Be Creative!

Good Shepherd has many talented individuals living in our midst, including some talented painters. Painting is a good activity for seniors. Aside from the pleasure it brings, painting has many physical, mental, spiritual, and social benefits as well. Art makes us more human; it helps us to communicate in a different, personal language and nurtures our well-being. It is therapeutic and provides a mental rest that lowers stress and generates relaxation and happy feelings. Working in a non-competitive, relaxed environment can strengthen individuality and self-esteem. Learning to hold and handle a brush and/or pencil will help improve coordination because it regulates hand movements and stimulates brain connections. It brings concentration and healing and can actually pull our focus away from physical and emotional pain. Painting distracts us from our problems thereby promoting mental health. Painting can bolster our emotional intelligence; it helps create harmony between the heart and mind, which leads us to experience happiness, love, empathy, and peace. Painting is fun; we laugh, socialize, learn, feel motivated, and develop art appreciation and a sense of culture.