Art Expressions by Emily Lasinsky

10/27/2026

I love a good podcast! What are some of you're favs on the topic of well-being? I've Been Listening to The Good Life Project Podcast for about 7 years now [Link in Comments]. Feel free to share yours!

10/24/2026

Next week we are exploring the topics of meaning, purpose, and values within Positive Psychology. I will invite students to develop a personal purpose statement that reflects the many dimensions of their lives. In preparation, I took time to create my own purpose statement as well.

Many people associate purpose primarily with their careers or professional roles. However, purpose is much broader. It is woven into how we live, interact with others, and navigate our daily experiences. Rather than being a fixed destination, purpose is an evolving process that can shift and develop throughout different stages of life.

10/20/2026

Burnout is often viewed as the result of working too much, but Adam Grant reminds us that working without meaning can be just as draining. When people lose sight of how their work matters, motivation and well-being can begin to decline.

My wellness workshops and consulting services help organizations build healthier workplace cultures, support employee well-being, and reconnect people with purpose in their work. For more info, please email at [email protected] and/or check out my website [link in comments]

https://ppc.sas.upenn.edu/resilience-programs/resilience-research

10/14/2026

Creative Wellness Consulting! In-Person and Online Options Available! See link in comments for more info. Feel free to email me with any questions. [email protected]

10/12/2026

I had the pleasure of presenting this training to the staff of Cambria County Child Development Corporation this morning :)

10/11/2026

I completed the Mammoth March (PA) yesterday, which was also World Mental Health Day! Wrote a short blog about the experience.
Link in Comments.

10/09/2026

Got some uplifting/empowerment cards for upcoming workshops. Keeping this one!

10/09/2026

Calling all directors, admin, and organization leaders! I'm grateful for opportunities to work with area organizations! I have Friday, Nov 6 open if you'd like to schedule a workshop! I typically schedule a 30 min consultation meeting to understand the needs of your organization and work out details. For more info, feel free to email me [email protected] and check out my website link in comments. Thank you!

10/04/2026

Living up to their creative potential might be the simplest way for someone to improve their life. “Make creativity a life habit,” Arthur C. Brooks wrote in 2024. “That means working at your creative practice regularly, not just when you feel like it.” https://theatln.tc/4pZMmtRv

Modern research in neuroscience and psychology has revealed that actively engaging in creative pursuits is an effective way to gain relief from negative emotions and increase one’s sense of well-being. In 2021, researchers found that for students and working adults, there’s a positive correlation between self-perceived creativity and life satisfaction. Activities such as poetry therapy can also “reduce anxiety and post-traumatic-stress symptoms in patients,” Brooks continues. Even “simply working on creative solutions to common problems can relieve psychological burdens.”

“I have found that many professional artists—an unusually anxious group—seek relief from their affliction by losing themselves,” Brooks writes. Neuroscience offers an explanation for how creativity can lower negative emotions: A 2015 study found that during the idea-generation phase of writing, the part of the brain associated with mind-wandering is especially active. This “suggests that creative activity might have some of the same analgesic effects on stress as contemplative exercises do,” Brooks explains.

With so many creative outlets to choose from, finding one that “fits your personality and tastes can be daunting,” Brooks explains. Luckily, your personality type can offer clues: “Extroverted, novelty-seeking people should try inventive, public avenues such as improv drama and jazz; introverted people who like new experiences might do better in the field of fiction writing,” Brooks writes. “Extroverts who prefer to interpret the works of others can try theater or classical music; introverts in the same vein might prefer studying poetry.”

Regardless of your chosen artistic activity, you will benefit from exercising your creative brain. “Make a habit of your creative pursuit, and feel better as a result—and maybe even inspired,” Brooks continues.

Read more at the link.

🎨: Jan Buchczik

10/03/2026

Encountered a beautiful osprey this morning. Also saw an eagle, 3 herons, and a few wood ducks.