I've learned so many things over the last few months. The last year, really. I will keep to the creative side of this topic...there is still too much pain and I'm constantly feeling like it could suffocate me. So back to the object of this post, creativity. In fact, the only reason I mention the pain is because it's at the seat of this particular discussion about creativity. I believe that everyone has the ability to be creative; it's in our very essence. I also recognize that it is a great coping tool. I turned to it when my mom was sick and the first time Tom went through cancer, both of which happened during 2015-2017. That's when art journaling became much more than a fun way to spend time for me. So why is it so powerful?
Do a search for "why creativity is a good coping mechanism" and there are literally 15,000,000 results. Since none of us has time to read all those, here are a few highlights I picked out:
"Creativity in and of itself is important for remaining healthy, remaining connected to yourself and connected to the world," says Christianne Strang, a professor of neuroscience at the University of Alabama Birmingham and the former president of the American Art Therapy Association."
From an article on npr.org by Malaka Gharib, January 11, 2020.
"Creative activities are one way of coping with stressful circumstances. They enable us to build resilience in difficult times. Creativity can be a central element of adult life, it is associated with engagement, originality, experimentation, and problem-solving."
From an article by Jasmin Tahmaseb-McConatha Ph.D. on PsychologyToday.com, August 22, 2021.
And this one surprised me:
"It’s time to start taking journaling seriously. Studies show people who write about their experiences daily actually have stronger immune system function. Although experts are still unsure how it works, writing increases your CD4+ lymphocyte count, the key to your immune system. Listening to music can also rejuvenate function in your immune system."
Ashley Stahl, forbes.com, July 25, 2018
For myself, I can say that whether painting, drawing, arranging flowers or planning classes for the studio, the time I allow myself for creativity is an important investment in my soul, spirit and heart. And it's not just making art that helps; but absorbing it as well. Going to the ballet, a concert, an art gallery or museum also constitute creative deposits.
This Spring I'm going to the arts and crafts fair in Fairhope, Alabama for the first time. Tom and I loved going to Fairhope every summer as part of our beach trip, and I am not sure if I'll be emotionally able to do that anytime soon without him. But to go in March and stay in an adorable airstream (instead of downtown Fairhope) with my daughter and our dogs for the purpose of seeing the arts festival feels like something I can do. I think that's creativity doing its work.
