Have you seen the movie The Greatest Showman? I hadn’t until late last year, but the song “This is Me” had been a go-to in my music library for a few years, to bang out when I was feeling especially vulnerable.
I would play this song, with my own out-of-pitch vocals, obviously, when I felt I was too much for people, too loud, too angry, too opinionated. It worked like a balm, reminding me that who I am often doesn’t need an apology and that I don’t exist only to make others comfortable.
The people-pleaser in me struggles with this to no end, but my art practice and the Permission to Play group have really helped me work through it over the years.
Yesterday, I had "This is Me" on repeat as I drove to work, and it reminded me why we must move through the feelings we experience using art, music, or exercise.
Whilst stillness may be necessary to calm our nervous systems, so too is movement to transform big feelings into manageable experiences.
When speaking with a friend recently about some things going on in their life, I instinctively suggested that they might be holding on to or suppressing their feelings, and that acknowledging and moving through them might help transform what they were experiencing.
- We discussed the idea that free writing some journal pages might allow for processing, a well-known fact to reduce anxiety, and one that we often forget is literally at our fingertips!
- Additionally, I invited them to explore the big emotions they were feeling by putting on some music and moving their body with crayons or charcoal. I shared this video on my Instagram, and you can see it here.
- Finally, I offered to sit with them. Remembering that being connected and feeling safe is often integral to moving through overwhelming feelings. A sense of connection and transfer can move the big feelings we have elsewhere, and that alone can be relieving.
So, Reader, I wanted to share these musings with you because, if, like me, or my friend, you often feel like you are too much or holding it together, some simple creative exercises can actually transform what could be a spiral into greater emotional regulation and freedom in your mind and body.
If this resonates with you, I would love to hear your go-to songs!
Feel free to hit reply and let me know.
What I am reading:
Currently, I am reading a book I have wanted to read for many years. It is Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe, and it is highly recommended for anyone living on the unceded lands of Australia. This book is a historical account of First Nations agricultural practices and innovations and is nothing short of inspirational, showing how the oldest surviving culture on this planet lived in relationship with the land for thousands of years. I encourage everyone to read this.
I am also reading Doom and Bloom by Campbell Walker; both books were borrowed from the local library (remember to support your local library folks!). This is so far a highly illustrative and historical account of how we can counter the DOOM with creativity. I will review more once I have finished, but it is an enjoyable and creative take on life and tackles some of the harder questions we have in our human experience.
What am I making?
I have started a new role as an arts facilitator at a local community hub for folks with disabilities. I am loving this work alongside my mental health support work and the incredible Permission to Play community. I get opportunities to create every week, and last week I was somewhat obsessed with these paper flowers and vases. I first saw the idea on Lily Childers website and adapted it by creating my own collage papers and cutting them up. I also made my own clay vase, and during our live play session on Sunday, I collaged it as well! What fun!
I have also been exploring oil pastels and crayons, and I can tell I am seeking out that really textural medium in my work.
You are welcome…
We had some new interest in the Permission to Play community this week, and I wanted to remind you, Reader that you can fully engage in your creative exploration in a safe, curious environment inside this special group. Try the community for 2 weeks and see if it’s for you! If you have read the info you can join for free here.
It's just on school pick up time now so this is no longer a morning musing! I hope you have a wonderful creative week ahead Reader. Take care.
Until soon.
Delphie Joy xox
