You may have noticed a whole lot of new content and additions to Earth Powered Family. Much of that is because I have been focusing on my creative practice more because the act of it is as essential as eating or breathing. In fact, to share thoughts and ideas with others, the basics of human interaction, is considered necessary for mental health. In other words, self-expression is a human need.
Throughout history, humans have engaged with artistic and creative practices both out of necessity and for the sheer pleasure of it. Creativity is essential to progress because it is quite literally the act of coming up with new ideas or approaching subjects through new lenses. Think of Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein, and Pablo Picasso.
Even the act of creating something by copying such as drawing a still life, knitting from a pattern, or cooking from a recipe is an act of self-expression. Any time we make something, we bring our opinions, tastes, skills, and entire background to the practice. It becomes unique to ourselves and is a physical manifestation of our creativity.
Creativity has been a significant part of my life, I even became an art teacher to share that joy. And recently, I made the connection on how truly powerful and profound it is to the human existence. The intense joy and satisfaction from making something and sharing it with the world has never been more sacred than during this past year of covid. Even though I have been isolated from others, I am still able to express myself and connect through art.
Here’s how art and creativity contribute to wellness:
- It puts you into a calming, meditative state allowing for cortisol levels to drop
- It helps you to express the full spectrum of emotions in a healthy and constructive way
- It connects you to those that you share your art with
- It helps to expand your mind and ideas, opening you up to new possibilities
- It improves your ability to problem solve
You don’t have to have training or anything to pull out paint, clay, or even just a scrap of paper and a pen. Start small if you aren’t sure, such as a doodle or some colorful splatter paint. And it doesn’t have to be fine art! Knitting, crocheting, sewing, decoupage, carpentry, etc. are all forms of creativity and art. See what works for you, but I recommend dipping your toes into anything and everything to see what feels the best.
Happy Making!
