Art, my Healer

The year 2020 posed to be a tumultuous journey for me not just physically but also emotionally. The pandemic, by the grace of God, didn't enter my home, thanks to the strict protocols set by my husband. Still, being indoors for almost a year and to have then lost a close one, had its own effects. I'm blessed with the most loving and caring family with my husband, father-in-law and daughter. Having said that, one needs their own physical and mental space to heal emotionally or mentally. It is needed to simply unwind and have some time to think about one's own needs and plans. Soon I was beginning the feel the need to vent and just do something other than just the mundane. 

Amidst the DIYs and daughter's studies, I couldn't find my own outlet. It kept on building up, until one day, my husband's virtual office decided to conduct one of the many recreational meetings. It was decided there that the team had to take part in an art workshop. They were given funds to procure the art material; and thus started my journey with painting. We ordered the material thinking it would be a one time thing. Once my husband was done with his 'compulsory' workshop, I was trying to find a place to store the art supplies. That's when I thought on a whim to just try something I had seen on Pinterest, on a piece of paper. This was my first attempt with painting ever, after school days probably. Not to sound boastful, but I had surprised even myself. 

My husband encouraged me to keep trying and so I pursued this hobby a little more seriously. I have to say, when I paint today, I feel a sense of calm. and it is almost like a conversation with self or even a higher energy. Art has enabled me to cure my emotional distress in these isolated times. It has been a powerful tool for my emotional transformation since I'm able to produce visual stimulating paintings in my mind and translate them into reality. It has helped me to reconnect with myself, it relieves me of daily anxieties. Overall, it has made me more resilient and I now look forward to my routine which has painting included in it. 

Art has been known to have enabled people fight off the most serious of ailments. It may seem bogus at first, but trust me, it is hard to be bogged down with negative feelings or fear when you are creating a piece of art. Instead, one will experience a grounding, a rewarding sense of connecting with yourself. One can also engage with their art in the most personal way. It often leads me to have a dialogue with my art piece while I'm creating it. It has helped me to learn a lot of information about myself! I've realized that there is a lot of wisdom to be gained from connecting with oneself in this way. 

Well, you may say, that you can't even draw a straight line, leave alone delve into the world of watercolors, freehand. At least I thought the same way! The answer? Even if you feel like you're not artistic or creative, art is still a powerful healing tool. The key is breaking the glass boxes we create for ourselves. I encourage you to start simple like just coloring the entire sheet with you favourite colour or making a simple flower or shape. Art if about self-exploration and not winning any prize here!

Another fascinating thing I uncovered during my art healing journey was how I subconsciously was painting my cravings and needs. My family once pointed out that there was a lot of yellow in my pieces. Upon introspection, it was uncovered that I was of course missing the sun and the outdoors. My bones were feeling brittle and thus the lack of vitamins. Another time I started visualizing a lot of blue and water in my pieces. Since I had started working out, I was dehydrated because of not having enough water. These are episodes that evolved over time and weren't epiphanies. Take time with your art. Take time for yourself. Give Art some time and see the magic happen. It will heal you. 

I'm sharing the links from where you can purchase the resources that I've been using. 

1. Watercolors

2. Paintbrushes

3. Poster Colors

4. Painting Sheets

I have come to strongly believe that art is a powerful catalyst in self-healing that leads to positive self transformation.