Cultivating safety, connection, and emotional regulation: Insights from the intersection of art, education, and research
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Narelle Lemon: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1396-5488
Christina Gray: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8464-1961
Jason Goopy: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8766-1458
Abstract
In this chapter, we are three making academics working across arts and wellbeing, becoming aware of and responding to the contexts and systems we navigate between and within, as we embody our roles as artists, educators, and researchers. Drawing upon our diverse experiences, we utilise ourselves as the research site to interrogate the challenges and opportunities that arise when prioritising wellbeing in the context of our creative practices, teaching responsibilities, and research pursuits. Employing a relational self-care lens, we analyse our experiences to identify key principles contributing to our ability to cultivate safety, connection, and emotional regulation. Through practices such as self-compassion, setting boundaries, and integrating self-care into daily life, we build stamina and capacity to hold space for self and others while fostering trust in our communities. Our experiences underscore the importance of developing supportive practices and environments that prioritise the wellbeing of artists, educators, and researchers working across disciplines of arts and wellbeing.
Document Type
Book Chapter
Date of Publication
10-17-2025
Publication Title
Making Academic Perspectives on Expressive Practice and Wellbeing in Higher Education
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
School
School of Education
RAS ID
82081
Copyright
subscription content
First Page
238
Last Page
246
Comments
Lemon, N., Gray, C., & Goopy, J. (2025). Cultivating safety, connection, and emotional regulation: Insights from the intersection of art, education, and research. In Making Academic: Perspectives on Expressive Practice and Wellbeing in Higher Education (pp. 238–246). Taylor & Francis. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003592556-36