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Welcome to my column about the art and science of positive psychology. See how creativity fuels Philomath’s community spirit year-round. Join us as we explore all the fascinating ways the arts can be a positive health intervention for the well-being of individuals and communities.
My name is Sophie Grow. She is the Director of Programs at Maxtivity Arts and Crafts Creative Space in Philomath, Oregon. Before teaching art classes and organizing community art programs, for the past 10 years I taught families to grow vegetables, facilitated parent education classes, and helped with perinatal mental health here at Philomath. Support led her group. I would like to share my first-hand experience about the transformative power of community involvement and how creativity fosters an upward spiral of happiness.
You may be wondering what creativity has to do with health and happiness.
First, research has shown time and time again that actively or passively engaging with arts and culture can build resilience and a sense of belonging. Being social and laughing boosts your immune system. The benefits apply not only to children who craft, but also to all people of all ages who participate in different kinds of creative activities. Just 45 minutes of getting creative with collage materials or clay can lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health, according to research from Drexel University.
I would like to point out that all of the research points to a larger theme, whether it’s creating art at home in your off-time or participating in community performances. Humans have a unique ability to experience rich human expression. By doing so, you can experience significant tangible benefits. As my coach Emilia Zhivotovskaya puts it, we can increase our own well-being through active interventions that lead us to the “neutral north.”
Our bodies are designed to inspire and be inspired. Loud gasps, laughter, covering one’s mouth, smiling, puffing one’s chest, and crying are physical reactions that all humans feel in response to creative activity. Physiologically, humans have a dopaminergic, or chemically rewarding, response to works that move the mind. So, let’s face it, what’s stopping people from pursuing the benefits of art and creativity if what’s good is really good for them?
I don’t know about anyone else, but the stress of adulthood has hijacked my own urges to feel inspired and express my full human potential. The kids have to be picked up, deadlines have to be met, and the dog has to go to the vet again. Stress redirects my focus to a dull but achievable standard of “OK” or “okay.” Engaging with art just a few times can give me more catharsis, relaxation, or excitement and move me toward further prosperity.
Making art in the community is about being seen in a safe community space, feeling a sense of belonging, and having positive relationships. It’s also permission to experiment, try new things, engage with new ideas, and feel the creative flow.
In future columns, we’ll explore the definitions of creativity and arts and culture, as well as research on the health benefits and positive impact the arts have on local economies. We’ll also discuss what’s holding you back from reaping all the admittedly delightful health benefits that the arts have to offer. In closing, I leave you, the reader, with some practical, actionable items to pursue for your own benefit.
If you, too, are really excited about the art, creativity, and science-based benefits of positive psychology interventions in this column, we invite you to email us for more information or to ask a question. To do.
(Sophie Grow is program director at Maxtivity Arts and Crafts Creative Space in Philomath. She can be contacted at programs@maxtivitycreative.space).
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