So often we go through our week with our tasks in the forefront of our mind. Work, responsibilities, obligations, moving us on day in and day out.

We neglect to tap into the deeper parts of our souls and connect with the things that make us feel alive.

I’m talking about the ‘alive’ that gets you out of bed in the morning or keeps you up late at night, totally engaged with a creative spark and expectation that drives you to create and express the deep things in your heart and soul, often those things that can’t be expressed verbally.

When you’re expressing the creative nature within yourself, the self-absorbed creative part that is stress free, obligation free and totally free to be in the moment; you become more alive.

For some this is expressed in creative writing and the words flow, for artists this is expressed with the visual where you bring to life the blank paper, space or canvas.

When your living in this moment of being totally engaged and free, with complete abandonment, enjoyment or purpose in your artwork; you have become more alive.

Creating has long term benefits, more than meets the eye. There is a connection between art and healing. A study conducted for the arts interventions conducted here shows that participation in activities in a spectrum from clinical arts is beneficial and an effective way of using engagement in the arts to promote holistic approaches with health benefits.

Beyond soothing anxiety, the arts can also benefit those affected by dementia. If you aren’t aware of it, a film titled “I Remember Better When I Paint” focuses on Alzheimer’s patients, and their progress as they are introduced to the world of creative arts. This film brings to light the profound impact creative arts can have on those who seem otherwise disconnected from the world.

Creative expression can be life changing. Through expressing your creative nature with art you can transcend the daily stresses, depression, loneliness and other life depleting feelings and you can experience more peace, confidence and pure enjoyment in being in the creative zone, fully alive and engaged.

As Sherwood Anderson an American novelist said in a letter to his son Posterity: Letters of Great Americans to Their Children.

“The thing of course is to make yourself alive. Most people remain all of their lives in a stupor.” And “The object of art is not to make salable pictures. It is to save yourself.”

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Other perceptive quotes he wrote include “The thing of course is to make yourself alive. Most people remain all of their lives in a stupor.” And “The object of art is not to make salable pictures. It is to save yourself.”

Very acute and deep and what does this mean and does it apply to today?

Being an artist, musician, writer, dancer, any of the expressive gifts are a visible reflection of deep thoughts, feelings, desires, beliefs and they are a gift.

Everyone, I believe, has something inside themselves that can be expressed through a healthy creative outlet. Your own personal treasure is to discover your creative gift and nurture it.

Making Art Helps Heal the Soul

So why take the time to tap into your inner creative person? The transformation effects are not entirely rational. However studies have shown that individuals take their obsession, grief, pain and hope and try to turn it into something. This ‘making’ may not result in a cure but it is ultimately healing.

The arts reduce stress. And the more in touch a person becomes through creative expression the more wholeness they experience. Strange as it may seem, it’s true.

This inspirational video, “Can Art Be Medicine” from the Foundation For Art & Healing, explores the topic of the arts and wholeness.

The arts have always had a place in cultures around the world and is an ‘unofficial’ form of medicine. Creative expression has an undeniable power and quite possibly can improve our health. Creative engagement brings us into the moment and puts us in touch with who we are, it helps us get unstuck and it helps us move forward. Art can bridge the gap between the conscious and the unconscious mind.

Incredibly, art therapy can help Dementia patients not only find an inner peace but can also stimulate locked away and forgotten memories. I remember better when I paint is a moving video that follows one story of an elderly man who when asked to draw Honolulu, drew a warship with “Destroyer” on its bow. He was drawing a very clear memory he had from his days serving our country. A memory that painting had unlocked. Other amazing stories and studies are also shown on this video below.

Live More Aware and Express Yourself!

So what is the point of being an artist or finding the artist within yourself? The point is to live – live more aware, express yourself, nurture your spirit through the things you make! Creativity and expression can be a powerful gift in your life.

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Does this statement or thought hold you back?

“When I am good enough I will…”

• Do more artwork
• Show my artwork to other’s
• Participate in an art show
• Send my artwork to a contest
• Go to art school

Self-doubt is one of the dark places for artists. The inner critic takes over and tells you “who do you think you are?”. “Look at your work compared to THEIR work, they are better, stop now”, “insert your critical comment here”.

It may never feel like the right time to jump in 100% and be vulnerable. You have to take the risk, stop listening to your inner critic and give yourself permission to go new places with your art, even if you don’t feel ready. I don’t think any creative person ever feels truly ready to step out and be seen.

Stepping out can feel so vulnerable when art is so personal.

Will you give me permission? As a child did you show your work to a parent or peer and look for validation? “You’re a good artist”, “Wow, you’re talented”, “You should become an artist.”

It’s time to stop asking for permission. Give yourself permission and you will be empowered.

Beyond Judgement. As you let go of self doubt, comparisons and approval seeking, you can move beyond the feelings of judgement. Self-judgement, self-doubt and the fear of not being good enough are deep pits that keep creativity stifled.

The What Ifs. But what if no one likes my work? What if they judge me? What if they gossip? What if I’m rejected?

We need to face the worry head on. Stop focusing on the fear and focus the process of doing the work and the self-discovery it brings.

If you’re doing what truly makes you happy the reward will be so much more than the fear of what if.

What if you go to new places as an artist and new doors open to adventures you’ve never dreamed of? It’s all worth it.

Can anything be sadder than work left unfinished?
Yes; work never begun.
–Christina Rossetti

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Sometimes it’s the expectation and pressure we put on ourselves to ‘make’ something great right then and there and other times it’s perhaps a season. Inspiration isn’t found, the creative energy is lost.

How do you get rid of the artist block? Here are a few tips that may help:

1. Work on one idea at a time. When artists are flooded with ideas it becomes difficult to focus and complete a project. As an artist you have lots of ideas and visuals floating around in your imagination. Write them all down… and then commit to ONE. Start it and see it through.

2. Get outside of your schedule. To be inspired you need fresh inspiration. Take the needed time to explore the things you enjoy. More importantly as you explore don’t put pressure on yourself to ‘come up with an idea”. Just be in the moment. However, do carry a sketch book if inspiration strikes!

3. Take care of yourself! Seems basic, however it’s easy to neglect your body, emotional and spiritual needs. Take time to exercise. Take a nap, yes, hard to let it all go when your deep in a project however a cat nap can really help energize your creative flow.

4. Let of of fear. Most artists are perfectionists and are their own worst critic. The “what if” scenario can play over and over in your mind when you feel insecure about your work. The root is fear. Let it go. Do your best to make the art that is relevant to you and stand behind it. Others will too.

What do you do when you have artist block?

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Who would have ever thought that something so fun, engaging – and sometimes challenging – could be so healing in so many ways?

Kids are great at expressing their feelings through art, but adults seem to lose that avenue of expression as adults. Here are a few ways that painting, sketching, and other forms of art can benefit both body and mind:

When you are stressed or anxious, art can provide a distraction, taking your mind at least temporarily off of the things that are making you feel stressed. This means a clearer mind later, so that you are ready to face the things that are making you stressed. For many artists, complete submersion in their work offers the benefits of meditation.

Calm the Brain

Children and adults with ADHD or autism have said that art therapy helps to ‘calm the brain.’ This is amazing considering that many with these conditions are easily distracted, impulsive, and often have problems with anxiety. Because children with various learning disabilities often suffer from low self-esteem as well, art in its various forms can instill confidence, improve behavior, and help with emotional problems. Completing a painting or drawing does a lot of things at once, including decreasing impulsive behavior, increasing levels of serotonin in the brain, and promoting focus.

Art is a Healthy Outlet

For physical or emotional pain or even tragedy, art works miracles. Painting or drawing is considered a sort of refuge and salvation for some, who find that expressing their sadness, grief, or other emotional feelings through art can offer great relief. Creating a work of art can even produce an emotional high, without resorting to medications or dangerous drugs. Art is a great outlet for releasing pain and feelings of depression, helping the artist feel good about him or herself. The word ‘tranquil’ is perfect for describing how many artists feel when plunging themselves into their work. Sometimes, taking your mind to a different place takes it off of physical pain or emotional suffering.

The De-Stressing Power of Art

Studies actually show that 45 minutes of creative activity lessens stress and Cortisol in the body, and this is regardless of artistic experience or talent! Results of the benefit of art therapy were published in the Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, titled “Reduction of Cortisol Levels and Participants’ Responses Following Art Making. Cortisol is a hormone your body releases when you’re under stress.

Whether art is a passion or simply a hobby, it can offer the artist a feeling of a more balanced life. Art is a form of self care, so take care of yourself – and hopefully enjoy something beautiful that you have the satisfaction of knowing you created yourself when it’s all done.

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Ask any artist the benefits they find in creating art; painting, drawing, sketching, pottery and other art forms and you may hear some of these benefits below:

“I have more ideas.”Art stimulates the imagination. Just like exercise, when you exercise the right side of your brain, your creativity enhances and so does problem solving skills. Ever heard the term “think outside the box”? Of course you have! Want to think outside the box? Try art.

“I notice details that I’ve never seen before.” Art teaches you to see. Plain and simple. When drawing or painting you take the time to notice details and nuances that would ordinarily go unseen.

“I remember better when I paint”. A film titled “I Remember Better When I Paint” focuses on Alzheimer’s patients, and their progress as they are introduced to the world of creative arts. Art can unlock hidden memories and can enhance brain conditions. Click here for more on I Remember Better When I Paint.

“I’ve found my tribe and they get me”. Ok, well maybe you don’t call your artists peers a tribe, however people connect based on things they have in common and common understanding. Art connects people – regardless of race, religion, status, sex orientation and everything in between.

Next time and every time you feel stressed try to funnel your stress through the arts. The calming effects and benefits will surprise you!

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