I'm Ryan J, a recovering alcoholic/addict. Born and raised in Minnesota. Raised by both father and mother and with a younger sister. In the suburbs of the Twin Cities. My childhood was a loving, secure and supportive family. No disfunction to speak of. Supportive and given freedoms that a typical child should have. Breakfast, lunch| The Phoenix Spirit
Housed in a basement art studio in Avivo’s Minneapolis Community Support Program, we organize together as the Avivo Artworks Collective. If you ask us who we are, we would say we are artists – first and foremost. What brings us together is the goal to create community so that we can support one another. Our| The Phoenix Spirit
God having a plan for me is evidenced in reflection of the events throughout my life. As a child, I had struggles that I remember and can feel, but no longer identify with. The growth that comes with age, brain maturation, experiences and learning shape who we are at different times. I think of that| The Phoenix Spirit
Opera singer Bryan Garcia and tattoo artist SaraEmma Regalado have something rare in common. Both use their creative skills to foster self-healing in the recovery community. Coming from harsh beginnings and troubled histories of substance abuse, they are each bursting with enthusiasm as they ramp up their efforts to share the healing power and joy| The Phoenix Spirit
We feature an expert in the mental health and substance use disorder field to answer questions. This issue we talk to Robyn Alliah of River Valley Behavioral Health and Wellness Center about using art therapy in recovery and mental health. What is art therapy? Art therapy uses art media, the creative process, and the resulting| The Phoenix Spirit