If you’ve ever glanced at our calendar of events, you’ll notice we don’t have your typical grief support activities. I believe that we have to be given space to let our sadness take over and acknowledge our loss, but I also believe that we need to be given multi-faceted opportunities to explore how we can heal.
Art is the expression or application of human creativity and imagination. Whether it’s a poem, a doodle, or a musical, art – in all its forms – captures ideas, conveys emotion, and unpacks experiences and reveals perspectives reflective of individual and collective circumstances.
What’s compelling about creative arts is its accessibility. Anyone can make something meaningful, there are countless outlets for expression, and it provides a powerful vehicle that unifies us with a shared sense of reality that helps us feel connected and make sense of the world.
The arts are transformational and engage our hearts, our minds, and our souls. They have universal appeal and elevate empathy, compassion, and connection on an individual level. From a societal perspective, art can be a unifying force to decreasing social barriers and strengthening interpersonal connections.
What is art?
VISUAL ART
Visual art, including painting, drawing, and sculpture, serves as a vehicle for expressing experiences that may be difficult to put into words. Through visual art, we can externalize emotions, give them shape, and create a tangible representation of our inner world. The process of engaging with colors, textures, and forms invites us to explore and communicate our feelings in a visual language that is uniquely our own.
WRITING & POETRY
Writing and poetry have long been recognized as powerful tools for personal growth and healing. Through the written word, we can give voice to our thoughts, experiences, and emotions. Whether it’s journaling, storytelling, or composing poetry, writing offers us the opportunity to process our trauma, gain insights into our own narratives, and create meaning from our experiences.
MUSIC
Engaging in music, whether through playing an instrument, singing, or simply listening, allows us to connect with our emotions, release tensions, and cultivate a sense of peace. Music therapy, a recognized form of healing, harnesses the power of harmonies, rhythms, and melodies to promote emotional regulation, enhance self-expression, and foster connection.
DANCE & MOVEMENT
Movement, in the form of dance or other physical activities, can be an incredibly liberating form of creative expression. Dance allows us to embody and release our emotions, connecting mind and body in a harmonious flow. It offers a way to express and process trauma through movement, enabling us to release stagnant energy and promote a sense of empowerment.
What are the benefits of art?
*building confidence and empowering self-care
*connecting you to a moment, yourself and others
*providing at outlet for expression
*lowering stress and anxiety
*feeling calmer and more relaxed
*Improved well-being by decreasing negative emotions and increasing positive ones
Art includes more than paint to canvas. Whether you’re drawing, painting, sculpting, or expressing your creativity through another art form, it can be rewarding and productive. Often requiring intense focus, when you’re making art, you’re more likely to concentrate on the task at hand, helping to let go of your worries and troublesome thoughts.
“Engaging in these activities provides a means of self-expression, self-discovery, and empowerment. It allows us to connect with our emotions, release pent-up feelings, and find new perspectives on our trauma. Whether it’s painting, writing in a journal, or playing an instrument, each form of creative expression offers a pathway toward personal growth, resilience, and healing.” (Kate Truitt, PH.D)
We have done several creative art workshops over the past few years and hope to bring you more in the future.
There are also many online art classes to try for all ages. Here are a few to explore.
Sutter Health Children’s Bereavement Art
Sources: Mindwise.org, Rush.org, Trauma Counseling Center of Los Angeles