Have you ever pondered why Ishaan Awasthi from the movie "Taare Zameen Par" had such a deep affection for drawing and painting? Have you considered the profound impact of engaging in these artistic activities on his life? How did it make him feel to express himself through art? Or how in the rockstar movie, Janardhan "Jordan" Jakhar, a talented musician who seeks self-expression through music. Through his journey, he discovers love, pain, and the true meaning of his art, using his emotions to create soulful and heartfelt compositions. Yes, you are right; I am talking about self-expression.
According to Google, self-expression is the expression of one's feelings, thoughts, or ideas, especially in writing, art, music, or dance. Still, according to me, Self-expression is like showing off your inner rainbow unicorn to the world. It's the art of letting your true colors shine through your funky dance moves, your wild fashion choices, or even your offbeat jokes or as a super cool parade where you get to be the leader, proudly showing the world who you are. It's like confidently saying, "Hey everyone, this is me!" Whether through your style, talents, or unique ideas, self-expression is about being yourself and letting your awesomeness be known. It's like putting on a show that tells everyone, "This is who I am, and I'm proud of it!"
Have you ever experienced those moments when you feel the urge to express yourself but struggle to find the right words? It's like you're searching for a way to convey your emotions and thoughts, and that's when you start considering other creative outlets like art, music, dance, writing, fashion, or photography. When words fall short, these mediums become crucial for self-expression.
But you must be thinking about why self-expression is essential. Self-expression is vital because it lets us be ourselves, express our feelings, connect with others, grow personally, and make a positive difference. It allows us to show who we are, release emotions creatively, understand and relate to others, discover our abilities, and inspire positive change. It's about being genuine, finding our unique voice, and contributing to a diverse and exciting world.
Also, remember how our teachers used to ask us about our hobbies and what we like doing? Because hobbies and self-expression are closely connected. Hobbies allow us to show who we are and share our unique talents and interests. When we engage in hobbies, we can be ourselves and express our feelings and ideas. Hobbies also help us connect with others with similar interests, making us feel good inside. They let us grow and become better at what we love to do. Hobbies allow us to express ourselves in a fun and personal way.
But do you know your hobbies and expressing yourself vanishes as time passes and as you grow older? Yes, its a part of adulting too, and constantly saying, "I have no time to draw or write because my work emails are waiting for me" I can understand as an adult, we do grow out our hobbies too because growing up, there are various factors that can hinder self-expression. These include societal expectations, the fear of judgment, low self-confidence, cultural and familial influences, past negative experiences, limited resources or opportunities, rigid educational systems, and the pressure to conform to peers. These factors restrict individuals from expressing their true selves and can impede personal growth.
There are countless ways to express yourself and unleash your creativity. You can explore artistic expression by painting, drawing, or sculpting, using visual mediums to communicate your emotions and ideas.
Writing offers a powerful outlet to express your thoughts, feelings, and experiences through journaling, storytelling, or poetry.
Music lets you play an instrument, sing, or compose, allowing melodies and lyrics to convey your innermost self.
Dance and movement provide a nonverbal language to express emotions and tell stories with your body.
Fashion and style offer a chance to showcase your individuality through unique clothing choices.
Photography and filmmaking enable you to capture moments and create visual narratives.
Public speaking and storytelling let you share your ideas and personal stories to connect with others.
Even cooking and culinary arts can become a form of self-expression through experimenting with flavors and ingredients.
Physical fitness and sports provide an outlet to express yourself through movement and pushing your limits.
Your style, from fashion to hairstyles, also plays a role in self-expression. The possibilities are vast, and the key is to find what resonates with you and allows you to authentically express yourself in a way that feels true and meaningful.
Let's embrace our inner artists and set our creativity free! Remember, self-expression is a superpower that lets us show the world our unique talents and ideas. So, whether you're painting, dancing, writing, singing, or doing whatever makes your heart happy, keep shining bright and sharing your unique creations with the world because self-expression is not about perfection but how you can express yourself.
-Deepali Dahikamble
Beautiful ❤️