S2 Bonus - Maria Gehrke on Mindfulness Through Art and Parenting

In an age of endless distractions and obligations, it's easy to lose sight of the importance of self-care and mindfulness, especially for parents juggling the demands of raising children while pursuing their passions. But what if we could find a way to integrate mindfulness into our creative pursuits and parenting journey, leading to greater well-being and deeper connections?
This week, I'm delighted to welcome Maria Gehrke, a watercolor artist and IT professional who beautifully embodies the intersection of art, mindfulness, and parenting. Maria shares her inspiring journey of rediscovering her creativity after becoming a mother and how she has woven mindfulness practices into both her art and her parenting.
In this episode, we delve into Maria’s integration of mindfulness into her creative process, discussing how personalized art can serve as a therapeutic tool for both the creator and the client. We also explore how mindfulness has transformed her parenting journey, fostering deeper connections and greater presence in everyday moments.
Join us as we uncover the transformative power of mindfulness in art and parenting, and discover how it can lead to greater emotional resilience, creativity, and joy in all aspects of our lives.
» TOPICS COVERED
• How mindfulness influences Maria's watercolor art
• The significance of nature in Maria's creative inspiration
• Personal and client experiences with "Your Portal to Your Refuge"
• Mindfulness practices that enhance creative expression
• Maria's transition to mindful parenting and its impact on her life
• Strategies for nurturing emotional regulation in children
• Insights from co-founding "The Becoming Mindful Podcast"
• The role of collaborative art in fostering mindfulness and growth
• Creating tranquil spaces through visualization and personalized paintings
• The intersection of creativity, mindfulness, and personal development
» EPISODE RESOURCES
For episode links and the full transcript, head over to our website ➡ podcast.zenhabits.net/maria-g...
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» TIME STAMPS
00:01 Meet Maria: the multifaceted artist
02:04 Maria's artistic journey
03:46 The impact of motherhood on creativity
14:39 Exploring collaborative art projects
21:52 The joy of creating safe spaces through art
22:26 Art as a personal and collaborative experience
24:52 Transition to mindfulness journey and podcast
25:12 The transformative power of art
26:09 Beginning the mindfulness journey
26:28 Mindful parenting and its impact
29:55 Creating the 'Becoming Mindful' podcast
34:53 Overcoming fears and self-doubt
41:59 Mindful and gentle parenting techniques
49:34 Conclusion and final thoughts
» CREDITS
Editing: Justin Cruz
Music: Salem Belladonna & Robrecht Dumarey
Post-production: Diana C. Guzmán Caro & Amanda Goddard