Odile Cacace The Fiber Tryst/Rendez-vous avec la Fibre

How art inspires joy, heals the soul, and helps us reconnect with life

There are times in life when everything falls apart. In 2024, I went through one of those moments. 
I chose to hold on to what made me feel good… and art became one of my anchors. 

In this article, I’ll share why I believe that art — whether we create it or admire it — can help us weather the storms, get to know ourselves better, and even rediscover the desire to live. 

Art, whether practiced or admired, brings a sense of holistic well-being. 
When we admire something beautiful — something that resonates with us — we experience pleasure, and that pleasure releases the hormones of happiness, love, and well-being. 

Art triggers deep emotions. Practicing a form of art can help us process difficult feelings like fear or anxiety. It also acts as a real workout for the brain — improving memory, focus, organizational skills, communication, and fine motor coordination. 
Art stimulates our brain from many angles, without tiring us. It amuses, excites, and satisfies us. 

In 2024, I had cancer. 
Three surgeries, five months of chemotherapy, one month of radiation. 

One bad news after another. I wasn’t ready to go. 
I followed everything the doctor told me to do. I entrusted them with the medical, scientific side of things — I chose to trust them 100%. 
But I was the one who had to deal with my emotions and fears. 
My amazing family was there for me, and so were my wonderful friends — but only I could do the inner work. 

I chose to live. And to do that, I kept moving, meditating… and especially, creating. 

We often hear the phrase “live in the present moment.” It’s a beautiful expression that holds deep meaning — maybe even the essence of life. But living in the present moment with full physical, mental, and emotional awareness? That’s not so easy. 
Practicing art helps us get there — naturally, effortlessly, and joyfully. 

When I tie the knots in my pieces, I enter a state of deep relaxation, while staying fully focused on what I’m doing. I’m using my body, I’m feeling joy, satisfaction, happiness. 
My creation speaks to me — and maybe, it will speak to someone else too. 
In that moment, I feel connected to myself and to the universe. 

Art is a form of meditation.

Macrame Wall hanging 80X88 cm by me

Through art, we shape images in our minds — things that please us, in colors, shapes, or sounds we love. 
For me, art brings back my zest for life. 

Think about music. Even if you don’t play an instrument, simply listening to a song you love stirs emotions. 

So take the time to soak up art — go to a concert, an exhibit, a play, read a novel. 
Decorate your space. Surround yourself with what brings you joy. 
Even better: find a form of art to practice. Try, experiment, switch it up. And to know if it’s right for you, ask yourself one simple question: 
Do I enjoy doing it? 

If the answer is yes — then maybe, you’ve found your key to happiness. 
And if you don’t believe me, know that even the World Health Organization stated in 2019 that art can contribute to both mental and physical health — in prevention and in care. 

There’s also such a thing as art therapy — a guided form of therapy that helps people express their feelings, fears, and worries using colors, lines, and imagery. One session at a time, people learn to know themselves, to reconnect with who they are, and to heal. 

Art helps generate positive thoughts. 
👉If you haven’t read it yet, go check out my article: “What If Your Thoughts Had the Power to Change Your Life?” 
Art might just help you steer those thoughts in the right direction. 

Personal Note

« What I share here is the result of my own journey. I explore life through books, podcasts, conversations, documentaries… and most of all, through experience. I’m not an expert in anything, but I love to test, observe, adjust, and hold on to what works for me. If my discoveries resonate with you or inspire you to try something new, I’ll be happy. »