Sometimes we view artwork with subconscious beliefs that prevent us from truely appreciating it. These same beliefs can also block us from creating art or expressing our true creative nature in everyday life. What kind of beliefs am I talking about?
- It has to be beautiful
- It has to look like something real
- I don’t understand abstract art
- It has to be decorative
- It has to be sellable or useful
- It costs too much
- I’m not good at it, I’m not creative, etc.
None of these beliefs are true unless you believe them! Unfortunately, we’re mostly not aware of our subconscious beliefs and how they impact our conscious thoughts, emotions, and actions. When there is discord between conscious thoughts and subconscious beliefs it creates a block in the ability to actualize what we want. That block might look like this:
“I wish I could draw and paint.”
“I wish I was more creative.”
“I wish I could sell my art.”
“It’s no use.”
“What’s the point?”
It might also take the form of being critical or synical toward the art and creativity of others. A block because of discordant beliefs and desires creates frustration, disappointment, and unnecessary stress.
Beauty is in the Eye of the Believer
Beauty, meaningfulness, and usefulness are all relative concepts. Who taught you what is beautiful, meaningful, useful, or valuable? Most likely it was your parents, friends, family, teachers, religion, the culture you were raised in, and the media you consume.
We develop subconscious concepts and beliefs about everything in life (including ourselves) as we grow up. The important thing is to become aware of them and question their validity in order to create a belief system that supports your highest good. Who do you really want to be? What do you want your life to look like? You are the only one who can make it happen, and it will happen according to your beliefs and actions.
Meaningful is related to your core values
Self-discovery is really important if you want to be happy and live a fulfilling life. Maybe you have artistic talent but you’ve never really enjoyed making art. You never found a direction or purpose for it in your life so you put it aside for a long time. You pursued a career that would support your lifestyle, but it didn’t make you happy. You look at art with mixed feelings like longing, regret, appreciation, confusion, frustration or disassociation.
It all goes back to this conflict between our subconscious beliefs, our core values and our thoughts and actions. The two methods of self-discovery and healing the conflict that I have found most helpful are expressive art therapy and PSYCH-K®.
A brief look at why they work:
Expressive Art Therapy: These creative processes, especially non-verbal ones, allow the subconscious to surface. Creativity helps both sides of your brain connect which enhances internal growth, insight, and learning. You begin to identify your core values and a direction that will bring greater fulfillment.
PSYCH-K®: This process helps to identify specific blocks or problems in your life and what you really want (the opposite of the problem). Through the PSYCH-K® Balance process the left and right sides of your brain will start working together to replace unhelpful thought patterns with beliefs that will support the life you truly want. It also helps to reduce stress, which helps you to be more open, positive, and joyful.
Heart Beat of the Soul 