Universal Vibrations Corner

“Exploring How Aesthetic Experiences Combat Anxiety and Depression Through Brain Chemistry” (This article contains affiliate links)

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Creating aesthetically pleasing environments in your work and living spaces goes beyond simple interior decorating. Expressing your personal sense of beauty in these areas can be a powerful tool in combating stress, anxiety, and depression. The positive impacts on the human brain extend to both observing and engaging in art creation, with a notable emphasis on the latter. Artists, often embodying the archetype, exhibit various traits, including a generally cheerful disposition and a penchant for living in their imaginative realms. This inclination might be attributed to their brain chemistry operating at a level that fosters elevated happiness compared to the general population. Particularly, artists focusing on landscape painting and drawing, capturing the beauty of our planet, tend to embody a carefree and joyous spirit.

To test the validity of this theory in our personal experiences, reflect on instances when you’ve watched a frightening or suspenseful movie. How did it impact your emotions? Did you find yourself having more nightmares after exposure to such themes? Recently, scientists have unraveled the psychological role that scary movies play in the human psyche. Consider the prevalence of cheesy B-rated horror movies in the 1950s and how that genre served as a form of therapy for some individuals. Following World War II, as veterans returned, and the Cold War introduced the looming threat of nuclear disaster, people found solace in movies portraying a life even more dire than their own. In contemporary times, survivors of abuse often find a connection to horror themes for similar reasons. This theory emerged during the Gulf War in the United States. Since then, the horror genre has evolved into a more unsettling visual and psychological experience, featuring narratives where victims resort to self-mutilation to endure harrowing situations.

Now, delving into the influence of the “Ugly” or “Scary” genres on the brain, let’s revisit the subject of “Beauty.” For the sake of practice, let’s acknowledge that few experiences are as effortlessly beautiful as witnessing nature in its earthly splendor. A field adorned with vibrant flowers, a hillside painted in autumn hues, or the breathtaking spectacle of a sunrise or sunset – these are moments that unfold exclusively in the great outdoors. Even if your residence is nestled in an urban landscape, glimpses of the majestic sky are within reach. Recognizing the beauty of clouds, especially during sunrise or in the midst of a gathering storm, unveils a unique and awe-inspiring power. These distinctive aspects of nature serve as poignant reminders of the magnificence inherent in creation, uplifting human spirits through the profound connection to these environments.

Engaging in the creation of something beautiful with your own hands represents the pinnacle of this practice. The prevalence of modern smartphones and handheld technology has diminished the manual labor involved in crafting. Even the act of writing has been streamlined to a mere thumb-war activity. However, humans inherently find joy when their hands are actively involved. Whether it’s preparing a wholesome meal or penning a heartfelt letter, these hands-on activities can work wonders, especially for those grappling with chronic anxiety and depression.

The process of creating art activates both hemispheres of the brain, making it a potent method for accessing the Right Side of the Brain. (An awesome book, by the way to teach you how to draw, even if you can barely draw a stick figure is Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards https://amzn.to/4bWJRVb .) By actively participating in activities that stimulate both hemispheres, our subconscious retention and quality of learning throughout the day are significantly enhanced—from dawn to dusk. This becomes particularly advantageous when tackling challenging subjects or acquiring a new language, a scenario often encountered by many English Language Learners who may not constitute the majority in various public education institutions across America.

Dear reader, I encourage you, for your well-being and the improvement of the collective human experience, to actively participate in activities that allow you to discover or create beauty in your surroundings. Whether it’s arranging flowers https://amzn.to/4bYpjvv or curating a collection of decorative pillows https://amzn.to/4bW9jud that require daily attention, these actions will not only engage your hands but also focus your mind on something aesthetically satisfying.
Engaging in activities as simple as cutting your sandwich into interesting geometric forms or delving into artistic endeavors like adult coloring books can be highly beneficial. Consider exploring tutorials on creating watercolor textures on platforms like YouTube and apply them to mixed media paper. Preserve these creations and delve into the beauty of mixed media collage work. (Mixed Media Sketchbook https://amzn.to/48zJzRr ) Initiate a scrapbook, enriching it with vibrant elements not only to positively stimulate your brain but also to immortalize cherished memories of events and people in your life.

If tackling a collage or mixed media piece feels a bit overwhelming, consider taking some creative baby steps. There are numerous calligraphy https://amzn.to/4bW9jud tutorials available online, and you can practice fine text using something as simple as a Crayola marker. https://amzn.to/3P7u38d The marker’s point is well-suited for various calligraphy styles and techniques. Explore YouTube for guidance on improving your script. Once you feel confident in your calligraphy, why not venture into making decorative cards? Sending a text message lacks the personal touch of giving or receiving a well-crafted card with a heartfelt sentiment. Nowadays, a carefully crafted card https://amzn.to/3SVWNC8 is a cherished item, as personal messages from the heart are rare. As someone from an older generation, I recall the joy of receiving a beautiful card or letter unexpectedly in the mail. Nowadays, it seems all we receive are bills, and that’s not much fun.

The final idea I’d like to share is cell phone photography. Engaging in photography activities compels us to truly look and perceive the world around us, encouraging us to discover beauty we might have otherwise overlooked. Even seemingly mundane activities, like visiting one of those modern, high-end car washes, can provide an opportunity to capture intriguing photos. I often use these captivating pictures, taken while my car is being tended to, as printouts for collage projects or simply appreciate them as standalone pieces of art. Using Polaroid cameras https://amzn.to/3IoS477 for this is really fun, and now you can get them in a mini version. https://amzn.to/3P7u38d

The gift of creativity profoundly enhances human potential. With scientific insights from brain scans underscoring the significance of active engagement in the creation of beauty, it becomes imperative to overcome distractions and embark on the artistic journey. Artwork, as the name suggests, holds a purpose – leaving a beautiful imprint on your world. Commence this transformative endeavor today, immediately initiating changes to immerse yourself in creative pursuits. The benefits to your vibrational frequency and life, though immeasurable, will undoubtedly yield profound rewards.

Signing off for today with a powerful mantra for you to practice: “My Creative Spirit Is A Blessing for My Human Capacity and Vibrational Frequency.” Repeat it consistently until you embody this mantra in the materium, and I guarantee you will witness significant changes in your personal outlook on life and attitude. Stay inspired and focused on BEAUTY my friends!

The author has personally crafted all the artwork featured in this post, and a selection of these creations is available on the Printify store. https://bartelvision.printify.me/