Art Therapy
I started attending individual counseling in the Spring of 2019, and found it to be a very useful, integral piece of living a modern life.
My counselor asked me how I cope with stress, anxiety, or challenging emotions at home. I was pretty good at making decisions, being myself, and dealing with stress of the “outside world,” but grounding and re-energizing myself through introversion was not a natural ability, and it was time to learn. She asked, “do you use music, martial arts, photography, yoga, backgammon, or other rewarding hobbies for coping at home?” Not really. Those were labors of love which I practiced or enjoyed in a regimented way. I had neglected to develop a healthy set of tools for my “inside life.” I mostly used to wait around and let bad feelings go, or sometimes would take a long walk through the park – both of which did work.
About two years ago, my maternal grandmother passed away. I inherited her professional-grade pastel and some other art supplies. Since I had little experience with visual art, I invited a more experienced friend to paint with me, just wanting to use the stuff. My friend had a background with brush and canvass. Then I threw an Art Party, inviting some friends (including the band Strange Cocktail) to come share libations and produce art together. Food and wine were provided along with whatever art supplies I could muster. The guests brought a few supplies as well. Any medium was allowed – acrylic, ink, watercolor, dance, songwriting, crafting, sketching – but the rule was that you must produce! That was my law. It was a successful party and I decided to throw a few more. I fell in love with the brush, the canvass, and the texture of acrylic paint. Yes Grandma, I still enjoy pastel from time to time.
After the second art party I tried inserting painting into my daily routine along with Kung Fu, guitar, writing, language study, and homemaking. I set up a mini-studio by the front window, borrowed a stack of art books from the library, bolstered my supplies, and set out to attempt 30 minutes per day for 60 days.
Today is day number five. In the morning, before painting I found myself with a familiar feeling, anxiety. I thought about my counselor and realized that I needed to do something active yet relaxing relaxing, a coping mechanism. Guitar, yoga, reading, cooking … no thanks. Painting? Yes!
I sat by the window, picked up the brush, and lost myself for an hour. It was an amazing realization – I love painting. Can’t get enough.
