Think crayons, pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, markers, and finger paints are for kiddos?
Most of us have given up using our right brain for more practical functioning left brain needs when we are working a full time job, dealing with keeping the house clean, making lists for the grocery store, and taking care of kids or our partner. We are focused on our worries and more and more in this day and age, adults rarely make time to think creatively, unless it’s our profession- and even then, we have to do it to make money, not just for the pure joy of it. When was the last time you picked up your art supplies, your musical instrument, or your poetry book just for you- not to post on social media, but just for you? My guess is you can probably count one one hand in the last year. In the same sentiment as yoga and meditation, doing art increases imagination and makes us more playful.
Adults who do artistic activities after work or after a difficult emotional conversation or altercation can lower their stress levels. It has us focused on the activity and not all of the worries of our day. It puts us in the role of a child, who usually encounters a lot less than your average adult. Here is an article highlighting some of these similar ideas:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/13/coloring-for-stress_n_5975832.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063
Also within the article the idea of the Mandala (pronounced ˈmən-də-lə) is discussed. The Mandala was an ancient Buddhist image and tradition to portray the universe in it’s metaphysical totality. The mandala was a symbol of wholeness and was in the shape of a circle to show completeness. Western Psychology picked this up under Psychologist Carl Jung and he encouraged using art and the Mandala for in times of transition and growth. It is a piece of art that can portray our true selves. The joys, fears, positives, and negatives. The artist and creative side of us encourages imagination and right brain activity, which in my opinion, makes us more whole, more balanced.
So go to your job, make your grocery lists, do your chores, your workouts, and take care of the people you love, but I also encourage you to find 5-10 minutes a day, to imagine, create, believe in something bigger than you! Pick up those crayons because joy can be found in the quiet place.
WendyLMFT 