by Patrick McNerthney
There’s a theory that great ideas come from a secret compartment in the human brain that only geniuses possess. Einstein, Picasso, Steve Jobs, Frank Zamboni (not made up, he invented the Zamboni ice resurfacing machine one sees at hockey games) – they all had it, we don’t, so the implication is we’re out of luck!
However, I must have this secret genius brain compartment, as evidenced by the time I chose to drive my parent’s Ford Explorer through a lone snow drift I found. This was in the mountains, during the late spring of ’94. Surprisingly, instead of blasting through it like an action hero and sending snow flying, I somehow high-centered the vehicle and this guy had to come pull me out with his ’68 Volkswagen Bug. Which was humiliating.
(This is the guy who saved me.)
It’s true though, great ideas come from a special place in the brain. But what most people don’t realize is this is the same space bad ideas come from. And genius? Genius is never a permanent resident, but rather a benevolent spirit that pops by for a visit once in a while if we’re lucky. The trick is to keep showing up and doing the work to give that good idea a chance to come out, and genius, an opportunity to pay that visit.
Which is good news, because when we understand we all share the same opportunity to experience genius, that it’s not a “you have it or you don’t” trait, it levels the playing field and opens up an incredible amount of possibility.
If you provide care for the elderly you likely recognize that as your residents age, they can stop feeling they are worthwhile or that they can “do” anything useful. Subsequently, you may be desperately searching for ways to build connection, to inspire a desire to learn something new, create a sense of self-mastery and increase self-esteem. And you’re doing all of this while feeling the pressure and constraint of increased social isolation due to the pandemic.
No problem, right? You’d have to be a genius to figure this out!
But wait! Remember, it’s not your responsibility to solve all of these challenges in one fell swoop all by yourself. Even Steve Jobs had a lot of help! Rather, your responsibility is to show up and put in the work, drip by drip, day by day, thereby giving genius a chance to pay you a visit.
(Contrary to popular belief, genius lives someplace in there.)
Fine Art Miracles thinks creative expression can be that great idea you’re searching for on your journey as a caregiver. Art therapy, music therapy, dance & movement therapy and ART2GO packages create great opportunities for genius to pay a visit (for both you and those you seek to serve!), and have shown to increase feelings of self-worth and self-esteem in the elderly and other vulnerable populations. This ultimately fosters much needed connection during a time when people need it most.
As an added bonus, creative expression is the perfect way to increase self-esteem and feelings of self-mastery. After all, everyone likes a chance to reconnect with (and maybe show off) their abilities.
Please consider Fine Art Miracles a way to experiment with some great ideas – if you find a few programs that really hit home, you can even call yourself a genius (I still call myself a genius all the time – despite that incident in the snow).
If you have any questions please reach out – Fine Art Miracles is here to help!
