“Writing is so difficult, that if it doesn’t heal you in the doing of it it isn’t worth the trouble.”
That is a quote by massage therapist, author, artist and teacher Cynthia Waring.
Many artists talk about the rewards and even healing impacts of doing creative work.
In her book and one-woman play, both titled “Bodies Unbound”, she relates the story of her life and growth as a therapist and artist, her journey of self-discovery and healing from childhood trauma and abuse.
In the process, she invites the audience and reader to see how ordinary life is the perfect process for transformation and actualization.
She relates an example of her life, and insight on getting in touch with her creativity:
“I was having a terrible winter in Boulder. Being a Californian I was not used to the cold. I had come there to live with a man I was in love with. He ended up in jail much of that winter from drinking problems. I was in hell, but this conflict and the pain forced me to be creative.
“Had I been making love in front of the fire I would not have created my play or finished and gotten my book published. We have no idea the gifts Life is giving us.
“What we think is the worst situation sometimes turns around to be the most wonderful.”
Continued in her article (based on our interview several years ago):
Cynthia Waring on “Bodies Unbound” and healing.
Photo from her site ANCESTOR WORK: Uncovering Ancestral Patterns.
Her book: Bodies Unbound: Transforming Lives Through Touch.
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I came across Cynthia’s article while doing some more research for my appearance as a guest on Creativity & Trauma: A Powerful Combination, an episode of the weekly podcast “Changing Direction Radio” hosted by Michele Rosenthal.
Hear an audio clip excerpt from the program on the page
Emotional Health Resources
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Also see my related post Traumatic Childhood, Creative Adult.
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Related articles
Douglas Eby (M.A./Psychology) is author of the The Creative Mind series of sites which provide “Information and inspiration to help creative people thrive.”
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