There is no denying that brilliant art has come from someone’s hurt or trauma. Some of the best songs, books and poems have been written from a point of disturbance.

Does that mean all good art comes at a price?

Creating is cathartic, which is why many turn to writing or drawing during turbulent times. I’ve done it myself in the past, where writing was the only way I could think of working through my problems and express what was really going on.

Pain is also debilitating.

When you’re going through it, whether that’s heartbreak, trauma, physical or mental pain, it is so hard to escape yourself for even a minute to pick up the pen (or the guitar pick, paintbrush or whatever your weapon of choice may be).

I am not the first person to consider creating from a place of joy or peace. This is a tale as old as time – as old as the tortured artist trope, most likely. But I do want to use this time to remind you there’s another way.

We don’t have to be suffering for or through our art. It is possible to create from a place of joy; to experiment with creativity just for the hell of it.

It’s tempting to be brooding and dramatic, to use your own or someone else’s trauma to create something truly breathtaking.

While it has been many years since my dramatic pre-teen days, I still feel that girl inside me at times, so I understand the appeal of being ‘deep and dark’. But it really isn’t necessary.

Pain may be a good source of inspiration, and for many people, this is an easy way to create, but that does not mean the alternative isn’t possible.

Because what happens once the project is over, and you still feel like death?

What happens when you’ve brought your demons to life for the sake of your art but find that you cannot exorcise them once the paint dries?

Creating can be a safe way to express your feelings, rewrite trauma and consider the pain you’ve faced, as long as it’s done in conjunction with therapy, medication or other supervision.

You never want to enter the depths of your mind alone, no matter how much potential you think you’ll find.

This is why creating from a place of joy and peace is so beneficial. There is no risk of finding something you don’t like or becoming trapped in the black feelings.

It’s simply a way to get more from your days, to express yourself and see what’s possible.

This requires approaching creativity (whether that’s your writing, music, painting, or pottery) from a different angle. Rather than pure catharsis or therapy, see creativity as a learning opportunity; a time for experimentation and play.

Remember that thing, play? Hours used to be spent playing as kids, then we all grew up, and all we know is work and ploughing and the occasional pain. Creativity can be a way to regain that sense of play when it’s approached lightly and without caution.

It doesn’t have to be massive or take over your life. Embracing creativity can be as simple as writing a quick blog post while you wait for a work programme to load (hello!).

Simply be curious and open – allow inspiration to come to you, and, most importantly, let things hold your interest.

Explore those ideas, experiment with that style, try out that new album, book or artist. Enter the creative arena with a light heart and a genuine interest in trying, as opposed to wanting to achieve something big.

This is how we begin creating from a joyful place, and how we can cultivate more whimsy in our days.

If you feel tempted to engage with darkness or fall back into old habits just for the story, I urge you to stop. We need you healthy, happy, and alert.

Please don’t hurt yourself again

Are You Really Okay? Sleep Token

This can be a whole new era of your creativity and a chance to try something new, if you let it. Don’t sabotage yourself for the sake of creation; let it be a tool for joy and peace, instead.

Speak soon,

Rachael.

Photo by Klara Kulikova on Unsplash