“Such harmony is in immortal souls;

but whilst this muddy vesture of decay doth grossly close it in,

we cannot hear it.�

William Shakespeare, Merchant of Venice, Act V, Scene I

 

Artists sense that they are different from other people.  They swim against the tide of conventional currents of thought, and what they consider of primary importance the rest of the world often passes by unnoticing.  Beauty means more to them, and truth, and perhaps even integrity, and since these are not the building blocks of wealth in this world, artists often sacrifice financial security for this vision of reality.

 

They sometimes sacrifice more than this.  In 1999 the Toronto Western Hospital created the Artists’ Health Centre, specifically to treat “the healthcare needs of creative and performing artists in an integrative, interdisciplinary setting.â€?  Funded by the Government of Ontario under the provincial health plan, the Centre recognizes that “professional creative and performing artists belong to a unique occupational group and, as such, they experience health problems specific to their profession and to their particular emotional and socio-economic circumstances.â€?  Physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, mental health counseling — these are some of the disciplines marshaled to meet the needs of artists seeking medical help.

 

Artists have unique coaching needs, too.  Difficulty in integrating their artistic and financial responsibilities, misunderstanding from friends and even family, lack of job security, concern about retirement income, the simple physical demands of their profession, and, not least, the temptation to give up in the face of these difficulties – these all cause a high level of stress.  Like other people, but in a different way and more acutely, they need to reach a sense of ownership of their lives, a conviction that they can more forward confidently and without guilt in fulfilling their dream.

 

A coach sensitive to these unique needs can help the artist sort out the many conflicting aspects of his or her life and career, come to an integrated vision of the future, and help instill the self-assurance to move in the direction of this vision.

 

If you are at a point in your life where you need this integration and this confidence, contacting Heart & Soul Coaching Inc. may be the next step you need to take.