I’ve had them.
You’ve had them.
We have all had them.
This time, I’m not talking about dreams, goals or plans. Nor am I talking about worries or fears – all frequent and familiar topics.
I am referring instead to neuroaesthetic experiences – thoughts and feelings that are evoked when we contemplate a work of art, immerse ourselves in watching a dance performance or even pass our hands over the smooth glaze of a piece of pottery.
Susan Magsamen from the Brain Institute at Johns Hopkins University explains: “Aesthetic experiences – and the arts – are hardwired in all of us. They are evolutionary imperatives, encoded in our DNA as an essential part of our humanity. And, they are fundamental to our health, wellbeing and learning.” On a gut level, I couldn’t agree more.
In just the past few years, a field of study – neuroaesthetics – has emerged to explore this “essential part of our humanity.”
What is Neuroaesthetics?
Neuroaesthetics has been defined as “the scientific study of the neural consequences of contemplating a creative work of art, such as the involvement of the prefrontal cortex (in thinking) and limbic systems (for emotions).” More simply, neuroaesthetics studies the effect that beauty has on humans.
For me, that effect is profound, as essential as light, air and breath. So essential that immersion in beauty is an integral part of my day-to-day life with my dear man – an active, inspiring fine artist.
Economist Thierry Malleret offers the science behind the experience:
“We’ve learned a lot about how nutrition, sleep and physical exercise contribute to wellness. Thanks to the five-year-old discipline of neuroaesthetics, we now understand that beauty experiences can bring similar benefits as mindfulness to wellbeing by lowering the activation of the brain’s stress-related amygdala, reducing cortisol and moving us into our parasympathetic ‘rest and digest’ state.”
Anthropologist Ellen Dissanayake asserts that these experiences are rooted in our universal, evolutionary history as humans and reminds us that: “even nomadic peoples with few material possessions practiced personal adornment, decorating objects and community rituals involving song and dance.”
In fact, when we experience art, the sensory-motor areas emotional regions reward-related centers of our brains are all activated. There is a lot going on as our blood flow increases and our level of dopamine rises. While we are not aware of these changes specifically, we may notice our feelings of pleasure and heightened critical thinking.
As this fascinating field of study advances, studies point to specific, positive impacts, including: Reduced stress, anxiety and depression. Enhanced self esteem, self confidence and self worth.
And, all the while, because of our brain’s plasticity, new pathways are being formed.
Art? Bring it On!
So, how do we open our hearts, minds and lives to art and to beauty in more intentional ways? Here are a few ways to start:
Look around you. Notice things. Be present to the possibility of beauty in the everyday – that blooming bush, those rows of colorful, stacked peppers, the way the sun lights up a toddler’s wispy hair.
Fill your life with serendipitous infusions of beauty. Pick up beautiful business cards and brochures in the shops you frequent. I use these as bookmarks! Subscribe to magazines, and tear out images that appeal to you.
Tap into Instagram and Pinterest for fresh sources of visual stimulation. You can customize your searches and create virtual boards, so go for it.
Visit our local museums, art shows and pop ups. No art experience required. Just enjoy! Start a conversation with an artist or “maker.” Be curious about their creative process.
Stop into small business, brick and mortar stores. The displays are often as alluring as the merchandise. Notice how the placement of merchandise and objects enhances your shopping experience.
Make something. Please don’t say “But I’m not creative.” Doodle. Make a colorful pot of soup. Go to the nursery and explore new color and texture combinations for your garden.
Embrace a moment of whimsy. Paint one of your pooch’s toenails, if she’ll let you. Buy an item of clothing in a style that’s new for you. Or, if you’re like me, adorn that bust in your foyer with a feathered hat or a seasonal touch just for the creative anarchy of it!
