I’m an Artist Now!

By: Mary-Elizabeth

“I hate being sick!” Is this something that you have said to yourself and others on a regular basis? Do you have hidden dreams and think that you will be unable to fulfill them just because you are depressed or have physical problems? These are all ways in which many of us feel, day in and day out, but I have good news for you, there is something that you can do to make yourself feel much better, and I am going to tell you about it!
You see, I discovered the secret on very chilly December night, while I was talking to my life’s partner about what I couldn’t do any more. He kind of snickered and said, “I have never heard you talk about what you couldn’t do, I have always heard you talk about what you COULD do! Just because your ill is no reason to think that your life is over!” That got me to thinking. I suddenly realized that I had to want to get better, I had to want to grow and I had to start listening to my inner voice! There was a writer somewhere deep inside that had a story to tell. All I really had to do was to see myself as the writer and start putting words to paper. That is when my healing really started.
So let me put this question to you? How do you see yourself? Have you ever daydreamed of making art? Have you ever played a musical instrument, danced or written a story? Have you ever wanted to do something in the arts, but were too afraid of failure? Relax. This is your time to begin your journey into the arts and the beauty of healing that it brings.
The first thing that you must do to begin your art healing is to see yourself as an artist. Look at yourself and explore the different kinds of arts. There are many different forms and different ways to create, find the one you are most comfortable with and one that you may be familiar with. Now that you have decided that you are going to take this step, you should find yourself somewhere comfortable to practice or work. Start out by listening to your favorite music or by talking to others that are artists of some kind. Look at the artworks of masters and friends alike and envision what it is that you want to do. Are you ready? Are you getting excited? It is time for you to draw that first line, write that first word, sing your first note or step your first dance step. Pay attention to how you feel from deep within; fill yourself with love and trust. Soon you will see, as you walk though the process and the painting takes form, the story gains momentum or your voice raises higher, you can see who you are and what you want to become.
            When we look at the art that we have produced in its physical form, we may feel that someone else was responsible for the beauty that we behold. I know that I often felt that was. As a matter of fact, when I read my book, I still say to myself every so often “Did I write that? I don’t remember writing that!” That is what happens when we create from the inside, from deep within ourselves. And we feel better. We are pleased with the creation we have done.
            Years ago, when I was painting when in a bad mood or when I was sad, I would create some horrible art pieces, or so I thought. However, when I looked at my artwork a day later, I could say “There are all the negative feelings that I felt, and I feel great!” I had transferred all that negative thought onto the canvas.
            You will be wonderfully surprised at how good you will begin to feel after you treat yourself to the world of the arts. You can release yourself and forget everything else for just a short time when you surround your mind with the art of your choice.
           

Check with your doctor for the Art Therapist nearest you.