Finding Healing in Art

Author/Guest Blogger: Heidi Haase Smith

Target Audience: General Public

Content Warning: Medical Trauma/ Trauma

In 2018 I went through a sudden traumatic health experience which continued to impact me for the next few years. Besides the trauma of the actual event was the continued trauma of being mysteriously sick and told by Drs that I was fine or only needed anxiety medication. It was a scary and long process that left me drained emotionally, mentally and physically. Eventually I found help in the functional and then holistic medicine world. Both Drs confirmed that I was very sick with an autoimmune disease and some underlying issues, but both also stated complete confidence that I would get better. Having hope was so vital to recovery. It was a slow process at first, but things started to change for the better.

Unfortunately, my nervous system was so affected from the trauma that I was starting to have panic attacks every night. As soon as I would go to bed my mind would race with worry that my body would betray me yet again with another weird, unexplained symptom. Then one day I discovered the art of macrame and macrame-weave. I started watching tutorials and practicing the knots constantly….and I became obsessed! At first it was very difficult for me to do because I was still struggling with brain fog and low energy and had very little muscle strength. But as I got stronger I found the art was healing my nervous system. Tying knots gave me something else to focus on besides my symptoms. Now when I laid down at night and my mind would race with worry I would plan out something beautiful and full of color that I wanted to make. The panic would usually subside in a few minutes as I focused on something good and beautiful. I worked harder on macrame that I had ever worked on anything. I even started a small craft business out of that obsession! There were many factors in my healing. But art played a huge part in it and I’m so grateful that I found it!

Heidi Smith is a wife, homeschooling mom, musician and artist in upstate SC. She started Handmade By Heidi fiber arts in 2021. You can find her work on FB or IG @handmade.by.heidi.s

She has recorded several music albums in the past, which you can find at www.celticechoesmusic.com

She still occasionally plays music for events.

Intellectual Property of Proximity LLC 2025 & the Author