Healing with the Use of Art

Grief is a very personal thing. While many people may go through it together, each one will experience it in their own way. How people deal with it is also a very personal thing. After a loved one’s cremation services in Hoffman Estates, IL, some may turn to friends and want to talk, while others may turn inward and isolate. Some may turn to activities such as physical exercise, while others may prefer things like cooking and staying busy. One thing people have turned to for years is an art and creative expression.

Creative expression can include many things such as drawing, painting, macrame, collage art photography, and sculpture to name a few. Many people turn to these activities because it helps them process their grief and get their feelings out in a healthy way. If you would like to learn more about how to use visual arts as a way to handle grief, keep reading as we share how to get started.

Choose Your Activity

The first thing you should do is choose what activity you would like to work on. To help decide which activity might be best, think of how you feel and what your activity level is right now. For example, if you are feeling a bit lethargic then maybe coloring in a coloring book would be good because you can sit while you color. If you are feeling more active and want to be more on the go, photography would be a wonderful choice as you can grab your camera and take off wherever you wish and snap some photos.

Gather Your Supplies

Once you select your activity you will know what you need for supplies. Make sure you have everything you need and if not make a trip to your local craft store. Also, other than the actual supplies you might consider purchasing bins or containers to store all your supplies. This way it is easy to store as well as get out when you want to create. The less hassle it is to set up and break down, the more likely you will be to perform the activity.

Create

Once you have everything you need and it’s all set up, it’s time to create. Don’t worry if at first, you don’t feel motivated or “in the mood”. Start anyway. It may feel awkward at first or as if you aren’t really sure what to do but just start. It will get easier. And remember, you aren’t trying to create the next world, this art is just for you. Just close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let go of judgment, open your eyes and just start.

Final Thoughts

Grieving is a normal process and a way for our brains and hearts to process and understand our loss and face our new reality. Visual arts can help in this healing journey. If you need help or information on how to handle grief after your loved one’s cremation services in Hoffman Estates, IL, contact us anytime as we are always here to help.