up my InterPlay Leadership training and all the requirements to become certified and preparing to share InterPlay with my part of the world.

Atlanta Botanical Garden – photo by Ruth Showalter

I will begin facilitating a monthly playgroup in Norcross the 3rd Sunday of the month starting Feb. 15th! If your local I’d love for you to join me. In April I will begin offering 4 different classes through the Duluth Parks and Recreation Dept. and my classes will be listed in the Spring Newsletter
for residents to check out! Yahooo – I’m so excited!

Yesterday I had an amazing opportunity to participate in
making a Peace Post for Peace and Justice through One Billion Rising. It was a collaborative
art experience that I felt really privileged (and brave) to be a part of since I sometimes struggle to identify myself as an artist.

My friend +Hallelujah Truth and I

It’s time to head back out for another day of painting, collaboration and peace. I’ll post more on the process soon and hopefully pics of our finished pole.

I’m tired yet full of life today since last night Joe and I went out and celebrated a friend’s birthday by singing Karaoke till Midnight.

One of our family words for 2015 is community and I am so grateful to be a part of many communities online and in person that bring such joy and purpose to my life.

Wrapping you around with infinite love and play,

Christine

About the Author: Christine Gautreaux, MSW

Christine Gautreaux, MSW is dedicated to the pursuit of play, joy, art & social justice. Christine’s superpowers include connecting people, helping folks manifest their dreams, standing up against injustice and using art to make a difference in the world. She currently uses Interplay to address issues of oppression with people living with severe and persistent mental illness, homelessness, women refugees, racial justice and women who are incarcerated. Christine believes in the power of body wisdom and somatic play to help heal trauma. She also works with professional caregivers, activists and artists to maintain balance and self-care during these intense times we find ourselves living. Christine Gautreaux holds a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Social Work. Christine is a professional speaker, coach & author and entrepreneur and the owner of Wisdom on Wings Coaching. Christine is the co-author of Stillpoint: A Caregivers Playbook to find ease and to take a deep breath and reclaim joy. www.christinegautreaux

8 Comments

Anonymous February 1, 2015 at 2:42 pm - Reply

Wrapping you in the same, Christine.
Christine Gautreaux February 2, 2015 at 12:31 am - Reply

Thanks Sabra!
Michele Bergh February 2, 2015 at 2:49 am - Reply

I just love all your play! It isn't often that we see the value it has and I love that you see that so clearly in your life. Thank you for sharing and inspiring others to do the same.
Deborah Weber February 2, 2015 at 3:00 am - Reply

Oh what a great find that pendant is! Sounds like 2015 is off to a wonderful start, and I wish you endless more fun and play as the rest of it unfolds.
Elda February 2, 2015 at 5:53 am - Reply

What fun you are having! A friend gave me a beautiful stone with that exact hand circle symbol engraved on it and I had no idea what it meant. I am so glad you posted a photo explaining it.

My favorite photo is of you and the frog. How cool….:)
Christine Gautreaux February 2, 2015 at 11:20 am - Reply

Thanks Michele – As a recovering serious person I love spreading the value of play 🙂
Christine Gautreaux February 2, 2015 at 11:22 am - Reply

Thank you Deborah! I hope you get a chance to check out Secret Canyon – the artwork is wonderful!
Christine Gautreaux February 2, 2015 at 11:24 am - Reply

Oooh I love synchronicity Elda! I love that pic too – I used it for my event photo for my first class in Feb. My friend Ruth took it the day we played at the ATL Botanical Gardens – super fun!