My classes reflect a lifelong obsession with creative flow — a source of energy and vitality that comes natural to children but often becomes blocked for adults. The basic premise is that once recontacted, this energy can suffuse into all aspects of our lives, creating powerful change and opening up new possibilities for healing and growth.
In recent years my offerings have branched beyond traditional arts facilitation to include experiential group workshops focused on personal growth, self-expression, and emotional exploration, with a particular focus in the area of mens work and masculine energy.
I draw upon shamanic spaces, meditation and consciousness theory, somatic and art therapy, as well as cognitive science, to create shared transformational experiences. I do not believe we need to wait until we are “fixed” to start being who we really are. My workshops are an invitation to start now.
I offer facilitating in a diverse range of setting, from private homes, and rented studios to public galleries, museums, arts collectives, and transformative retreats. I work with people of all ages, from school aged children to patients suffering from late stage dementia.
For information about other classes, or to discuss other ideas, please reach out by email at nicvandergugten@gmail.com.
Mindfulness Meditation
My interest in meditation began as an arts facilitator. Observing how the chatter of mind impeded creative flow, I wondered how I could help people access this space in other ways. In 2021, after fifteen years of practicing meditation myself, I obtained certification from Dharma Moon as a an instructor.
We live in abundant time for meditation, but such an abundance can also be distracting. I teach a stripped down and robust method that is both versatile and powerful, and welcome students looking to refocus an existing practice or embark upon a new one. Open and honest inquiry is the only requirement.
In general, mindfulness meditation teaches us to bring our attention to the present moment by watching what arises without bias or judgment. Benefits include increased clarity, strength and stability, a sense of calm spaciousness, and a loosening of unnecessary stress and anxiety. Many people also find they become less “reactive” to everyday situation, allowing them to make better choices and improve their lives.
Payment is on a sliding scale, but nobody is refused.
One on one instruction is available over zoom or in person within the Montreal area. For information regarding facilitation in a group setting, or any other inquiries, please contact nicvandergugten@gmail.com
Self Portrait Printmaking
Behind the minds activities, untouched by the troubles and challenges of our daily lives, lies the mysterious inner self. The “watcher”.
This class is both an introduction to the ancient art of relief printmaking, and a powerful encounter with the seat of self, or atman, both in ourselves and in others. This may sound daunting, but the class is super fun. The tactile processes of printmaking, which include sketching, carving, rolling ink and pulling prints, is both cathartic and meditative. The activities we cover are designed to stimulate the “social brain”, which engages our natural co-regulation protocols to provide an abiding sense of safety and wellbeing. Many past participants have reported lasting shifts in self awareness and deep feelings of accomplishment.
Participants will take home numerous framable artworks and have the option of purchasing a high quality enlargement of any print of their choosing. No prior experience with printmaking, art making or meditation is needed, in fact, a beginners mind is preferred!
For more information about where to attend a class like this, or to discuss booking Nicholas as a facilitator, please contact by email at nicvandergugten@gmail.com.
Discovering the Present Moment through Drawing
Experience flow states, train your brain for increased awareness, and dramatically increasing your ability to draw
Examine reality closely and you will find that the present moment is all that exists, but how do we actually experience this? And why should we want to?
This workshop hijacks the lens of drawing instruction to bring us into contact with the power of present moment awareness, which has the ability to enhance focus, calm our inner critic, and deliver a sense of timeless spaciousness often believed to be the realm of meditation alone. Through a series of fun, relaxing and stimulating exercises participants will advance their practical drawing skills and strengthen their connection to flow state, a skill that can have great positive benefits in all areas of life.
Surprise yourself, invigorate your brain, and take home beautiful framable artworks.
For more information about where to attend a class like this, or to discuss booking Nicholas as a facilitator, please contact by email at nicvandergugten@gmail.com.