Psychospirituality and Creativity: Art, Music, Art, Writing, Movies, Miracles, and Mental Health
- olivierbranford
- 12 hours ago
- 16 min read
Creativity and mental health: With regards to creativity, for me, writing is extremely healing. Dr Maté writes “Everyone has an urge to create. Its expression may flow through many channels: Through writing, art or music, through the inventiveness of work or in any number of ways unique to all of us, whether it be cooking, gardening, or the art of social discourse. The point is to honour the urge. To do so is healing for ourselves and for others; not to do so deadens our bodies and our spirits.”
Introduction
Creative acts provide a non-verbal outlet for expressing difficult emotions, allowing for emotional release and a way to process childhood Trauma. Creativity acts as a powerful healing modality by facilitating emotional expression, promoting self-discovery, and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Through creative activities like music, art, and writing, individuals can address childhood Trauma, gain a new perspective on challenges, and cultivate a stronger sense of purpose and connection. The process itself is therapeutic, allowing one to be more present, boost self-esteem, and even share experiences with others to build understanding and community.
Mental health therapists who are aware of the concept of positive psychology (which is rare) 'Enlightened witnesses, and psychospiritual coaches, can create a sacred space for healing and change by utilising creative methods, offering a supportive environment for transformation. Creativity allows individuals to reclaim a sense of agency and voice, moving from feeling like a 'problem to be fixed' to a person with something meaningful to express.
Activities like music, drumming, working with clay, and writing can also have significant therapeutic effects. The healing power often lies in the creative process itself, allowing for mistakes which are part of the human condition, and honouring the spiritual journey to healing, without striving for perfect outcomes.
Creativity is strongly linked to positive mental health outcomes, acting as a therapeutic tool to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by providing a constructive emotional outlet and fostering a sense of meaning and connection. While historical ideas like the 'mad genius' (through the idea of a direct link between mental illness and enhanced creativity is popular, research offers mixed results, with many studies finding positive associations between creativity and mental well-being) and even longevity, hypothesises and suggest a direct link between mental illness and creativity, modern research shows a more complex relationship, with evidence suggesting creativity can enhance well-being and mental resilience rather than solely stemming from illness. Engaging in creative activities is supported by arts organisations as a way to improve population health, particularly for young people.
Creative hobbies and activities offer a positive and productive way to express and manage difficult emotional expression, unrecognised childhood Trauma, and its resulting adult crises. Engaging in music, art, and writing, can help de-stress, reduce feelings of anxiety, and improve overall coping skills.
Creativity can provide a strong sense of identity, purpose, meaning, and connection to oneself and others, contributing to overall well-being. Connecting to one's inner Self and others, and spiritual experiences and others, are both the essence of healing.
Michael Singer says that every thought you have and every ability, everything you are doing, every anxiety does not come from you. You have been given free will. Who gave you that power? You have been given all these things That is why gratitude is essential. We have the ability to creativity. great art and music.
Organisations like the Arts Council England support creative approaches to improve youth mental health and well-being. Young people from youth-led arts organisations Zest, The Warren, The Music Works and Blaze, began research to gain insight into the role of creativity in supporting wellbeing. They also looked into how both arts and health sectors could work together to support mental health services.
Music, psychospirituality, and mental health
Art and creative activities are increasingly recognised as healing modalities, with art therapy often used in recovery from untreated Trauma. Sadly, despite the focus on positive psychology, this has not spread to many in the main stream psychiatric and the psychological community, although this is slowly changing due to observed benefits to patients.
Engaging with music or dance can be a deeply sensory and freeing experience, helping to release emotions and connect with the inner Self. Spirituality has inspired musical creativity as a healing modality during the ages. What follows are examples of these. Spiritually inspired music blends musical elements with themes of Faith, inner peace, and higher consciousness, often incorporating uplifting lyrics, which may be implicit or explicit, and expansive musical arrangements.
Oasis echoed the Buddha's ideas of "Do not get caught in your anger, worries, or fears. Come back to the present moment, and touch life deeply" in their song ‘Don't Look Back in Anger’, an anthem about forgiveness and letting go of resentment and anger, with the song's meaning evolving to become a symbol of hope after tragedy. Noel Gallagher has offered varying explanations, with the song's broad themes and evocative lyrics allowing it to become a universal expression of moving forward with a positive mindset rather than dwelling on the past and harbouring anger. The song encourages people to be courageous in the face of difficulties and to not be dragged down by life's challenges. Noel Gallagher primarily sees the song as being about acceptance of the present moment, who you are, what you've become, and how you got there. It also suggests that the ego mind is dangerous as a decision maker, and for those stuck in the who mind are risking their Soul. The intro's piano melody is similar to John Lennon's ‘Imagine,’ and the line "I start a revolution from my bed" is a reference to a comment Lennon made about revolution.
Don’t Look Back in Anger’ by Oasis
“So I start a revolution from my bed
'Cause you said the brains I had went to my head
Step outside, summertime's in bloom
Stand up beside the fireplace
Take that look from off your face
You ain't ever gonna burn my heart out”
'My Soul slides away
But don't look back in anger,' I heard you say."
Depeche Mode sang about spirituality, which, unlike religion, is tailor-made and individualised. Jesus listens to you, loves you, is present with you, delivers on your prayers if you reach out to him, and is forgiving:
'Personal Jesus' by Depeche Mode:
"Your own personal Jesus
Someone to hear your prayers
Someone who cares
Your own personal Jesus
Someone who's there
Feeling unknown
And you're all alone
Flesh and bone
By the telephone
Lift up the receiver
I'll make you a believer
I will deliver
You know I'm a forgiver
Reach out, and touch Faith."
'Where the Streets Have No Name' by U2 is an anthem of longing for a spiritual or pure place, using vast, echoing sounds to create a sense of transcendence. The title, ‘Where the Streets Have No Name’ signifies a spiritual place of unity and freedom, where societal divisions based on religion, income, or origin are absent. It represents a longing for a world without the limitations and constraints imposed by these divisions, inspired by Bono's experiences with the social stratification in Belfast and his later visit to Ethiopia, a place he saw as having a greater sense of spiritual community. Without this, we are poisoned, without love, and we suffer. The title of the song is often interpreted as a spiritual location or metaphor for Heaven on earth, where earthly divisions and limitations no longer exist. Bono viewed the song as an ideal introduction to the album, representing the spirit of music as a healing force through connection and ‘oneness’.
'Where the Streets Have No Name' by U2:
I wanna feel sunlight on my face
I see that dust cloud disappear without a trace
I wanna take shelter from the poison rain
Where the streets have no name
We're still building then burning down love
Burning down love
The city's a flood
And our love turns to rust
We're beaten and blown by the wind
Trampled in dust
Gala sang ‘Freed From Desire.’ The lyrics are very spiritual. The song refers implicitly that seeking external validation and being insatiable extinguish freedom and love, which are divine goals. It also refers to how being free from desire, in other words, preferences, purifies your mind and body. Here are some excerpts:
'Freed From Desire' by Gala:
“My love has got no fame, he's got his strong beliefs…
Want more and more, people just want more and more;
Freedom and love, what he's looking for…
Freed from desire, mind and senses purified.”
Louis Armstrong, the trumpeter and singer, who wrote and sang ‘What a Wonderful World’, celebrated in it the wonders of the world, from the beauty of Nature to the kindness of people. “My whole life, my whole Soul, my whole spirit is to blow that horn," Louis Armstrong told a doctor a few months before he died in 1971. Armstrong said about the song “Love baby, love. That's the secret.” The song celebrates the beauty and wonder of everyday life, despite the presence of challenges and difficulties, serving as a comforting antidote to the negativity, toxicity, Dystopia, and turmoil. The song touches on the importance of human connection, mentioning babies and their growth, and implicitly advocating for love and kindness as a way to overcome negativity. The song ultimately expresses hope for a better future, suggesting that a more positive world is possible if people choose to focus on love and understanding. When it seems all is lost and that despair is in our hearts, there is always a hope for the future.
'What a Wonderful World' by Louis Armstrong:
"I see trees of green
Red roses too
I see them bloom
For me and you
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
I see skies of blue
And clouds of white
The bright blessed day
The dark sacred night
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
The colours of the rainbow
So pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces
Of people going by
I see friends shaking hands
Saying, "How do you do?"
They're really saying
I love you
I hear babies cry
I watch them grow
They'll learn much more
Than I'll ever know
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
Yes, I think to myself
What a wonderful world"
Frank Sinatra sang 'My Way' - which is a song about authenticity, and courage to make choices and finding meaning in a life. The lyrics highlight the importance of living life on one's own terms, making decisions based on personal values, and not being swayed by external pressures, expectations, or conditioning. The song has existential undertones: Some interpretations of the song link it to existentialist philosophy, particularly the idea that individuals are responsible for creating their own meaning and purpose in life. Ultimately, 'My Way' is a song about personal reflection, self-acceptance, and finding peace in a life lived authentically. Sinatra prompts a deep contemplation of the essence of human life, challenging conventional notions of success and encouraging individuals to find meaning in their unique experiences and contributions rather than in external achievements. Here is the chorus:
'My Way' by Frank Sinatra:
“For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself, then he has naught
To say the things he truly feels
And not the words of one who kneels
The record shows
I took the blows
And did it my way.”
Art, psychospirituality, and mental health
Michelangelo said, regarding the creation of his David statue, said it "It's simple. I just removed everything that was NOT David," or variations such as, "I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free". This quote reflects his philosophy that the figure was already present within the marble block, and his role was to chisel away the superfluous material to reveal it. It also represents the stripping off of the layers of our ego mind in order to discover our true Selves. He saw the act of sculpting as a spiritual process, believing that the artist could 'release' the Soul trapped within the stone, with the conflict between spiritual and material (which is the nature of societal conditioning), giving life to the sculpture. Michelangelo believed that the ideal form, or in one version, the "angel," was already complete within the stone. His task as a sculptor was to subtract, rather than add, material. He would chip away all the parts of the marble that did not belong to the final form of David, releasing the hidden masterpiece. Such art has a mesmerising and deep transformational effect on us, by dropping us into presence. Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni[a] (6 March 1475 – 18 February 1564), known mononymously as Michelangelo, was an Italian sculptor, painter, architect, and poet of the High Renaissance. Born in the Republic of Florence, his work was inspired by models from classical antiquity and had a lasting influence on Western art. Michelangelo's creative abilities and mastery in a range of artistic arenas define him as an archetypal Renaissance man, along with his rival and elder contemporary, Leonardo da Vinci. Given the sheer volume of surviving correspondence, sketches, and reminiscences, Michelangelo is one of the best-documented artists of the 16th century. He was lauded by contemporary biographers as the most accomplished artist of his era. m, by Giorgio Vasari, proposed that Michelangelo's work transcended that of any artist living or dead, and was "supreme in not one art alone but in all three". In his lifetime, Michelangelo was often called Il Divino ('the divine one"'). His contemporaries admired his terribilità - his ability to instill a sense of awe in viewers of his art. He created his art in full 'flow' , which is an important state of spirituality that manifests through divine intervention, music, and sporting coaches. Michelangelo's spirituality was a central theme throughout his life, characterised by a deep, devout that evolved over time, often marked by a struggle between his intense artistic passions and his desire for spirituality. He saw his art as a means to glorify God and inspire piety, evident in works like the Sistine Chapel ceiling, yet he also grappled with the conflict between spiritual and preferences, which is what keeps us trapped in ego, and the nature of the Soul, through Carl Jung's concept of individuation, trapped in the physical form. His poetry and his relationship with reform-minded spiritual circles reveal a profound journey of Faith, focusing on themes of Grace, and the ultimate pursuit of divine unconditional love, which is crucial in the great majority of us who have experience conditional love in our young childhood Trauma.
Leonardo da Vinci painted the most famous version of the Last Supper between 1495 and 1498, focusing on the spiritual significance of the moment after Christ's announcement of his betrayal by a disciple. His use of perspective, complex human emotions, and gestures conveys the 'motions of the Soul, a key spiritual and psychological aspect of the work, making it a profound reflection of human desire for salvation. Depiction of human emotion and the 'motions of the Soul': Da Vinci's mastery of capturing varied emotional responses - shock, anger, sadness - among the apostles exemplifies his interest in portraying inner spiritual and emotional states. This is so relevant to psychospiritual healing. The composition features several references to the number three, such as the three windows behind Jesus and the apostles grouped in threes, symbolising Jesus as part of the Christian Holy Trinity. Jesus was human until his resurrection. The painting depicts the dramatic instant after Jesus reveals that one of his apostles will betray him. The painting is seen by some as representing humanity's longing for salvation, with a focus on the betrayal and its spiritual implications. Instead of a traditional halo, the light from the window behind Jesus is thought by some to represent his divinity, highlighting the spiritual significance through natural means. Instead of a traditional halo, the light from the window behind Jesus is thought by some to represent his divinity, highlighting the spiritual significance through natural means.
Writing, psychospirituality, and mental health
Journaling, creative writing, or even writing unsent letters can be incredibly beneficial for expressing difficult feelings and processing experiences.
Julia Cameron, the author of the bestselling book 'The Artists Way', wrote that "Writing is medicine. It’s an appropriate antidote to injury. It is an appropriate companion to any difficult change.” Anne Frank, who suffered severe childhood Trauma, wrote about Nature that “As long as this exists, this sunshine and this cloudless sky, and as long as I can enjoy it, how can I be sad? The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, Nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be.” She continued “In the long run, the sharpest weapon of all is a kind and gentle spirit.” She also wrote “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” Some studies suggest that Anne's diary reveals the malign psychological impact of Trauma, including mood swings, anxiety, and a struggle to maintain a sense of Self. However, she continued “I can shake off everything as I write: My sorrows disappear, courage is reborn.”
Movies and spirituality
Perhaps the best film to represent is 'The Matrix', which I have discussed in one of previous articles. In 'The Matrix', the character Cypher represents spiritual betrayal by choosing ignorance and the comfort of a simulated reality over the arduous truth and freedom of the real world. His betrayal mirrors Judas' betrayal of Jesus, symbolising a choice against a spiritual path and towards a deceptive, yet appealing, illusion. This act offers a spiritual lesson in the cost of choosing comfort over truth, and the personal responsibility one holds in navigating their own spiritual journey. In 'The Matrix' Cypher took the blue pill in exchange for Morpheus's capture. Cypher was previously a high-ranking member of Morpheus's crew who had become disillusioned with life in the real world, and so he took the blue pill. His ultimate goal was to resist and forget his awakening.
Morpheus represents the best kind of leader and teacher: He teaches Neo what he knows and guides him to the right path, then steps aside and lets Neo proceed on his own. Morpheus does not seek glory, and his selflessness makes him heroic in his own way. Morpheus told Neo about the door to Enlightenment in the The Matrix “I’m trying to free your mind, Neo. But I can only show you the door. You're the one that has to walk through it". This iconic line conveys that while Morpheus can provide the path and guidance, Neo must ultimately make the choice and take the action to embrace the truth of the Matrix and his own potential and real Personal Power. This serves as a fundamental lesson that Morpheus cannot force Neo to accept the reality of their situation; Neo must choose to believe and to act for himself. This is how you drop your ego, and awaken your Soul. This process is one of becoming conscious, in other words to become Enlightened. This is the path of all healing and becoming whole, recovering from all mental illness that is caused by unidentified, ignorant, and childhood Trauma.
Neo's teaching and a series of lessons he learns through his training and his journey from ignorance to Enlightenment about the true nature of his reality. Key lessons include embracing the truth even when it's difficult and f versos the blue pill), the need to surrender and let go of surface-level truths to achieve deeper awareness , and the realisation that true potential comes from the journey within to your heart, not from external events programming, expectation, and conditioning.
Morpheus offers Neo a choice between the blue pill (to remain in blissful ignorance within the Matrix) and the red pill (to learn the truth about the real world). Neo chooses the red pill, demonstrating a willingness to face a harsh and painful, yet once you finish the journey and acceptance of reality which is free from pretence and is full of love, joy, peace, freedom, healing, truth, gratitude, and miracles, rather than a comfortable illusion (created by the ego mind) that is full of anger, hate, duality, ignorance, restriction, manufactured illusion,, preferences, trying to control and manipulate reality, people, and experiences. They may awaken on their death bed, but that’s too late! Morpheus told Neo about the door to Enlightenment in 'The Matrix “I’m trying to free your mind, Neo. But I can only show you the door. You're the one that has to walk through it". This iconic line conveys that while Morpheus can provide the path and guidance, Neo must ultimately make the choice and take the action to embrace the truth of the Matrix and his own potential and real Personal Power. This serves as a fundamental lesson that Morpheus cannot force Neo to accept the reality of their situation; Neo must choose to believe and to act for himself. This is how you drop your ego, and awaken your Soul. This process is one of becoming conscious, in other words to become Enlightened. This is the path of all healing and becoming whole, recovering from all mental health problems.
Neo's teaching and a series of lessons he learns through his training and his journey from ignorance to Enlightenment about the true nature of his reality. Key lessons include embracing the truth even when it's difficult and f versos the blue pill), the need to surrender and let go of surface-level truths to achieve deeper awareness, and the realisation that true potential comes from the journey within to your heart, not from external events programming, expectation, and conditioning.
Effective leaders empower others to make choices and embrace change, helping them navigate the challenges that come with transformation require the willingness to accept reality, surrendering to it, and take action through clarity and intuition. You are pure consciousness. You are a very high Being. You are the greatest Being that ever was. The only difference between you and Jesus is that he always came from a place of pure love, and he always believed in the miracles that come from prayer and meditation, even if we don’t know what form they will take. I believe that God has a sense of humour and we don’t know why form and when We can achieve that state. but most people choose not to, in other words they take the blue pill, and that is the cause of all their suffering and mental illness. We must trust in God’s will for the journey of our lives.
The Oracle says to "Know thyself," inscribed as "Temet Nosce" in Latin on her wall in The Matrix and originally as "Gnothi Seauton" (Greek for Know Thyself) above the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. This ancient wisdom encourages deep introspection, self-awareness, and understanding of one's purpose, directing Neo to discover his true nature and potential. Know thyself was also expressed implicitly by William Shakespeare saying in ‘Hamlet’ “This above all: to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.” Jesus said in John 14:12 “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”
'The Tempest'
'We are such stuff
As dreams are made on'
Summary
Engaging in creative pursuits can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself, one's feelings, and experiences, fostering emotional awareness and emotional healing. Studies show a link between creative activities and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. Creativity strengthens factors that foster courage, a sense of purpose and meaning, and optimism in the face of adversity and suffering, mental illness, and adult stresses caused by childhood Trauma. Engaging in sensory creative experiences like music, painting, sculpture, or working with clay, helps anchor individuals in the present moment, the journey from victimhood to victory, moving them away from mental illness, triggered reactions due to adult stress bringing back the malign legacy of childhood Trauma, and rumination and catastrophising. Creative problem-solving, like music, drawing or sculpting, writing, a dilemma , can offer different viewpoints in suffering and dilemmas, help navigate challenging situations.
Carl Jung wrote that "Creating art allows us to give form to feelings and experiences that might otherwise remain hidden or overwhelming". Jung saw creative work as a means of confronting childhood Traumas symbolically and fostering psychological renewal. Ram Dass agrees that “Creativity springs from the yearning to be the fullness of who you are. My life is a creative act - like a painting, or a concerto.”
Namaste.
Olly
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article explores the role of spirituality in mental well-being and recovery. It is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or psychiatric advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your own qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your specific condition or any medical concerns. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. Integrating spiritual practices can be a valuable part of a holistic approach to mental health, but it should complement, not replace, care from licensed medical and mental health professionals.
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