HEALING POWERS OF THE ARTS
In a tumultuous world filled with uncertainty, tensions and stress, we are seeing political upheaval, destruction of our environment and the breaking of the human spirit. With the medium of the internet and social media, we have become more and more a part of a global community and thus we are laid bare to immediate news, comments, vitriol and unpleasantness as much as we are exposed to the joys of sharing the positives, beauty, co-operation, and alliances.
With people's daily personal responsibilities, both work and family related, life can be stressful enough and with the additional constant exposure to the negativity of the press, media and human interaction, there is a trickle down effect. Many people are experiencing sleep problems, fits of the blues, deep depressions and feelings of uncertainty and futility. Friendships have been lost, becoming casualties to political unrest and debate. People have become displaced due to acts of war and there is suffering. People feel edgy, agitated and disillusioned.
As artists, writers and musicians who are equally affected by all of this, I feel it is even more important now to step up to the plate and share the beauty, sensibilities and curative aspects of our lives and professions. The arts bring positivity, healing and enrichment. .They not only give us pleasure but teach us, heal us, encourage understanding and gives one the ability to think for themselves.
Our art can create a shelter from the storm and a comfort zone. If only for a short period of time, it gives us an escape and an opportunity to breathe easier, experience calm and enhance our quality of life. So to those of you in the artistic community, please continue to share your thoughts, your paintings, your dancing, your music, your writing, yourselves, your soul, with the world. We need the arts more than ever to comfort us and give us purpose, encouragement and motivation.
