Memory and Art Therapy: Using Creativity to Heal and Remember
It’s incredible how quickly we forget! And how art therapy can help!
Research by Hermann Ebbinghaus showed that forgetting happens fast if we don’t try to retain what we’ve learned:
- Within 20 minutes, we can forget 40% of new information.
- After 24 hours, about 70% of it might be lost.1
While this might sound discouraging, there’s a bright side. Forgetting can help us let go of bad memories and past hurts. And while negative memories often linger longer, art and photography can help us focus on the good moments instead. It is a form of Art Therapy!
Art as a Positive Reminder
Art can be a strong reminder of the good times in our lives. Think of a summer vacation at the beach where you met someone special. A photo or painting of that beach can bring back those happy memories whenever you see it. Life moves quickly, and moments pass by, so capturing them through art or photography is important. Even a blurry photo from a concert can remind you of the excitement and energy of that night.
These photos and art pieces can help you hold onto the good memories and let go of the bad ones as time passes. Painful memories often fade with time, and by focusing on art or photos that highlight positive moments, you can shape your memories to remember the good while leaving the bad behind.
Letting Go of the Negative
Even for bad memories, try to see them differently. Choosing or creating art can help you look at a negative experience in a more positive or neutral light. For example, imagine a terrible vacation where all you did was fight with your family. Your mother got mad because you burnt the pasta, the kids were upset because it tasted funny, and you exploded… you know, the usual. However, if you use art, you can positively reframe this vacation and force yourself to find something beautiful about it. Something as simple as a sunrise (when everyone was still sleeping) and finding a photo or painting of that sunrise can remind you of the calmness and beauty created for us on this earth. Almost immediately, our problems melt away, and art becomes therapy.
Even simple doodles or sketches can help you express yourself and feel like you have control over the situation. This can turn feelings of sadness or helplessness into strength and confidence.
Looking back at the art you’ve made can remind you of how far you’ve come and how blessed you are. Creating or enjoying art also helps you focus on the present moment instead of getting stuck in past negative thoughts. This way, you can rewrite your story in a way that feels more positive and truer to who you are.
Inspire and Bring Peace
Art doesn’t have to reflect reality—it can be about capturing emotions and experiences. For example, think about clouds. Their textures, shapes, and colours can create a sense of calm or drama. A photo of clouds can help you feel grounded, spark inspiration, or motivate you to tackle a challenge.
Art can also be a tool for daily life. If you’re studying Biblical scripture, a specific photo or artwork might help you remember the words and their meaning and bring you peace. It can even guide you to make better choices when faced with temptation. For instance, a recovering alcoholic might find strength in the image of bright, puffy clouds, reminding them to trust in a higher power.
Overall, art offers a new point of focus, helping you balance your emotions and reminding you that you’re never alone. Whether a simple drawing or a powerful photo, art can help you stay centred and find hope.
Reduce Stress and Boost Positivity
Finally, research shows that art and positive photography can greatly reduce stress. Engaging with art lowers cortisol levels—the hormone responsible for stress—and helps the brain focus more on the positive aspects of life. Over time, this process can rewire your brain, creating new connections that prioritize joy and positive experiences over negativity.
In essence, art reminds us of the beauty and blessings we often take for granted, helping us live more mindful and grateful lives.
If you liked reading this blog, I encourage you to check out my other blog post: Why We Are Drawn to Art: The Power of Connection and Healing.
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