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Submitted by Geetha Paniker on 12 July 2017

Geetha Paniker, a breast cancer survivor, shares her views on how various forms of creating art, and even photography, can heal both the mind and the body.

Art and craft is a source of healing the mind and body. Creative pursuits can be transformed into healing arts, which, in turn, transform you.

"He who works with his hands is a laborer; He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman; He who works with his hands, head and heart is an artist." Francis of Assisi

The healing powers of Creative Art

Creating art is a very effective way to stimulate the brain and anyone can do it. It is believed that creative art and craft wash away the dust from the soul.  Each of us is born with an innate desire to express oneself and art encompasses a wider range of activities than you may have ever imagined. Creative activities like writing, painting, sculpting, drawing, stitching, crocheting and photography are relaxing and rewarding hobbies that can lower your stress levels and leave you feeling mentally clear and calm. They provide a distraction, giving your brain a break from your usual thoughts. When you get totally immersed in a creative endeavour, you may find yourself in what’s known as a state of flow. This meditative-like state focuses your mind and temporarily pushes aside all your worries.

I believe in these little things that give me great joy. These creative arts heal me and give me lot of joy. It is one of the best stress busters. Today you get adult colouring books. It is believed that from the colours used, a therapist can understand your emotions and state of mind. The joy felt while creating art or craft could be healing in itself. It is easy to get "lost" in your creativity, which relieves stress, thereby eliminating a major cause of any disease or pain.

Photography: The Powerful Therapy

I truly believe that photography is an incredibly powerful therapy to heal oneself. It is a passion that rejuvenates life and the meaning of life. The healing aspects of photography are amazing. I find that a fascinating fact about photography is that it can be approached from a million directions and can mean a million different things to different people. I enjoy taking photographs.

"Have you ever stopped to think what photography means to you? What you really want to express with your images or reflect reality as closely as possible? Or do you just admire them?" These are a few questions I ask myself. And it really has a therapeutic effect on me.

How Creative Arts are entwined

I do a lot of craft work like working designs on plastic mats to make table mats, tissue box holders and trinket boxes. It is a joy when you hold the end product in your hand. Making hand towels and table napkins with matte cloth is another way of re-inventing yourself. Embroidery is well known for its healing properties. Crochet is also healing.....be it a doily, lace, edges or bags. Crafting and needlework can help those who suffer from anxiety, depression or chronic pain. It is a creative hobby that stimulates the brain. Crafting can bring you out of a tough time. Often, the meditative and creative aspects of yarn crafts can be amazing as they are looked at as lighthearted and serene work.

There is a beautiful connection between crafts, needlework, photography, writing, crocheting, painting, creativity and healing. Creativity doesn't end there...it's an ocean. You can recycle glass and plastic bottles to create something new. The power of all this is really great. Take time to create expressions.

People with illness and chronic pain are encouraged to write, paint, do craft work etc., to visualise a cure and create, fighting off the pains. This is almost like soothing your soul with creativity. They have great pain relieving properties. They are treasures you create. It is not only the mind, but the whole body is used to create a new piece of art or craft. It alleviates pain, anxiety and depression and carves out a path of healing.

Geetha Paniker's 5 year cancer anniversary reflection 

Geetha Paniker is a survivor of triple negative cancer with double mastectomy and an author. A teacher, turned home maker, she loves reading, writing and handicrafts.