Dr. Michael Omidi, MD is cofounder of No More Poverty with his Brother Julian Omidi. No More Poverty, an organization that works to end global poverty by sponsoring charities that already have poverty-ending initiatives in place, is currently promoting the works of Dandelion Wishes. In this article, Dr. Omidi discusses the benefits of art therapy, which Dandelion Wishes uses for the spiritual and emotional uplifting of depressed communities.
While we have all heard of “the healing power of art,” did you know that there is substantial clinical evidence to suggest that the phrase is more than just an old wives’ tale? An article published in the Journal of Psycho-Oncology reported a study conducted on 111 cancer patients who painted self-portraits, sculpted with clay and performed other artistic tasks. It was found that the patients experienced a reduction in the stress hormone cortisol, which resulted in improved sleep, lower levels of pain and increased quality of life. The act of producing a work of art that isn’t constrained by a specific language or rigid form of expression has also proven to be beneficial to people who have suffered severe emotional trauma. The psychological, physical, emotional and even spiritual benefits in creative expression are legion, and that is why a foundation like Dandelion Wishes is so important. It is my hope that No More Poverty can help bring public awareness to Dandelion Wishes, which seeks to initiate social change and promote health, strength and empowerment through the employment of art classes and workshops.
One of the most important tasks in poverty reduction is convincing individuals in destitute communities that they are valuable and are capable of achievement. Finding a channel through which anger, frustration, hatred and despair can be funneled in a healthy and productive way is crucial to initiating positive community growth and development. Art therapy gives victims of crime, abuse, drug addiction and poverty a form of expression that allows them to open their awareness to a positive way of thinking, and a positive way of life.
Lesley Gunn, founder of Dandelion Wishes, began her mission in 2010 after having undergone her own emotional catharsis while using art as a therapeutic agent. “My passion is being able to share my personal trials and triumphs with my means of healing through creative expression and art,” she says. “Helping others to find hope inside themselves is incredibly rewarding.”
People who have participated in art workshops with Dandelion Wishes have found the services invaluable. One participant wrote: “It was a wonderful experience that brought a lot of peace. I realized I still carry the loss of those I have lost in my heart. In each of my paintings they are all around me.”
Dandelion Wishes has provided outreach to juvenile detention centers, hospitals, foster families, trauma victims and impoverished communities in Kenya and Nicaragua. Currently, Dandelion Wishes is raising funds to provide workshops for the San Bernadino Juvenile Detention Center and Sylvia’s Serenity Sober Living Homes. No More Poverty is honored to be a part of supporting the great work of Dandelion wishes, which will hopefully continue to provide a creative outlet for people in need for many years to come. If you are interested in learning more about Dandelion Wishes and other charities sponsored by No More Poverty, then please visit nmp.org.
MICHAEL OMIDI, MD, FACS 