PASSION, CONNECTION, AWARENESS. Are you feeling empty...on a rat wheel, meeting responsibilities, or barely so, and wondering if this is all there is to life? With the dawn of the Industrial and Digital Ages, our culture has become increasingly disconnected from our inner selves, resulting in depression, addiction, and anxiety being at an all-time high. Laurie Ritchie has been there. She was the classic "do-gooder" on a path of self-destruction until she found the value of expressive arts. Initially a mental health occupational therapist, Laurie ached for "something more," realizing she'd been drawn to the arts her entire life. Self-described as a "schizophrenic art enthusiast"--loving many forms, but not traditionally gifted at any--Laurie initially resisted with the typical excuses she hears from her clients at Whole Arts Connection: "I'm not an artist. I don't know what to do with that blank page." She quickly found out--at first through writing and then later through expressive arts therapy--that art was the fast track to unveiling passion, deep connection, self-awareness, and a way to remove all the stumbling blocks along the way. Artfelt Inspiration will inspire you to unleash your innermost creative self, and reconnect with that "inner freak," just waiting to be set free. Each of the 12 chapters offers inspiration through art, poetry, story and creative exercises, helping you re-discover hidden talents, your unique beauty, and awakened spiritual connection. If you are ready to "Let Your Freak Fly," this book is for you!