Hey friends, Shannon here! If you know me, you know I’m all about tapping into those deeper parts of ourselves to find growth, expansion and connection. Today, I want to talk about one of my favorite ways to do just that: creative expression—through art, writing, music, and everything in between.
Let’s be real—sometimes life throws a lot at us. We get stressed, we feel overwhelmed, and it’s easy to lose touch with who we really are underneath all the noise. But here’s the thing: creative expression can be like a lifeline that pulls us back to ourselves. It’s not about being a Picasso or a bestselling author; it’s about using creativity as a way to process emotions, find clarity, and heal.
I’ve seen time and time again how powerful this can be, especially at our retreats, where women let go, dive into creativity, and emerge feeling lighter, freer, and more connected to who they truly are. So, let’s dive into how art, writing, and music can be expansive and how incorporating them into your life—or a retreat—can open doors to growth and self-discovery.
The Power of Creative Expression
Whether you’re doodling in a notebook, writing down your thoughts in a journal, or humming along to your favorite song, creativity is a way to express what we often can’t put into words. Art, in its many forms, gives us permission to feel, process, and release emotions that might otherwise stay bottled up.
Here’s why creative expression is so powerful:
- It Helps You Process Emotions: Sometimes, we don’t even realize what we’re feeling until we put it into words, images, or sounds. Creative activities can help us access emotions we’ve buried or ignored, giving us a safe way to process and release them.
- It Provides an Outlet for Stress Relief: Life can be hectic, and all that stress can take a toll on our mental health. But when we allow ourselves to get lost in a creative activity, we give our minds a break from the chaos. It’s like pressing the “reset” button on your brain.
- It Fosters Self-Discovery: Creating something—whether it’s a painting, a poem, or even a playlist—can give you insight into yourself. What you create might surprise you! It’s a window into your inner world, helping you explore your thoughts and feelings in a way that’s often more revealing than a conversation.
- It Builds Resilience: Engaging in creative activities requires a certain amount of vulnerability. You’re putting yourself out there, even if it’s just for you. Over time, this practice builds emotional resilience, making you more comfortable with expressing yourself and navigating life’s ups and downs.
Art, Writing, and Music: Tools for Transformation
There’s no one right way to express yourself creatively. That’s the beauty of it—you can pick up a paintbrush, a pen, or a guitar, and let whatever needs to come out just flow. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use art, writing, and music for healing:
- Art Expression
You don’t need to be a professional artist to benefit from art. It’s all about using colors, shapes, and images to express what’s going on inside. Maybe you’re feeling anxious, so you grab some bold, bright colors and start creating a chaotic abstract painting. Or maybe you’re feeling peaceful, so you let that calm energy guide your brushstrokes. Art gives you a way to communicate without words, and it’s a powerful tool for releasing emotions.
- Journaling and Creative Writing
Writing is one of the easiest (and most affordable!) ways to tap into your creativity. Grab a notebook, pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea, and start writing. Don’t worry about making it perfect—just let the words flow. Journaling is a great way to process your thoughts, get clarity, and work through difficult emotions. You can also use creative writing prompts to explore new ideas, uncover hidden feelings, or even just play with words in a fun, lighthearted way.
- Music and Sound
Music has a way of speaking to our souls, doesn’t it? Whether you’re listening to your favorite song, singing along, or even making your own music, sound is a powerful mover. In fact, sound healing is a whole practice dedicated to using vibrations from sound to balance and restore the body’s energy. At our retreats, we often incorporate sound healing through instruments like singing bowls, gongs, or even guided chanting. It’s not just about hearing the music—it’s about feeling it.
How Creative Expression Plays a Role at Our Retreats
At our retreats, creativity is woven into the fabric of the experience. We believe that giving yourself the freedom to create—without judgment, without expectation—is one of the most healing things you can do. That’s why we offer a variety of creative workshops and art therapy sessions designed to help you unlock your inner artist (even if you don’t think you’re artistic!).
Here’s a sneak peek at some of the creative activities we offer:
- Art Therapy Workshops
Our art therapy workshops are designed to help you tap into your emotions through the use of color, texture, and form. We provide everything you need—paint, canvas, clay, you name it. These sessions are all about self-expression, and the best part? There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to create. You simply let your intuition guide you and see what unfolds.
- Journaling Circles
If writing is more your speed, we’ve got you covered! We often hold journaling circles, where we guide you through different prompts designed to help you dig deep and explore your inner world. Whether you’re journaling privately or sharing with the group, it’s a powerful way to reflect on your experiences and gain new insights.
- Sound and Music
As I mentioned earlier, sound is a sweet part of our retreats. We often incorporate it into our retreat schedules with a professional sound instructor. The vibrations from the instruments work on a cellular level to help balance your energy and promote deep relaxation. Trust me—there’s nothing quite like lying down and letting the soothing sounds of singing bowls wash over you.
Real Stories: Women Who Have Found Transformation Through Creativity
I’ve seen so many women find transformation through creative expression at our retreats, and each story is as unique as the woman herself. Here are just a couple of examples:
Emma’s Story: Finding Her Voice Through Writing
Emma came to our retreat feeling stuck in her life and unsure of how to move forward. She had always loved writing as a child, but as an adult, she had lost touch with that part of herself. During one of our journaling circles, she started writing about her experiences, and something clicked. She realized that writing was her way of processing her emotions and finding her voice again. By the end of the retreat, she felt more empowered and clear about her next steps in life.
Rachel’s Story: Transformation Through Art
Rachel had never considered herself “artistic,” but she decided to try one of our art workshops just for fun. As she started painting, she realized that she was able to express emotions she had been holding onto for years. The act of putting paint to canvas helped her release old wounds, and she found a sense of peace she hadn’t felt in a long time. Art became her expression, and she’s continued painting ever since.
Why Creative Expression Matters for Growth
At the end of the day, creative expression is about more than just making something pretty—it’s about giving yourself permission to explore, express, and grow. Whether you’re painting, writing, or playing music, you’re tapping into a part of yourself that’s often overlooked in the hustle of everyday life. You’re reconnecting with your inner child, the part of you that’s curious, playful, and free.
So, if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just in need of a little self-care, I encourage you to explore your creative side. And if you’re looking for a place to really dive deep into that process, come join us at one of our retreats! You’ll leave with more than just beautiful memories—you’ll leave with a renewed sense of self, and maybe even a new creative passion.
Let’s create, connect, and grow together, one paintbrush (or pen, or note) at a time.
