HeArtwork: Painting my Pain

Sometimes the feelings inside me are more than I want to hold anymore.

I have to let them go.
I have to get them out.

I have a few tools I use when these overwhelming feelings come for me. Sometimes I write them out as journal entries or poetry. Sometimes I use physical exertion—- using yoga, or biking, or running as a way to release these feelings.

Other times my paints call to me. They ask me to visualize my pain. To pour it out onto the canvas.

And I must oblige the Muse when she calls me that way.

I truly feel there is a connection between the creative forces of the universe and our most unfiltered, raw feelings. There is a frequency I will find myself in sometimes where the feelings flow out of me and onto the canvas almost without effort. It’s like I’m uncovering something that was already there, instead of creating it from nothing. I consider these magical moments a synergistic spirit of the universe helping me help myself.

Because at the end of these creative outbursts I am always lightened.

I think sometimes people are hesitant to paint or do art generally because they “aren’t good at it” or “aren’t creative like that”. Unfortunately this can prevent people from ever getting started on their own HeArtwork. And that’s a shame.

Truth is you don’t have to be an amazing artist to start doing your own HeArtwork.

You just have to get started.

If you aren’t comfortable with paints work with what you have. Start with pencil and paper. Sketch out what you’re feeling, even if it doesn’t quite make sense. Even if it is only a big black scribble on your page. Make that scribble your pain. Channel all those emotions into the thing you are visualizing on paper. Sometimes something unexpected will come from this pouring out of emotions. Or start writing out all the words of what you feel and think. Spill them out into a designated notebook, one that can hold those hurts and hang ups so you can effectively heal up.

HeArtwork has helped me heal up some of my pain. The things that use to weigh heavy on me, many of those burdens are now part of a painting. They’re tangible expressions of that, validating my experience, but they are outside of me and no longer weighing on my soul.

I encourage everyone to find their own way to express the things that weigh on them. While the process can be emotionally difficult, it’s a hero’s journey. It can help us grow in the ways we need to. And heal the pains we need to process.