Sometimes a simple doodle can do more than pass the time. It can shift your mood, clear your head, and even change the way you see yourself. That’s what Anna Denning has discovered in her work, and she’s made it her mission to show that art can be a real tool for transformation. Anna is an artist, a transformational art coach, and the founder of Neuro Art School. She co-created the AM Method with Colette Baron-Reid, which is featured in their book The Art of Manifestation. 

Anna is an artist, a transformational art coach, and the founder of Neuro Art School. She also teaches Neurographica and what she calls her own Neuro Arts practice. It’s all about simple lines and shapes and the act of drawing with intention that can change the way the brain responds, shift old patterns, and open people up to new ways of seeing things. Anna shares how her childhood played a big role in this path. Her mom was a psychiatrist who encouraged her to use drawing as a way to process emotions, and that early experience planted the seed for the work she does now. 

We get into the science of why it works, and stories of students who’ve had real breakthroughs. Sometimes it’s as basic as easing stress or quieting that inner critic. Other times it’s much bigger like unexpected opportunities showing up after a single session. She reminds us that you don’t need to be an artist. Creativity belongs to all of us, and when we give ourselves permission to just play a little, it can shift things in ways we don’t expect.

Episode Highlights: 

• [01:32] The creation of the AM Method and its feature in The Art of Manifestation.
• [02:00] Anna describes how drawing with intention can rewire the brain and shift frequency.
• [03:14] We learn about her childhood experiences with her psychiatrist mother using art for emotional expression.
• [06:16] Anna recalls her early understanding that art could transform feelings and perceptions.
• [07:03] She introduces the idea of drawing as a conversation with the universe.
• [10:39] We talk about the neuroscience behind intentional drawing and how it engages multiple brain regions.
• [12:05] She explains neuroplasticity and how doodling interrupts negative thought loops.
• [14:26] Anna highlights the difference between random doodling and structured practices like Neurographica and the AM Method.
• [17:53] Reflections on the transformations she has seen in students using intentional art.
• [19:46] Anna describes how she helps people quiet their inner critic and move into flow.
• [21:45] She talks about the collective energy and impact of her Thursday live drawing classes.
• [24:49] The power of spirals as sacred shapes for transformation.
• [26:43] She shares how to start small with intentional art and build a practice.
• [27:52] Anna discusses maintaining her own creativity while guiding others through transformation.
• [31:28] She emphasizes why giving ourselves permission to play is essential for creative expression.
• [33:47] Her vision for a more compassionate world through intentional art.
• [35:47] She reflects on the power of a single drawing to change perspective and relieve stress.
• [37:19] In the lightning round we discover books, daily practices, and gratitude as tools for grounding.
• [42:28] We talk about celebrating milestones and introducing new courses, including trainer programs for the AM Method.
• [44:42] Reflections on creativity as a birthright and an invitation to explore further.

Resources & Links: 

• Seekers Field Guide
• Seekers Field Guide Community
• Anna Denning
• Anna Denning - Instagram
• Anna Denning - YouTube
• Neuro Art School
• Neuroarts Resource Center - Anna Denning
• The Art of Manifesting: A Meditative Drawing Practice to Rewire Your Brain and Create Your Reality