In a fast-paced society, where technology dominates our time and productivity is prized above all, we risk losing touch with something vital - our connection to ourselves, others, and the natural world around us. The constant demand to be “on,” to produce, and to succeed often comes at the expense of our inner lives, relationships, and sense of belonging. In this context, creative arts emerges as a powerful remedy, serving as soul food in a world that often feels disconnected and isolating.
At its core, creative arts - whether through movement, sound, visual expression, or storytelling - has the power to reconnect us with our innate creativity and sense of play. These are qualities we all possess but are often suppressed or ignored in our daily lives. In a recent two-day immersion titled Akin, creative artist Lois Houghton and I encouraged participants to explore these themes deeply, using creative expression to rediscover their innate potential, foster relationships, and celebrate shared experiences.
The immersion was designed around the idea that we, as humans, are inherently creative beings. Through improvisation, play, and embodied practices, participants tapped into their imaginations, building trust in their bodies and in one another. The journey was about more than just creating art, it was about developing a relationship with our surroundings, each other, and ourselves. In doing so, the experience highlighted the importance of creativity in mending the fractured relationships many of us carry.
“Beautiful venue, beautiful high vibe group of people, beautiful co-creative efforts from both facilitators and attendees” (Akin Participant 2024)
But why is this important? In today’s world, we are constantly bombarded with messages that suggest we are not enough, that we should work harder, achieve more, and never stop moving. This relentless pressure can dissolve our connection to our inner selves. We forget how to play, how to listen to our impulses, and how to express ourselves authentically. The creative arts offer a means to reclaim these lost parts of ourselves, helping us to feel whole once again.
Moreover, creative arts foster empathy and collaboration, skills sorely needed in a fragmented society. In Akin, participants shared a space of vulnerability and exploration, leading, responding, and supporting one another in turn. This mutual exchange of creative energy nurtured a sense of community and belonging - two essential elements of well-being that are often lost in a hyper-individualistic world. As participants negotiated and collaborated through creative practices, they were reminded of their interconnectedness, discovering that their differences could be sources of inspiration, not division.
“Facilitators knew how to create a sense of safety and healthy containment during the practices [...] all of them were fun and full of vibrance” (Akin Participant 2024)
Importantly, the creative process also invites us to reconnect with the natural world. The workshop design emphasized that our relationship with nature plays a crucial role in both individual and collective healing. Through movement and awareness, participants in Akin explored their relationships with their surroundings, attuning to the rhythms and textures of the environment. In doing so, they were reminded that we are not separate from nature, but part of a larger ecological web. This awareness fosters a deeper sense of belonging and stewardship, encouraging us to care for the world around us.
The beauty of creative arts lies in its ability to bring us back to the present moment, to trust the process, and to honour the journey of self-discovery without the pressure of an end goal. It encourages spontaneity, responsiveness, and a kind of bravery that is rarely called upon in everyday life - the bravery to expose our sensitivities, take risks and engage with others empathetically. In Akin, participants were encouraged to tune in to their own impulses, and to translate these impulses into creative actions, trusting that what emerged would be meaningful, even if imperfect.
“Loved the softness, gentleness coupled with the firmness that comes from experience wisdom that exuded from the duo Gemma and Lois” (Akin Participant 2024)
In a society that often dissolves our relationship with ourselves, others, and the environment, creative arts is nothing short of soul food. It nourishes the parts of us that are starved for expression, connection, and belonging. Through the playful, embodied practices explored in Akin, participants were reminded of their creative power, their capacity for empathy, and their deep connection to the world around them. In this way, creative arts not only restores our sense of self but also helps to repair the relational fields that bind us together, making it a crucial practice for collective healing in an increasingly disconnected world.
Ultimately, the immersion reminded us that we do not need to be “artists” to be creative. Creativity is an inherent part of being human, and when we make space for it - whether through movement, music, or visual art - we open up pathways for greater self-awareness, connection, and joy. As we move through life, navigating both the known and the unknown, the arts offer a way to stay grounded, connected, and alive to the beauty of our shared experience.
This is the nourishment we all need.
By Lois Houghton and Gemma Collard-Stokes
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