As mentioned in the second post here at http://www.e-hhw.com/ (20Jan2011), creative expression is a healing and restorative process—recognized in the medical community as therapeutically viable. As the demise of my father progressed during 2010, I found my life in disarray from what I perceived as overwhelming, if not insurmountable, loss in my life. These losses not only included the inevitable loss of my father, but also recent losses of my professional career, my wife, two mentor dogs, personal possessions from two burglaries of my stored personal property, my friends and home in another state—indeed, my life as I knew it.
My overarching effort has been to bring the pieces of my life together in some meaningful way—to rise from the ashes. During 2010, I found myself discovering remnants of old wood, metal, bone, stone—most any object that is old, scarred, deteriorating, and has little value to most people.
The discovery of these remnants and what occurred thereafter is synchronistic (more on this term in subsequent posts)—and a metaphor for my effort to bring the pieces of my life together.
The discovery of these remnants and what occurred thereafter is synchronistic (more on this term in subsequent posts)—and a metaphor for my effort to bring the pieces of my life together.
As I began accumulating and refining these remnants, I also began combining them into what I now call Mysticks—similar in concept to talismans, amulets, or Native American totems. Mysticks are endued with the healing energy that sustains and heals me during the artisan process of their creation.
The components (remnants) of each Mystick not only have individual relevance, significance, and symbolism—but are augmented by the synergy derived from the combination of the other remnants included in each Mystick.
The Mysticks I’ve created thus far have found their place with those closest to me during the last few months and years—gifts of the soul. It is also synchronistic how the symbolism of each Mystick appears perfectly matched to the recipient—without any conscious consideration to that end. It is my belief that the medicine I experience while creating each Mystick is shared with its recipient.
To summarize: My creative expression sustains me during the grief I experience in this life. The essence of creative expression is of the soul—not our intellect. Creative expression is the portal of transcendence—being on earth as it is in heaven.
Resources:
· The first of this blog’s posts (Maiden Voyage, 13Jan2011) provides our perspective of the two essential components of humans—the physical and the soul. The second post (Balance the Canoe – Creativity, 20Jan2011) provides further perspective relating to the nature of creativity. This current post unites these concepts in real-life context.
· To further your understanding of the therapeutic aspects of creative expression, I recommend a book I reread annually—The Soul’s Palette by Cathy A. Malchiodi (Shambhala, 2002). http://www.amazon.com/Souls-Palette-Drawing-Transformative-Powers/dp/1570628157
· Synchronicity – definition – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synchronicity
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