The International Arts + Mind Lab (IAM Lab) at the Brain Science Institute of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine has created a NeuroArts Field Guide with articles and resources for maintaining and improving mental health during the pandemic through artistic activities.

“Even before the pandemic, many of us engaged in art making or art appreciation to help us feel happier and healthier. Some of us draw, sing, dance or write. Others listen to our favorite music or story to feel a sense of calm.
In response to many requests about ways the arts can help us during the pandemic, IAM Lab has created the COVID-19 NeuroArts Field Guide. It offers weekly easy-to-do art activities and simple explanations about the science behind them.
From stress and anxiety to loneliness and loss, we hope these evidence-based arts ideas help you and your family find new and joyful ways to cope and feel better during this unpredictable time.”

Articles range from “How Listening to Music May Ease Traumatic Stress” to “Just Dance: A Prescription for Mental Wellbeing” and “How a Dose of Nature Is Essential to Your Mental Health “, and include not only suggested activities related to the topic, but also explain the neurological effects of the activities.

Of course, you can skip the explanations and go directly to the activities, but if you’re at all curious about how the human brain works (or doesn’t, sometimes), it’s an easy way to learn about this fascinating subject.

You can also check out this article on “Making Art Is Keeping Us Sane” from Reasons to Be Cheerful as an introduction. And, while you’re at it, sign up for the RTBC newsletter—it’s something you will look forward to seeing in your inbox!

[Image description: A decorative bottom banner of miscellaneous colorful shapes. /end ID]

(Image credit: Reasons to Be Cheerful )

How Many Temptations I Pass Through
—Patrizia Cavalli

How many temptations I pass through
crossing between the bedroom
and the kitchen, between the kitchen
and the toilet. A spot
on the wall, a piece of paper
fallen on the floor, a glass of water,
a glance out the window,
hi to the neighbor,
a pat for the kitten.

And so I always forget
the main idea, I lose
my way, I get upset
day after day and it’s useless
to attempt any kind of return.

Bees N Blooms Farm in Santa Rosa, California, is exactly what one would expect from the name—an 11-acre organic farm with a variety of flowers, honey and wax from ten colonies of honey bees, and pollinator-friendly plants and trees.

The site also has a lavender labyrinth, which contains more than 900 lavender plants and offers a half-mile of lavender-scented pathway for quiet contemplation and perambulation.

[Image description: A photo of Bees N Blooms Farm, with a labyrinth of lavender plants in the center.]

(Image credit: Bees N Blooms Farm.)

The site has a Lavender Bloom Status tracker, so you can see which of the varieties will be in bloom when you visit.

Due to the pandemic, they are currently open only on Fridays and Sundays, with limited hours. They are observing social distancing and other pandemic protocols, so if you are planning to visit in person, do contact them ahead of time to make sure the hours haven’t changed.

Even if you aren’t in the area to visit, you can still enjoy the photos on their website, and order honey, lavender products, and other goodies from their web store.

The Weekly Insight from the Oracles for June 28, 2020 is live on my Patreon!

Many thanks to my wonderful Patrons!

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[Image description: A screenshot showing the edges of three tarot cards and two runes as a sneak peek of this week’s reading. None of the cards or runes are fully visible, so it’s a guess as to what they might be.]

This lovely gif was a Tumblr find. You have to click through to see the movement, but then you can bookmark it.