Artful Brain Course

Week 1

Attending to your body

• discover how your brain attends, processes and organises information and why it is easily distracted
• learn about your nervous system and how tuning into your breath can not only give important information about your emotional state, but also directly effect that state
• find out how you can use simple drawing practice to connect with your breath, reduce anxiety and regain control at times of stress

Week 2

Attending to your senses

• learn the science behind mindfulness and how training your mind to attend to the present moment reshapes your brain
• discover the ways in which your brain evolved to automate your actions and how through this powerful process some important moments in your life get filtered out. You will learn to challenge your own brain’s machinery by tuning your attention
• use drawing to connect to your senses through music and through touch

Week 3

Attending to your emotions

• learn how your emotions provide you with vital information in order to alert you, guide you, or nudge you. Yet these messages are not always accurate. By attending to your emotions, even the most uncomfortable ones, you become in control of your reactions, which is the backbone of resilience
• discover how you can use drawing to connect with your emotions with the help of music. Music induces emotions, some will make you feel sad, some - joyful. You will practice connecting with emotions induced by music in a safe and supportive space. You will then be able to use that experience to practice on your own with real-time emotions that arise for you

Week 4

Attending to your thoughts

• learn how your brain generates your reality and what role your thoughts play in that. You will discover how deeply engrained beliefs, biases, and life narratives are born and how powerful they are in shaping your life. You will realise that your thoughts are simply representations of reality, rather than the reality itself.
• you will find out how through drawing meditation and journaling you can become attentive to your thoughts and question their validity, allowing you to feel more in control of your life

Week 5

Attending to the process

• learn about the Flow - your brain’s superpower that often remains hidden in the depths. You will find out how activities that you feel passionate about are your biggest treasure
• discover how understanding the 9 conditions of Flow will help you find your element and use it to supercharge your focus. You will learn how Olympic champions use Flow to win gold medals and how you can tap into your optimal performance by doing something that you already love doing
• use observational drawing to put together all principles already uncovered in the course. During a longer stretch of time, you will draw an object from nature, whilst observing your thoughts, challenging your perception and chaneling your emotions

Week 6

Inattention. The power of mind wandering.

• learn about the vast importance of inattention. You will learn the power of the wandering mind and find out how your brain consolidates learning and memories, as well as how creativity is born
• combine all previously learned techniques to tap into your innate creativity and set on your unique journey with drawing, music, colour, shapes, lines and whatever else...

"Kariné is a highly qualified teacher with a background in neuroscience. On this course, with a lovely small friendly group, we learnt about the workings of the brain and how to focus creatively on the present moment. Highly recommended!"

Ros Watson

"I was open minded about the course, expected to practice some drawing skills and learn about the mind and creativity. 

It was so much more!

Karine is so warm and passionate, she has experience and is highly knowledgeable about the science of the mind, her love of mindfulness meditation and enjoyment of art, which has enabled her to create a unique and inspiring course that has helped me make a shift in my perception of myself and that’s special. 

Through insights about how we think and feel, the practice of gentle meditation techniques and simple creative expression exercises, I have learnt how I think, why I feel what I do, how I can use these lessons learnt with Karine to improve my sense of self, my well-being and confidence to express myself. Not just creatively but by knowing myself better I am more peaceful and accepting of all my perfect imperfections. 

I’m looking forward to her follow up course!!

Be open to learning and Karine will gently take you on a fun journey of self discovery and increase your self awareness so you can be your best self. Just brilliant!!"

Simone Brenninkmeijer

"Well what a wonderfully knowledgeable, kind and calm human Karine is. I thoroughly enjoyed her five week ‘Knowing Yourself’ workshop, giving time for myself and always coming away feeling relaxed and inspired. I was initially concerned signing up as I am not an artist, but you really don’t have to be or even know anything about art to do this course. 

The balance of Karine’s studies in neuroscience, mindfulness & art made this course really different and very interesting. We all have something going on in our lives and these workshops give you the knowledge, tools and nourishing food for thought to take home with you. 

Karine coaches you through the five topics and creates a safe environment where you feel you can share your thoughts if you want to but also stay quiet if you wish. Being a small group she allows time to just chat which adds to the relaxed & warm feeling of the course. 

If you are looking to give yourself some self love, growing your self awareness while learning some interesting neuroscience and mindful art practices, this course is for you. You will feel so much better than you did the day you started, I certainly have."

Kirsty Bundy

"My gratitude for this course Karine, which I will never forget and use. You provide a comfortable and non-judgmental space to create and learn, and you have shared your knowledge so passionately and peacefully. I now have more clarity and insight into my life, emotions and thoughts. You offer such fun and simple art explorations with love, guidance and encouragement. Initially I thought I needed to be able to draw and be creative and did not know that using colour, texture and sound would pull me into the moment and notice sensations and emotions. The creative work is about the process rather than the end product! Using the activities you explored and taught on your course is more accessible to me to tame the mind from meandering off. 

I really am looking forward to coming back and learning more artful mindfulness from you Karine." 

Jacqueline Marais