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Mindfulness Through Creativity
Explore mindfulness through creativity, movement, art, and writing.
Mindfulness Through Creativity is a 10-week mindfulness program that uses creative expression to deepen present-moment awareness, self-discovery, and emotional well-being. Through gentle movement, art, reflective writing, meditation, and principles informed by Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Polyvagal Theory, participants explore how creativity can support mindfulness, resilience, intuition, and a greater connection with themselves.
The focus is on the creative process rather than the finished product, making the program accessible to beginners and experienced practitioners alike. No previous art, writing, meditation, or creative experience is required.
Introduction:
Mindfulness begins by slowing down and returning our attention to what is happening here and now. As we reconnect the mind with the body, notice our breathing, and become aware of the ground beneath us, we create space to experience the present moment with curiosity, openness, and acceptance.
Mindful creativity offers another pathway into this awareness. Art, writing, movement, and other forms of creative expression can help us observe thoughts, emotions, sensations, and inner experiences without immediately needing to change or judge them.
Within this practice, there is nothing to achieve and no perfect outcome to create. Mindful art becomes a way of exploring the present moment with a beginner's mind, allowing us to notice what emerges, deepen self-awareness, and respond to our experiences with greater flexibility, compassion, and presence.
This approach brings mindfulness and creative expression together as complementary practices, helping participants cultivate skills they can continue to integrate into everyday life.
Session Structure:
Theme & Intention: Set the focus for your exploration.
Meditation: Find grounding and presence.
Movement: Embody your mindfulness.
Creative Expression: Explore through art-making.
Journaling: Capture your insights.
Sharing (Optional): Connect with others.
Closing Meditation: Integrate your experience.
Maria Teresa Hernandez
Maria Teresa Hernandez is a Registered Canadian Art Therapist and Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario, bringing more than 40 years of experience as an artist to her work in mindfulness, psychotherapy, and expressive arts. She previously facilitated art therapy groups at YWCA Toronto for women experiencing trauma, violence, and mental health challenges, integrating creative expression, mindfulness, and body-based awareness.
Maria Teresa is a faculty member at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute, where she teaches Mindfulness & Art Therapy, and has supervised art therapy students. Her training includes art therapy, yoga, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, SoulCollage®, and applied Polyvagal Theory. She has studied and practiced mindfulness with The Mindfulness Centre for nearly 20 years.
She holds a Master’s degree in Fine Arts from the National University of Mexico (UNAM), a BA in Graphic Design, and a Graduate Diploma in Art Therapy from the Toronto Art Therapy Institute. An internationally exhibited artist, Maria Teresa brings her clinical experience, mindfulness practice, and lifelong creative work together as facilitator of the Mindfulness Through Creativity program at The Mindfulness Centre in Oakville, Ontario.
Maria Teresa’s vision:
Mindfulness is central to Maria Teresa’s life and work as both an artist and art therapist. She views the creative process as a form of mindfulness, an opportunity to bring non-judgmental awareness to the present moment and allow thoughts, emotions, and sensations to emerge through artistic expression.
Her approach emphasizes curiosity, body awareness, and openness rather than artistic outcome. Through mindful art-making, participants are invited to let go of expectations, uncover deeper parts of themselves, and experience creativity as a process of self-awareness, healing, and transformation.
For more information, visit Maria Teresa’s website
FAQ
Mindfulness Through Creativity is a 10-week mindfulness and creative expression program offered through The Mindfulness Centre. Facilitated by art therapist Maria Teresa Hernandez, the program combines mindfulness with art, reflective writing, gentle movement, meditation, and principles informed by Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Polyvagal Theory to support self-awareness, resilience, and emotional well-being.
No. No previous art, writing, mindfulness, or meditation experience is required to participate in Mindfulness Through Creativity. The program focuses on the creative process rather than artistic ability or the finished product, making it accessible to beginners and experienced practitioners alike.
Creative practices such as art, writing, movement, and mindful expression can help bring attention to thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and present-moment experiences. Mindfulness Through Creativity uses these practices to encourage curiosity, self-awareness, emotional regulation, and a more compassionate relationship with personal experiences.
The program is facilitated by Maria Teresa Hernandez, a Registered Canadian Art Therapist and Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario with decades of experience in art, mindfulness, expressive arts, and trauma-informed practice. Her approach brings together art therapy, mindfulness, body-based awareness, and creative expression to create an accessible pathway for personal exploration and growth.
