“Creativity makes a leap, then looks to see where it is.” Mason Cooly
Spirit Dancers Collage
A pandemic has overtaken our world and changed life as we know it. As we wake to another day of isolation, searching to make sense and find stability, practicing the practice of life within the chaos of the new norm, we ask: What are my possibilities? And, depending on your position in life, the answers will be very different.
There are those who are having a rough time with social isolation and distancing, those who are embracing the idea of more time, and those who are rightly worried about how they will pay the bills, or what happens next. It is difficult.
I give credit to all those who are on the front line of this war: the health care workers, the first responders, those working in the food supply industry, and those in other fields who have stepped up to the plate to lend a hand. Yes, we are facing many new challenges in the coming weeks.
We ask ourselves, moral questions, social question, financial question. We wonder how long this is going to last and what are the possibilities for the future.
One of the things that has given me a positive outlook in this time of disaster is how many people, business, organizations, have adapted their services to a “virtual reality”. You can see so many offering and suggestions of thing to do online. The virtual world is doing its part to bring positive experiences into our isolated world. Museums are offering virtual tours and programs, orchestras are putting concerts on line, you can sign up to see a Broadway show, there are meditation programs, yoga, and exercise classes all free online.
While there are many things in life we can’t control, we do have control over how we choose to think and how we react. Keeping a positive mindset, taking time to care for ourselves and finding a creative “touch stone” is important to those of us whose lives have been so involved in the creative process. And, for those who have not been involved with the creative process, if might be a great time to start.
Creativity reduces anxiety, depression, and stress…and it can also help you process trauma. Studies have found that writing helps people manage their negative emotions in a productive way, and painting or drawing helps people express negative experiences that they find too difficult to put into words. It is a break from the news and brings beauty and joy to your life.
My class, “Exploring Your Creativity” at the HUB on Canal, is sharing the work they are doing at home. We are having a “virtual online class” where students can send pictures of their paintings and we can share what we are doing and ask questions about it. I want to share with you some of the work they have been doing at home, in the hope that it will inspire you to do something creative. Even if your doors are closed, you can strengthen your connections with like minded people via the virtual world, a simple phone call, text message, or note. Stay Safe and stay in touch. Carolyn
Donna Bradley Collage
Janice Rous Mixed Media
Margaret Billups Watercolor
Rebecca Romanowski Acrylic
Susie Hahn Alcohol Ink
“Clean out a corner of your mind and creativity will instantly fill it”. Des Hock