Why Creativity Might Be the Gentle Therapy You Didn’t Know You Needed
When we think of art therapy, most people imagine painting or drawing. But creating takes many forms — and for me, it has been body care products, bath salts, and candles. What I’ve discovered is that creating isn’t just about making something beautiful; it’s about giving grief a place to rest. After several years of creating in private, I realized it was time to share what had been helping me and that’s how my Etsy shop was born.
Here are 7 reasons why creating is healing, especially on your grief journey:
It’s a release. Pouring, blending, stirring — every step becomes a way to release heavy emotions.
It grounds you. Using your hands brings you back to the present moment, which is powerful when grief pulls you into the past.
It sparks flow. Creativity invites focus, quiets the noise, and gives your mind a chance to rest.
It makes feelings visible. Just like art therapy, creating lets emotions take shape outside of you — in color, texture, and form.
It restores a sense of control. Grief often makes life feel uncertain, but creating allows you to design something tangible, intentional, and yours.
It connects heart and hands. Every handmade product holds the energy of your care — a way of turning love into something lasting.
It honors memory. You can create with intention, dedicating your craft to someone you love and miss.
Creative Paths to Explore in Grief
If you’re curious about how creativity might support your healing, here are some ideas:
Candle-making 🕯️ — focus on scent and light as symbols of hope.
Journaling or Poetry 📓 — let words hold what feels too heavy to carry.
Knitting or Crochet 🧶 — repetitive motion that soothes the mind and body.
Gardening or Plant Care 🌱 — nurturing something living offers comfort and continuity.
Collage or Vision Boards 🎨 — express feelings visually when words feel too small.
Each of these is more than a craft — they’re meditative practices that calm the nervous system, give grief a gentle outlet, and remind you that healing happens in small, steady steps.
✨ After years of creating just for myself, I now share my healing blends through my Etsy shop. If you or someone you love could use the gift of relaxation, I invite you to visit my shop on Etsy and discover products made with love and intention.
~ Kinyatta
