The Healing Power of Art

After a long, long break, I am excited to be back! This lesson have I learnt; even the sweetest little baby can make the best laid plans go pear shaped! The past several months have been a blur. A wonderful blur, but a blur none the less. 

I am adoring motherhood at 45. Of course, I didn't stop being a mum to my two older girls who are 19 and 24. But all that wonderful, messy, cuddly, gurgling, time consuming baby kind of mothering is just divine after so long without it. It's also divine watching my older girls smother their little sister with an abundance of love and attention. Its time consumingly wonderful to watch a little chubby bub discover so many things; leaves blowing in the wind, how to grab objects, how to catch your attention, study your mouth as you talk, taste absolutely everything, attempt to walk on unsteady legs...I could go on. But just in case you think that's all I've been doing, check this out: Arabelle's Window. This is my health and new attitude focused blog. Having my 3rd c-section led to a few health issues, including significant weight gain. My way of overcoming that was to make myself accountable-hence the blog. 

Another thing that has kept me busy is dealing with deep issues that have kept me bound for far too long. Nothing like bringing a sweet soul into this world to make you realise you need to get rid of some excess emotional baggage. I realised I needed help unloading this, so I went to see someone I respect immensely for help once again, my counsellor and friend, Carol Comerford. 

Permission to go deep please. I uncovered that I was living with shame. With increasing strength over the years, I never felt I measured up anywhere, or to anyone. I've tried to perform my way out of it, yet I still felt powerless and inadequate. And very, very afraid. I was carrying the baggage of shame. Trust me, carrying that kind of baggage weighs you down, and causes you to shut down due to the burden of dragging it around everywhere. I felt powerless, unlovable, without a voice and very angry as a result. 

Carol has one of my paintings in her office, one I have finally titled Hope Takes Root in Gratitude. During a counselling session, Carol mentioned how my painting had impacted others. Those words in turn impacted me deeply. It started me acknowledging that I am allowed to have my own style, and that style does have relevance. A style also touches hearts. I paint, and I write, simply, with vibrancy and passion. 

This revelation is the perfect place to start afresh. This time, I won't tell you of my plans, but I simply can't wait to show you! But before I do, please read what Carol Comerford had to say about my work yesterday...

I have always admired Marija's work. Around 2007, Marija had completed several significant artworks, and in particular, I really admired this work because of the colours and the subject matter. Marija kindly donated this work to my counselling practice which was then in its infancy. 

Because we were in the process of moving premises, the work resided in my family home for a period of time. While it was there, people always commented on the work and how striking it was. When I moved to a bigger premises, I was able to hang the work on the main wall in my office, next to where I sit and counsel clients.

Clients always remark on the work in relation to its artistic merit and aesthetic appeal. However, it is the therapeutic impact that has impressed me. The work I do with clients is often in relation to significant traumatic events in their lives and can be very confronting. It is very important that clients feel safe and comfortable in the counselling space. Marija's artwork has been beneficial in centering and grounding several clients when they have been going through difficult emotions and processes. The healing power of art is very evident in Marija's work.

Carol Comerford.   

Carol has been a practicing Counsellor for 22 years, is a qualified Social Worker, Member of AASW and is a registered Medicare provider. Carol has a long history of working with clients who have experienced trauma at anytime in their lives, particularly victims of sexual violence. 

Her practice is C3 Counselling and Consultancy.

And there you have it, my story for past several months. It has been a bumpy, exciting, challenging, healing journey. Now that I am more aware than ever of the healing power of art, I am determined to let my heart lead the way and step into a vibrant, creative new season. Stay tuned! And thanks for reading :)