Monáe's Musings | Fabulous and Fortunate Podcast

Creative wellness is a topic of discussion that has gained exponential ground as of late amongst my social circles. From sound healing to dirt therapy, these creative modalities of healing seek to engage the senses and therefore penetrate to the depths of the soul.

Art, pottery, knitting, writing, tending to plants, cooking, communing, and playing instruments are mere examples of creative healing modalities that have the potential to deeply affect us. Recently, I had the chance to spend the day at the Multnomah Athletic Club – a swanky social athletic club that is the talk of the “elite” of Portland. From saunas to steam rooms to restaurants to spin rooms, multiple courts, a Pilates room, all the workout equipment you would need, multiple pools, and even a room dedicated to stretching (with so many gadgets) – it was a healing oasis. They have all types of wellness events free for its members and healing is most definitely on the agenda. Even though I stood out (with it not being the most diverse), I felt like I belonged there. Maybe because it felt like such a healing and rejuvenating place to be. It seemed to be its own separate community, shielded from the rest of the world.

The MAC, as it’s called, has been the talk amongst Portlanders, from its rigorous selection process to its pricey membership cost. But yet, I entered with expectation and left with delight. Community and healing seemed to coincide and everyone in there seemed to know each other. I felt like I was in college again. And as I almost passed out from the spin class that I took that day, I must admit I felt on top of the world as I cooled down and felt the icy air on my cheeks. As I stood over the Timbers stadium (the spin room was an open air concept directly above the vast field) I deeply understood why there is a need for spaces like these. The MAC was basically a playground of wellness, community, and connection. Near the end of the day as I laid in the steam room in all my glory, I felt truly rejuvenated and connected to myself. And feeling very deserving of the release of muscle tension. When it came time to leave I felt like a kid whose parent told them it was time to leave the playground. Haha! I truly enjoyed my complimentary visit to the MAC and they may have even convinced me to take a second glance at the application packet that I was given.

When I truly think of wellness and healing of the soul, one of the facets of importance that comes to my mind is the environment. How does our environment shape our potential for healing? I feel much different when my closet is cleaned and deeply gutted versus when I have clothes thrown about and things in there that no longer resonate with me.

The day I cleaned my closet and then cleaned my car out completely, I felt like a new woman.

And even deeper, energies can attach themselves to items that no longer serve us – affecting our mental wellbeing. When we watch shows like Hoarders, it is plainly seen how our environment affects how we show up and the mental elasticity of our minds. Imagine how affected we are by say lack of proper nutritional nourishment and not feeling safe in our environments. We have seen in studies such as Harlow’s experiment with monkeys how deeply interconnected nourishment and development are in the early stages of life.

It is safe to say that even as we age and become adults, nourishment still inadvertently affects our development. If someone were to come to me ready to intentionally begin their healing journey, I would go through their environment first. Do you have groceries at home to make nourishing meals? Are you emotionally supported at home? Do you feel safe at home, and if not, why? Are you able to have a creative outlet that lets you express on a daily basis? Do you have the space for this in your home, or access outside of the home? What are we surrounding ourselves with and how does that speak to the trajectory of healing various wounds?

Pouring from an empty cup often deepens wounds and often leads to frustration around the modality of healing. And at its most basic level, true healing involves the healing and soothing of the soul.

How do we expect to heal our souls when we are not giving ourselves the proper nourishment?

Although we are souls, we are still having a human experience. We have to nourish the body to help penetrate the soul.

Another topic I’ve been confronted with is how can we ask our community for support during times of healing? What is the correct route to this and is there even a “correct” route? And how does community and self care play a bigger part in overall wellness? Since wellness and healing is a lifestyle, I’d say community is a necessary part of healing. We are shaped by our surroundings and experiences.

Would it be so far-fetched to say that an understanding and active community can positively shape our healing trajectory?

I think not.

Discussions around creative wellness and how to invite it in more speaks to me in such a deep way. There’s so much to muse about when it comes to creative and sacred wellness. And as time continues to pass, I look forward to exploring this on a deeper, subconscious level.