"Art is not what you see but what you make others see." - Edgar Degas
As the world faced the unprecedented challenges brought on by the global pandemic, everything around us changed. Our lives were confined to the walls of our homes, and the constant fear of getting infected, losing our loved ones, and struggling with the uncertainty of the future took a toll on our collective mental health. I was not immune to this stress and anxiety, and during those trying times, I searched for ways to cope.
Drawing art as therapy was the best thing that I did to keep sane during those dark times. It not only improved my physical, mental, and emotional well-being but also provided me with a sense of peace and calm in the midst of chaos. By expressing and exploring my thoughts and emotions through drawing, I found a therapeutic outlet for my pent-up feelings.
Through drawing art as therapy, I was able to maintain my mindfulness and focus on the present moment. As I immersed myself in the process, my mind was free from the worries and anxieties that consumed me. The repetitive and rhythmic motion of drawing helped me calm down and find inner peace. Oddly enough, I experimented with digital drawing as well, but it failed to elicit the same therapeutic effect that drawing with a pen and paper did. The act of expressing and releasing my emotions in a safe and constructive way was immensely healing, and at times, provided me with new insights and perspectives on my situation.
While I did also try colouring as a form of therapy, it didn't provide me with the same level of healing as drawing did. I ended up creating a colouring book, which I sent to my friend during the pandemic, as a way of sharing my therapeutic journey with others.
In retrospect, I can say that art therapy gifted me with the opportunity to find peace and solace amidst the turbulence of the pandemic. Through drawing, I coped with the stress and anxiety in a peaceful and constructive way, and more importantly, I was able to connect with myself and my emotions.
Have you tried? This is a powerful tool for improving mental health and well-being. If you're looking for a way to cope with the challenges of life in general, I highly recommend giving art therapy a try. It might just change your life for the better!
Did you know that art therapy encompasses more than just drawing?
Indeed, there are a plethora of other creative modalities that can be used to foster healing and self-expression. Some of these alternative forms of art therapy include:
Visual Art Therapy - this includes using various visual arts such as painting, drawing, and sculpture.
Dance/Movement Therapy - This form of therapy uses movement as a way to express and work through emotional or psychological challenges.
Music Therapy - this involves using music and musical instruments to promote healing and relaxation.
Drama Therapy - This form of therapy uses drama and theater techniques to help individuals explore and express their emotions.
Poetry Therapy - This type of therapy uses poetry writing and reading as a way to help individuals explore and express their feelings.
Digital Art Therapy - This involves using digital media such as photography, digital painting, and graphic design to promote self-expression and emotional healing.
Sandplay Therapy - this involves creating scenes or stories in a sandbox with miniature objects as a way to explore and address emotional challenges.
Narrative Therapy - This approach involves creating and sharing personal stories as a way to understand and work through emotional challenges.
Play Therapy - This involves using play and toys as a way to help children work through emotional challenges.
These are just some examples of the many forms of art therapy that exist. Each form of art therapy can be tailored to meet the unique needs and interests of each individual.
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