Forms of self-expression?

Question

There are obvious forms of self-expression, such as writing, painting, engaging in sexual activity, and dancing. Can you think of some less obvious ones? And, for you, what is your favorite vehicle for self-expression and why?

My favorite is dancing because that is when I feel most free. I feel limited when writing because of the words available to me. With painting, I feel limited by the colors.

I realize that with dance, my own ability can be limiting, but that is true for other forms as well.

Answer 1

Every facial expression you make is obviously self-expression. With a sneer or frown, you're sending the message that you're angry or irritated. With a silly face, you're sending the message that you're in a happy, goofy mood. With a distant gaze and a small smile, you're sending the message that you're using your imagination (especially in daydreaming).

You're most likely expressing yourself of every moment of every day. People are just so used to it, though, that they don't tend to notice. (People look at me, and rather than saying, "She is thoughtful and at peace with herself", they're probably saying, "She's sitting at the computer typing random crap on the internet".)

Answer 2

The most obvious form of our self-expression although the less we give attention is that we are alive and whatever comes out of being alive is our self-expression. We can express our thoughts and feelings with words, but even these stay hidden inside, they are still self-expression. We can paint or write, expressing our vision or we can keep it as dreams, it is still an expression of ourselves.
Apart that I like to write, to talk or to make videos, the favorite vehicle for self-expression is my consciousness, being aware of myself, my thoughts, my feelings, my senses, that is expression in the subtlest way... You are right: Self-expression is limited to a form, but maybe we shouldn’t see this as limitation, when we realize that ALL form is expression – not limited to oneself.
BeiYin

Answer 3

Ann Ree Colton, "Watch Your Dreams," was a dancer, and held that dance was foundational in the arts of self-expression. Hence, it is likely that even very "non-obvious" forms of self-expression trace to movement, the dance.

Also: "Creation: Artistic and Spiritual," Omraam Mikhael Aivanhov, and "Expecting Adam," Martha Beck, are worthwhile. It is amazing how much C. S. Lewis expresses in his novella "The Great Divorce."

cordially,

j.

Answer 4

Yes, there are many forms of expressing yourself. A really less obvious one is both advising and asking. When you ask you express that you are in doubt or that you want to know something. Advising also is a form of self-expression because while advising you give your point of view over something or you give what you think is best.

Answer 5

Your limiting yourself, taking pictures, the place you worship, who or what you worship all define YOU. What you read, say, sing, dance to, the cloths you choose to wear, the time of day you go for a walk or ride. The type of car or truck you drive is it the one you can afford and get by with, or do you go over board and buy one you can ill afford. All these speak of YOU. And is it the colors that limit you: or is it the concept of what to paint and why?

Answer 6

My 2 obvious ones are photographic imaging and writing.

My less obvious one is Y!A. I can safely share my innermost -well, maybe not innerMOST, but certainly my innerALMOST - thoughts and feelings, as well as my "what ifs" knowing that non of it will "carved in stone" in the minds of my "real-life" people.

This forum is fantastic for brainstorming and bouncing around ideas. I sometimes just enjoy reading the QAs in various categories (depending on my mood) because they get me thinking (and laughing) about all kinds of different things.

~Z

Answer 7

My favorite form of self-expression is thru my poetry and short stories, i have a very vivid, active imagination that is limitless. When i write i feel very free and liberated!

Answer 8

Aikido.

I've found that there are enormous possibilities for self-expression within the structure of this wonderous non-violent martial art.

(... followed closely by "playing with my kids"!)

:-)

Answer 9

I teach and write books, the efforts support a sort of legacy that will one day be the only thing my daughter has of me.