Sam's Experience
As a woman in early recovery my life lately has been all about just that, recovery. Cath Adams gave me a day where I could distract my mind, body, and spirit with a Healing Touch Energy Healing followed by an Awareness Photography session. It was a much needed break from the stress of life.
Healing Touch with Patty Grace, CHTP got me out of my head, somewhere I tend to spend a lot of time. It helped me relax from my conscious mind to the subconscious. My experience was similar to a dream, almost asleep but not quite. I was able to come to a very deep state of relaxation and totally escape from reality. I walked into the appointment in Patty’s private studio stressed and anxious; I came out relaxed and grounded. I have ongoing back and knee pain and after the session my pain was amazingly dissolved. After the first session I plan on continuing my healing touch journey with Patty on a regular basis. Awareness/Reflective Photography with professional photographer Cath after Healing Touch is a memory. I'll forever cherish. After the Healing Touch session I was able to enter the awareness of Photography with a great sense of peace and relaxation, making the process seamless. One on one time with Cath is invaluable. She let me use a camera and gave me freedom to shoot whatever I felt; with tips and tricks along the way. Cath even brought out her pinhole camera for us to play with, taught me how to use it and everything it can bring to life without a viewfinder and instant results (pinhole is captured with film and a few weeks to see your results). Viewing my digital images brought the whole thing together for me; I'm so proud of the photos I took. Cath also took some photos of me and she was able to capture the sense of self peace in me in a way that was beautiful. A sense of peace that I think only could have been captured after a Healing Touch session. The day as a whole was such an enlightening experience. I walked away feeling joy, light, and love; things that can be hard to find in recovery. The passion that Cath has for the day and the love she shows genuinely shines through the photographs, and conversations. I would highly recommend a Healing Touch/Awareness Photography day with Cath and Patty for anybody who has any stress in their life, which I believe is everybody. Light, Love, and Peace. |
|
Nancy's Experience
Energy work, healing touch, awareness, and reflective photography work were all new to me. I had no idea what to expect. I first met with Patty Grace, Healing Touch Certified Therapist. She explained how energy works through the body and chakra. The session commenced, and as I began to relax as Patty started with a light touch, then, throughout the session, I floated in deep relaxation. As my mind began to wander, I would consciously bring myself back to feel the body's changes. Feeling my heart beating in my chest and being present with my self, I noticed my hands shift from cold to the comfort of warmth. When the session was nearing completion, I felt my arthritis's pain from my hands vastly improved. Patty spoke with me in her loving, compassionate manner about my throat chakra and how this aids in communication. Mine is blocked, and I struggle with sharing my truth. Patty gave me exercises that promote keeping this chakra open.I look forward to expanding my knowledge around energy work to lead me to a healthier life filled with gratitude. My body relaxed, and mind open, I ventured out to the universe through a camera lens. Cath Adams, Professional Photographer Instructor of Awareness/Reflective photography adventures, Certified Peer Support Specialist, guided me to see beyond the obvious through the many layers of meaning. When Cath took me to the train station, I felt a profound connection as I never shared with Cath the meaning trains held in my life. Instead, I kept silent in sharing my story at the present moment, and my mind open and vision in capturing all the elements that make up the train station. Cath created this awareness to focus on capturing images that were a small portion that make up the station that we tend to overlook; the track, feet on the steps leading into the train, signage, pins the conductors wore. It was eye-opening as naturally; I tend to capture the entire setting and miss the details when I take pictures. After our photography session, I shared with Cath my life experiences and meaning behind trains. She was in awe and felt an even deeper connection as I told her my story. My phone is set to a train whistle, walls decorated with pictures of trains. The meaning reflects upon my lived experience the year I lost my license due to my second DUI, and trains were my transportation mode to travel the state for my career. In my recovery, I was able to capture trains and the station in a whole new perspective by taking off the many layers and finding the train station's details as I am now finding my beauty in recovery. It is not a coincidence Cath took me to the train station as it presented itself with a powerful reminder as I have been there before and promised myself I would never drink again. Patty opened my mind to new ways of experiencing my body and the energy within, impacting my physical health and how I show up. Cath helped me expand my view of the world and challenged me to look at the parts which make up the whole.I recommend this type of holistic healing for anyone in recovery.
|
|
Arin Trook - ACES Education Director
"While we often lament about modern technology's process of separating our children from the natural world, Cath's brilliance in channeling the inherent interest in the mechanics of the traditional cameras (digital and film) and even jumping back to the roots of photography with the exploration of the pin-hole cameras into a positive and productive way to engage with local ecology. Her work also provides young adults with positive, creative activity in the outdoor world (nature photography) as an alternative to other less-healthy activity choices." - Arin Trook
12 yo who recently lost her older brother
"My experiences with the camera these last few days were exciting because I didn’t know how to use the camera. When I took the pictures I felt pleased with my results because not only can I see things in another perspective, but I can also look beyond point of view.”
Allison Daily - Pathfinders Executive Director
“Pathfinders and Aperture of Hope collaborate by providing children and adults with creative and meaningful ways to express their grief in the outdoors. Cath takes them into the mountains or valley with either a pinhole and/or digital camera and they begin to see nature in a new way. In this process what we have witnessed is their ability to not only connect to nature but also connect to their grief, deep inner feelings and to express it without words, but rather in the way nature shows itself to them. Grief, especially in a child can be tough to unravel and find an avenue of expression, so this creative way to find meaning in our beautiful valley is especially important. In a world of cell phones and video games, getting someone who is hurting and locked up to find a new way to appreciate where we live and to allow this environment to help unravel some of their inner feelings is a true gift”
Teen - In Recovery
"When I was in grade school, I was part of Cath's photography classes. She helped me see things in new and different ways. In high school I made some bad choices in experimenting with drugs and checked into a treatment center. During my treatment, I picked up my camera again and continued the skills Cath gave me. I am now clean from substance and photography is an important creative element to my recovery. Cath continues to show me the endless opportunities photography has to offer in my own personal growth, health, mind and spirit."
Anonymous age 17
16 yo - High School Student
"This photo workshop made me realize a talent I never thought I had. It made me feel better about myself for the first time in a long time. I made three new friends."
Summer Pine - Owner of Pinwill’s Frozen Yogurt
“My husband and I own Pinwill’s Frozen Yogurt in Glenwood Springs and have had the great privilege of watching and getting to know Catherine since we opened last summer as she brings her workshops in for a treat and recently their impressive work has been displayed on our walls—bringing so much life, love and wonder to our shop. Catherine exudes passion and desire to make a difference as she shares her love of nature and with the youth in our valley. It’s truly heartwarming to know that there is a program available to help the growing number of youth in need and even more admirable to know that they are being guided to adore and respect the natural beauty of our world, a vital tool in helping them navigate through their difficult journeys. We’ve also been lucky to meet some of kids in Catherine’s workshops. Seeing their faces light up with pride as their work is displayed on our walls has been an experience that has filled us with so much joy. Their work is stunning and the wonder of natural beauty that is all around us pulsates from the ir canvases, having a lasting positive impact on everyone that sees them. It is clear that after participating in a workshop with Aperture of Hope, these kids take with them this adoration and respect for nature, which, in turn, leads to a desire to protect this natural world as we groom our next generation of environmental stewards.”
Teen whose parent is diagnosed stage 4 cancer
"I really enjoyed going out and re-immersing myself in something I have always had a passion for, but have lost touch with more recently. It was amazing how nice it felt to just go out with a camera and capture the beauty we were seeing. Through this experience, I am reminded to find time for the things that I love to do, like photography, because it can be therapeutic and good for the soul. Cath was there with me the whole time, and she was a huge part of this process of reintroducing photography into my life, and for that I am thankful.”
Mother of a teenager who is struggling with substance use disorder
“My son emerging from some struggles and a rather dark place seeing the world from something as tiny as a pinhole and having that present an enormous world that is instead filled with optimism and hope was nothing short of miraculous. What an amazing opportunity. So grateful”
James Garland - LPS Mental Health Therapist
“I support photography workshops offered by Catherine Adams, as a way to work with children and adolescents who may be struggling with mental health issues. This program offers students a tool and hobby that can help improve their current mental health symptoms, and improve their quality of life.I have known and worked with Catherine over the last two years through my role as the mental health therapist at Glenwood Springs High School. When Catherine first began the program, she reached out to me inquiring if there were any students I felt who could benefit from this program. She was able to work with several students, who did not know one another prior, but ended up becoming close friends and creating a strong sense of belonging for each of them. I believe this is a valuable and worthy program to offer our children and teens as an outlet to disconnect from their phones and social media, an opportunity to create new friendships, and another tool to have in the “inbox” for managing their mental health.”
"While we often lament about modern technology's process of separating our children from the natural world, Cath's brilliance in channeling the inherent interest in the mechanics of the traditional cameras (digital and film) and even jumping back to the roots of photography with the exploration of the pin-hole cameras into a positive and productive way to engage with local ecology. Her work also provides young adults with positive, creative activity in the outdoor world (nature photography) as an alternative to other less-healthy activity choices." - Arin Trook
12 yo who recently lost her older brother
"My experiences with the camera these last few days were exciting because I didn’t know how to use the camera. When I took the pictures I felt pleased with my results because not only can I see things in another perspective, but I can also look beyond point of view.”
Allison Daily - Pathfinders Executive Director
“Pathfinders and Aperture of Hope collaborate by providing children and adults with creative and meaningful ways to express their grief in the outdoors. Cath takes them into the mountains or valley with either a pinhole and/or digital camera and they begin to see nature in a new way. In this process what we have witnessed is their ability to not only connect to nature but also connect to their grief, deep inner feelings and to express it without words, but rather in the way nature shows itself to them. Grief, especially in a child can be tough to unravel and find an avenue of expression, so this creative way to find meaning in our beautiful valley is especially important. In a world of cell phones and video games, getting someone who is hurting and locked up to find a new way to appreciate where we live and to allow this environment to help unravel some of their inner feelings is a true gift”
Teen - In Recovery
"When I was in grade school, I was part of Cath's photography classes. She helped me see things in new and different ways. In high school I made some bad choices in experimenting with drugs and checked into a treatment center. During my treatment, I picked up my camera again and continued the skills Cath gave me. I am now clean from substance and photography is an important creative element to my recovery. Cath continues to show me the endless opportunities photography has to offer in my own personal growth, health, mind and spirit."
Anonymous age 17
16 yo - High School Student
"This photo workshop made me realize a talent I never thought I had. It made me feel better about myself for the first time in a long time. I made three new friends."
Summer Pine - Owner of Pinwill’s Frozen Yogurt
“My husband and I own Pinwill’s Frozen Yogurt in Glenwood Springs and have had the great privilege of watching and getting to know Catherine since we opened last summer as she brings her workshops in for a treat and recently their impressive work has been displayed on our walls—bringing so much life, love and wonder to our shop. Catherine exudes passion and desire to make a difference as she shares her love of nature and with the youth in our valley. It’s truly heartwarming to know that there is a program available to help the growing number of youth in need and even more admirable to know that they are being guided to adore and respect the natural beauty of our world, a vital tool in helping them navigate through their difficult journeys. We’ve also been lucky to meet some of kids in Catherine’s workshops. Seeing their faces light up with pride as their work is displayed on our walls has been an experience that has filled us with so much joy. Their work is stunning and the wonder of natural beauty that is all around us pulsates from the ir canvases, having a lasting positive impact on everyone that sees them. It is clear that after participating in a workshop with Aperture of Hope, these kids take with them this adoration and respect for nature, which, in turn, leads to a desire to protect this natural world as we groom our next generation of environmental stewards.”
Teen whose parent is diagnosed stage 4 cancer
"I really enjoyed going out and re-immersing myself in something I have always had a passion for, but have lost touch with more recently. It was amazing how nice it felt to just go out with a camera and capture the beauty we were seeing. Through this experience, I am reminded to find time for the things that I love to do, like photography, because it can be therapeutic and good for the soul. Cath was there with me the whole time, and she was a huge part of this process of reintroducing photography into my life, and for that I am thankful.”
Mother of a teenager who is struggling with substance use disorder
“My son emerging from some struggles and a rather dark place seeing the world from something as tiny as a pinhole and having that present an enormous world that is instead filled with optimism and hope was nothing short of miraculous. What an amazing opportunity. So grateful”
James Garland - LPS Mental Health Therapist
“I support photography workshops offered by Catherine Adams, as a way to work with children and adolescents who may be struggling with mental health issues. This program offers students a tool and hobby that can help improve their current mental health symptoms, and improve their quality of life.I have known and worked with Catherine over the last two years through my role as the mental health therapist at Glenwood Springs High School. When Catherine first began the program, she reached out to me inquiring if there were any students I felt who could benefit from this program. She was able to work with several students, who did not know one another prior, but ended up becoming close friends and creating a strong sense of belonging for each of them. I believe this is a valuable and worthy program to offer our children and teens as an outlet to disconnect from their phones and social media, an opportunity to create new friendships, and another tool to have in the “inbox” for managing their mental health.”