As a middle-aged, neurodivergent white woman who has been artistic and creative my whole life, I know firsthand the struggles of navigating a world that isn't always built for us.
I've always found that creating art, music, and writing has been a powerful tool for connecting with my inner self and expressing my emotions. Because creative expression has been a lifesaver for me, I want to share some of the magic of creativity with you.
I have tips and strategies for using art, music, and writing to connect with your soul and find a sense of peace and self-discovery. So grab your favorite medium, and let's dive in!
Using Art to Connect with Your Soul
There's something magical about putting pen to paper or brush to canvas. Creating art is a wonderful way to express emotions that might be difficult to put into words. As a neurodivergent person, I find that art is a powerful tool for sensory regulation and self-expression.
If you're not sure where to start, try experimenting with different art mediums to find what speaks to you. Painting, drawing, collage, and sculpture are all wonderful options. And don't be afraid to get messy – creating art should be a joyful experience!
However, if you don't have access to those types of supplies, and you do have access to the internet, using the free version of Midjourney can be a wonderful way to create virtual art of any kind. There's a learning curve to using the tool, but I found these videos to be helpful when I started to play with it.
Using Music to Connect with Your Soul
Music has a way of reaching into our souls and connecting us with our emotions. As a neurodivergent person, I find that music can be incredibly helpful for sensory regulation and mood regulation. It can change my emotions from good to bad, or sad to peaceful.
My oldest daughter must have music on in order to stay focused while driving. My younger daughter who has an autism diagnosis often uses music to relate to the world - usually Disney theme songs.
Creating personalized playlists can be a wonderful way to explore different emotions and connect with your inner self. Try making playlists for different moods or times of day, and experiment with different types of music to see what resonates with you.
When I was younger and before my car accident, I was a belly dancer. The middle eastern music, mostly drums, brought something more primal from inside me. But, mariachi music makes me want to crawl out of my skin.
Using Writing to Connect with Your Soul
For me, writing has always been a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth. Earlier this year, I discovered the type of journaling that works best for me. Instead of long-form, storytelling journaling, I write thoughts, details, and the context in bullet points.
Here are some more examples of creative writing.
- Fiction: Fiction is a type of creative writing that involves creating characters, settings, and plots in a made-up story. Examples of fiction include novels, short stories, and plays.
- Poetry: Poetry is a form of creative writing that uses language to express emotions, ideas, and imagery. It often employs rhyme, meter, and other literary devices to create a musical or rhythmic effect.
- Creative nonfiction: Creative nonfiction is a type of writing that uses literary techniques to tell a true story or convey factual information in an engaging and creative way. Examples of creative nonfiction include memoirs, personal essays, and literary journalism.
- Screenplays: A screenplay is a type of creative writing that tells a story through dialogue and action, intended for performance in film or television. It often includes scene descriptions and camera directions.
- Playwriting: Playwriting is a type of creative writing that involves creating a script for a live theatrical performance. It often includes dialogue, stage directions, and character descriptions.
- Songwriting: Songwriting is a form of creative writing that involves writing lyrics and melodies for songs. It often includes poetic and storytelling elements.
If you're new to writing, start by setting aside a few minutes each day to write down your thoughts and feelings. You can also try using prompts to explore different emotions or values. And if you're feeling stuck, remember that there's no right or wrong way to journal – just let your thoughts flow.
Combining Creative Practices for a Holistic Approach
Combining different creative practices can be a wonderful way to enhance their individual benefits. Try creating art while listening to music, or writing in a journal after a meditation session. The possibilities are endless!
Here are some more ideas for combining different creative practices:
- Dance and Art: Put on some music and let it move you! Use your body to express yourself through dance, and then create a piece of art inspired by the movement and emotions you experienced.
- Meditation and Music: Play some calming music during your meditation practice to help you relax and focus your mind. Or, try meditating on different types of music to explore different emotions and sensations.
- Writing and Art: Use art as a writing prompt! Create a piece of art and then write a story or poem inspired by the imagery and emotions it evokes.
- Music and Art: Try creating a piece of art inspired by a song or musical piece. Let the rhythms and melodies inspire your artistic choices and see where it takes you.
- Nature and Art: Take a walk in nature and collect natural materials like leaves, rocks, and flowers. Then, use these materials to create a piece of art that reflects your connection to the natural world.
- Writing and Music: Listen to music while you write to enhance your mood and help you get in the flow. Or, try writing a story or poem inspired by a specific song or musical piece.
Finding What Works for You
Obviously, not every creative practice will work for every person. It's important to experiment with different mediums and find what works best for you. As I shared above, certain types of writing help me get the thoughts out of my head, and some music empowers me while other kinds are best left with the volume at zero.
Remember that the goal of creative expression isn't to create a masterpiece – it's to connect with your inner self and find a sense of peace and self-discovery
Do you have more ideas for incorporating creativity into your life, and using it to connect with your personal magic? I hope it has inspired you to explore the magic of creativity and its potential for spiritual growth and self-discovery. As a fellow neurodivergent person, I'm sending you lots of love and support on your creative journey. Keep creating, and remember that your voice and experiences matter. Â