Healing after abuse or trauma is a very creative process. I didn't used to think so but the truth is, survivors have found very creative ways to cope after the trauma, to stay ahead of the memories, whether it was because they simply did not have the support they needed or to stay busy enough to avoid feeling the the pain. But it does catch up with us eventually.
In order to survive, we create stories about ourselves, our childhood, our families, and the past. We creatively numb, distract, or disassociate from the truth because we have not felt safe to acknowledge the truth, not inside our bodies or in our families or communities. But we don’t see that we are being creative, very resourceful, and resilient.
Recognizing that you are creative opens up the possibility for you to see things differently and my favorite part about creative thinking is that it creates space for authenticity. You can do it your way, not like anyone else. Because “art” is anything the creator wants it to be, a form of self expression. You also don’t have to share with anyone for it to be creative. And when it comes to sharing your story, I encourage you to not share it until you are sure that the person hearing it will celebrate you and honor your courage and your work. People have to earn our trust for us to choose to share our heartbreaking stories of trauma and the creative stories of our healing.
I know I am not the first person to shudder in a workshop or a class when the teacher announced that we were going to create art to help us with the next part of healing. I have learned to recognize where this comes from in me. It is the "little miss perfect" in me that did not dare create anything unless it was perfect. I now scoop her up into my arms and let her know that this is actually where we get to paint outside the lines and scribble in any color if that is what feels right in the moment. I am not going to compare her creativity to someone else’s like I used to. No more.
The healing journey is about finding our way back to our truth, our authentic selves, and along the way we do get to reconnect with our inner child that did like arts and crafts. Do you remember?
I would love to hear how you are using your creativity on your healing journey and how it is helping you. Whether you are writing new stories, acknowledging the hurt, the truth, stories, creating poems, sharing your feelings.Or maybe playing or listening to music that moves your heart, or gets you dancing, going to the gym, getting out into nature, creating a vision board or collage where you paste images, magazine clippings, adding color and glitter, images that move you, inspire you and empower you, speaking, singing, instruments, chanting, movement, dancing, skipping...to stay true to the truth of who you are, your authentic creative self!
The options are endless and amazing. I can’t wait to hear from you if you are willing to share, either here on the blog or just hit reply to my email and tell me how you have connected your creativity and healing. If you have created an identity like I did, that I am NOT an artist, be gentle with yourself. Put your hand on your heart and find where that resistance lives in your body. Get to know it like an old friend. Take lots of time and go slow. Let your inner child know you are not here to make him or her do anything they are not willing to do. You just want them to play with you a little when they are ready. And keep showing up. Slowly find the ways to remind you and your parts where you are already creative. Help them shift in perception of what is allowed and acceptable.
And fall in love with your creativity!
********
Do you struggle with finding your way back to your truth? Not sure where to start? Don’t worry. I can help! Just follow (this link) or call 619-889-6366 to reserve a one-hour coaching session with me ($100). Let me help you with the next step to heal your life. Reserve your spot NOW!
Have you read my bestselling book, “Journey to the Heart”? If you’re ready to heal from the effects of abuse or trauma (depression, anxiety, PTSD, allergies, chronic pain, etc.), this book is for YOU!! You’ll find it at Amazon in paperback (link) or Kindle (link). Enjoy and happy reading!
Are you on my email list? Email list subscribers receive an email with a link to my weekly blog post and occasional special offers. If you’d like to subscribe, click here: http://www.educate4change.com/
In order to survive, we create stories about ourselves, our childhood, our families, and the past. We creatively numb, distract, or disassociate from the truth because we have not felt safe to acknowledge the truth, not inside our bodies or in our families or communities. But we don’t see that we are being creative, very resourceful, and resilient.
Recognizing that you are creative opens up the possibility for you to see things differently and my favorite part about creative thinking is that it creates space for authenticity. You can do it your way, not like anyone else. Because “art” is anything the creator wants it to be, a form of self expression. You also don’t have to share with anyone for it to be creative. And when it comes to sharing your story, I encourage you to not share it until you are sure that the person hearing it will celebrate you and honor your courage and your work. People have to earn our trust for us to choose to share our heartbreaking stories of trauma and the creative stories of our healing.
I know I am not the first person to shudder in a workshop or a class when the teacher announced that we were going to create art to help us with the next part of healing. I have learned to recognize where this comes from in me. It is the "little miss perfect" in me that did not dare create anything unless it was perfect. I now scoop her up into my arms and let her know that this is actually where we get to paint outside the lines and scribble in any color if that is what feels right in the moment. I am not going to compare her creativity to someone else’s like I used to. No more.
The healing journey is about finding our way back to our truth, our authentic selves, and along the way we do get to reconnect with our inner child that did like arts and crafts. Do you remember?
I would love to hear how you are using your creativity on your healing journey and how it is helping you. Whether you are writing new stories, acknowledging the hurt, the truth, stories, creating poems, sharing your feelings.Or maybe playing or listening to music that moves your heart, or gets you dancing, going to the gym, getting out into nature, creating a vision board or collage where you paste images, magazine clippings, adding color and glitter, images that move you, inspire you and empower you, speaking, singing, instruments, chanting, movement, dancing, skipping...to stay true to the truth of who you are, your authentic creative self!
The options are endless and amazing. I can’t wait to hear from you if you are willing to share, either here on the blog or just hit reply to my email and tell me how you have connected your creativity and healing. If you have created an identity like I did, that I am NOT an artist, be gentle with yourself. Put your hand on your heart and find where that resistance lives in your body. Get to know it like an old friend. Take lots of time and go slow. Let your inner child know you are not here to make him or her do anything they are not willing to do. You just want them to play with you a little when they are ready. And keep showing up. Slowly find the ways to remind you and your parts where you are already creative. Help them shift in perception of what is allowed and acceptable.
And fall in love with your creativity!
********
Do you struggle with finding your way back to your truth? Not sure where to start? Don’t worry. I can help! Just follow (this link) or call 619-889-6366 to reserve a one-hour coaching session with me ($100). Let me help you with the next step to heal your life. Reserve your spot NOW!
Have you read my bestselling book, “Journey to the Heart”? If you’re ready to heal from the effects of abuse or trauma (depression, anxiety, PTSD, allergies, chronic pain, etc.), this book is for YOU!! You’ll find it at Amazon in paperback (link) or Kindle (link). Enjoy and happy reading!
Are you on my email list? Email list subscribers receive an email with a link to my weekly blog post and occasional special offers. If you’d like to subscribe, click here: http://www.educate4change.com/
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