The Healing Power of Art
I recently read an article in “Uplift Magazine” that fired up some of my neural pathways. Yes, we all know certain activities like yoga, meditation and nature walks inspire, change, uplift and regenerate us.
Now we can add ART to the list! The scientific community has now verified the effects of ART upon our senses, our wellbeing and our souls. And THAT is exciting.
According to the research:
“Art can heal us, inspire us, and alter our brain chemistry. With so much talk about the evidence of the positive effects of yoga and meditation, you might be surprised at what scientific research also says about how art affects the brain.
“Long before modern neuroscience, artists were creating works to inspire people. With today’s complex brain imaging scan technology, we can now see just how art changes the physiology of our brains. Contemplation, taking in beauty, and observing art all stimulate pleasure centers within the brain while increasing blood flow by up to 10% in the medial orbitofrontal cortex. This can lead to an elevated state of consciousness, wellbeing, and better emotional health.”
With this in mind, why not pick a brush, a pen, a marker, a glue stick, some glitter or a piece of charcoal and sketch, draw, paint or doodle something so uniquely and meaningfully yours that it wakes up the neural pathways of your inner artist? In my experience teaching workshops using intentional creativity, there is nothing more rewarding than the 1000 watt smile of someone who has re-encountered the 5 year old inside alive and well, fingertips covered in paint and charcoal dust.