Seasons Of Being

Seasons of Being: Creating a Nature Mosaic/Collage with Model Magic

Purpose & Goals

  • Therapeutic Aim: Support patients in gently connecting with the natural world as a source of calm, reflection, and acceptance.

  • Emotional Goals: Promote sensory mindfulness, inner peace, connection to life cycles, and identity as part of nature.

Theoretical Rationale

  • Rooted in eco-art therapy and mindfulness-based art therapy, this intervention fosters connection, sensory grounding, and a contemplative process that mirrors nature’s rhythms.

  • Observing and shaping nature-based materials can help patients reflect on impermanence, beauty, and continuity—core concepts for those nearing end of life.

Target Population

Hospice patients at various stages of energy and cognition. Adaptable for bed-side and individuals with low motor control. Also, adaptable for families, children, couples, caregivers, or individuals with special needs.

Materials

  • Model Magic (white or neutral colors are best)

  • A tray or mat for working surface

  • Natural items (gathered beforehand): dried or fresh leaves, flower petals, grasses, shells, pebbles, bark, etc.

  • Optional: essential oils (lavender, eucalyptus), grounding stone, calming music

  • Optional: card or paper backing to keep finished piece or write a message

Art-Making

a. Introduction

  • “Nature has its own rhythm—seasons that change, leaves that fall, flowers that bloom. We’re going to explore how we are part of that same natural cycle.”

  • Invite the patient to simply observe the natural items—colors, shapes, scents, and textures.

b. Mindful Observation

  • Encourage using the senses: “What do you notice about this leaf?”

  • Invite touch: “Feel the textures. Is it smooth, rough, soft, dry?”

  • Breathe slowly together for a moment.

c. Model Magic Shaping

  • Gently guide the patient in molding the Model Magic into any base shape: a circle, heart, spiral, or freeform.

  • Offer assistance if needed. The action of kneading and shaping is a grounding sensory experience.

d. Creating the Mosaic/Collage

  • Patient can press leaves, petals, shells, etc. into the surface of the clay.

  • Encourage arrangement by color, texture, memory, or intuition. There is no “wrong” way.

  • Optional: write or dictate a word or phrase into the piece (e.g., “peace,” “home,” or a loved one’s name).

Prompts for Gentle Exploration

  • “What season do you feel most connected to right now?”

  • “If you were a part of nature today, what would you be?”

  • “What feels grounding to you?”

Emotional Safety & Adaptation

  • Respect all levels of engagement: touching, watching, choosing, or creating are all valid forms of participation.

  • Grounding: use gentle breath cues, touch stones, soft textures.

  • Normalize all feelings: “There’s no right or wrong way to feel while doing this.”

Expected Therapeutic Outcomes

  • Encourages present-moment awareness and sensorial calm.

  • Reinforces connection to the earth, impermanence, and natural rhythms.

  • Supports emotional expression and nonverbal communication.

  • Leaves the patient with a symbolic, tactile artifact that can remain bedside or be gifted.

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