Elizabeth Lewis on The Healing Power of Art: We tend to look at the visual arts as either a form of entertainment or as a calling for those lucky few who are "good at it". But the truth is, art is about self-expression. And we are all artists - some of us just don't know it yet.
 
Participating in art-making offers many opportunities for healing. The joy we feel when creating art can be healing in itself. It is easy to get lost in creativity, relieving stress and anxiety and thereby eliminating a major cause of dis-ease. Studies have shown that participation in art offers many of the same physical health benefits as massage and meditation - it can relax the muscles, soothe respiration, lower blood pressure, release endorphins, balance hormones and increase blood flow to the organs. In essence, art is energetic healing, a way to integrate body, mind and spirit.
 
Art is also healing as a form of self-communication. Through art the subconscious is revealed, offering a deeper expression of emotion. Sometimes words limit us. Sometimes we have feelings that we have not yet found words for. Sometimes grief, fear and anger overwhelm us. Art can help us get at, understand and release those emotions, allowing us to let go of the part and embrace the present.
 
Spiritual development can be fostered through the artistic process. The ancients called art-making "touching the face of God" in recognition of art as a way to directly connect with the Divine. Art-making helps us to understand that the way in which we heal from, and deal with, loss and change are a function of our unique personalities, belief systems and life experiences. Through art we connect more deeply with our authentic selves, others and the world.