Week 1 : Winter (Freeze / Nest)

Build safety + create gentle routines.

Rituals: comfort corner in studio, warm drink before art, small check-ins.

Creative asks: 2–5 minute doodles, color swatches, gentle mark-making.

    • Check-in: “Where does safety live in my body right now?”

    • Microbrave action: Light a candle / make tea. Place one object (stone, feather, brush, etc.) in your studio as a “comfort anchor.”

    • Closing ritual: Whisper “I’m here.”

    • Check-in: “What texture feels soothing to me today?”

    • Microbrave action: Touch your art materials without needing to use them (flip through paper, squeeze a paint tube, hold a brush).

    • Closing ritual: Rub your palms together for warmth.

    • Check-in: “What does comfort look like as a color?”

    • Microbrave action: Make one small mark or color swatch on paper. Nothing more required.

    • Closing ritual: Place your hand over your heart.

    • Check-in: “What would make my creative space 5% more welcoming?”

    • Microbrave action: Add one comfort (a blanket, pillow, playlist, candle, photo).

    • Closing ritual: Sit in the space for one quiet breath.

    • Check-in: “What permission do I need to give myself today?”

    • Microbrave action: Write that permission on paper. Tape it near your workspace.

    • Closing ritual: Repeat it aloud once.

    • Check-in: “What part of my body feels most relaxed right now?”

    • Microbrave action: Make a 1-minute doodle inspired by that body part (shape, line, motion).

    • Closing ritual: Gently stretch that body part.

    • Check-in: “What small thing brought me comfort this week?”

    • Microbrave action: Collect 3 tiny fragments from the week (marks, colors, objects, words). Place them together like a nest.

    • Closing ritual: Say thank you to yourself for showing up.

 

✨ By the end of Week 1, you’ll have:

  • A comfort ritual.

  • A softened, safer studio space.

  • A handful of tiny marks / swatches.

Trust that the residency/course is about ease, not achievement.

 

Bonus Video: Day 4

 
 
Anna Baer1 Comment