On January 25, 2010, before a crowd gathered at the Art Matters Forum in Calgary, Governor General Michaelle Jean of Canada broke into a Haitian song she has known since birth. It was one her mother sang to her long ago when the Governor General was a mere toddler in Jacmel.
The effect of her song on the audience was powerful, as it was meant to be. She wanted her listeners to resonate with the power of song, like the one sung by the old Haitian woman wandering through the streets of Port-au-Prince, among the debris and shattered ruins, singing with such invincibility she persuaded others to join in.
Together in song, they began the healing note for Haitians traumatized by the devastating earthquake that rocked the city in mid-January 2010.
The Spiritual and Healing Power of Song
For the Governor General, much can come from songs. According to Katie Schneider of the Calgary Sun, she spoke of the optimism provided by songs. Even "when we have nothing left," she told the audience,"there is always a song, there's always music, words and dance to bring us together to provide hope."
The Governor General is right. Art has healing power. Not only is this a spiritual power, it is power aligned with the most productive of will. Art has the power to inspire action which will make transformation possible.It is art that functions as a collective force creating "the great display of solidarity on a planetary scale," a momentum large enough to turn words into action and restore Haiti from the ashes of ruin.
Art Therapy Heals Traumatized Haitian Children
The Governor General is not the only one who understands art as a healing force. Schools in Miami are using something as simple as paint and paper to help Haitian children who have been emotionally traumatized by the earthquake even though they have never been physically touched by the disaster.
In one elementary school where 80% of the student population has Haitian roots, teachers and staff have begun using art to help children cope with their anxiety and distress. Students are encouraged to paint what they feel and verbalize out loud what it is that they have painted and externalized on paper.
According to school art therapist Susan Gonzales, the opportunity to express their fears, anxiety and grief has allowed these children to manage their pain.
The Healing Power of Murals
Ragan O'Reilly, daughter of the founder of the O'Reilly Auto Parts Empire, has partnered her company, In the Loving Inc., with Help For Orphans International to build an orphanage in Port-au-Prince. She has put together a 5 person volunteer team from California that is making its round in Port-au-Prince spreading support and encouragement through art and drumming.
To this end, they have brought with them art supplies from Home Depot and other donors for the creation of a mural for and by the children of Haiti. This mural , depicting the children's resilience, beauty and courage, will feature colorful butterflies and a tall, vibrant tree encircled with the children's hand prints.
Drumming and rhythm circles will also be initiated to inspire joy and healing among the victims of the city. For nine days, Haitians will be physically and spiritually revived with food, drumming, singing, clapping and dancing - inspirational movement that will carry them beyond the disaster.
Art has the Power of Prayer
Why do many believe that art is such a powerful healing force?
Like the power of prayer,art transforms pain on the personal level by giving victims a measure of control. Depicting trauma through song and art allows the victim to "resize" his or her pain and "flush" it away. Moreover, it breaks the spell of silence which amplifies the suffering.
The capacity to create song and art on the individual level is the beginning of collective transformation. When the song is sung by many voices, the victims will be ready to move to the next level - collective action and change.
That's why Governor General Michaelle Jean chose to sing a song on the day she appeared before 200 or so Calgarians gathered at the forum. She knew that even a simple song, a lullaby, carries the power of action.
Source:
Israel, Charlene. CBN News. January 25, 2010.
Schneider, Katie. "Governor General Promotes Arts as a Healing Force." Calgary Sun. January 24, 2010.
Mary Desaulniers - I am a retired teacher and grandmother looking forward to the next 30 or more years with great relish and enthusiasm. My passions are ...
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