What if we were taught to settle all our disagreements through a form of creative expression that captivated and inspired instead of hurting or destroying? What if we learned from a very early age that through the arts we could fully express ourselves? What if we also knew that without the ability to fully express our thoughts, perceptions and beliefs that we could feel diminished or disempowered?
The modality of expression is not important, nor does it require professional training or expert skill. It only requires the desire to express, share or release a feeling lodged deep within our heart. This can be done in the simplest way: decorating a cup cake, singing a song, or drawing a picture with your young child.
You can also come up with some novel uses of the arts. Here are two examples:
About 30 years ago I met a woman who shared with me her parents’ secret for maintaining family harmony. The house rule was: if you were mad, angry or upset with anyone you had to “sing” your words—they couldn’t be spoken. This little rule, she said, could quickly turn a possible negative experience into something quite hysterical. The laughter helped release the tension and because the experience was so ridiculousness it was easy to see the conflict in a different light.
“Turf Dancing” has been promoted as a form of dispute resolution within the Oakland community. It incorporates and harmonizes all types of styles, from break dancing to popping and ballet. This new art form, or new form of conflict resolution works because it allows individuals to fully express themselves in a manner that is non-threatening to others. This, like the singing your anger, releases tension, clears the mind and promotes conscious problem solving instead of the use of fists and guns.
When we are allowed to fully express ourselves, harmony is restored within our biology. This makes us feel happy and consequently we are kinder and more compassionate people. On the other hand it is the permanent judging, blaming, and viewing the world from the “them vs. me” perspective that perpetuates disharmony and war. Lasting peace is accomplished through conscious creative communication that inspires, opens the conscious problem-solving mind and seeks to build bridges.
For more information about the I Create What I Believe! Program:
To view an inspired video of “Turf Dancing”