Drawing Away Fear: A Powerful Tool to Overcome Stress

Life is a rollercoaster of emotions, and stress is an inevitable part of the journey. How we handle stressful situations can vary from person to person, and finding the proper coping mechanism is essential for maintaining emotional well-being. When faced with overwhelming emotions, we are presented with two options: succumb to the emotion's escalation or fight back by pushing past the hurdle. In this blog post, we will explore the power of conscious choice and preparation in overcoming stress, illustrated through an inspiring real-life example of a young girl conquering her fear through the art of drawing.

When emotions run high, consciously choosing to respond appropriately can be challenging. The mind becomes clouded by intense feelings, making it difficult to think rationally. However, by being aware of our emotional triggers and conditioning ourselves to respond effectively, we can significantly improve our ability to cope with stress. Knowing our triggers is the first step to managing stress. Each of us has unique stressors that ignite strong emotional reactions. By paying attention to these triggers, we can prepare ourselves to face them in a healthier manner. This self-awareness allows us to develop coping strategies that suit our personalities and needs.

Correcting ourselves to adopt appropriate responses involves practicing and reinforcing these coping mechanisms daily. Whether deep breathing, meditation, exercise, or creative outlets like art, finding what works best for us can help build resilience and foster emotional strength.

A Remarkable Encounter on a Flight

During a flight from Madrid to Rome in 2013, an unforgettable incident unfolded, offering a remarkable example of how art can effectively conquer fear. Seated next to a 16-year-old girl on her first-ever flight, I witnessed her distress as the plane took off. She was shaking, panicking, and in tears, leaving us feeling helpless in comforting her.

However, a breakthrough occurred when she shouted for her bag. A classmate retrieved it for her, and she hastily rummaged through it, finding a pencil and a notebook. Disregarding the bag, she began to draw, and her face began to emerge on the paper. Remarkably, as the drawing took shape, her tears subsided, and she gradually calmed down, ultimately breaking into a smile. When I approached her later, as the plane landed, I inquired about the drawing and its significance. She smiled and shared her profound insight: "I learned that drawing calms me down…". This young girl instinctively tapped into art's healing power to fight against her overwhelming fear. Drawing became her refuge, enabling her to express her emotions and channel her anxiety into creativity.

Life's challenges will always bring moments of stress and overwhelm, but how we respond to them defines our emotional well-being. By consciously preparing ourselves and identifying coping mechanisms, we can navigate stressful situations more effectively. The heartening story of the young girl on the flight illustrates that sometimes, the simplest and most personal acts, like drawing, can hold the key to conquering fear and finding inner peace.

In our own lives, we can explore various creative outlets to channel our emotions constructively. Whether through drawing, painting, writing, or any other form of art, we can find solace in self-expression and create a path toward emotional resilience. So, the next time you find yourself overwhelmed by emotions, remember the power of choice and the inspiration of the brave young girl who drew away her fear on a flight to Rome.