What is Creative Wellness?

What is Creative Wellness?

When we think of health and wellness we most often think of what I refer to as the “pillars of health,” the ones that keep us stable, as legs do to a table.  The domains of nutrition, sleep, exercise and social/spiritual life are key to keeping yourself (your “table”) in balance.  An extension of the spiritual pillar is self-expression.  We must be free to safely express ourselves and our shared experiences and emotions with others and the community/ world at large.  When we are blocked from having avenues of expression we may find ourselves in emotional discord. 

Creative Wellness refers to the concept that good health centers around every aspect of yourself including your own personal creativity in the form of self expression. 

Oftentimes if we believe we are not “creative” in a traditional sense, we will shy away from any form of self expression.  I encourage clients to expand their concept of creativity to anything that allows for a manner to release a thought, emotion or shared experience.  Learning to appreciate the beauty in oneself will lead to a form of expression unique to the individual . This can come in an incredibly diverse, and beautiful array of forms, from dancing to writing poetry, to cooking or decorating your room. Once we release the judgment about the creative expression having to be accepted as an art, we can free ourselves to create from our inner authentic selves. Then next time you are feeling a sense of anxiety or depression look to creative expression to move you through that feeling.  Daily continue to look at what inspires you, what brings you joy and begin to gather small, easy methods to fill your creative well. Go ahead- express yourself!