Creativity as Medicine: How Art Can Transform Life Transitions
Life is full of transitions—whether it’s perimenopause, career changes, identity shifts, or simply navigating the daily challenges of motherhood. These moments can leave us feeling unmoored, stressed, and unsure of how to move forward. But what if creativity itself could serve as a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery?
In a recent conversation with Nina Schein, a coach, retreat facilitator, and artist, we explored how art can become a transformative tool for self-care, emotional balance, and community connection.
From Loss to Creative Empowerment
Nina’s journey into using art as a medium for transformation began with a profound life challenge: her family’s house burned down. With most of their possessions gone, the only things left were their resourcefulness, creativity, and the support of a loving community. “It was like a sign from the universe,” Nina shared. “Go and create art.”
This pivotal moment inspired Nina to step into her identity as an artist and coach. She realized that art wasn’t just a personal outlet—it was a tool she could use to anchor new beliefs, embrace change, and guide others through life’s transitions.
Art as a Tool for Moms
Nina’s mission is particularly focused on busy moms who are navigating the complex demands of family, work, and self-care. She encourages moms to use art as a grounding practice, a way to return to the heart, and a method to express emotions constructively.
Whether it’s collaborating on a painting with her son, creating simple crafts, or even engaging in small, mindful art sessions, Nina emphasizes that art doesn’t need to be complicated to have a profound impact. “It brings immediate relaxation. It’s playful, it’s not demanding,” she explains.
She also highlights the power of intention in art: choosing a theme or emotion, creating a visual representation, and then using that piece as a reminder or gift. These small, intentional acts of creativity help moms reconnect with themselves, cultivate energy, and even inspire those around them.
Energy, Environment, and Healing
Our conversation also touched on the energetic impact of art and environment. Nina integrates principles like Feng Shui to enhance the energy of a space, helping women feel centered and uplifted. For Nina, art is ultimately an expression of energy—a way to channel emotions, process challenges, and cultivate resilience.
As I reflected during our chat, it’s not just about the physical act of creating—it’s about accessing your intuition, listening to your body, and using art as a bridge between your inner world and the community around you.
Practical Tips for Moms
Nina shared several practical ways busy moms can integrate art into their daily lives:
Morning rituals: Set aside a small window of time each morning to center yourself, whether through meditation, movement, or a brief art session.
Simple creativity: Use materials around the house—paper, markers, or scraps—to create something expressive, playful, or meaningful.
Thematic intention: Focus on an emotion or quality you want to cultivate, like confidence or love, and create a visual reminder.
Share and gift: Use your creations to connect with others or as a personal touchstone for reflection.
These small, consistent acts of creativity can help moms reclaim energy, reduce stress, and cultivate emotional balance—even amidst life’s busiest seasons.
Looking Forward
Nina is also developing an online course to help moms use art as a self-care tool and plans to host retreats at her beautiful farm in South Africa. Through her work, she continues to inspire others to embrace creativity, resilience, and connection.
Our conversation was a reminder that art isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about healing, growth, and community. Whether it’s painting, crafting, or simply engaging in creative expression, art has the power to transform lives.
🎨 Watch the full episode with Nina here: Full Podcast Episode
