With A Brush of Love

With a Brush of Love presents… Equilibrium Healing with Barbara Schwartz

Lauren, your Sensory Design Specialist — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 04:41:51 +0000

With a Brush of Love presents… Kristin Selby Gonzalez

Lauren, your Sensory Design Specialist — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 04:22:35 +0000

What does your “LOVE” look like?

Lauren, your Sensory Design Specialist — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 22:29:56 +0000

February, the month synonymous with “LOVE” – except, I’ve noticed it’s become more about pressure than simply expressing the tender warm & fuzzy way we feel about one another, especially our uniquely fabulous kids – I wonder why…
Don’t you?

I do, and it doesn’t need to be that way. After all, we all express our emotions differently. Whether it be an actual gift of some sort, an unexpected “good deed,” a kind word, something yummy or a big, gushy hug – just making the concerted effort can get the point across. But… how often do we attach ourselves to the more “grandiose” displays of affection and miss the simple but precious efforts made to convey our feelings??

Don’t fret! We all have those moments, but there’s NO need to miss anything or put pressure on yourself, your partner, spouse, significant other or more importantly, feel slighted or personally hurt if your child can’t express themselves in the traditional ways we’ve all come to expect… The love is in the effort, the progress, the commitment, the determination and the one moment that your child does something small, even trivial to others… but – in that moment, all the love and appreciation for you is expressed and you’re forever assured of the love your child holds for you.

That’s when your child truly becomes your teacher. That’s the kind of “valentine” that never gets old… it’s often in these moments that we’re taught about the word “expectation” and that it’s something we could all do without- (at least once in awhile.) It can really set us up for failure and cause us to continually compare ourselves, rather than just stand confidently where we are and move forward at our own pace… then our journey is about discovery and the finish line is whenever we want it to be. Success and fulfillment is inevitable that way…

Happy LOVE day EVERY day ! ”expect nothing and receive everything…” xoxox

Remember…

“There is no greater power in the Universe than the power of Love. The feeling of love is the highest frequency you can emit. If you could wrap every thought in love, if you could love everyone and everything, you’re life would be transformed.”
-Rhonda Byrne, “The Secret”

Your Resident Sensory Designer / Color Expert - Lauren S. Henry / Color Creates Change !

With a Brush of Love presents…. The Social Express MHZ

Lauren, your Sensory Design Specialist — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 21:44:22 +0000

With a Brush of Love presents… Stephen Shore Ed.D.

Lauren, your Sensory Design Specialist — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 22:14:37 +0000

HAPPY NEW YEAR, WELCOME 2012!

Lauren, your Sensory Design Specialist — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 04:19:29 +0000

Hi Everyone!

Hope you’ve all taken some time to ring in the New Year in with JOY, GRATITUDE and OPTIMISM - after all, no matter where you may have found yourself at the end of 2011, or now, at the beginning of 2012, you almost assuredly have something to be grateful for… just that should be enough to keep you smiling! Friends, family, and health are tremendous gifts – appreciate any and all of these “presents” and know how much more lies ahead.

I’m so tremendously thankful to have all of you as a part of my life and the With a Brush of Love community… you are the reason we’re here. As long as we can make a difference, offer support, guidance and information, we are committed to doing so! Thank You for sharing your lives with us and offering friendship to one another. Together, we’ll continue to change lives and inspire each other!

Bring on the NEW YEAR!

Your Sensory Designer & Color Expert

Lauren S. Henry

“Color Creates Change”

Suggestions for Holiday Happiness

Lauren, your Sensory Design Specialist — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:06:12 +0000

So, what do you do when you find your child’s mood swinging back and forth for no reason, or a holiday “funk” arrives at the most unexpected time OR, you’re finding that you are stuck and don’t know why? Well, while there may not always be an overnight cure, there are some fairly simple “overnight-ish” remedies… here’s just a few.

Be introspective. (a bit like oxygen for you) to then share some with your child. Then, if and when possible, observe. In our excessively busy and over-scheduled days, there must be a point when you STOP and take the time to connect. Particularly at home, with your child. If they like to sit on the floor, sit on the floor with them. Place yourself physically, at their level rather than the other way around. That way you are entering their world not pulling them into yours. By doing so, it will be much easier to discover the things that are affecting them, both good and bad.
Pay Attention. Do NOT follow the aforementioned steps, begin to participate in their world and then bring your smart phone along for company. Suffice it to say that the only focal point should be that of your child and the rapport, trust and consistent relationship you’ll be building in his/her world rather than the other way around.
Believe it or not – you are laying a different kind of foundation with your child. While there is an inherent and organic trust between child and parent, this is a different kind of trust. It’s a trust earned by the parent that let’s your child know that you “get them” you “see them” just as they are. (thanks “AVATAR”) Not only does it diffuse their personal feelings of possible inferiority but it also assures them that you will find ways to communicate with them and meet them where they are no matter what. In turn, they feel safe, validated, heard and at ease that they are not “wrong”, “less than” or “lacking” and will feel more self-confident to try things that do not come as easily to them as it may for others. You will notice patterns of behavior based on their feelings and experiences throughout the day and you will also notice what their “go to” is to express their feelings. Colors, crayons, music, puzzles, words, stimming etc… but rather than it seeming random and frustrating, it will become more of a language between you and reveal what’s happening for them. They will also feel ok to share those forms of expressions with you if you show them and assure them that it’s allowed and welcome. They will start to feel comfortable in their own skin and appreciate the unique gifts they will discover about themselves much sooner! You will also begin to feel more connected as a parent in ways you may not have expected as well as in ways parents of “neuro-typical” kids aren’t even aware of!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

Your Sensory Designer & Color Expert!

Lauren S. Henry

With a Brush of Love presents… Monica Potter of NBC’s “Parenthood”

Lauren, your Sensory Design Specialist — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 01:19:19 +0000

Monica Potter of NBC's "Parenthood"

With a Brush of Love presents… Professor Tony Attwood

Lauren, your Sensory Design Specialist — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:46:58 +0000

The Holidays are Here and…

Lauren, your Sensory Design Specialist — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 22:29:12 +0000

First let me say, NOVEMBER!! Seriously?!! Where does the time go?? I realize it’s been quite awhile since my last post, and all I can say is that I’ve been traveling since mid September and ended up being away longer than anticipated, so my apologies for being off the radar for so long! That being said, I’ve no doubt that you all understand how life can take hold and side track you and consequently, I find myself catching up just before the holidays arrive! and then, it dawned on me… no matter what time of year it is, there always seems to be a holiday lurking around the corner. There’s also a ton of anticipation, fun that lie ahead! However, it’s not always so easy for our kids to take part in all the excitement. Bright colors, loud sounds, visual chaos and over stimulation and even claustrophobia…. so how does a parent deal with these challenges while still maintaining the joy of the holidays?? Here are some suggestions… but feel free to email me with your own fabulous ideas and suggestions! It’s always helpful to learn more creative ways to make a difference and empower one another!

1. Know your child’s patterns and anxiety levels. Be aware of what colors, sounds, textures and level of stimulation they can handle and use that as your guideline.

2. Don’t go overboard with the theme and decor of the holiday. Consider selecting 2-3 colors and stick with them rather than utilizing several all over the place. Make sure whatever you do select is not too bright, or is only used as an accent, regardless of what your child requests. It’s important to remember they don’t know what their triggers are, but you do and if you’re not sure, you should be. Not everything they want will support them on a grand scale, so when in doubt, less is more.

3. Bring the outdoors inside. Incorporate nature into your decor, i.e. pine cones, leaves, twigs etc… you can spray paint or hand paint them, glue a little bit of glitter on them, ribbon, etc… The outdoors are a source of balance and help to keep us “grounded.”

and here’s to a happy, healthy, holiday season!! Look forward to hearing your holiday tales -

Your Resident Sensory Designer / Color Expert

Lauren S. Henry