If learning to better cope with stress was a New Year’s resolutions for 2018, make plans now to attend HeartMath® in the Galleries with Kelly Andrews.
Held at the Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College, this hour-long workshop is Feb. 28 at noon. It is free to attend.
Andrews, a wellness consultant, teaches resilience tools that help participants prepare for, recover from or adapt to stress, anxiety and challenges such as giving a speech or having an uncomfortable conversation.
“We can learn to prepare our bodies for situations that may trigger anxiety, stress and sadness,” Andrews said.
The tools include breathing and self-regulation techniques that help increase awareness in difficult situations by calming nerves and promoting clear thought. Instead of getting triggered, they enable you to step back and address the situation calmly.
“The museum is a good space for this training because it’s a quiet, receptive environment,” Andrews said. “The energy in the space slows you down. We’re going to discuss the emotions derived from what they’re seeing in the art, and we’ll tie the art into the topic we’re going to be focused on.”
HeartMath® is a perfect addition to other offerings at the museum, such as yoga twice monthly in the galleries, said Executive Director Claire Orologas. Plenty of research and literature exists about the health benefits of visiting art museums – including the reduction of stress.
“There are many ways to engage people with works of art,” Orologas said. “This is another way to engage the public and to facilitate experiences with works of art that have meaning for them, which is ultimately what we want.”
HeartMath® will be held quarterly. A different breathing technique will be taught and the class will focus on a different exhibition each time. Future dates are: May 30, Aug. 29 and Nov. 28.
Registration is not required, but is appreciated: Reservations@PolkMuseumofArt.org. For questions, call Diana Smith at (863) 688.7743 ext. 249.
About Kelly Andrews
With more than 25 years in the health and wellness field, Kelly Andrews is a professional speaker, wellness consultant, yoga instructor, resilience coach, and retreat and workshop facilitator. She has worked in corporate, higher education, nonprofit, medical and fitness center settings. She is passionate about working with people to help them explore, expand and evolve into the best and healthiest versions of themselves.
About the Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College
The Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida, is a private, not-for-profit academic museum dedicated to promoting inspirational and engaging arts experiences for all. It is one of the Top 10 art museums in the State of Florida, an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and the only art museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums serving the 561,000 residents of Polk County. Museum hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesdays – Saturdays; 1-5 p.m. Sundays (closed Sundays June 1 through Labor Day) and closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission is free for everyone year-round, thanks to the following organizations: MIDFLORIDA Credit Union; the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Foundation; and the Share Foundation. The museum is fully accessible.
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