How Art Can Heal

How Art Can Heal

I recently visited New York city with my family this summer. This was our last family summer vacation for the five of us before the boys go off to college. I am sure we will go on other trips but once they leave the nest it is very hard to predict future family outings. I am sure it will be different from here on out!

I know I have said this before, but I am sad to see my twin boys move out as I won’t get to see them daily, but I am super excited for this new season in their lives. Now, you would ask why New York city? Well, New York is a pretty special place for the boys and I. We love the city and although we live in a pretty conservative family-oriented town two hours south of Los Angeles, we really embrace the city life.

We love NYC not only for its beautiful popular landmarks but also for its diversity, fabulous cuisine and of course, its breathtaking museums and artistic exhibitions. I strongly believe that art is the birthplace of natural expression and creativity that fuels your mind, soul, and spirit with much joy and wonder.

I am personally fascinated by art as I believe it to be very healing. Pablo Picasso once said, “Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Art encourages creative thinking, enhances problem-solving skills, boosts self-esteem and provides a sense of accomplishment.

When did I start to be interested in art?

My interest in art began a few years back while attending a healing conference at Bethel church in Redding, California. During the entire conference I had observed how artists would create beautiful paintings inspired by the Holy Spirit leading. There are several testimonies out there that claim that these paintings can carry a supernatural anointing healing power to shift environments and touch the physical, emotional and spiritual beings of those in need of healing.

I am deeply intrigued by the creative side of these masterpieces and I honestly could sit and meditate on a painting for hours. I believe that each detail on every piece of art work reflects a segment of the artist’s soul, and deep imagination. I always wonder the meaning behind every piece of art and what the artist wanted to portray in his/her work.

While in the city my family and I had the amazing opportunity to visit the Van Gogh Exhibition, a major attraction to those charmed by Van Gogh’s immersing pieces. I can’t tell you enough as to how enchanting this experience was especially for me and my daughter.

This misunderstood genius became famous after his tragic death, it is unfortunate that people would marvel with his work after he died. The exhibition portrays a beautiful substance of his creative mind and a charming fragrance in every piece. If you enjoy art, I would strongly recommend for you to attend this enchanting and highly stimulating visual production.

Now, how does art help with healing?

Healing can take place from many angles and apparently, art is one of them. Science has acknowledged this truth with substantial studies that indicate this possibility.

A study says that the use of art in healing complements the biomedical view in bringing emotional, somatic, artistic, and spiritual balance. Focusing on not only sickness and symptoms themselves but the holistic nature of the person.

When people are invited to work with creative and artistic processes that affect more than their identity with illness, they are more able to create congruence between their affective states and their conceptual sense making. Through creativity and imagination, we find our identity and our reservoir of healing. The more we understand the relationship between creative expression and healing, the more we will discover the healing power of the arts. I find this incredible yet it resonates with me deeply.

Another study says based on a documentary film “I Remember Better When I Paint” drawing and painting stimulates memories in people with dementia and enables them to reconnect with the world. People with dementia aren’t the only beneficiaries. Studies have shown that expressing themselves through art can help people with depression, anxiety, or cancer, too.

An additional study shows how art can lower stress levels and anxiety by measuring the cortisol levels. Apparently,  they found that 45 minutes of creating art in a studio setting with an art therapist significantly lowered cortisol levels.

My daughter and I are taking some art classes online. We both enjoy it greatly and I honestly believe it to be very healing. I hope you find this brief article helpful in your journey and encouraging enough to get you painting soon… Maybe your work will be the next Van Gogh 🙂

As always sending you much love, healing prayers, and many blessings!