Shows
Creatively CuriousEpisode 35: Viola Desmond - Black History Month AcknowledgementViola Desmond (1914-1965)Viola lived in Halifax Nova ScotiaShe stood up to Canada's racist laws in 1946She opened Vi's Studio of Beauty CultureIn 1944 she opened Desmond School of Beauty Culture, which was the first school in Canada to train Black beauty culturists.She stood up to racist policies in movie theatres in 1946 when she refused to leave a whites-only seat in a movie Theatre in New Glasgow.She was convicted of a minor tax violation for the one-cent tax difference between the seat that she had paid for and the seat that she used, even though she wanted...
2026-02-1412 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 34: Eros, Sex Retreat and Aliveness with Dr Kirstin Hotelling ZonaIn this Episode we talk about Eros, the Sex Retreat Kirstin is hosting in Mexico March 17 - 22, 2026 and what it means to feel the Aliveness of Life. We discussed how painting and creativity are closely tied to the aliveness that sex also allows us to tap into. You don't want to miss this Episode! Kirstin is offering the Early Bird Pricing to Podcast listeners so please mention the Podcast if you connect with her about the Retreat. Only 2 Spots left!Kirstin's Website: https://www.kirstinhotellingzona.com/The...
2026-02-0552 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 33: Emotional Regulation - WTF Can I Do to Calm my Body?My Favourite Regulation Tools:Deeper than regular breaths OR Box Breathing: 4 counts in, Hold for 4 counts, 4 breaths out, out for 4 breathsEFT Tapping (see link to Podcast Below)Saying "I am safe...I am loved"Crying (this could be #1 and I forgot to mention it...energy in motion!)Orientation to 5 Things:5 Things you can see4 Things you can Touch3 Things you can Hear2 Things you can smell1 Thing you can tasteSadnessWrap in blanket, hand on chest, hands on arms in self-hug, sway gently, warm bath or shower, cry if safe to...
2026-01-3039 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 32: Coaching Framework (C-T-F-A)The Coaching Framework (Categories for Human Experience) helps a coach organize the client's experience so the coach can understand it better and help identify distressing or unhelpful thoughts more efficiently.The Coaching Framework works like this:(C) Circumstances or facts drive our Thoughts(T) Our Thoughts influence our Feelings (and vice versa)(F) Our Feelings or Sensations influence our behaviours or (A) Actions (and vice versa)LINKS:Episode 6: Unhelpful Thinking Styles: https://www.ashleadwalter.com/podcast/episode-6-unhelpful-thinking-stylesAshlea's Website: https://www.ashleadwalter.com/artwork
2026-01-2216 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 31: ENERGY CONSERVATIONIn this week's Episode, I discuss what Energy Conservation is and how I use it in an Occupational Therapy role as well as as a Life Coach. Energy Conservation is simple saving energy and tips on how to do that. Energy Conservation is based on 5 P's:PacingPositioningPlanningPrioritizingProblem SolvingI give tips for EC for the bathroom, grooming/dressing, Bathing, Laundry, Cleaning, Cooking and transportation. Let me know if you have any questions or comments.Ashlea's Website: https://www.ashleadwalter.com/artworkAshlea's Colour...
2026-01-1639 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 30: DREAMING TREE VISUALIZATION 2.0 (Re-mixed)Here is a guided visualization to help you connect with your dreams. Sometimes coaching clients have a hard time even letting themselves dream about what they really want so hopefully this can help. Remember:Trust yourselfTrust your LifeTrust your dreamsBackground Music: License: Creative Commons Attribution license (reuse allowed): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDTYv-F20sE&list=PLzUWQHotbql3pMZsAn9S4-eiWIYoXBKb5&index=5"Your soul is tired of waiting for you to feel more alive." Nick WiltonAshlea's Website: ht...
2026-01-0915 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 29: Martha Beck's Change Cycle Square 4 - THE PROMISED LANDChange Cycle Square 4 - THE PROMISED LANDMantra "Change is happening and that's okay."Things are working wellKids are sleeping through the nightYou've had surgery and are healed and strongerYou're "back" but "different."Trust your "wings" and enjoy the fruits of your labour.Make small adjustmentsLive in continuous creative response to everythingTwo things to do in this Square:1. Rest until you feel like playing2. Play until you feel like restingQuestion: How good are you willing to let it...
2025-12-2911 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 28: Martha Beck's Change Cycle Square 3 - THE HERO'S JOURNEYThe Change Cycle Square 3 - The Hero's Journey"This is much harder than I expected and that's okay."*** I talk about the poor audio in the intro to this episode but it's fitting because this was a mistake and the whole episode is about taking action and making mistakes so I left the poor audio in!***Square 3 is about:- Taking Action- Making mistakes, learning from them- The more you struggle, the stronger you become like the butterfly
2025-12-1814 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 27: Martha Beck's Change Cycle Square 2 - DREAMING & SCHEMINGSquare 2 DREAMING & SCHEMING Key Points:Mantra: "There are no rules and that's okay."- You'll get thoughts or ideas about something you want to do and maybe never done before.- You'll have day dreams and night dreams. - What does your future look like? - Who do you want to be? What does this FEEL like?- ACTION: Make a dream or vision board- ACTION: Wear different clothes or jewelry or hair styles- ACTION: Change your home decor or "upgrade"...
2025-12-1125 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 26: Martha Beck's Change Cycle Square 1 - DEATH & REBIRTHSquare 1: Death and RebirthMantra: "I don't know what the heck is going on and that is okay"- Meltdown of our previous selves to give way to our metamorphosis- Pain: from actual events and painful thoughts and beliefs we are hooked on. Coaching can help hold space.- Let yourself grieve: you may feel lots of emotions (including denial, anger, sadness, acceptance) and that's okay. - Focus on right now, one day at a time.- Caring for yourself with: coaching, therapy...
2025-12-0920 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 25: Creative Visionary Program (CVP) Week 12 - LAUNCHCVP Week 12 - LAUNCHKey Take Aways:Scaling art requires scaling your tools and especially your thinking.The risk to get a bigger studio is often rewarded by an improvement in your art.The value of a series is compounded by doing another one.Often, the biggest learning in a series occurs after it is completedYour art is love firstly given to yourself and then, the world"Your soul is tired of waiting for you to feel more alive." Nick WiltonAshlea's Website: https://www.ashleadwalter.com/ar...
2025-11-2419 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 24: Creative Visionary Program (CVP) Week 11 - BALANCECVP Week 11 - BALANCE Key Take Aways:1. Value and Design have the most visual weight.2. Design, Value, Colour and Texture all can be used to balance your art.3. Your process is designed by you for you.4. Art is finished when you feel alive up close and far away - when you really LOVE it close and far away.5. Later stage changes are smaller but require more sensitivity."Your soul is tired of waiting for you to feel more alive."...
2025-11-2409 minCreatively CuriousEpsiode 23: Creative Visionary Program (CVP) Week 10 - MOMENTUMCVP Week 10: MOMENTUM Key Take Aways:1. Stay Open, Present and Curious in your process to maintain momentum2. Most of the time adjusting design and value will get you unstuck.3. PLAYing longer, especially in the early stages, will enhance the outcome. Playing is an investment in the painting (yourself? your kids?)4. It's easier to be risky in the first few passes (layers). Rehearse risk taking in the early stages when the stakes are lower.5. When in doubt GET IN MOTION! This is really advice for LIFE.
2025-11-2417 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 22: Creative Visionary Program (CVP) Week 9 - PROCESSCome visit me at the Whyte Avenue Art Walk July 11, 12, 13, 2025 from 10am - 5pm daily. https://art-walk.ca/CVP Week 9 Process Take Aways:You have everything you need to create your artYour Path is what you are creating; your art is merely an artifact. Your life will get better and so will your art when you are excited and fired up.Make many rather than one - it's easier and faster and results in art more like you.You're just dating - not marrying. Don't fall in love with your...
2025-06-2518 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 21: Creative Visionary Program Week 8 - TEXTURECVP Week 8 TEXTURETake Aways:1. Play and Experiment with texture to learn and remember2. Thick paint is a beautiful contrast to thin paint3. Subtractive processes create areas of transparency (eg scraping and sanding)4. Layering creates depth, surface and colour richness (harmony)5. Spontaneity is created by using tools you can't control (chisels, trowels etc).Ashlea's Website: https://www.ashleadwalter.com/Ashlea's Colouring Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Coloring-Book-Anxiety-Relief-Mindfulness/dp/B0CGL4...
2025-06-0615 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 20: Creative Visionary Program (CVP) Week 7 - COLOUR ASPECTSCVP Week 7REVIEW: Colour has 5 Components:ValueComplementsSaturationHarmonyTemperatureTake Aways:Saturation: The intensity or vibrancy of a colourColour Harmony: Occurs when all the colours share a common colourGlazing: Creates colour harmony and transparencyVibrant highly saturated colours can only be created with primary colours that share a common colour bias (near by on the colour wheel)Colour Differences: are more noticeable as value contrast lessens (decreases).Ashlea's Website: https://www.ashleadwalter.com/lifecoachingAshlea's IG: https://www.instagram.com/ashleadwalter/
2025-05-2315 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 19: Creative Visionary Program Week 6: COLOUR VALUECreative Visionary Program Week 6 - COLOUR VALUECOLOUR has 5 Components:- Value- Complements- Saturation- Harmony- TemperatureKey Takeaways:The most visually powerful component of colour is valueIf the value works in your art (and everything is in the right place - design), so will the colourComplementary colours are found in nature - they are rich. When there are lots of colours in all your colours things get richerSecondary colours (organce, green, violet) are made with the primary...
2025-05-1609 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 18: Asking for Signs - DRAGONFLYDo you ever ask for signs to help you make your decisions? I do and this time my sign (a dragonfly) came in right away but I didn't notice it. So it came again in a different way. I read about Dragonflies in Sarah Seidelmann's book "The Book of Beasties: Your A-Z Guide to the Illuminating Wisdom of Spirit Animals." which everyone should get. Sarah Seidelmann is a fellow Martha Beck Life Coach and Artist and she is also a Shaman.Ashlea's Website: https://www.ashleadwalter.com/lifecoaching
2025-05-0809 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 17: Creative Visionary Program (CVP) Week 5: DESIGNThis week's Episode reviews CVP Week 5 - DESIGNDesign is the arrangement of shapes or areas in your art (could be painting, sculpture, photography, rooms, buildings, print material, almost anything)Strong design has a variety of differences: Size, shape or placementWe mostly notice design differences in the loud conversationCreate differences in your art for you and the viewer.Ashlea's Website: https://www.ashleadwalter.com/lifecoachingAshlea's IG: https://www.instagram.com/ashleadwalter/Ashlea's Coloring Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Coloring-Book-Anxiety-Relief-Mindfulness/dp/B0...
2025-05-0112 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 16 - Jennifer Powter's SMART Weightloss Challenge recapBONUS Episode:In this Episode I talk about my knee journey which included 4 surgeries and some weight gain post Baby #2 and a knee injury and my 4th surgery. I also recap a weight-loss challenge I completed with Jennifer Powter who is a weightloss and mindset expert (link below). I'm all about loving my body for all it can do PLUS being honest about how I am carrying some extra weight at this point in my life and how even losing 10 pounds could be helpful for decreased pain and wear and tear on my knee joint...
2025-04-2626 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 15 - Creative Visionary Program (CVP) Week 4: VALUEWeek 4 of CVP is on VALUE.Take aways: VALUE = the lightness or darkness of a shape or area in your artValue is one of the most powerful differences to change and affect your art. This is often where challenges arise in art (not enough value contrast)Value Contrast is what we notice; where your eye goes first in a pictureValue creates Depth: Things that have more value contrast come forward and are more noticeable; things that have less value contrast go back and are more subtle, less noticeable.Differences in our art and our life bring...
2025-04-2513 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 14 - Creative Visionary Program (CVP) Week 3: PLAYCVP Week 3! This is such a fun week because we learn how important playing is for our art (and life)!How will you play this week? Here are some ideas:- Make up a game with your (kids or dog).- Use different materials to paint with eg: apple pear mesh sleeve, bottle caps, random materials- Be curious instead of judgemental- Try something new eg: go to work or school a different way- Only do what feels good...
2025-04-1811 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 13 - Creative Visionary Program (CVP) Week 2: DESIREWeek 2 of CVP: DESIREBe where you are and enjoy where you are. What do you really want? What do you desire? Do what brings you alive to feel amazing and inspired and the art will take care of itself.WebsiteIGAshlea's YouTubeAshlea's Colouring Book on AmazonMore about CVP and Art2Life
2025-04-1411 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 12 - Creative Visionary Program (CVP) Week 1: DISCOVERCreative Visionary Program (CVP) Week 1: DISCOVERI decided to take the Creative Visionary program again this year so this will be my second year. I wanted to give an overview of each week in case anyone is curious about it. "Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told: I'm with you kid, let's go." Maya AngelouMy WebsiteMy IGAshlea's YouTubeAshlea's Coloring Book on AmazonAbout CVP and Art2Life
2025-04-1417 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 11 - Money Loves Me AffirmationsI'm on a Money Journey and wanted to record some affirmations for myself listen to so I wanted to share them with you as well. Some people say affirmations are mumbo-jumbo but I think I'm used to saying mean stuff to myself so I may as well say nice things and things that feel good so I can feel good. The more we practice saying good, positive things to ourselves the more we will believe them. It's worth a try right? Let me know what you think.Ashlea's WebsiteAshlea's IG
2025-04-0106 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 10 - Emotional Freedom Technique "Tapping"EFT Tapping can be helpful for stress reduction and if you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, overwhelm or depression. I go through the points based on a situation I had with my kids where I was stressed and got angry at them. You don't have to get any of this perfect. Get the points in the basic positions and even if you don't say anything when you tap you'll get some benefit. Start my "rating" your discomfort from 1(not very active) -10 (super active). Tap for a few rounds, rate your discomfort again and likely the number...
2025-03-2022 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 9 - Lessons from Europe / Let Yourself SuckThis Episode starts off with the sound of the healing bowl we bought in Zurich Switzerland from someone from Nepal. It's such a beautiful sound I wanted to share it with you.Then I talk about letting yourself do things messy and highlighting a point from the Book Creative Calling (see Episode8 ) about letting yourself suck. There is power in just starting even though you don't know exactly what you are doing and that momentum takes you amazing places.I end with talking about our trip to Europe and how it's been a dream of...
2025-03-2022 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 8 - Creativity and How you can Tap into YoursI recorded this with a cold so excuse the extra noises and pauses.In this Episode, I referenced a book called "Creative Calling" by Chase Jarvis since he has so perfectly written what I've known to be true my whole life. We are all creative and meant to live creative lives.I outline:- Chase's definition of creativity and why it's important to everyone. - What it's important to be consistent with creativity- We usually need to unlearn things in order to harness our creativity...
2025-03-0822 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 7 - How CVP Changed my LIFE!CVP is the Creative Visionary Program hosted by Nicolas Wilton and Art2Life. It's a 12-week program (really 14 with two rest weeks worked in) that goes through 12 learning modules: Discover; Desire; Play; Value; Design; Colour - Value; Colour- Saturation; Texture; Process; Momentum; Balance; Launch.I participated in CVP in 2024 and moved from "panicked" sitting down to a blank page to "excited and curious" about what I could create that day. This is life changing for me because now I actually show up almost EVERY day to do something like painting or drawing. I think creativity is in...
2025-02-2020 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 6 - Unhelpful Thinking Styles - Don't do this!In this Episode, I discuss Unhelpful Thinking Styles that a lot of us use in every day life but really don't serve us well for living the big, bold lives we want to live. These ways of thinking develop over time from events that have happened to us or how family and friends think. Maybe you'll recognize some of the styles that you use regularly and perhaps being aware of this will help you chose a different way. When you know better you do better!If you want more support with thought work reach out or book...
2025-02-1318 minCreatively CuriousCreatively Curious TrailerWelcome to the Creatively Curious Podcast a space where creativity, life, coaching and occupational therapy intersect to inspire and empower your most authentic life.I'm your host, Ashlea Walter. I'm a certified Martha Beck, life coach artist, author and licensed occupational therapist.Each episode will explore the processes, struggles and breakthroughs that shape our personal and creative journeys.Together, we'll see how creativity could be the missing piece you've been searching for, whether you're an aspiring or seasoned creator, or someone who just loves...
2025-02-1000 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 5 - What is Occupational Therapy and Life CoachingIn this Podcast Episode I review what Occupational Therapy is and talk a little bit about where I've worked in my OT career. I also talk about what Life Coaching is and isn't and why I decided to become a Life Coach.My Website: https://www.ashleadwalter.com/lifecoachingAshlea's IG: @ashleadwalter https://www.instagram.com/ashleadwalter/Ashlea's Coloring Book on Amazon : https://www.amazon.ca/Coloring-Book-Anxiety-Relief-Mindfulness/dp/B0CGL4FZJGOccupational Therapy Links:Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists: https://caot.ca/
2025-02-0621 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 4 - RAIN Tool from Tara BrachRAIN TOOLIn this week's Episode I talk about the RAIN Tool (Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture) that Tara Brach talks about in her book Radical Compassion. I use this tool on myself as well as coaching clients to start to recognize all emotions and thoughts and not judge them. I have other tools to use on painful or unhelpful thoughts but the first step is recognizing the thoughts or emotions we are having and just allowing it all to be present with curiosity. Feel the feeling in your body without judgement and allow them to be there...
2025-01-2510 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 3 - Dreaming Tree MeditationThis is a meditation to help you get clear on what your dreams are. What would you really love to do? Does your dream or vision have a message for you? What did you see? Ashlea's Website: www.ashleadwalter.comAshlea's IG: @ashleadwalter: https://www.instagram.com/ashleadwalter/Ashlea's Coloring Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Coloring-Book-Anxiety-Relief-Mindfulness/dp/B0CGL4FZJGAshlea's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AshleaDWalter/videos
2025-01-2508 minCreatively CuriousEpisode 2 - Body Compass Tool - Tap into your Intuition and Inner WisdomThis is a tool I use with Life Coaching clients so they can be better attuned to the wisdom of their bodies. The Body Compass Tool is from Martha Beck's Wayfinder Life Coach training and serves as a guide to living a more authentic life. In short, do more things that feel good and fewer things that feel yucky. Simple yet effective. If you have questions please reach out. Ashlea's Website: www.ashleadwalter.comAshlea's IG: @ashleadwalter: https://www.instagram.com/ashleadwalter/Ashlea's Coloring Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Color...
2025-01-2521 min
Creatively CuriousEpisode 1 - Centering Meditation to Feel Calm and GroundedThis is a helpful and quick way to calm and ground yourself and to get back into your body and out of your head. Feel free to use it before meetings, nervous-nelly situations, or if you feel overwhelmed or out of sorts. You are safe and loved.Ashlea's Website: www.ashleadwalter.comAshlea's IG: @ashleadwalter: https://www.instagram.com/ashleadwalter/Ashlea's Coloring Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Coloring-Book-Anxiety-Relief-Mindfulness/dp/B0CGL4FZJGAshlea's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AshleaDWalter/videos
2025-01-2502 min