Last night, I attended a breathwork session with over 20 participants. Each of us came seeking relaxation, self-reflection, and a deeper connection with ourselves. But for me, the experience was anything but relaxing—it was difficult to focus inward when I could feel the energy and hear the vocalizations of everyone around me. Their journeys felt so present, it was hard to separate their emotions from my own.
When I turned to the instructor for advice, he asked me a question that caught me off guard: “Are you a caretaker?”
“Yes,” I admitted.
“Of course,” he said. “As a mother, you’re subconsciously programmed to tune into others’ needs and prioritize them over your own. The real challenge here is learning how to acknowledge others without letting their energy take over.”
That insight struck me deeply. But as I reflected on it, I realized this isn’t just a caretaker’s struggle. We’re all conditioned—by society, family, and culture—to seek external validation, to prioritize the expectations and needs of others. It’s ingrained in us to please, to prove our worth, to measure our value through others’ eyes.
The harder task is learning to sit with ourselves, to create space for our emotions without distraction. It’s scary to make that space—a vacuum of sorts—because we don’t know what might fill it. What truths will surface if we’re truly honest with ourselves?
Art as a Pathway to Self-Discovery
This same challenge presents itself in the world of art. Observing art can stir emotions we didn’t know were there, touching parts of us that words can’t reach. But creating art goes even further. It forces us to confront hidden dilemmas and navigate uncharted emotional territory. Art-making allows us to solve problems we didn’t know existed, building connections and solutions within new, unexpected boundaries.
Art isn’t just about creating beauty—it’s about uncovering truths, finding healing, and expanding our understanding of ourselves and the world.
Opportunities to Step Inward
If you’re ready to explore this journey for yourself, we’ve got plenty of opportunities to step out of your comfort zone and into a creative space of self-discovery. Whether it’s through a class, workshop, or guided art experience, you’ll have the chance to turn inward and find what’s waiting to emerge. Check out our upcoming events and let’s embark on this journey together. Sometimes, the hardest work is the most rewarding.
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