Artistic expression—whether through painting, sculpture, music, writing, poetry, live theatre, or any other outlet—can offer us a divine window on love and forgiveness. Artistic expression can equally transform our capacity to love and forgive by giving us a medium and outlet to express that love and forgiveness.

For example, Robert McDowell writes passionately about poetry as a spiritual practice in his book “Poetry as Spiritual Practice: Reading, Writing, and Using Poetry in Your Daily Rituals, Aspirations, and Intentions.” McDowell eloquently portrays how reading or writing poetry requires the person to be in the present moment with focused vision that is meditative in nature. It is through this heightened awareness that love and forgiveness are given birth and usher us toward greater peace in our lives. “Poetry as spiritual practice leads to stillness, the calm centre where you are most open and alive. Poetry itself makes you more mindful, and as you become so, you gracefully reconnect with the natural world.”

Think about the last time you were enthralled with a play, poem, song, or work of art. The very nature of artistic expression can provide a peaceful conduit to demonstrate and act out our love and forgiveness. One beautiful example is Jean Léon Gérôme’s exquisite painting “Pygmalion and Galatea.” Gérôme’s masterpiece portrays a master sculpture passionately embracing his subject as she comes to life from the ivory slab he has so lovingly molded into a beautiful woman. Just as Gérôme’s painting illustrates the powerful emotions associated with love, artistic expression can soften and open our hearts to love and forgiveness. Yet love and forgiveness are not the only emotions, feelings, or experiences that artistic expression can offer us. Art can show us how to be kind, gentle, peaceful, joyful, generous, and how to have faith and hope.

I have been blessed to express my creativity, in many forms, throughout my life. As a child I drew, painted, sculpted, and performed live theatre. Today, my creative expression most often manifests through my writing, sometimes poetry. Any and all of these different mediums allow me to quiet myself, move away from the abundant distractions of the world, and turn inward to a place of peace and quiet. It is from this place of peace and quiet that love is born and forgiveness can be cultivated.

Artistic expression provides all of us with a wonderful opportunity to transform our capacity to love and forgive. We are equally given the opportunity, through our artistic expression, to communicate positive values to the world. Give it a try! See for yourself. Allow your creativity to blossom. Let your creativity come forth and bless the world and everyone in it.