Integrating Spiritual & Somatic Practices in Creative Arts Therapy (Rochester Edition)

art & spiritual somatic therapy

In today’s modern technological world of social media, AI, constant exposure to polarized political views, moral ambiguity, and platforms to instantly express all potential thoughts to our community through tweeting, texting, or Teams, an existential spiritual crisis continues to loom over our heads like a dark cloud. The rapid advancements of technology and society have provided us with the means to obtain information or connect with others on the whim of an impulse, without any way to filter out damaging content. As humanity continues to grow and reshape the idea of society and culture, some are finding the traditional sense of “religion” being too restrictive to meet the needs of our complex lives.

Spirituality is very different from religion or religious practices. Religion gives a more direct, hands-on guidance to connecting with a specific Deity or lifestyle. As defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, spirituality is “the quality or state of being spiritual.” Spirituality is an overarching label for any experience that is connected to the unknown.
Even for those struggling with the concept of a “higher power,” spirituality provides an opportunity to find your own evolutionary path of self-fulfillment and enlightenment. For some, this may seem “too vague” or “overwhelming”; however, it allows spirituality to conform to your current spiritual state of being, at all times of life.

Why does spirituality matter?

In the current times of increased environmental stressors, whether political, financial, social, medical, emotional, and/or mental, we’re often left feeling that our spiritual battery is drained with limited resources to “refuel”. With the potential for negative exposure to news, social media, and daily interactions, many of us are seeking “more.” What is
“more?” For each person the answer may be different. For some if could mean a purpose, a relationship, a hobby, a lifestyle change, financial freedom, or less suffering. When all doors appear to be “closed,” it is the mystic, shaman, or teacher that will encourage you to look within.

The truth is already within us. All we need is a key to access the wisdom that lies dormant within. Any modality that is accessible without words or conscious thought provides the opportunity to connect with your spiritual self, higher self, ancestor, angels, guides, universe, or the collective unconscious. Considering the above, art therapy can be a conduit for emotional and spiritual healing. Some questions you may want to ask yourself:

· Am I feeling disconnected from a sense of purpose?
· Is it a struggle to find supportive community or connection?
· Am I navigating a shift away from previous beliefs?

Spirituality is the connection to this space where beauty is made, pain is transformed, heartache is honored, and a doorway can be manifested from grief into healing. While the creation itself is an expression of spirituality, the ability to have a seasoned advisor to assist you in this experience can deepen your awareness and understanding.
This is where art therapy is a divine tool to recharge. In the earliest days of art, cavemen sought to communicate, express, and tell experiences. The need for connection began driving a form of expression for experiences that are beyond words.

Metaphorically, you become the ultimate creator when engaging in art. Whether it is a preplanned masterpiece or a spontaneous expression fueled by the subconscious. Each work of art is a world onto itself that allows us to create, destroy, explore, repair, and seek our own truth in the moment. A blank canvas begs for the creation of form, space, and shade. With a paintbrush, we manifest a world reflecting the intricate nuances of our psyche. A lump of clay longs for formation, texture, and detail. Even the humble piece of paper yearns for the transformation into a piece of origami, a colorful rainbow, or a thoughtful poem written to a loved one.

 

Art-Based Spiritual Practices

The combination of art and spirituality lends to self-discovery. Some of the most common art-based spiritual practices include temporary art, such as a Buddha board or creation of art in nature. Challenging the human longing for permanency, learning to observe the rising emotions and thoughts connecting to the beauty found among the impermanence of life, and searching for acceptance of mortality are a few potential benefits. For instance, drawing the name of a lost loved one in the sandy shore, learning how to hold space for the emotions that emerge as the waves smooth away the grooves of your creation. Forming a mandala out of found natural materials during a walk can provide an opportunity for a deep sense of gratitude for the mundane that has the potential for greatness. In a world of instant gratification and rapid expansion, finding grace in any moment becomes a gift, which is why we call it the “present.”

Spiritually, art therapy becomes an instrument of restoration for the soul. Art modalities become opportunities to access our ability for self-transformation, wherever we are, right now, in this moment. Art transitions into a mirror to reflect and contemplate our deepest life values, fears, and desires. Learning to connect with your inner self provides
the tools for learning how to heal independently. With the addition of a trained art therapist, you can seek guidance, reference, and gentle encouragement to self-fulfillment and inner peace.