It might seem like a bold statement to assert that creative expression can play a crucial role in self-discovery, holistic wellbeing, intuition connection, self-trust, freedom, increased confidence and agency. But hear me out. I stand by my claim. 

What does “creative expression” actually mean?

Put simply, it’s the act of translating your thoughts, feelings, and imaginings into tangible form, in any medium. Writing, cooking, gardening, acting, designing, composing and artmaking are all creative practices. For the purposes of this post, I’m focusing on expressive artmaking. 

Hold up! Before you dismiss this notion because you don’t “have a creative bone in your body”, let’s set the record straight. You are creative, even if your stick figures fall down. Creativity is ingrained in our very essence as humans. We are all inherently creative beings; it’s what sets us apart as a species. The act of creation means that we bring something into this world that is birthed from the depths of our minds, hearts and souls, which is pretty incredible. 

Why do we care?

Creative processes activate the the right brain, seat of our intuition, 6th sense, gut, bone wisdom, etc. So much in life can’t be solved by simply thinking harder. We have SO much wisdom beyond words and expressive arts is a portal directly to our core. 

Why is creative expression so crucial for midlife women? Well, for a myriad of reasons (which are another story for another post), Gen X women and beyond have a tendency to self-censor, stifle their full expression and at times, our perspectives. 

To grasp the transformative potential of creative expression, let’s explore what expressive arts are all about.:

• Judgment-free zone: no right or wrong, no good or bad. 
• Process over product: it’s about the experience of creating, not the end-result.
• No agenda: no preconceived notion of what you’ll create. 
• Just for you: expressive arts are just for you. No need to share or explain.
• Freedom and play: a rare treat and a powerful release of tension. 
  

The big picture benefits

Engaging in expressive arts is more than just creating art—it’s a practice in:

Embracing Curiosity: Cultivating a mindset of openness, free from judgment towards oneself and others. Curiosity and judgment can’t exist together. 

Embracing Exploration: Approaching the process with a “what if” mindset, allowing yourself to explore new possibilities and ideas without fear of failure.

Embracing Ambiguity: Welcoming the unexpected and unknown, allowing for fluidity and spontaneity in the creative process.

Being Present: Being fully present in the moment, embracing the here and now with mindfulness and awareness.

Integration into Life: Just as yoga instills acceptance and resilience on and off the mat, expressive arts help you integrate these practices into your everyday life. They empower us to navigate life’s challenges with grace, embrace uncertainty with curiosity, and infuse every aspect of our lives with creativity.

In this nurturing environment, creating intuitive art leads us to our most authentic self-expression—a sanctuary for exploration, processing, dreaming, and healing, free from external influences. It’s a space where our intuition, our inner guide, holds the answers to everything we seek.

Now, let’s add one more practice to the list of transferable lessons:

Full authentic self-expression without apology. It’s about feeling empowered and confident in our true selves, quirks and all.

It’s not uncommon for women to exude confidence in one aspect of their lives while feeling restrained in others. Consider a career woman who commands the boardroom but hesitates to speak her mind at home, or an artist who expresses freely in the studio but feels confined outside its walls.

But what if our exploration of creative expression extended beyond the confines of art? What if the authenticity and insights gained from our artistic practices informed every facet of our lives—our behavior, language, and relationships? What if self-expression ceased to be confined to certain realms and became the guiding principle in all that we do?

In bridging the gap between creative expression and self-discovery, we pave the way for a more authentic, empowered existence—a life lived in full color, unbound by the constraints of convention or expectation. So let’s color outside the lines, embrace the chaos of creation, and live a life in alignment with our truest, most radiant selves.

Fired up to infuse your life with a burst of creativity and try something new?

If you’re eager to dip your toes into the world of creative expression, Art Journaling could be your perfect starting point! I’ve whipped up a free guided art journaling exercise just for you.

If you’re on the hunt for a unique experience to share with your squad, look no further! My custom workshops provide an exciting and interactive way to strengthen your group connections and create lasting memories. Find out more here!