The Role of Creativity in Grief and Recovery
Creativity and art play an essential role in expressing grief and maintaining lasting connections with our ancestors. These forms of expression allow us to process our feelings and remember those we have lost. One way we demonstrate this connection is through shrine-making for our departed loved ones.
When we create shrines with intention, their power deepens. Instead of isolating ourselves in our sorrow, we can change our approach to grief by fostering connections with those who have passed away.
Freud's views on grief have been challenged over time. He famously suggested in his work, Mourning and Melancholy, that letting go of deceased loved ones was necessary to move forward in life. This notion shaped how many view mourning.
However, personal and current research experiences reveal a different perspective. Many people find comfort and healing in continuing their relationships with deceased loved ones, which has been termed "establishing and maintaining continuing bonds."
Cynthia points out that if you have ever placed flowers on a grave, arranged a photo of a deceased loved one in your home, built an altar with special items, or showcased memorabilia in a box, you are already a shrine-maker.
This practice is not limited to those with artistic skills. I learned the significance of these personal art pieces when I experienced a significant injury. Cynthia offered me a found-object art piece after I broke my shoulder years ago.
The doctor showed me an x-ray of my shoulder and remarked that I wasn't the same as before. I found the x-ray difficult to comprehend because I did not know what healthy shoulder bones should look like. A mishap during a dance class led to my injury. I fell on my left shoulder, breaking it in multiple places.
After the examination, the doctor had me push against his hands and reach overhead. He said I was at eighty percent recovery. I did not consider myself an eighty percent kind of person. This led him to prescribe more physical therapy.
The sessions for physical therapy became a crucial part of my recovery. They guided me through the hard work needed to restore my strength and return to my former self. My goal was to be the oldest person known still dancing.
This desire fueled my determination and provided a path forward. Such experiences demonstrate how creativity, art, and connection to memories can be vital tools in processing grief and rebuilding after loss.