Lately, I’ve been experiencing continuous tiny traumas. It’s nothing major, but a constant flow of microaggressive feedback has left me feeling drained. I believe myself to be quite resilient, even in harsh environments, yet it seems that, as Dr Meg Arroll points out, these tiny trauma responses can ultimately have the same impact as significant traumatic events. It’s become apparent that enhancing my psychological immunity is necessary.
If children facing situations like these tiny traumatic experiences, isolation, bullying, or feeling unsafe in their environment, what would provide comfort and a sense of security?
The “How art can save our life” article makes me think about art creation as an outlet or regulator.
https://iai.tv/articles/how-the-arts-save-us-auid-2486
https://www.artsandmindlab.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ArtsandCulture_Goldenetal2023.pdf
https://massculturalcouncil.org/documents/CultureRx_SocialRx_Evaluation_Final_2022.pdf
Like art therapy, creating or experiencing art can lower stress levels. Drawing and even doodling provide a distraction that allows individuals to enter a flow state, a meditative-like state that can help reduce cortisol levels.
Creating and engaging with art can teach resilience. Making art often involves trial and error, and learning to cope with and learn from failures can boost emotional strength.
Art is a universal medium anyone can access, regardless of age, education, or background.
Suddenly, I remembered harsh feedback from a filmmaker: he no longer works with us. I remember him saying, “Art is only for rich kids; you don’t know how expensive paints are, how art workshops help children, and all this stuff.” I think he went too far. It’s true that my net is not very tight. I hope it helps someone, and it’s cheaper than the time the kids waste, and I promise myself I’ll think of a better way.
I’ll have to look up the kids’ classes or programmes.
Explore your feeling with art : https://www.tate.org.uk/kids/explore/what-is/explore-your-feelings-with-art
https://www.conservatoire.org.uk/mixedmedia
http://henryjenkins.org/
Arroll, M. (2023). Tiny Traumas: When You Don’t Know What’s Wrong, But Nothing Feels Quite Right. Thorsons