There's something magical that happens when people gather to create art together. As we sit with our thoughts, translating emotions into color and form, we discover parts of ourselves that have been waiting patiently to be acknowledged. This is the transformative power of art therapy that I've had the privilege to witness and facilitate over the past two years.
The Beginning of a Personal Journey
My path to becoming an art therapy host wasn't planned. It emerged organically from my own journey of self-discovery. For years, I had been developing skills and gathering knowledge, yet I struggled with fully embracing my abilities and recognizing their value. There was always that nagging voice of doubt questioning whether what I had to offer was truly worthwhile.
But art has a way of silencing those doubts. Through my own creative practice, I began to find peace within myself—a growing acceptance of both my strengths and limitations. As this internal shift occurred, I felt a calling to extend beyond my personal practice. The empathy and understanding I had cultivated through my own healing process seemed too valuable to keep to myself.
I wanted to create a space where others could experience the same transformative power of creative expression that had been so instrumental in my own growth. I envisioned guiding others to discover their confidence and strength, to trust in their skills and courageously share their authentic selves with the world.
Taking the Leap
Launching MindSoul Meditations was both exhilarating and terrifying. The idea of stepping onto a global stage after years of working within small, localized communities brought a new set of challenges. Suddenly, I needed to overcome fears I hadn't faced before—being on camera, using my voice to guide conversations with strangers, and putting myself out there in ways I never had before.
What I discovered surprised me. The scale might have changed, but the fundamental human connection remained the same. If you create a space of authenticity and acceptance, if your message resonates and people feel valued in their interactions with you, they will participate. They will engage. They will become not just participants but partners in building something meaningful together.
Growth Through Adaptation
Building MindSoul Meditations over these past two years has been a constant process of adaptation and fine-tuning. Each episode and each live chat taught me something new about facilitation, about the diverse ways people process emotions through art, and about my own capacity to hold space for others' vulnerability.
As the Host of Art Therapy with MindSoul Meditations, an art advisor with 34 Gallery and through artist residencies with AI platforms, I've had to continually expand my understanding of how art therapy intersects with emerging technologies and contemporary artistic practices. This willingness to learn and evolve has been crucial to the growth of what we've built together.
The Community That Emerged
What began as a seed of an idea has blossomed into a vibrant community. The hundreds of artists who have participated in shows, submitted work to Open Calls, and bravely shared their stories have created something far beyond what I could have accomplished alone.
I've watched as people who initially arrived hesitant and uncertain bloomed into confident creatives, supporting each other with feedback, encouragement, and collaboration. The ripple effects extend beyond our sessions, as participants take their renewed creative confidence into other areas of their lives.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Looking back on this journey, several profound lessons stand out:
- Authenticity attracts authenticity. When I stopped trying to project a perfect image and instead showed up as my genuine self—doubts, growth edges, and all—it created permission for others to do the same.
- Growth happens at the edge of comfort. Each time I pushed myself to try something that scared me—whether hosting a larger event or experimenting with a new format—I expanded my capacity and discovered new strengths.
- Community is co-created. The most powerful moments haven't been the result of my careful planning but rather the spontaneous connections and insights that emerge when people feel safe enough to truly engage.
- Trust the process. Art therapy isn't about creating polished final products; it's about honoring the journey. The same applies to building a platform—it's about trusting that each step is valuable, even when the destination isn't fully visible.
Looking Forward with Gratitude
This year has been incredibly heart-warming, filled with moments of profound connection and growth that I could never have anticipated when I first began. I am immensely grateful to every artist who has trusted this process enough to participate, to submit their work, and to share their personal stories.
What I've learned most deeply is that when we create spaces for authentic expression and connection, we all benefit. The courage of one person to share their truth inspires others to do the same. The vulnerability of making art together creates bonds that transcend ordinary social barriers.
As MindSoul Meditations continues to evolve, I remain committed to nurturing this community with the same care and intention with which it began. The fruits we're now harvesting from these seeds planted two years ago are just the beginning of what we can grow together.
Through art therapy, we don't just create beautiful works—we create beautiful connections, within ourselves and with each other. And in today's world, perhaps that is the most valuable art of all.
Charoa
Founder, MindSoul Meditations