I recently watched an AMA podcast wherein Dr. Frank Clark, a psychiatrist, was being interviewed on this YouTube podcast by AMA’s Chief Experience Officer regarding the connection between good mental health, the creative expression and art. I strongly urge others to watch this excellent podcast if desiring to experience a different type of meditation that also slows down and quiets the mind. Dr. Clark relates that one should not strive for perfection in whatever art form you choose to work with, as there should be no stress involved in the process. It can be a calming, peaceful, mind quieting process when approached in this manner. And one naturally improves in time at what one repeatedly does. Writing can be a wonderful creative outlet to write out your feelings and thoughts about what’s on your mind. A journal, blog, writing letters or even a memoir can be therapeutic. Using colored markers to create your own pictures or in an adult coloring book is very soothing and a great meditation. One can listen to music, play music, sing, or dance, as these are all wonderful creative outlets for self-expression. Here’s to better mental health and having fun through art and creative self-expression!