Art Paves the Way to Healing

Art nourishes the soul especially during trying times or times of crisis. More and more the healing benefits of art come to us through music, performances, film and books working their magic with the soothing rhythms of artistic intent. I gravitate to the arts whenever I can to find out what lies beneath the turbulent waves of my busy life. So it was no surprise that a book helped me with the profound loss of my mother.

When I first read Mary Lou Quinlan’s best seller The God Box: A Daughter's Story, I was moved by the love and legacy her mother left her in a multitude of rattan boxes. Filled with notes of prayer lovingly tucked in by her mother for loved ones and acquaintances, they revealed a kind and thoughtful woman who cared about the people around her. A woman who took the time to express her wishes for health, happiness, success and more to all with whom she came in contact. Mary Lou’s personal account of the dearest of losses unveiled the far-reaching impact that simple gestures can have on those you leave behind. I’m delighted that she will be coming to Freehold on May 25 to perform her one-woman show, based on her book, at the Performing Arts Center of Applewood Estates.

The story of this remarkable woman led me to a place of healing that had eluded me since my own mother passed away. The healing energy from this book worked its way into my heart and soothed my soul.

When I was younger I always turned to music or writing or even film to deal with issues about everything from boyfriends to breakups to breakdowns. Nothing replaced my heart wrenching sobs over a lost love better than a good tearjerker film which allowed me to cry for the heroine’s travails instead of my own. Nothing felt better than unburdening my heart by writing love letters, which I would never dare send, to my latest crush.

Too many of us forget how the arts can intentionally or unwittingly heal us. The cathartic moment when you enter the landscape of a film and shed tears of joy or pain for emotions you didn’t even know were hidden beneath the surface of your consciousness.  The inspired moments of a haunting violin or a tragic aria can be uplifting or intense. No matter the emotion the arts will tease it out of hibernation to a place of revelation.

Join me in navigating the artistic riches and enjoying the cultural offerings of our great county.  With its many theaters, film houses, musical performances, galleries and book signing events where authors talk about their journeys, you will inevitably find something that touches you personally. And you will be transported to places both familiar and enchanting. At the very least you will come away ignited by the passions on the screen, stage or page. And perhaps your heart will feel a bit lighter, or your troubles will be put in perspective, or a truth will be exposed or “Whatever” as the youngsters are fond of saying.

Toby Shylit Mack
Freelance Journalist and Trustee: Monmouth County Arts Council
Look for “The God Box Project” coming on May 25 to our area.
For more information, tickets & Mother's Day Special visit www.giers.org or call 732-577-1076