In the last year, I have been learning the concept of “resourcing.” The way I understand it, resourcing is a way of building up your inner resources of reserves through doing things that nourish you and replenish you. I started really delving into making resourcing art after I started working with an incredibly wonderful and supportive art therapist in February 2025. She taught me that it’s important to build up your resources before delving into heavy topics, like trauma, and that it’s important to do that afterwards too.
I go through time periods where so much healing happens over the course of a few weeks, and she’s taught me that I packed my bags, went on the journey, climbed the mountain (the grit phase) and then afterwards I need to give myself grace, and unpack the bags, and build up my resources before the next adventure/exploration of my inner world.
I love that concept so much. It helps me be kinder to myself and to know that I can listen to the rhythms of my body and heart and follow them without shame or judgement. It’s like a breath of fresh air.
I went through a lot of healing in November of this year, and for the past few weeks, I’ve been doing a lot of resourcing. For me that looks like following along with various deep breathing meditations, doing activities to stimulate the rest and digest part of my nervous system, doing lymphatic system exercises, going for a few more short walks, and doing some nourishing resourcing art.
Here are a few examples of my resourcing art from the last year:
Resourcing art for me is not about trying to be really good at art, it’s more about letting my younger self have some fun and be soothed through creativity, and focus. I have also been copying some designs from a beautiful art book I borrowed from the library and there is something so soothing about following directions to make the art. It’s takes the thought out of it and just allows me to relax and create. Here are some examples:
What I love most about resourcing art and other resourcing activities is that they give me a chance to tune in to what I need. It’s lovely to take a moment and get quiet to learn what I need in that moment, or if I can’t get quiet inside, then to just start copying some art out and allowing it to soothe me. I find puzzles very soothing too, especially if my mind is racing. It gives me a chance to organize the pieces, which apparently stimulates dopamine, which is a feel good chemical in the brain.
As we approach the end of 2025, may we all be inspired with creative, caring and compassionate ways to meet ourselves where we are and to take some time to identify what will help us feel more balanced, happy, healthy and at peace.
With lots of care, Bradlee 💕💕
©️ Bradlee Zrudlo 2025. All Rights Reserved.
PhD in Being Me 