How a Sunrise Changed my Brain

I remember that Tuesday morning. I was so frustrated trying to get everyone out the door. One child couldn’t find her shoes. Another child was throwing a tantrum about her milk being in the wrong color cup. Still another child forgot to do his homework. And yet another child was moving at a snail’s pace to put her self-made items into her lunchbox.

 “Everyone hurry uuuuuuup!” I remember yelling. (As if that were going to help anything, actually.)

 Things were still in a tizzy as we all loaded into the car to get the four kids to their four respective schools. Once in the car, the chaos continued around getting seatbelts on, and who gets to choose the music. Then the music started, and it just added one more layer to the craziness.

 And then… I turned a corner and was completely stopped in my tracks. I was looking at one of the most enchanting sunrises I have ever seen. The arguing and music faded away. I became fully aware of the sunrise. I noticed the vibrant colors, the feel of the warmth on my skin. After experiencing the beauty of the sunrise, my emotions felt regulated and I felt more calm. Mind you, the chaos around me hadn’t actually stopped. What had happened is that the beauty had soothed my frazzled nerves.

 I have pondered for years this concept of beauty having a positive impact on our nervous system. I was at the library the other day and actually stumbled upon a book* that scientifically backs my theory. There is an emerging field of study called Neuroarts that is transdisciplinary, and assesses the impacts of aesthetic experiences on brain, body, and behavior. Fascinating, right?! Knowing that the experience of the arts can change my brain chemistry makes me want to indulge in all of the art that I can. And, it is theorized that this is true across the lifespan. What a cool reason to expose our kids to a consistently wide variety of nature and fine arts!

 Is this something you have experienced? I would truly love to know. E-mail me at allison_henley@hotmail.com

*Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us, by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross