Dealing with Fear and Anxiety via Photography

Presenting one of the incredible workshops at the fall retreat, “Reawaken Creative Dreams.” Photographer, Christi Raines, shares her own therapeutic journey with art and offers tips and advice for adding more creativity into your own life.

“Dealing with Fear and Anxiety via Photography: How Art Changed My Life”

Presented by Photographer Christi Raines

We all have fears and anxieties in our lives and we all have found different ways of coping with them. I have extreme social anxiety and there were periods in my life where I wouldn’t leave my house for weeks at a time. After years of trying therapy and a variety of medications, I felt lost, like nothing was going to help. I gave up.

In September of 2009, I started a 365 project, mostly in hopes that it would keep my friend who is a “real” photographer on course with her own. My attempt at motivating my friend turned into a major passion in my life. About a month in, I bought a new camera.

I started taking my camera everywhere with me, and a few months into the project I realized that I wasn’t as terrified to go out of the house to social events. My camera gave me something to do, a purpose for being at the activity. People were excited to see my pictures and that gave me a confidence that I hadn’t experienced in my life before. Almost two years later, I still take at least one picture every day. Mostly, I love to take pictures of nature. Flowers, butterflies and birds, moving water and sunsets are some of my favorites, but really I like to photograph anything. I take lots of family pictures as well, especially pictures of my nephew, Kaeson.

I am looking forward to the “Reawaken Creative Dreams” workshop. Hopefully, my story can help you see how art can be used to confront your fears and anxieties head on. Art can change your life!

Christi Raines
http://cjraines.wordpress.com/

I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Biology in May 2011. My husband Travis, our cat (Leonardo Di-cat-rio) and I moved to Charleston, WV in May and I am inspired by the West Virginia mountains and all of the state’s beautiful creatures. When I’m not taking pictures, I enjoy gardening, travel, reading, blogging and beating my husband at Scrabble.

Reawaken Creative Dreams: An Art Retreat for the Soul
September 30th – October 2nd, 2011
The Bend of Ivy Lodge, Marshall, NC (just outside of Asheville)

“Reawaken Creative Dreams” is a relaxing soul quenching Art retreat. Everyone is welcome regardless of whether or not you call yourself “an artist.” I believe within us all lies a creative spirit waiting to be set free!    Click here for more information.