Grief often leaves us feeling numb, powerless, and lost. When nothing makes sense and everything we know feels broken, we are called to live slowly, feel our bodies move a little, and make small, beautiful things.

The research is clear. Creative practices like writing, painting, playing music, and dancing improve our mental and physical health. Most of us left behind creative play—like coloring, building with blocks, or acting in a play— long ago. Maybe we don’t even miss it. And yet, we feel something magical when we enjoy a special dinner, attend a musical performance, or witness the grace of a skilled athlete. For a moment, we might feel energized, emotional, or “outside of time.”

Creative practices offer space to shift from isolation, black-and-white thinking, and “our task list” to connection, belonging, expansiveness and peace. By plugging into our intuition and “not knowing,” we can integrate and honor our loss.