Expressive Arts as a Regenerative Tecnhology

Several years ago, I had something of a mid life crisis. I questioned and challenged every aspect of my life --even my work with contemplative practices such as yoga and meditation.

I asked myself why meditate? Why sit quietly on a cushion for a few minutes or hours? What comes after the calm and quiet?

For me, the answer came full circle. I returned to my interest in writing and art. It seemed I got quiet so I could learn how to better use my voice.

Now I want to make that possible for others.

This summer I'll complete my certification in Indigenized Expressive Arts Therapy. My plan is to integrate the Expressive Arts into my work with contemplative traditions.

The Indigenized Expressive Arts Therapy program approaches art-making as a profoundly healing practice that belongs to everyone. Through an Indigenous lens, creativity is an emergent process that flows from present-moment awareness and in embodied relationship with all sentient life.

Throughout time, Indigenous cultures have responded to trauma and loss and restored equilibrium through expressive arts. From this perspective, we don't have to be particularly gifted to make art. And art isn't always meant to end up in a gallery or museum or on a stage. Sometimes it’s a vehicle for community and connection. In this way, art making can be a sacred ritual that returns us to ourselves and our sense of belonging. The process increases our sense of what we're capable of and what's possible.

Now science confirms what ancient people knew all along. Art enhances well being. Creativity lights up the brain and carves out new neural pathways that promote health.

Brene Brown says, "Creativity is the ultimate act of integration. It is how we fold our experiences into our being."

I've found this to be so true. Art making is one way to create agency, activate voice, and offer opportunities for choice. It's a way to reflect on and retell life experiences, while reimagining ourselves into a more possible future.

And the future will only be possible if we can first imagine it.

(painting by Puerto Rican artist, Orozco)