Unleashing Creativity

10 key takeaways for parents from "Your Brain on Art"

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Photo by Dragos Gontariu on Unsplash

Through cultivating connection, creativity, emotional regulation, relationships - art can have a positive impact on all of it.

This week on Raising Good Humans Podcast is a conversation with Susan Magsamen, author of Your Brain On Art and executive director of the International Arts + Mind Lab, part of the Brain Science Institute at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. This episode was meaningful to me personally (read more about that here), and feels even more necessary today. Art matters. For all of us. Susan’s insights are game-changers for how we approach creativity in our families.

Here are 10 key takeaways that I think every parent needs to know:

1. Art is More Than Just Painting

Art is not just about formal painting or sculpting, but also about everyday experiences like cooking, gardening, listening to music, and even meditation. Anything that involves your senses and sparks curiosity can be considered art. Instead of dividing us into “artists” and “non-artists,” we can strive to broaden our definition of art, and find the style and type of art we each enjoy.

2. We're All Wired for Art

We're born with billions of neurons that connect through sensory experiences. Art and aesthetics are highly salient experiences that create strong neural pathways, impacting our emotional, physical, and cognitive abilities. Basically, we’re all naturally wired to engage with art.

3. You Don't Have to Be "Good" at Art

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode - and my ‘aha’ moment - is that you don’t have to be an expert, or talented, to benefit from art. The act of engaging in creative activities, regardless of skill level, has significant physiological and psychological benefits. So, let go of perfectionism! Avoid over-specialization, or competitive atmospheres, if that isn’t right for your child, and instead focus on the joy they get in participating and the benefits they feel from engaging in their craft.

4. Art Builds Resilience and Emotional Regulation

Engaging in the arts, especially from a young age, has been shown to help build strong neural pathways that lead to greater resilience, emotional regulation, and better executive function. This is crucial for navigating life's challenges. What a natural way to promote our children’s resilience while having fun.

5. The Aesthetic Mindset

In the episode, Susan introduces the aesthetic mindset, which includes having a curious mind, being playful and explorative, having sensorial awareness, and engaging in making or beholding art. Encourage these in your kids (and yourself!) to deepen your connection with art.

6. Simple Activities Count

It's not about fancy art classes. Simple activities like doodling, singing in the car, dancing in the living room, and journaling can have profound effects. These small moments add up and enrich our lives.

7. Home as a Sanctuary for Creativity

Create a home environment where family members feel safe to express themselves. Model creativity by putting aside technology and being present. Establish rituals like cooking together or having dance parties.

8. Value the Experience Over the Outcome

In today's high-pressure culture, we often focus on achieving expertise. But it's crucial to value the experience of art for its own sake. Let your kids explore without the pressure of being "good" or having an end goal in mind.

9. Art is Essential, Not a Luxury

Art is not just a "nice to have"; it's essential for our wellbeing. It's as important as sleep, nutrition, and exercise. It impacts our mental health, cognitive function, relationships, and overall quality of life.

10. Being a "Beholder" is an Active Experience

You don't have to create art to engage with it. Being a beholder, an active observer, is just as valuable. When you're moved by someone else's art, you're having a powerful, transformative experience.

Incorporating art into our daily lives doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. It's about embracing the small moments, encouraging curiosity, and valuing the process over the product. Let's create a world where we can flourish through the power of art.

What are your favorite ways to incorporate art into your family's life? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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