What is Expressive Arts?
“The expressive arts combine visual arts, movement, drama, music, writing, meditation and other creative processes to foster deep personal growth and community development.” (IEATA). Expressive arts bring us to a place of knowing. They allow us to experiment. They give us permission to create free of judgment. They allow us to not have any expectations of what the outcome of something may be, so that we can create freely. They allows us to connect to our intuition and inner truth.
The expressive arts provide a container for our deepest thoughts & feelings. They allow us to let go of things that may be holding us back while inviting in change and inspiration. They are a way to connect to our intution…to the things we know to be true to us. Our authentic selves. A way to gain clarity & receive guidance from our deepest selves.
They provide a way for us to speak without words; bypassing the thinking mind.
They give us the ability to communicate with ourselves, others, a higher power & the world through various forms of self-expression. Through expressive arts we can get to the heart of what we are trying to convey better & faster than if we used words alone.
Through combining modalities we can gain a better understanding of ourselves, each other & the world at large. We can connect to a higher power resulting in divine experiences.
Once I experienced and understood the true power expressive arts has to heal, connect and transform lives I fell in love with the field.
Why Expressive Arts Matter:
Emotional Release: Expressive arts provide a safe outlet for us to feel, process & let go of our emotions. Whether you're joyful, angry, or grieving, creating art can help you process and release these emotions, leading to greater emotional well-being. Giving yourself the time and space to create is also a part of self-care. You’re giving yourself a time out from the hustle and bustle of life so you can decompress and process.
Self-Exploration: Engaging in expressive arts encourages introspection and self-discovery. As you create, you may uncover hidden aspects of yourself, gain insight into your experiences, and develop a deeper sense of self-awareness. This is why I incorporate many expressive arts aspects into my coaching services. The arts allow us to tap into our intuition. They help us discover who we are, what we want and what’s holding us back from living a life we truly desire. I’ve had profound results with both myself & clients on these topics. The truths of our being are there, we just have to access them. Often times talking about things can only get us so far. Using the arts can transcend words and truly get to the heart of what we want.
Stress Reduction: The act of creating can be meditative and soothing. It allows you to escape from the stresses of daily life, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels. Have you ever been doing something you love and time has just slipped away? You’re focusing on what you’re doing and not thinking about anything else. This allows your body to relax and the mind to take a break. This phonomenon is called the “Relaxation Response” and was discovered by Dr. Herbert Benson. When you engage in the arts, you allow this response to happen, which in turn allows your mind and body the relaxation they need. To learn more about Dr. Herbert Benson & his studies, go here.
Enhanced Communication: As mentioned before, the arts can help us express ourselves without using words. This is helpful for a number of reasons. Sometimes it’s hard to explain in words experiences we’ve had. The arts can help us communicate and heal. Alternatively, expressive arts offer a mode of communication for those who find it challenging to express themselves verbally. The expressive arts can bridge the gap and facilitate self-expression.
Healing and Resilience: Many people use expressive arts as a means of healing from trauma or adversity. The creative process can promote resilience and aid in the recovery process. While I am not a therapist, I know that expressive arts has the power to transcend the mind and body and transform the spirit. Engaging in expressive arts is therapeutic in nature and can help us heal.
When I discovered this field I was on a spiritual quest to find myself…like Elizabeth Gilbert in Eat, Pray, Love. I knew there was something better for me out there in the world, I just didn’t know what that something was.
I was working as an elementary school teacher and was totally burnt out, frustrated, and overall miserable.
I discovered a school down in Florida and took my first class on a whim. I haven’t looked back since.
I had such a transformational experience there. I was able to heal parts of myself that needed healing and discover things about myself that were long forgotten.
Using the arts as a tool for meditation and self-discovery allows you to connect with your intuition and relieve stress to live a more balanced and fulfilled life.
I have worked with so many people over the past few years that have had profound and transformational experiences when using expressive arts as a practice for healing, personal growth & self-discovery.
If you’re interested in learning more, I invite you to check out my products, resources & other services.