What is Creative expression Anyway?

Creativity is essential for our emotional well being

Creative expression is the process in which we take an idea and bring it to life. While this can take many forms: visual art, music, writing, and dance, which are some of the most common, at Bloom True, I am referring to expressive art, intuitive painting and art making. This type of creative expression usually engages our physical body in some way, opening the potential for deeper body-mind connection.

There is powerful and compelling research that supports the positive effect art making has on our emotional and mental health. By the age of 40, at least half of the global population is affected with mental health issues. I have lived with CPTSD, anxiety & depression for as long as I can recall. While good therapy, and medication (when properly prescribed) are certainly helpful in caring for our mental health, there are many practices we can engage in to support this care. Art making is one.

Have you ever heard someone say, “Oh, I am not at all artistic.” Perhaps you’ve said it. We often have deeply entrenched ideas about our own ability to be creative, and these very ideas (or limiting beliefs) may stifle our ability to even begin to explore & express our innate creativity.

Art making allows us to touch the soul. It offers us the ability to help us express our deepest emotions and connect us with ourselves and the world around us. We do not need to pursue to making of a masterpiece to have this experience. As the adage says, “It’s the journey, not the destination” that matters. The transformation, and the alchemy take place on the journey.

When I went to the art supply store for the first time (before the many online resources we now have available to guide us), I stood before the many brushes; acrylic, water, oil, filbert, wash, flat, round, and liner and I felt overwhelmed. I had no idea how each brush would allow my soul to speak through my hands. I left the store, empty-handed. I returned three or four times before making a purchase, looking, wondering, and feeling anxious, but knowing I wanted them and they wanted me. Finally, I purchased a few and allowed myself to play.

Play is at the heart of art making. It wants us to be curious, to explore, to allow, experiment, and to discover and grow. The trick is to show up, to make a commitment to come to the table, and to befriend our inner critic.

You have a standing invitation with Bloom True to create, discover & grow. Let today be the day you honor your innate creativity and say yes to your emotional well being.