In the past I’ve shared with you my other passion which is art! I’m not formally trained however being creative has always been a part of my story. When I was a little girl I liked art, and loved to doodle. I loved coloring books, drawing, pottery class and painting. I didn’t always have access to all these things at the same time however whenever I did have access or the ability to create I loved it. So, with that said, aside from my passion for art, I personally feel that art helps heal. Did you miss my other blog post called The Healing Power of art? Check it out.
I previously shared with you that Impurrfectlife would be featuring more art. Today I will share a little bit more with you as to how I believe painting has helped heal my heart after pet loss.
5 Ways I discovered painting helped heal my heart
Feeling fulfilled and tapping into my passion
Because I am a creative person by nature, I found that tapping into my passion helps fulfill me. It doesn’t feel like work but more of a natural way to relax and use my creative juices. If you are a person that loves to bake, or loves to ride horses or write, it makes you feel good. You feel a sense of fulfillment when you do what you enjoy. There is a sense of comfort and natural flow to things when you are in tune with what you desire.
Challenging myself through creative expression
Painting, drawing, and sculpting are all forms of physical creative expression. The ability to translate your emotions, dreams, and goals on canvas is a perfect form of expression. Being able to express myself creatively helps me to grow and stretch my abilities. Ninety percent of the time I work freehand and go with the flow. Many of my works are not super detailed however it’s a goal I’m working towards. I’m no Picasso however that’s okay.
One thing I love about art is that it is subjective to interpretation. What one person sees, another one does not see. Each piece of art I complete or another artist completes communicates something different. That’s the beauty of creative expression. It’s my own and it’s unique to me.
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Provided me a healthy form of escape
Painting is a healthy form of escape and passage of time. Of all the things in the world I could possibly subject myself to, my choice is a paintbrush and a canvas. Painting is calorie-free, doesn’t cause cancer, constructive, creative and a healthy form of escape. Sometimes experiencing something like loss or trauma you don’t feel talking or going about town socializing. You want to be able to process your thoughts and feelings but do so on your own time but in a healthy manner. Painting on canvas provided me that medium for healing.
Elevate my mood & keeping me active
I know what you are thinking…how is painting keeping you active? It’s not like running a marathon. Okay you are right there, however other than running to Michael’s for painting supplies, creating paintings does keep my brain active. Using my creative side of my brain means using parts of the brain that normally would lay dormant otherwise if I just laid up in the bed all day feeling sorry for myself. If reading helps keep your brain and memory sharp, creating and keeping your brain active has benefits in helping lift your mood.
Inspiring others
Lastly, one of the unexpected ways painting helped heal my heart was in the reactions of others. This was something I didn’t even expect or plan on. See this is what happens when you are minding your own business and doing what you enjoy for yourself and not for others. Other people take notice.
If you read my other blog post the Healing Power of Art you know that I got reintroduced to painting in my adult years after a PaintNite gathering. It was at the gathering, that I tapped into my love of art once again and to my own surprise my accompanying friends took notice too. With a few compliments and encouragements from my friends and peers to share/sell my art, I began to think differently.
Painting my art isn’t just for me and healing my heart but by happenstance, some of my work inspired others and made them smile. That made me feel great to know something I did that brought me joy also inspired someone else in a positive way. Putting a smile on someone’s face and bringing them joy is never a bad thing.
So, those are the five ways painting helped to heal my heart. I hope you feel inspired and know that art and following your creative passions is more than just aesthetics. And whether or not you are into art, I encourage you to tap into your own personal passion. There is no better feeling than doing that which you love and makes your heart feel full.
So, to close out this post, I’ll share a few of my other works I’ve recently completed below. You can visit the rest of my growing portfolio of work here. Keep an eye out and be sure to follow me on Instagram to see what new projects I’m working on.
What are some of your personal passions? Do you like art? Comment and share your thoughts below.
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Post published Jan 2018. Updated July 2020.