The Modern Creative Woman

131. Creativity and Context

Ask me a question or let me know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2199359/open_sms] "Creativity itself doesn't care about results. The only thing it craves is the process. Learn to love the process and let whatever happens happen next without fussing too much about it. Work like a monk or a mule or some other representative metaphor for diligence. Love the work. Destiny will do what it wants with you regardless." - Elizabeth Gilbert  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/support] Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community https://moderncreativewoman.com [https://arttherapycentersf.com/] Free Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/ [https://mcusercontent.com/53c5579a5feca0090377003c7/files/b4f5b916-6160-01d5-e760-40b1327eac06/Modern_Creative_Woman_Manifesta.pdf] Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/ [https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/]

130. The Product Matters Less Than You Think

Ask me a question or let me know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2199359/open_sms]  “You should never let your fears prevent you from doing what you know is right.” - Aung San Suu Kyi In this episode, Dr. Amy Backos invites you to rethink your relationship with creativity, success, and even everyday life. Amy explores how our attachment to outcomes—whether in art, parenting, or personal growth—can limit our sense of fulfillment and agency. Through stories from her own art practice, her time as a student in art critiques, and her love of knitting, she illustrates the deep satisfaction that comes from being immersed in the process itself. Drawing from Art Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), she connects creativity to values-based living, showing how to align your daily actions with what truly matters—no matter the final product. This episode is an invitation to slow down, stay present, and rediscover the joy of becoming—one brushstroke, one choice, one act of courage at a time. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/support] Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community https://moderncreativewoman.com [https://arttherapycentersf.com/] Free Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/ [https://mcusercontent.com/53c5579a5feca0090377003c7/files/b4f5b916-6160-01d5-e760-40b1327eac06/Modern_Creative_Woman_Manifesta.pdf] Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/ [https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/]

129. Why Compassion Is the Hardest (and Most Powerful) Thing You Can Do

Ask me a question or let me know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2199359/open_sms] “Extending yourself in compassion to another human being changes the nature of your relationship. The acknowledgment of one human being to another is what bonds, strengthens, and expands the human connection.” — Oprah Winfrey Empathy is one of the most beautiful, natural instincts we have as human beings — and one of the most misunderstood. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/support] Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community https://moderncreativewoman.com [https://arttherapycentersf.com/] Free Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/ [https://mcusercontent.com/53c5579a5feca0090377003c7/files/b4f5b916-6160-01d5-e760-40b1327eac06/Modern_Creative_Woman_Manifesta.pdf] Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/ [https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/]

128. Curating Your Psychological Environment: The Art of Inner and Outer Harmony

Ask me a question or let me know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2199359/open_sms] “The environment is where we all meet. Where all of us have a mutual interest. It is the one thing all of us share.” - Lady Bird Johnson  In this episode, Dr. Amy Backos, psychologist and art therapist, explores the powerful relationship between your environment and your psychological well-being. Drawing from behavioral science, art therapy, and design psychology, Amy unpacks how your physical, social, media, and internal environments influence your emotions, focus, and creativity.  You’ll learn six practical ways to shape your surroundings—from decluttering and reading habits to social boundaries and sensory design—to create spaces that truly support your mental health. Discover how small aesthetic shifts can bring you greater ease, clarity, and joy—and why your environment may be the missing piece in your creative and emotional balance. Listen to episode 127 here. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/episodes/18013327-127-your-body-knows-the-science-of-embodied-cognition] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/support] Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community https://moderncreativewoman.com [https://arttherapycentersf.com/] Free Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/ [https://mcusercontent.com/53c5579a5feca0090377003c7/files/b4f5b916-6160-01d5-e760-40b1327eac06/Modern_Creative_Woman_Manifesta.pdf] Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/ [https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/]

127. Your Body Knows: The Science of Embodied Cognition

Ask me a question or let me know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2199359/open_sms] The body remembers the bones. Remember the joints. Remember even the little finger remembers. Memory is lodged in pictures and feelings in cells themselves."        -Clarissa Pinkola, Estes Episode Summary: In this episode, Dr. Amy Backos explores embodied cognition — the scientific and soulful understanding that our bodies think, remember, and know in ways beyond words. From the comforting scent of freshly baked bread to the gestures we make when we talk, Amy reveals how our physical experiences shape emotion, memory, creativity, and healing. Drawing from psychology and art therapy, she explains the four main tenets of embodied cognition, the science behind mirror neurons, and even the fascinating concept of “enclothed cognition” — how what we wear influences our mental state. Through personal stories and practical examples, you’ll learn how to deepen your awareness, enhance your creativity, and connect more fully with the wisdom already living in your body. Key Themes: * The science and psychology behind embodied cognition * How sensory memories (like scent and touch) shape emotion * Mirror neurons and the art of “action understanding” * How your posture, gestures, and clothing influence your mindset * Using embodied awareness in art, therapy, and daily life Takeaway: Your body is a source of intelligence, insight, and creativity. By tuning in to your sensory experiences and movements, you can access new ways of knowing — and a deeper connection to yourself. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/support] Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community https://moderncreativewoman.com [https://arttherapycentersf.com/] Free Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/ [https://mcusercontent.com/53c5579a5feca0090377003c7/files/b4f5b916-6160-01d5-e760-40b1327eac06/Modern_Creative_Woman_Manifesta.pdf] Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/ [https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/]