Mighty Fingers - Facing Change
  • About Mighty FIngers
  • Hosting Organizations
  • Support More Girls
  • Videos and Pictures from the Road
  • Our Team
  • In the News
  • Contact

The Healing power of art

3/30/2015

2 Comments

 
Picture
 Edge of the Clouds by Kelly Sullivan 
Look closely at this beautiful painting. Pretend you're in this field-- strolling through the tall green grass, the sun warm on your back, listening to the soft gurgle of the stream as it meanders along its way. Can you hear the birds call to each other as you walk? Think about how you're feeling: calm…peaceful….without a care in the world. Now ask yourself: Do I feel better now than before I  looked at this painting? Did you answer "yes?" Congratulations! You’ve just experienced the healing power of art.

It’s no secret that simply looking at a painting, drawing, sculpture or photograph can elicit powerful emotions. But did you know that appreciating a work of art—and especially creating one yourself—can have a positive impact on your physical health? It’s true!

Don’t worry, we’re not going to get too science-y here! Simply stated, art is good for both your brain and your body. In fact, studies have shown that being involved with art reduces stress (and that’s a good thing, because stress can cause anxiety, sleeplessness and other not-so-fun things). Also, scientists at the University of California studied 200 young adults and found that activities that inspire awe, such as visiting an art museum, may actually boost the immune system. Making your own art has been shown to increase brain activity, helping with processes like introspection, self-monitoring and memory. And, research has shown that decorating hospitals with certain types of artwork can speed up patients’ healing process! 

Generally speaking, any creative activity is good for the mind, body and spirit. So, the next time you’re feeling anxious or stressed, draw a picture, listen to your favorite music, write a poem, sing, dance—whatever moves you. You’ll feel a lot better! Here's something fun to try: The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., offers computer-based art-making tools for people of all ages to enjoy. Give one a whirl at: 

http://www.nga.gov/content/ngaweb/education/kids.html

If you’ve participated in Mighty Fingers and painted with Kelly, how did that experience make you feel? What’s your very favorite way to express your creativity? Share it with us!

Leave a comment below, tweet us @MightyFingers, send us a message on Facebook, or email us at info@mightyfingersfacingchange.com! 

 

 

 

2 Comments

MIGHTY RELEVANT WOMEN – MOTHER TERESA

3/25/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
Mother Teresa during a visit to Bonn, Germany, 1986. Photo Gallery, Nobelprize.org. 

“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop." 
                                                --Mother Teresa

     How did a simple Albanian girl named Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu grow up to become the world-renowned missionary Mother Teresa? Today we celebrate Women’s History Month by exploring the life of this remarkable woman, who is considered one of the greatest humanitarians of the 20th century.

     Her incredible story began in the year 1910. Born into a devout Catholic family, Agnes was only 8 years old when her father became ill and died. She was very close to her mother, who instilled in her daughter a deep sense of compassion for others and commitment to charity. In fact, the city’s poorest people were always welcomed to dine at the family’s table. "My child, never eat a single mouthful unless you are sharing it with others," her mother told her.

      This serious, sensitive young girl grew up to become a Catholic nun, teacher, and missionary. Taking the name Sister Mary Teresa, she traveled to Calcutta, India, learned to speak fluent Bengali and Hindi, and taught at a convent school where she was dedicated to alleviating girls’ poverty through education. In 1937, after taking her final vows, she became Mother Teresa.  

      Suddenly, after 17 years of teaching, Mother Teresa experienced a calling that would transform her life and the lives of countless others. Her mission? To help “the unwanted, the unloved, the uncared for.” After six months of basic medical training, she ventured into Calcutta’s slums to care for the city’s poorest, sickest people. She established an orphanage, nursing home and mobile health clinics. She helped people suffering with leprosy, AIDS and tuberculosis.

      Like ripples in the ocean, Mother Teresa’s charitable work continued to expand throughout the world, touching millions of lives. She was awarded the Jewel of India (the highest honor bestowed on Indian civilians), and in 1979, the Nobel Peace Price. At the time of her death in 1997, her Missionaries of Charity were operating 610 foundations in 123 countries.

      So, after reading about Mother Teresa’s amazing and inspiring life, do you agree with her belief that every “drop in the ocean” matters? What would you like your “drop” to be? We’d love to hear about it!



Leave a comment below, tweet us @MightyFingers, send us a message on Facebook, or email us at info@mightyfingersfacingchange.com! 
0 Comments

    Write a letter to the world!

    Written and monitored by lisa melillo

    Communication is art that we encourage. During each stop, the girls we meet form new relationships and want the opportunity to maintain them and make new ones. They want to be heard by a larger audience and they are eager to listen. The Mighty Girl’s Blog is a forum for girls who have Internet access from all parts of the world to log on and say what they want to say. For those who do not have regular access to Internet, but still desire to connect with girls outside their community, we help match them as pen pals through written letters. The Mighty Girl’s Blog is an open yet monitored forum for girls to connect and share with an interesting and interested group of people.  

    Archives

    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    May 2013

    RSS Feed

Location

Contact Us

​
Kelly Sullivan, Lead Artist & Producer
kelly@kellysullivanfineart.com
Phone: 732.233.5614

Thank You For Helping Create a Better World Through ART!

  • About Mighty FIngers
  • Hosting Organizations
  • Support More Girls
  • Videos and Pictures from the Road
  • Our Team
  • In the News
  • Contact