Art as Therapy: 7 Inspiring Ways I Fought RA

In the tapestry of life, there are threads of joy, pain, and resilience. My journey is woven with hues of triumph over chronic rheumatoid arthritis, a relentless adversary that entered my life right after marriage. Thus, amidst the pain and physical limitations, I discovered an unexpected ally—an ally in the form of art as therapy. Read along to learn how I turned to art as therapy to battle the depression overlapping chronic RA.

Art as Therapy #1 A Personal Odyssey with RA

The onset of rheumatoid arthritis marked a profound shift in my life’s narrative. The pain was not just physical; it echoed in the emotional and mental realms, challenging my identity and reshaping my daily existence. Each day became a battle, but within this struggle, a new chapter began—one where art emerged as both my refuge and my weapon.

Art as Therapy #2Beyond Canvas and Colours

Art has always held a special place in my heart, but it wasn’t until the shadows of chronic illness loomed large that I truly understood its transformative power. Painting became more than strokes on a canvas. Consequently, it became a sanctuary where pain could be transmuted into beauty, thus, where my spirit found solace amidst the tumultuous journey of rheumatoid arthritis. I remember the years of inactivity, when my colours dried up, when my brushes gathered dust and my inspiration was buried. However, a spark remained in my soul. The grit kept knocking and I grabbed it.

Art as Therapy #3Brushing Away the Pain

#The act of painting became a therapeutic ritual. With each stroke, I released not just pigment but the weight of physical discomfort and emotional burden. The canvas absorbed my pain, offering a visual representation of the resilience that lay within me. Art was not just an expression but a conversation between my pain and my healing spirit.

In the darkest moments of chronic illness, the vibrant palette of colours brought light into my life. The process of choosing, mixing, and applying colours mirrored the emotional journey of confronting pain, accepting it, and transforming it into something beautiful. Each painting became a testament to my strength, a visual anthem of defiance against the limitations imposed by rheumatoid arthritis. Today, when people appreciate my work and order them. I feel I have done something great.

Art as Therapy #4 A Language of Triumph

As I painted, I realized art is not confined to the canvas; it spills into life, speaking a language of triumph. The act of creation, of bringing something into existence, that didn’t exist before, mirrored my journey of rebuilding my life post-diagnosis. Through art, I found a voice louder than my pain—a voice that resonated with the resilience and determination within me.

A Brush with Positivity #4 A Visual Chronicle of My Journey

My paintings transformed into a visual chronicle of my triumph over adversity. From the earliest pieces that mirrored the struggle to hold a brush, to the vibrant canvases that captured the strength regained, each artwork, encapsulated my healing journey. The progression of colours and forms mirrored not just a physical improvement, but also the evolution of my mindset. I have forgotten to record so many moments, when art brought a smile to my face. The days when progressing a few inches on my canvas seemed like a cross country race. The feeling of bringing out the combinations I desired was unparalled. Creative achievement cannot be explained, its an emotion, priceless and unique.

Art as Therapy #5 Sanctuary for Others

My journey with art as therapy extends beyond personal healing. It’s a beacon for others facing chronic diseases and grappling with the weight of depression. Art provides a medium for expression when words fall short. It offers solace, a momentary escape from the challenges of the body and mind. Through my blog and artistic endeavours, I aim to share the transformative power of creativity with those who may find comfort in its embrace.

Art as Therapy #6 The Creative Odyssey

Image Source: Minakshi Paintings

Today, as I continue my creative odyssey, paintings remain an integral part of my daily life. It’s not just a hobby or a pastime; it’s an essential aspect of my well-being. My brushes are wielded with purpose, telling a story of resilience, hope, and the beauty that can emerge from adversity. I may not have scaled the Everest or made to international exhibitions but in my minuscule triumphs, I did win the crown of glory. 

Art as Therapy #6 Universal Appeal

The therapeutic power of art is not exclusive to my journey. It is a universal therapy, available to anyone seeking solace and expression. Whether facing chronic illness, mental health challenges, or the ordinary trials of life, art as therapy stands as a guide—a medium through which one can acknowledge, transform, and ultimately celebrate pain. You don’t need to go far, look at Van Gogh. He suffered extreme debilities from rheumatoid arthritis yet he is immortal today. Van Gogh used to tie his painting tools to his gnarled hands as he could not hold them.

Lessons I Learnt

• Reduces stress and anxiety: Art as therapy provided a creative outlet to express my emotions and manage stress, which is common for individuals with RA.
• Improves mood: Engaging in artistic activities boosted my mood and provided a sense of accomplishment, leading to a more positive outlook.
• Reduces pain: Focusing on the creative process helped distract from physical pain and promote relaxation.
• Increases self-esteem: Creating something beautiful  boosted self-confidence and improved my body image.
• Improves fine motor skills: Painting helped improve fine motor skills, which were affected by RA.
• Brings Happiness: Painting made me happy by keeping away negative thoughts

Art as Therapy#7 Palette of Possibilities

In the intricate dance of life, art has been my partner, guiding me through the steps of healing and self-discovery. Each stroke, each colour, has become a testament to the indomitable spirit within all of us. Whether facing the physical constraints of chronic illness or the emotional turbulence of life, art opens a door to healing. Also, it is not just possible but inevitable.

As I continue to paint my narrative of triumph over rheumatoid arthritis, I hope that others may find inspiration in the transformative power of art as therapy. Let the canvas be a sanctuary, and the colours be your allies. Thus, the act of creation is a celebration of the strength that resides within. In the palette of possibilities, let art be your therapy, your language of healing. Consequently, it is a visual anthem of resilience and grit to overcome seemingly unsurmountable difficulties.