Artful Brain Health

Arts for the Brain
Nature for the Soul

May you be blessed with artful health.

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By Rick McVicar
As the creator of Artful Brain Health, I have broadened the scope of this website to include eco-spirituality and New Testament commentary. Now why would I do such a thing? How does it fit the rest of the website that is focused on the arts and brain health?
For starters, spirituality and the arts offer mental pathways leading toward wholeness for both people and nature.
Spirituality and the arts have historically been connected. Examples include stained glass windows and sacred music. Indigenous people have used drums in their spiritual rituals. The arts have often used nature as subject matter, so that moving on to the environment and eco-spirituality seems like a good fit.
So what is eco-spirituality, and how does it fit in with brain health?
My understanding of eco-spirituality follows on the heels of reading, “Hope and Mourning in the Anthropocene: Understanding Ecological Grief.” The article by E.Neville and A. Cunsolo can be found in The Conversation, April 4, 2018.
The article discusses eco-grief and other mental health challenges caused by the climate crisis. The authors use a term, “solastagia,” to describe feelings similar to homesickness brought by the loss of environments identified with selfhood. A type of anxiety created by the climate crisis is being experienced on a mass scale.
So climate has impinged upon brain health. That is why adding eco-spirituality to this website makes for a good fit. But why the New Testament?
Because that is my background. I hold a Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt University and I would like to put it to use. I want to explore how Christian scriptures relate to nature, whether they offer a friendly attitude toward nature or not.
Now the New Testament may not be a part of your background. That is okay by me. I would hope, however, that when you look at your tradition's sacred writings, you ask how they relate to nature.
So with all these connections in mind, the mission of Artful Brain Health is:
A website offering resources for transformation, despite any challenges faced either internally in the brain or externally in the environment.
May your day be filled with good artful health.
If you would like to support the mission of Artful Brain Health, you can donate through PayPal. Just click on the link at the top. Money will be used for website hosting services and animation software.

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Artful Brain Health Coffee Mug

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The Gospel of Mark: A Work of Art

$9.50

May you be blessed with artful health.

Passover Provides Template for Earth Day

04-22-2024 10:39 AM

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The Jewish Festival of Passover begins on Earth Day this year. The two go well together, as God used nature to deliver the Hebrews from enslavement in Egypt.

Cleanliness is Next to Devilishness

04-19-2024 03:01 PM

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Jesus Works in the Material World of Marketplaces

04-16-2024 12:50 PM

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Poetic Christian Faith 1

04-06-2024 09:41 AM

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Jesus' Walk on Water Showers Us with Questions

04-03-2024 01:02 PM

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No Need for a Miracle When There is Justice

04-01-2024 11:58 AM

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Holy Week Proceeds with Tales of Trees

03-28-2024 11:12 AM

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May you be blessed with artful health.

2 Comments

Hope Springs Recovery for Mental Health

A research study I conducted in the 1990s on hope among people with mental illness is now bearing fruit for recovery programs.

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Self-Governance

A poem about personal struggles to maintain self-control despite inner urges and wanderings of spirit.

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Clay Calms the Nerves for People with Dementia

Working with clay can calm someone with dementia while providing joy and increasing confidence.

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Websites Promoting Art for Healing are Easily Found

A community of art advocates and their websites can be found scattered across the Internet promoting the use of the arts for healing.

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"Healing the Mind with Words" to be Released

A book I co-wrote with Amelia Willows will soon be released through Barnes and Noble Press. Amelia and I tell our stories of recovery from mental illness.

1 Comments

Drama Plays a Healing Force for People with Dementia

Drama therapy uses improvisation to enhance the lives of those who have Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia.

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Music Therapy Moves People with Cerebral Palsy

People with cerebral palsy can benefit from the use of music therapy.

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People with Autism Can Have Perfect Pitch

Music can open a world of emotions for people with autism.

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Mother Creates Musical Program for Son's ADHD

A mother develops a musical training program to help her son overcome ADHD.

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Art Therapy Brings Alternative Learning Style to the Easel

#ADHD $Learning Disabilities #Art

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Not Everyone Can Write to Stay Well

Expressive language disorder can impact a person's ability to communicate no matter the age.

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Reading and Playing Can Slow the Approach of Alzheimer's

Studies show a slowing of dementia among those who like to read or play board games.

May you be blessed with artful health.

A Romance Begins While Facing a Phobia

Diane prepares to meet an old crush from high school at a canine rescue center despite her fear of dogs.

04-08-2024 10:30 AM

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A Dinner Invention

A fast-food cook comes home to invent a new dinner dish as a change of pace from burgers and fries.

03-23-2024 02:20 PM

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A Bird's Look

A poem about a conversation with a bird, who imparts wisdom about the circle of life and death.

03-15-2024 09:35 AM

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Poetry for a New World

Two poems about coping in a new world full of technology and climate change.

02-27-2024 08:16 PM

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Losing Keys Prepares Us for Life's Losses

My mother's habit of losing car keys prepared me for life's losses and frustrations. Growing older, I now lose my own keys on a daily basis.

02-16-2024 07:59 PM

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Asking 'Why' Leaves Me Lost

Wondering why leaves me lost in a rapidly changing world of technology, weather patterns and political upheaval.

02-11-2024 08:27 PM

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Having Doubts About the Glass Screen Generation

A humor essay about whether to have hope in a younger generation fixated on smartphone glass screens.

01-28-2024 03:11 PM

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May you be blessed with artful health.

{"songs":[{"title":"&quot;Rick McVicar&quot;&nbsp;-&nbsp;Eclipse</a>", "file":"https://static.s123-cdn-static-d.com/uploads/5832797/normal_661561c29d7ae.mp3", "howl":null, "pageUrl":"/music-player-1/eclipse", "cartUrl":"https://www.youtube.com/@rickmcvicar4186", "more_info":"&quot;A violin and synth tune I created following the 2024 solar eclipse. I was fortunate to be living in the path of totality.&quot;", "image":"https://images.cdn-files-a.com/uploads/5832797/100_661561e57f07c.jpg"},{"title":"&quot;Rick McVicar&quot;&nbsp;-&nbsp;Early Tree Blossoms</a>", "file":"https://static.s123-cdn-static-d.com/uploads/5832797/normal_660aae89e4edb.mp3", "howl":null, "pageUrl":"/music-player-1/early-tree-blossoms", "cartUrl":"https://youtu.be/Znt8mhhtXM4?si=Wt0wkprow4e4LZ9X", "more_info":"&quot;Violin, synth and bird songs mixed to express my feelings over the beauty of tree blossoms coming in March, which is way too early for central Ohio. Yes, they are beautiful, but a bit unnerving at the same time.&quot;", "image":"https://images.cdn-files-a.com/uploads/5832797/100_660aaf014729c.jpg"},{"title":"&quot;Rick McVicar&quot;&nbsp;-&nbsp;Stormy Winter's End</a>", "file":"https://static.s123-cdn-static-d.com/uploads/5832797/normal_65f78605e7ceb.mp3", "howl":null, "pageUrl":"/music-player-1/stormy-winter-s-end", "cartUrl":"https://youtu.be/KSz0Tc4PK7g?si=mo7_i1JBSjDaWoLM", "more_info":"&quot;Violin with synthesizer and midi player. Spring is arriving soon, following on the heels of storms and tornadoes wreaking havoc across the land. The featured music is meant to be haunting as a response to extreme weather events. I am hoping the spring brings you milder weather along with good artful health.&quot;", "image":"https://images.cdn-files-a.com/uploads/5832797/100_65f7859b19dfb.jpg"},{"title":"&quot;Rick McVicar&quot;&nbsp;-&nbsp;February Tornadoes</a>", "file":"https://static.s123-cdn-static-d.com/uploads/5832797/normal_65e37a52508bc.mp3", "howl":null, "pageUrl":"/music-player-1/february-tornadoes", "cartUrl":"https://youtu.be/KSz0Tc4PK7g", "more_info":"&quot;Violin and synthesizer trance music marking the outbreak of tornadoes in Ohio at the end of February 2024. If you were directly impacted, then I hope this music will help calm your nerves.&quot;", "image":""},{"title":"&quot;Rick McVicar&quot;&nbsp;-&nbsp;Rainy Winter</a>", "file":"https://static.s123-cdn-static-d.com/uploads/5832797/normal_65be8643ad8bc.mp3", "howl":null, "pageUrl":"/music-player-1/rainy-winter", "cartUrl":"https://youtu.be/6DlEfBqJyc8", "more_info":"&quot;Celebrating the return of sunshine following a month of cloudy and rainy weather in central Ohio, USA. With rising temperatures, snow has been replaced with rain. Violin and synth.&quot;", "image":"https://images.cdn-files-a.com/uploads/5832797/100_65be86e43edf2.png"},{"title":"&quot;Rick McVicar&quot;&nbsp;-&nbsp;Cold Snap, Finally</a>", "file":"https://static.s123-cdn-static-d.com/uploads/5832797/normal_65b08369ed001.mp3", "howl":null, "pageUrl":"/music-player-1/cold-snap-finally", "cartUrl":"https://youtu.be/pWIGTyPjaBc", "more_info":"&quot;Trance music memorializing a late start to winter weather, towards the end of January. Up to now, this has been the warmest Ohio winter I can remember. Violin, synthesizer and forest sounds.&quot;", "image":"https://images.cdn-files-a.com/uploads/5832797/100_65b0853ac614b.png"},{"title":"&quot;Rick McVicar&quot;&nbsp;-&nbsp;Hot Holidays</a>", "file":"https://static.s123-cdn-static-d.com/uploads/5832797/normal_6595af5fe8e4c.mp3", "howl":null, "pageUrl":"/music-player-1/hot-holidays", "cartUrl":"https://youtu.be/Cg3EgfLFQZA?si=yMTy_5ZX5SUpNXnv", "more_info":"&quot;The sounds of my emotion following a toasty Christmas, 60 degrees in central Ohio, and a warm New Year's. Kids were riding their new bikes from Santa in shorts. I started singing Easter songs instead of Christmas carols. I am afraid I had an Eco-blue Christmas,&quot;", "image":"https://images.cdn-files-a.com/uploads/5832797/100_6595af87de295.png"},{"title":"&quot;Rick McVicar&quot;&nbsp;-&nbsp;Skipping Past Solstice</a>", "file":"https://static.s123-cdn-static-d.com/uploads/5832797/normal_6599b3964f84f.mp3", "howl":null, "pageUrl":"/music-player-1/skipping-past-solstice", "cartUrl":"https://youtu.be/mQka3ILyfbQ?si=6a2Kkdh9NzgGA0j-", "more_info":"&quot;Recorded this tune shortly after the winter solstice to celebrate days getting longer. I find the solstice to be a remarkable event, a turn in Earth's perpetual dance. Violin and synthesizer.&quot;", "image":"https://images.cdn-files-a.com/uploads/5832797/100_6599b45d395e0_filter_6599b5736db3c.png"}]}

May you be blessed with artful health.

2 min read

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Picking Out a Helpful Puppy

Amelia Willows picks out a puppy to help with Amelia's hearing challenges.

2 min read

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Keeping a Happy Puppy

Amelia Willows and puppy Khaleesi make each other happy.

4 min read

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Finding Comfort Despite Hardships

Amelia Willows finds comfort in scripture despite having flashbacks of trauma.

2 min read

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Puppy Khaleesi Gets Well

Amelia Willows' dog Khaleesi is well again and is frolicking in the garden.

2 min read

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As Our Journeys Continue

Amelia Willows looks ahead to see what she might accomplish after co-authoring a book with Rick McVicar.

3 min read

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Puppy Leads the Way

Amelia Willows forges ahead with a new four-legged helper.

2 min read

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Time For Blossoms!!!

Amelia Willows (formerly M.) provides an update on the progress of her vegetable garden.

Having Fun Helping Others Understand Mental Health

2 min read

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Having Fun Helping Others Understand Mental Health

M. has started writing a book on mental health along with Rick McVicar.

1 min read

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Jumping From Blog to Book

Announcing a new book project being launched by M. and Rick McVicar.

Taking Responsibility for the Things I Say & Do

3 min read

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Taking Responsibility for the Things I Say & Do

Personal responsibility is a key ingredient for self-care and personal growth.

2 min read

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Come Along Beautiful

Columnist M. celebrates new life brought by mental health recovery.

Preparing My Garden for the Bountiful Harvest

2 min read

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Preparing My Garden for the Bountiful Harvest

Planting a vegetable garden can have calming effects while nourishing your body.

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Hope Delivers New Life

Guest writer Ian Webb describes the power of hope he has felt in overcoming personal battles he has faced.

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A Mother's Story of Son's Recovery from Schizophrenia

A mother tells the story of her son recovering from schizophrenia with the use of herbal treatment.

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The DREAM - A Dragon's Tail

Guest artist Ian Webb describes the meaning of a dragon he drew.

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Prologue: January to the Rescue

Ian Webb displays his artwork and adds a time-space travel short story to go with the picture.

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Picasso's Little Junior, Part 3 (3 Parts)

Ian Webb finds art to be uplifting and a cure for the blues.

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Picasso's Little Junior, Part 2 (3 Parts)

Ian Webb writes about the early life of Alexandra Nechita, an artist who began as a child prodigy.

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Picasso's Little Junior. Part 1 (3 Parts)

A guest writer describes how a child prodigy in art gives him inspiration for brain health recovery.

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Pathway Clubhouse is the Place for Me

A guest poet tells how a recovery program has helped her achieve lofty goals.

Columbus, OH, USA

I welcome any comments you might have about any posts. I am also interested in the artwork, poetry or music of my readers. Send me a note and I'll be glad to reply.

Welcome to my blog. I've been on a long journey of recovery from mental illness. The technical name for my illness is schizoaffective disorder. It is a kind of a catch-all diagnosis, as it is a mixture of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. As you might guess, the diagnosis is not the easiest concept to understand.

Recovery from the disease has been a mixed bag. I've had wonderful successes and tremendous losses. One of my biggest successes was to spend about 10 years as a reporter for community newspapers. Most of that time was with a news organization serving a rural area near Columbus, Ohio. Another success was working as an archive assistant for Disciples of Christ Historical Society when it was located in Nashville, Tenn.

For the past few years, I have been focused on the arts for my recovery, mostly poetry and instrumental music. I recently finished a class in poetry at The Ohio State University in Mansfield.

That brings me to the point of this website. I would like to promote the use of the arts for recovery from brain disorders. I invite readers to submit their poetry, essays, short stories and pics of their artwork. The website currently has one weekly columnist and there is room for another.

My academic background includes a bachelor's degree from Ohio Northern University, a Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt University and graduate studies at The Ohio State University School of Journalism. Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.