Martha Beck Finds Freedom from Anxiety Through Creativity

Martha Beck, a bestselling author and life coach known for her work with Oprah Winfrey, has spent 60 years battling anxiety. But a few years ago, she discovered a surprising antidote: creativity. Beck, who has tried meditation, medication, and therapy, found that engaging in creative activities could silence her anxiety and bring her peace.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Beck began exploring the relationship between anxiety and creativity. She noticed a ‘toggle effect’—when creativity was active, anxiety quieted. This realization led her to shift her focus from controlling anxiety to embracing curiosity and creativity. ‘I started treating myself like a frightened animal,’ Beck said. ‘I allowed myself to be afraid while regarding myself with compassion.’

Beck, who lives in Pennsylvania, began painting and drawing, activities she now incorporates into her daily routine. She emphasizes that creativity doesn’t have to be high art—it can be as simple as cooking, gardening, or even doodling. ‘It’s anything that you create,’ she said. ‘That will connect you with curiosity.’

Her new book, ‘Beyond Anxiety: Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life’s Purpose,’ delves into her journey and offers practical advice for others struggling with anxiety. Beck believes that creativity can rewire the brain, replacing fear with curiosity. ‘If you are continuously activating the mechanisms of creativity when you’re confronted with a situation, instead of the mechanisms of fear, you start to go to creativity instead of anxiety,’ she explained.

Beck’s approach is rooted in kindness and self-compassion. She developed a technique called KIST (kind internal self-talk), inspired by Tibetan loving-kindness meditation. By silently repeating phrases like ‘May you be happy’ and ‘May you feel safe,’ she found she could calm her anxiety within minutes. ‘Kindness gets us to peace,’ she said. ‘Then, instead of saying, ‘What can I do now?’ ask yourself, ‘What can I make now?’’

Beck’s insights are informed by neuroanatomist Jill Bolte Taylor’s research on the brain’s hemispheres. The right hemisphere, associated with creativity and compassion, offers a path away from the anxiety-driven left hemisphere. Beck argues that society’s focus on productivity and monetary success exacerbates anxiety. ‘We live in a world that is basically an externalized structure of the anxiety inside our brains,’ she said.

For those who feel they lack creativity, Beck offers reassurance. ‘Every one of us human beings is unbelievably constantly creative,’ she said. ‘If you cook, plant a garden, or throw a dinner party, you’re creating something.’ She encourages people to rest and play, emphasizing that creativity often begins with curiosity. ‘You may be slightly curious about something like meteors,’ she said. ‘And then you might think, ‘Well, that sounds interesting. I’m going to get myself a metal detector.’’

Beck’s journey has been transformative. ‘It was like being given this immense gift, just by deciding I don’t want to be scared all the time,’ she said. ‘A life without anxiety is not just OK, it’s euphoric.’