Make Your Pain Beautiful

We usually run from every form of pain which often results in disassociation and dysfunction. Pain needs to be heard, respected and validated in order to be released from the turmoil of pent up emotions and destructive behavior. One effective way to release pain is through creativity. Let that pain have a voice through color, patterns, symbols, writing, music or other acts of making. Not only will that painful energy be released but you can then reflect on your work and appreciate what was experienced and build ground to feel more connected.
Frida Kahlo taught me this lesson and ultimately I used art to heal my PTSD. Being able to honestly portray my pain enabled me to be honest with myself and feel proud of what I survived. In making my pain beautiful, I stayed authentic in my tribute to the trauma that changed my world.