Summary

The website content discusses how engaging in artistic activities, particularly through the story of Monoreena Majumdar, can be therapeutic and a means of self-care, as highlighted by the interview and community responses featured in the Life newsletter.

Abstract

The "Life" newsletter, in its fifth edition, showcases the therapeutic power of art through an interview with Monoreena Majumdar, a multi-talented artist who uses her creativity to cope with a chronic autoimmune disorder. The article delves into how art has become a passion and profession for Monoreena, providing her with a form of catharsis and mental clarity amidst health challenges. Additionally, the newsletter includes a mini prompt inviting readers to share how creating art helps them relax, and it features community responses, including articles on self-care practices and the impact of nature on emotional well-being. The newsletter also highlights the symbiotic relationship between writers and publications, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right platform for one's stories. It concludes with a call for submissions related to pets and their positive influence on their owners' lives.

Opinions

The author of the newsletter believes that engaging in art can significantly reduce stress and improve mental health, as evidenced by personal experiences shared within the community.
Monoreena Majumdar views art as a necessary and transformative part of her life, particularly in managing the secondary effects of her autoimmune disorder.
The newsletter suggests that color therapy and the act of creating can provide peace and mental relief, as expressed by Monoreena's experiences with painting.
The author resonates with the idea that writing can serve as a meditative form of self-care, leading to a purified mind and increased self-clarity.
The author endorses the nature photography of B.R. Shenoy, indicating its calming effect and importance for self-care.
There is an appreciation for the symbiotic relationship between writers and publications, with an emphasis on the mutual benefits of this partnership.
The newsletter expresses enthusiasm for community engagement, encouraging submissions and featuring stories that resonate with the author.
The author values the role of pets in enhancing personal well-being and writing quality, as reflected in the pet features section.

How Does Creating Arts Help you Relax?

Life newsletter #5: Showcasing multi-talented creative Monoreena Majumdar, this week’s mini prompt and interesting highlights

How is everyone doing? I am doing okay, just having trouble navigating personal relationships.

Sigh.

In a previous post, I mentioned how I feel my cortisol levels go down whenever I dabble with Canva and I received many responses as to how the arts are helping many to relax and recharge.

Based on that, I thought what a great idea it would be to interview an artist of both words and color who also has an inspiring personal story to share.

Many of you are already familiar with my special guest who is a poetess, writer, artist, and friend but not many are aware of the health challenges she faces. Discovering a passion for creating arts has helped her in her journey and it is amazing to see the myriad way she has been able to channel her creativity.

So without further ado, let’s dive into the interview with Monoreena Acharjee Majumdar.

Me: Hi Monoreena, thank you so much for participating in this interview for Life. What inspired you to start your artistic pursuits?

Monoreena: It was a necessity to start with. Diagnosed with a life-altering, non-curable autoimmune disorder, which affected my spine, I was rendered sedentary post-diagnosis and medication. As a rehabilitation process to get back my muscle movements and also to deal with my secondary effects viz. Brain fog, mood swings, and fatigue I was advised to pick up a brush. That slowly turned into inspiration to reduce my mentally difficult ‘bad days’ and has finally become my passion, which is slowly turning to my profession now.

Art by Monoreena: Hand-painted iron cupboard

Me: I am so sorry to hear that. It is amazing how you turned the arts into a passion -are you self-taught?

Monoreena: Yes, largely, if I don’t count my Art Classes in school which taught me the basics till Class V.

Art by Monoreena: Hand-painted iron trunk

Me: How does creating make you feel?

Monoreena: Creating is cathartic. There are a good few days in the year where doing any cognitive work becomes difficult, even reading the morning headlines, that is where color therapy works wonders for me. It soothes my ever groggy brain and takes me to a point of peace even if it’s for some hours.

Me: Thank you so much, Monoreena, for sharing your story and pictures of your beautiful artwork with us.🙏

🌸So that brings us to this week’s prompt — “How Does Creating Arts Help You Relax”🌸

Feel free to share a post or pictures of how practicing your art helps you.

Prompt responses:

For the February Life prompt “How do I practice self-care” my friend, Dharan.M has written an insightful piece “Six ways I practice self-care.” In it, he talks about writing meditation which resonated with me.” When words from your mind come to paper, the mind purifies and self-clarity grows. Writers rescue, uplift, and strengthen many souls with their words. And writers gain immense clarity as they mindfully write.”

My dear friend B.R. Shenoy submitted “Why Nature is a great source of Self Care” which has these lines which resonated deeply with me — “My preferred method of self-care is immersion in nature daily. It is critical for both my physical and emotional well-being.” Did you know B is also a talented photographer? I highly recommend her nature pix — I have found them to be not only stunning but soothing at the same time .

In response to last week’s Life prompt, I want to thank Preeti Ramachandran, editor at The Memorist, Nancy Blackman, editor at CRY, The Daily Cuppa, The Shortform & Refresh your Soul, for their responses in the comments as well as the following for submitting their responses in article format:

Sahil Patel is the editor of Lifeline, The Summit, and Reciprocal. If you haven’t checked them out, I highly recommend that you do so. Here’s his article- 5 Pubs Who Made Me Who Am I Today On Medium

In her article, Here Is Why I Think Choosing the Right Publication Is Important, this is what Drashti Shroff has to say about choosing the right publication for your stories is important: “ I believe that the relationship between writers and publications is symbiotic. They lift each other up. That is why each one should pick the other wisely.”

Pet features🐈:

For this week’s pet features I have some wonderful news regarding Anna Woods. She had written a prompt response about her vision board for 2022 which included a dog named Junior. I am happy to say that her dream has manifested and she has shared her adorable friend, Junior, with us in A Vivid Dream Turned Reality.

Let me introduce you to a feline named Larry who’s got swag and lots of personality — courtesy of fellow Bostonite MarkfromBoston— You, Me, and a Furbaby. How do animals make us better writers?

🌸 If you still want to submit to my January prompt — “How Does Your Pet Makes You A Better Person”, please do! Your pets are always welcome here at Life❤

🌸Not a writer yet? Join us here.

🌸I will be picking one story every week that spoke to me the most to be featured on the Life column on Coffee Times Substack. This is in addition to the 3 Editor’s picks which will be promoted on Coffee Times social media sites on Twitter, LinkedIn, and FaceBook.

Check out the latest featured story on Life (@ Coffee times Substack) by Scott Younkin