Annette Thomas, who is based in Wrexham, North Wales but offers services globally online, has recently established CreativelyReflect to help individuals and communities thrive through creative and mindful tools that foster self-reflection, and connection. She offers mindful photography workshops, life coaching, and reflective writing workshops designed to help individuals and communities see the world and themselves in new, insightful ways.
Her participants include individuals and communities seeking growth and connection through creative and mindful practices. This can encompass people interested in personal development and self-reflection; communities looking to enhance their well-being and interpersonal connections; individuals seeking creative outlets for expression and growth; and groups or organisations focused on mindfulness and holistic wellness.
Annette has engaged in mindfulness personally for over ten years. As part of her Cognitive Behavioural Therapy training, she has integrated mindfulness into her work with young people. She has also completed her practitioner training for Working with Mindful Photography with ‘Look Again’*, who were recent winners of the Innovations in Mindfulness Awards (2024) at the Manchester Mindfulness Festival. This is an evidence-based mindful photography training to help practitioners around the world improve the mental health, wellbeing and resilience of their clients and the communities they serve.
CreativelyReflect Mindful Photography is a practice that combines mindfulness and photography to foster self-reflection, personal growth, and deeper connection with the world. This approach encourages participants to:
- Slow Down and Observe: Mindful photography involves being fully present in the moment, paying close attention to the surroundings, and noticing details that might otherwise be overlooked.
- Engage Creatively: It promotes using photography as a creative outlet to express thoughts, emotions, and perspectives, encouraging participants to see the world through a new lens.
- Reflect Inwardly: By capturing images mindfully, individuals can engage in self-reflection, exploring their inner thoughts and feelings, and gaining insights into their personal experiences.
- Enhance Well-being: This practice can reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and enhance overall well-being by fostering a sense of calm and mindfulness.
- Build Connections: It can also be a communal activity, helping to build connections with others through shared experiences and collective creativity.
Overall, CreativelyReflect Mindful Photography is a holistic practice that merges the artistic and meditative aspects of photography to promote a balanced and reflective way of living.
In August 2024 Annette facilitated a 10-week programme in partnership with Your True Path to Wellness CIC**. This work helped nurture mindful communities in several ways:
- Promoting awareness and presence, by helping individuals become more aware and present in their daily lives.
- Facilitating self-reflection, through creative tools and mindful exercises.
- Building connections, by creating opportunities for shared experiences and collaborative activities.
- Encouraging creativity and expression of thoughts and emotions, by providing creative outlets, such as photography.
- Providing tools for growth, that individuals could use to continue their mindfulness journey.
Comments from participants who attended this course include:
‘I am definitely noticing things more in the everyday.’
‘I have had fun, grown and learned a lot.’
‘There is nothing I didn’t like. I wasn’t sure what to expect for this course. It was fantastic. Not only did it help me slow down and really look around my home…like I have never looked or seen it before… it was fun, informative, and a time to just be… love it! I thought it was great how Annette brought in a breathing exercise to help us to be present and connect us to being in the present moment.’
The hopes for the future of CreativelyReflect include:
- Growing the community to reach a wider audience, helping more individuals and groups benefit from mindful photography and creative reflection practices.
- Developing a variety of programmes, retreats, and resources that cater to a diverse range of people, ensuring that more people can engage with and benefit from these practices.
- Partnering with other organisations, and community groups to integrate mindful photography and creativity into broader wellness programmes.
Annette’s work is currently focused on building partnerships with charities that are dedicated to empowering communities that have often been overlooked or misunderstood in society.
For more information see:
Email: info@creativelyreflect.com
Website: www.creativelyreflect.com
Facebook: CreativelyReflect
Instagram: CreativelyReflect
LinkedIn: CreativelyReflect
*Look Again Mindful Photography for Mental Health Wellbeing and Resilience