“ The first question that comes to my mind
is one I have for all of you. ”
What has helped all of you get through the negative thoughts, that surrounded
you during the pandemic?
For me, it was my “ love for art !”
Yes! You read it right!
When the whole world was battling
with the COVID – 19 pandemic situation,
it was my “ love for art ” that kept me
going throughout the situation.
When we were dealing with uncertainty,
It was my “ art ” that brought hope.
Creating something meaningful – whether
it be drawing, sketching, calligraphy,
writing a thought,
poem or quote which conveys some message
with it and sharing these expressions
with the world.
Each piece, each poem became a small
act of hope, reminding me even in the
darkest times – creativity can light the way.
“ During those uncertain times, I turned to poetry. Writing became a refuge, a way to
process emotions and find beauty amidst chaos. To my surprise, my very first poem
was selected for an Anthology, marking the
beginning of a journey I hadn’t anticipated. ”
Art became not just a passion, but a source of hope and resilience.
Art being a major part of my life, helps not only
to improve our mental health but also to foster
connections with others and express emotions
that are often hard to articulate.
“ ART ” acts as a “ healing balm ” for the soul
and has a profound connection with mental health.
With the outbreak of the pandemic,
mental health took a significant toll on our overall well being particularly, among younger
populations and contributed to many other health issues. The most common problems included
stress, depression, anxiety and insomnia.
But during those times, our hobbies and creative pursuits helped us work toward
our life purpose.
My curiosity and keen observational
skills, nurtured since childhood, played a
significant role in guiding me through
those challenges.
Even now, many people still take mental
health for granted. There needs to be
greater awareness about its significance
and the importance of prioritizing it.
In this stillness, the importance of nature
became more evident than ever.
Amidst the uncertainty, nature played a
vital role in our lives, serving as a constant source of solace and a reminder of our deep
connection to the world around us.
Nature is my biggest muse.
Spending quality time in nature not only enhances physical health but also, greatly benefits
mental well-being.
Throughout my journey as a self -taught author, writer, poet, an artist and a photographer, I’ve
learned the transformative power of creativity.
My love for reading quotes and thoughtful reflections since childhood, laid the foundation
for my passion for expressing emotions through
various art forms.
Over the years, I’ve faced my share of challenges, including moments of self-doubt and
uncertainty. However, these obstacles
have only fueled my passion for art and writing,
leading to significant milestones like – being a published author, my work as a co-author has
been published in more than 20+ Anthologies,
poems – published in World Record Anthologies,International Anthologies,blogs, magazines. Not
only this, but having my photographs selected for magazines, including magazine covers. Each
experience has shaped
my artistic voice and reinforced my belief in the
importance of mental health.
In conclusion, my journey with art, writing and
the solace I’ve found in nature have been invaluable during challenging times.
I hope my experiences resonate with you and
encourage you to explore your creative pursuits
and appreciate the healing power of nature.
Let’s continue to prioritize our mental health first and find inspiration in the world around us.
-Pradnya Gaikwad
