Art As A Tool

Art is an amazing tool that helps the soul to heal. I know from personal experience. It guided me through so many dark hours. Creativity is a wonderful way to cope with challenges. It gives you an instrument to express your feelings.

I paint but you can use any material that appeals to you (clay, digital media, etc.). It is super important to understand that you must let go of self-critique. Judging is a big no-no if you use creativity to deal with pain.

When I work on a painting I usually don't know the "why". I act on impulse. That means I see something I can't let go of until I know what I want to do with it. Not all my paintings are masterpieces. Some paintings I just keep in a special place even if they aren’t super cool because they have a special meaning to me.

Below you find the benefits of using art to cope and heal your heart:

  • Express feelings and thoughts
  • Reduce distress and conflict
  • Relieve depression and anxiety
  • Cope with pain
  • Sharpen your self-awareness and improve your self-esteem
  • Enhance social skills

It works, I am living proof! I am coping with a life-changing major loss that shook up my whole being. Now I begin to paint again and use words to express myself. The painting I am working on clearly deals with my loss which initially was not my intention. I saw something that stirred deeply in my soul and only now do I see that it expresses how I feel.

Are you going through a challenging time? Try using creativity without self-judgment and criticism. Don't push yourself too hard. Take your time. Baby steps are a good start.

Get active to feel better about your situation and your life. Most of us have lots more living to do and finding a little slice of happiness is key to moving onward.

Christina

Finding A Way Out Of The Storm – Soul Travel

Last night I dreamed about you again. I was searching for you while I was trying to find myself.

I didn’t find you and … my soul remained lost in mist. Where are you? Where did you go? I don't understand it all.

What am I to do without you?

Where can I turn when my heart is full?

Nowhere to go and nowhere to lean onto.

I lost my companion, my soulmate, my love! The world doesn't care and why should they? They have their own lives and worries.

Sentiments of loss and the effort to make sense of life without love; gone forever.

I am lying in bed. Sometimes I cry and try to get it all out. I am trying to climb the hill of hope to find a destination. Then I realize that I don’t know the destination; I don’t know my purpose and my goals are gone.

Art

I get told to use my art to find healing and give my time to causes to find purpose. “Go into the world and find new friends”, they encourage me. Nobody knows how hard that is. Nobody.

Christina 

Find Hope …

The days pass and hope begins to elute

It doesn’t get better, only worse.

How can strengths be found without hope?

Or is it still there somewhere, deep down?

 

 

We march on like dutiful little soldiers.

Holding the body straight

Giving up isn’t an option.

Where is the “food” to keep us going?

 

Perhaps hope is hiding in nature,

In our little companion dog?

Maybe the next morning will clear the soul?

So we keep marching, searching …

 

Christina

Categories: Art Painting Writing

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WELCOME TO MY WORLD

Painting And Writing

Helps Me Through Storms I Can’t Control

It Brings Me Harmony And Peace

When The World Around Me Goes Crazy

Welcome To My World!

I am going through a storm right now. My old coping mechanisms do not work anymore. I am a caregiver and bound to my home base because of it. All the mingling with friends and others isn’t possible at this moment. But … I can use my art to feel I still exist, that I still have a purpose other than be of service.

That is why I created a new home for my artistic endeavors. Something for me … to feel my core again. To have a voice doesn’t matter how small and inadequate this voice may be. It is mine. My attempt to create order in my soul in an unpredictable life.

Follow me along if that resonates with you. You can even share your art if you are creating too. Post a comment if you like. Maybe you are struggling too? It helps to find a voice in making something pretty or unusual, or simply fun.

Christina