We moms are so busy that sometimes we lose the connection to our creative selves. Read on for some thoughts/resources on how to find your “flow” and help bring your heart and mind together from Guest Blogger, Amy Tatsumi.
What makes you feel alive? What allows you to be connected to your true self? For some, it is singing or dancing when no one is watching. It could also be reading, swimming in the ocean, stargazing, running, enjoying spa time, or eating fresh strawberries. Others may relish old traditions kept alive: Baking bread, knitting, family dinners, or making art. All of these activities involve the action of creating directly or indirectly for ourselves.
Sometimes we, as mothers, are so busy with all of our responsibilities that we can get disconnected from our true selves. We may begin to view life from an intellectual or pragmatic place where we over-think or rationalize the same scripts over and over in our heads.
We tend to put everyone’s needs before ours because that is what mothers, wives, single parents, or outstanding employees are supposed to do (no matter how tired or burnt out we are).
The mom wars of our time seem to reinforce this script that no matter what path of motherhood you choose, someone may find fault with you.
From internal and external pressures and criticisms, we can see our brilliant light dimming. We don’t make time for ourselves or for the pastimes or activities that help us to feel alive. We then experience less joy, satisfaction, contentment, and equanimity in our daily lives and relationships.
What can we do to bring our hearts and minds closer together? The creative process supports both those who have the words and those who don’t. Art therapy provides a healing space for children, teens, and adults alike to connect with images, the creative process, and words to better understand how and why they are feeling disconnected.
Art Therapy helps people who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief & loss, trauma, chronic illness, relationship issues, major life changes, and decision-making. It is practiced in schools, hospitals, wellness centers, the military, and in mental health centers. It is important to note that you don’t need to be artistic to benefit from art therapy.
Art therapists are master’s level credentialed clinicians with training in counseling and art. They offer various mediums (e.g., paint, digital photography, sewing, sculpture, etc.) to help their clients create solutions for the hows and whys of their lives.
Recently, I met with a mother who was feeling unfulfilled and overworked. She began reconnecting to her hopes and wishes through talking and exploring metaphors in watercolors. The fluidity of the watercolor medium helped this mother to make decisions for herself and family that flowed with balance and joy most of the time.
Another woman contacted me because she was feeling anxious about returning to the work force after being home with her child for some time. She was stuck in feelings of guilt and anxiety about her home and work balance. Through exploring a variety of art mediums, this mother used the art making process and her personal metaphors and imagery to feel more grounded and balanced in her everyday life.
Tapping into the creative process can help you reconnect with your authentic self. Try it to discover how your heart and mind can work together to live a life filled with possibilities.
Amy Tatsumi is a mother, art therapist, and licensed professional counselor. She provides children, teens, and adults with individual counseling, groups, and supervision in her Washington, DC practice. Amy helps people create the life they want.
