The arts have been used as healing tools throughout the ages, but deeper understanding about the power of the arts and its impact on brain health is relatively new.   “Neuroaesthetics” is an emerging field of scientific study that offers research-based evidence that a variety of arts-based approaches may work to improve quality of life, mobility, mental health, speech, memory, pain, learning, and more.

These benefits come from making art, but they also occur by just observing or experiencing art.  It’s exciting because simple creative interventions could potentially lower the cost and burden of chronic disease, neurological disorders, and mental health issues for millions of people.

My father was a prolific painter and he started when he was 80 years old.  Learning various forms of painting techniques gave him new knowledge, new social activities, a renewed sense of purpose and an outlet for creativity which made him happy.  His brain was sharp until 95 when his heart finally gave out.  Through him, I saw the benefits first-hand of the power of the arts had on his health and wellbeing.

Research now makes clear that experiencing or creating art sparks a dynamic interplay among brain cells that spearheads billions of changes affecting our thoughts, emotions, and actions.  Any type of creative expression engages the brain’s neuroplasticity: when faced with different situations, our brains will continue to change and respond to environmental activity throughout our lives – and when mixed with art engagement, it can be incredibly beneficial for mental wellbeing.

This exciting new field of research has the potential to elevate the arts to a superpower in its potential for healing and wellness.  Some doctors have even begun prescribing museum visits to address loneliness, dementia, and many other physical and mental health concerns.

Deep, rich aesthetic experiences offer the potential to bring us back to our evolutionary roots: to inspire us, move us, heal us and connect us.  It’s exciting to see that science and the arts are coming together to show us that we are, in fact, wired for art.

As I took a walk this morning and took in the views of the distant snowcapped mountains and plants freshly bathed in moisture, I felt a deep sense of gratitude.  Gratitude for the magnificence of nature and the feelings of calmness and inspiration it gives me.

Life is always busy– there’s the endless to-do lists, work, chores, and stressors.  Since I am sensitive to things, I try and remind myself of things I am grateful for and thank for all the goodness in my life. It helps me stay grounded.  It inspired me to share a simple tip to help pull yourself out of a funk, out of stress and anxiety, out of worry and fear.  It’s so simple– and it’s free.

Go outside. Take a walk and simply observe nature.  Engage your senses by really looking around you, seeing in a different way. Listen. Take deep breaths and feel the air fill your lungs. Slow down, observe, and let your thoughts fill with gratitude instead of grief.

There are numerous studies of how spending time in nature positively affects the brain and improves health. Even looking at photos of nature can improve your mood. Yet, most of us are disconnected to nature and spend little time outdoors.  The result is a disconnection to ourselves so gratitude and joy fall by the wayside.

I’ve found an easy way to clear your mind is to go outside and take photographs.  Since nearly everyone has a camera on their phone, it’s the perfect tool to take you out of your thoughts and just be present. You can use your camera help you focus on seeing things differently, to observe the details, to be curious, to feel inspired.

The only way to really do this effectively is to slow down. Make sure you put your phone on airplane mode so you disconnect to technology—that’s the point.  It’s all about seeing.  Observing. Slowing down enough to view the details.  In those details, your mind will calm down, your thoughts will shift, and you can let go of the angst over the to-do list.

I have been a photographer for over 40 years and I look back on the times I’ve wandered into places where my curiosity took me to take photos.  I didn’t think.  I just was drawn to a place, the light, a scene that evoked an emotion.  I got lost in my mind—in a good way.  Now, I take my iPhone on short walks and really focus on what I am seeing and feeling. In this simplicity, a profound sense of calm and gratitude washes over me.

I am so grateful for being a healer and being able to help so many people over the last 24 years.   I am so grateful that I can walk and see all the beauty that soothes my soul.  And thankful I have picked up my camera again and am tapping into my creativity which makes me the happiest.

My goal as a healer is to help people ease stress, anxiety and the worry that constantly swirls around us. Through the power of nature and art, I hope to educate and inspire others to reconnect to their true selves and foster emotional wellness.

Remember, it’s simple: Go outside. Tap into nature. Engage your senses. Let the details draw you out of your head and into your heart.  Appreciate the beauty and simplicity of what earth gives us to heal and think of the many things you are grateful for.  In this calm state of observation, you will feel happier, calmer and ready to take on the holiday madness with grace and ease.

I wish you the very best and am so grateful you have allowed me to inspire you in any way.