We don’t plan for illness, injury or life-changing situations, and these experiences often catch us by surprise and can dramatically change our lives. When this happens, we may need to find a new way of living for a period of time. It can be a stark realisation when you are no longer physically or mentally able to cope. This is what happened to me when I needed spinal surgery following an accident.

What happened next …

Following two unsuccessful spinal operations in the same year, I was left with severe nerve damage in both legs, painful Bursitis in both hips and constant Sciatica and lower back pain. After 4 months’ recuperation, where I was not able to work or earn any money, I was at my absolute lowest. I tried to be my usual positive self, focusing on all the wonderful things in my life, but a year later I realised that my life was now permanently limited (in my eyes anyway). I was no longer able to walk very far, go running, go to the gym and – more importantly for me – dance!  Unable to even do my housework or ironing, I suddenly hit a wall and became very low and depressed… with no reserves left, I gave in to the pain and couldn’t see a way forward.

For some reason, unknown to me, I went out and bought a canvas and some paints and created my first piece of art. I have no idea where this inspiration came from, as I have never been able to draw or paint – I failed art miserably at school! An abstract painting of the sea emerged from inside of me, and I felt a huge connection with Reiki healing energy whilst I was working… my sacral, throat and solar plexus were buzzing. I experienced a huge sense of relief and well-being throughout the whole process, and a massive feeling of pride at the end of the day. I was really surprised at what I had achieved, and found the whole experience profoundly healing. 10 hours of pain-free painting!

I had found a way of healing the pain, emotional hurt and grief deep within me.

The magic of healing art was created. Instead of waiting for my healing to occur, I now create the opportunity to heal myself through my art, and a positive outcome is achieved quickly and easily. My interaction with art now provides me with a break from the pain and stress of daily life. It allows me to create an exciting adventure full of release, and dissolves my pain, rather than allowing it to overwhelm me and destroy my sense of self.

I now so passionately want to help others to heal, through a combination of Reiki Energy and Healing Art – allowing others to experience art and self-expression as a wonderful source of self-healing.

We are all inner artists and inner healers – we just need to be willing to explore!