I grew up in a secular household, yet spirituality has always been present in my life in subtle ways. I have come to see it as more than just religion — it’s about connection, purpose, and alignment with my values. Spirituality is a compass that helps me navigate life’s decisions, ensuring they resonate with my priorities and goals.
How I connect
For me, gratitude and mindfulness help me to connect with my spirituality. Small, daily practices have transformed how I manage stress and stay grounded. When life feels overwhelming, mindfulness helps me pause and reconnect with the present moment. Gratitude reminds me of what truly matters and helps me shift my focus from what’s lacking to what’s present.
Creativity has also been an essential part of my spiritual journey. Journaling allows me to explore and process emotions that might otherwise feel too heavy to carry. Through storytelling, I can externalize my thoughts, which helps me make sense of complex feelings and experiences.
Sometimes, as I reflect on a difficult moment, art brings me clarity and peace in a way that nothing else does. Painting, crocheting, creating music and other mediums have helped me understand the emotions I am feeling and express them in a way that words cannot describe.
Finding the courage to share my story
One of the most transformative aspects of my advocacy journey has been finding the courage to share my story. Speaking about my own experiences with mental health was initially difficult because of cultural and generational expectations as a part of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.
The fear of judgment or shame makes it difficult for many to be vulnerable and seek support, which is prevalent not only in AAPI communities but also in many other cultures. However, storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have, and this can be expressed in many forms. Whether it’s painting, music, poetry, or dance, these outlets provide a space for self-expression and healing.
Art helps me process my experiences
Art has a way of capturing emotions that words sometimes cannot, allowing people to process their struggles while staying motivated to care for their mental health. Sharing my journey through art has not only helped me process my struggles but has also allowed me to connect with others who feel isolated.
Spirituality, creativity, and well-being are deeply connected. Whether through mindfulness, storytelling, or artistic expression, we all have ways of connecting to something greater than ourselves — be it our inner truth, our community, or the vastness of the universe.
