Healing Your Mind, Body and Soul Through Creativity

I studied art in high school almost 50 years ago with dreams of being an “artist.” At the time, I did not know what that meant, and soon realized I was limited in my options. I put my brush away in 1974, and did not pick it up again until 2014, while witnessing my mother's last days in Alzheimer's.

Angry and afraid, and struggling with my frustrations, I began to paint again for therapy and healing. Making art to express my anxiety, love and pain worked for me, as did dancing, baking, and gardening. But mostly by painting, I can tell my stories, and create a life and world that feels ideal to me, no matter what anyone else thinks, or where they fit in – or not.

I learned that it did not matter how my artwork looked to others, because it was for me, about me, and through me. A splash of paint, a dot, or an intricate design led me deeper into my journey. I worked off frustrations and made beauty – whatever I wanted or needed I would create it.

And when my art speaks to and for others, I feel I've done my best, and my work has been done properly. Recently, I participated in a health fair at the YMCA, where I was painting live. At this event, I spoke with people about the benefits of finding your own creativity within yourself, and how therapeutic and healing it can be for you. In my case it was with depression, anxiety and grief. But, it also helps to sooth and calm some physical tension and ailments as well. Several people spoke to me about the possibility of teaching them art. I have a lot of difficulty with this, because I am a self taught folk artist. I don't use, and therefore cannot teach anyone the rules that most artists go by. I can't teach anyone what I don't know or recognize. I wing it and fly where my brush guides me. So, what I can do, however, is to show you how to express yourself from deep within, and trust yourself to follow what it is that comes from your core.

A little girl literally begged me to teach her. I told her mother I really did not think I could do so – The truth is, I don't have a lot of confidence in myself to do so. However, I told her about a summer art day camp at the Henry County Art Center that was beginning last Monday, and perhaps she could enroll her in a class. They seemed somewhat interested, and I thought no more about it.

Teaching at Summer Art Camp 2017

But, as always, there's these quirky little twists that weave in and out of my life. I was invited to give the day camp participants a tour of my exhibit that was still on display at the Art Center last Monday morning. There were quite a few excited and eager young people all ready to start their new artistic summer adventure. And, there among the crowd was my little friend. My heart leaped when I saw her, and she gave me a big hug. I was not able to teach her myself, but I guided her to a source that would … Or, so I thought …

After my presentation to the kids, I was invited to come back in a couple of days and actually teach the students a bit of what I do, and I agreed. What an experience THAT was! I learned so much from those kids in a few short hours, it was mind boggling. I'm not sure what they learned from me, but it was a terrific opportunity for me. It has actually also changed my mind (a bit) about teaching. So, the truth is, I am thinking about it.

Dancing at a Wedding in 2012

Creativity comes from a wide array of sources. If you don't want to paint or draw, consider writing a letter, a poem, or even create a recipe. Sing to yourself – in or out of the shower – dance with yourself in the kitchen at night, and write short stories – whether you share them or not.

CREATE SOMETHING EVERY DAY – Feed your soul and heal your heart and mind. You'll feel better for it in time, and so will others.

Published in The Courier-Times, June 2017